Fun date ideas

So you’re looking to impress your new partner, but have no idea where to go or what to do. Rest assured, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to have a good time. Join us as we share some fun date night ideas, from quick and easy to physical and energetic.

Head to a coffee shop

So we didn’t want to bring up the whole ‘is going for coffee a date?‘ question, but, it’s better to get it done right off the bat. If you’re not 100% sure about committing to a date with your potential partner, then going for a cuppa can be the perfect testing ground. It’s chilled, there’s no pressure, and it’s an easy way to get to know someone. Plus, if you end up liking them, you can alway go for ice cream afterwards. Just don’t drink too much caffeine. You don’t want your super-speedy monologues to be interrupted by frequent urges to pee.

The cinema (plus something else, to make it a date)

Worried what you’re going to talk about? Plan to watch a film and you’ve got a ready-made chatting point. Make sure you go for a drink afterwards though. Otherwise you’ve just used up all that energy asking them out to go and sit in silence. And that’s not good for romance, even if you did spend the whole time kissing. Unfortunately, for it to classify in the fun date ideas category, we reckon there’ll have to be some talking involved. 

If you need some tips on asking someone out, click here.

Moonlit stroll

Imagine it, a crisp winter night with both of you wrapped up warm and walking hand in hand in the moonlight. You start admiring the burnt-out cars, sewage, and general rubbish on the floor as you stroll by… or maybe not. Location, location, location: it’s the all important key to keeping the romance alive. So is your safety. Fear may add to the ‘my hero’ gasps, but not if you both get mugged. So make sure you do some light research on the crime stats in your chosen area beforehand. But if you get this one right, you can keep it filed under the fun date night ideas. Maybe even for a romantic recreation on your anniversary, if things go well.

Wine tasting

If you both like wine, then wine tasting can be a great ice breaker. Not to mention, it’s a pretty unique date. You’ll get a bit tipsy, which should help to keep the conversation flowing. Plus, if you run out of things to talk about you can always revert back to giving your expert opinion on the wine. In all seriousness, you don’t need to be a wine connoisseur in the slightest to go wine tasting. In fact, if neither of you know much about wine and can hardly tell the difference between them then you’ll have something to laugh about afterwards.

Go on a dancing date

No, not clubbing (that’s more of a third date kind of plan) We’re talking about a full-on real dance class. Whether it’s ballroom, salsa or something in between, being that close to a new person will either light a spark or put it out. Either way the date should be a good indicator of your future with this person. Not to mention, it’ll get you guys real comfortable with each other, real quick. Just don’t stamp on your date’s feet; stilettos will leave holes and big boots will break bones.

Date night at a restaurant

Traditional and a fairly safe option, the candlelit meal for two can be very romantic. Dress up for the occasion, eat, drink, talk and be merry. But be sure to avoid food that’s messy to eat (spaghetti etc); let’s just say -‘bolognese chin’ is not a good look. And, if you want a kiss good night, we beg of you don’t order garlic-drenched food. Also avoid making it into a dinner party with a bunch of people coming ‘round and playing games either. That’s a definite mood killer.  

Bike ride

When you look up fun date ideas this isn’t exactly the first thing that shows up. But it should be. You can get pretty much anywhere on a bike. They’re fun, and if you avoid busy roads you can have a chat at the same time. A nice ride in the park is also a good way to suss out (a) if they’re fit (physically or otherwise) , and (b) if they’re interesting, before you start planning a biking road trip. Just remember to check the weather forecast and the state of your tires the night before.

Rock climbing

For the more adventurous types, rock climbing can be a great bonding activity. Yes it’s not the most romantic thing in the world, but it can help you get deep. The combination of exhaustion and adrenaline is a sure-fire way to get someone to open-up. Most likely you’ll get a good insight into each other’s personality and from there, hopefully, you’ll have plenty to talk about. 

A museum or gallery

This can be a super fun activity if you do it right. Make sure to keep an eye out for locations with new or exciting exhibits, so your date is more romantic and less school trip. If you’re really looking to impress, do a bit of research beforehand and wow your date with your ‘knowledge’. But be careful not to come off as a know-it-all, otherwise they might be intimidated. All that’s left to do now is check to see what times the museums open!

Go to the zoo

To impress your animal-loving potential other half, take a trip to a nearby zoo, wildlife park or urban farm. If your love blossoms between gorilla kingdom and butterfly paradise then you’ve surely found a winner. For added romance, see if the zoo does late night events.

Roller-blading or ice-skating

We’re talking roller-discos and evening ice-skating. If you want a memorable date, this is perfect. You can have a laugh, dance around together, ‘accidentally’ bump into each other, and pause to grab a drink. Maybe even help them learn by holding them. However we should mention that there’s always the danger you might fall flat on your face and break your nose – not exactly our version of fun date night ideas, but at least you’ll get a story out of it.

Have you got any fun date ideas to share? Let us know on our discussion boards.