First dates are often fraught with anxiety and embarrassment. To make it a hit, here are all the casual first date ideas to make sure you both have a good time.
Just the thought of a first date can make you nervous. The pressure of the place, of your dress, of your personality, builds up. Instead of putting all the attention on your nerves, try these casual first date ideas that will ensure that both of you will have a good time.
Even in the most casual of circumstances, first dates are rarely easy. Sure, you can always go for a drink or coffee, but that leaves you open to awkward silences, to words vomiting, and, if you drink too much, to actual vomiting.
Think about your casual ideas for the first date
You’re probably thinking, DUH. That’s why you came here in the first place to get ideas. And don’t worry, I have some. But, before recommending this date or date, think about what you want to do. What do you like to do? Is there anything you can teach your date? Is there something that always breaks the ice for you?
Is there a sport you love or a favorite park you love to ride? Think about what you would like to do before considering external ideas. If you look at it that way, you might find something perfect.
If you’re already doing something you love doing, your date will feed on that energy. If you are doing something that you are comfortable with, your nerves will calm down. If you can teach your date something new, you are breaking the ice and flaunting it all at once.
If you create a casual first date idea based on your specific preferences, you are already halfway there.
Best 15 Casual ideas for the first date
If finding something you’re interested in doesn’t work or you don’t think your date is for mountain biking or rock climbing, here are some casual first date ideas to consider.
Take a walk. This may sound super boring, but it gives you a chance to talk without embarrassment. When you go for a walk, there is always something to catch your attention or to talk about. You don’t have to dive into your past to have a decent conversation.
You can talk about nature, and animals and enjoy the day. Being outside also offers peace of mind and calm on a first date that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Go to an animal shelter. If you’re both an animal lover * who isn’t * going to an animal shelter this can be a great first date. Cuddling with puppies and kittens. Spend time with these animals that crave love and affection.
Seeing how someone treats animals is also a good sign of how they treat people.
Take a factory tour. There’s a reason factory tours are popular field trip destinations for kids. They are both fun and educational. You can search online to find a factory tour near you. They are often free or have very low membership fees. You can find breweries, button factories, and chocolate factories, there is something for everyone.
Take a lesson. Learning something new together is a great way to get to know each other. You can find chemistry and see if they work well together. You can go to a cooking class, an art class, or test your confidence with a dance class.
Go to an amusement park or arcade. Become a child again. Feed on adrenaline. This gives you plenty of time to chat while you wait in line and a great deal of fun when on the roller coaster. If rides aren’t your thing, try an arcade.
You can have a little friendly competition by playing air hockey. Win your date with a cheaply made teddy bear in a claw machine and try not to embarrass yourself with that incredibly tough basketball game.
Discover a museum. At first glance, museums may seem boring. They can be. But there are tons of different museums to visit. History, art, science, and even the botanical gardens are exciting. This is essentially like taking a walk but with lots of conversation starters.
Try bowling or mini-golf. Competition is a great way to break the ice and test your boundaries together. Bowling and mini golf are relatively easy and low-energy games. You can make fun of your date’s lack of aim or show off your evil skills.
Try mid-extreme sports. Are you a killer ice skater? Are you great at baseball? Introduce your date to something new and teach them something you’re great at. Take them to the batter’s cages or help them balance on the skates.
This showcases your talents without looking too flashy but also allows your date to see how patient you are.
Let them teach you something. If you’re not the best teacher, let your date teach you something they’re good at. Let them take you to a skate park and teach you a simple trick.
This will show your ability to let go of control and show you how patient and comforting they can be.
Go to the mall. Not sure which type of casual first date is right for you? Go to the mall. This will take you back to those good old middle school dates. You can get a smoothie, grab some free samples from the food court, and shop in the window display.
Laugh Spencer, check out Brookstone’s latest technology and split a soft pretzel.
Try karaoke. Whether you have a great singing voice or not, karaoke is a great first date idea. You don’t have to talk too much, but you can see if you are comfortable with this person.
Singing is a very vulnerable thing and singing with or in front of someone new shows your chemistry and taste in music.
Comedy club. Lighten up and let go of those first date jitters. If you’re looking for casual first date ideas that are fun and a good laugh, go to a comedy club and break it up.
Again, this means you don’t need to find a ton of great topics to talk about. You can laugh together and get an idea of each other’s senses of humor and then react later in the night.
Try to volunteer. Be a good volunteer and have a good first date. Helping the less fortunate not only makes you feel good, but it also allows you and your date. Go to a canteen, go grocery shopping, donate to a shelter, or visit the elders.
These things are needed in all communities and this is a great way to enjoy them even more.
Go to a game. Sport isn’t for everyone, but going to a national or local game can be a lot of fun. Enjoy a hot dog, and a beer, and cheer on your favorite team.
This is a fun, casual date that gives you a buffer but also gives you time to talk.
Try to guess the future. This is something personal to many people, but it can also be a lot of fun. I don’t recommend distributing hundreds on a stand during the first date. Instead, get your palms read at a local store.
It may not offer much information about your future, but it can be anywhere from weird to funny. It’s something unique to do with a first date.
Hopefully, at least some of these random first date ideas have caught your eye and are heading for your next first date itinerary.