OK, you’ve done it! You’ve successfully navigated the apps, found a potential suitor, and while congratulations are in order … now it’s time to actually go on the date.

While swiping left and right is hard enough, choosing the perfect first date is no walk in the park. You want to pick an activity that allows you to get to know each and find some common ground. Something that will avoid any awkward pauses, something they talk to their friends about, and make an unforgettable first impression, all without breaking the bank. Honestly picking the ultimate first date is an art form.

I know what you’re thinking, “it was fun to swipe but actually meeting IRL… I think I’d rather not.” Dating anxiety is a very real thing, and something 1 in 5 singles deal with, so let me be the first to say you’re not alone. Studies show that uncertainty makes us nervous and creates a breeding ground for the human brain to get lost in the “what ifs.”

Planning a fun and unique first date will hopefully not only lead to a second and third date, but will also allow you to set some expectations and help calm whatever fear and anxiety you may have.

Playful date ideas:

My favorite first dates always include an activity, it helps both people forget their nerves and puts less pressure on keeping the conversation going at all times. I want to end up with someone that makes me forget about all my responsibilities, so what better way to test that out than by bringing it back to the activities we enjoyed most as kids?

Play Mini golf.: Let’s see who the more competitive one is.
Organize a Board game night.: To Scrabble or to Monopoly…that is the question.
Go bowling.: Back to the OG dating days.
Drive go-karts.: For the adrenaline junkies!
Book a date at the science center.: You’re never too old to learn something new.

Easy date ideas:

The “phrase life gets in the way” cannot be in my vocabulary in my early 20’s so these are my favorite date ideas for when you have to adult, but also wanna meet up with your cute Hinge match.

Grab a cup of coffee.: Who doesn’t have time for coffee?!

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Go to the farmer’s market.: Chat and get your groceries…#multitasker.
Head to the dog park.: Maybe your fur babies will become BFFs.
Make it a double date.: Honestly, a move.
Cook together.: Everyone needs to eat … meal prep and get to know your date!

Arsty First Dates:

If you’ve been pen-palling back and forth with your match for a while and want an intimate setting or were a theater and art girly in high school these dates might pique your interest. Don’t blame me though if these dates set the scene for an epic whirlwind romance.

Book a paint-and-sip night.: “Paint me like one of your French girls.”
Take a pottery class.: You can make matching vases, how cute!
Sing at a karaoke bar.: For the fearless ones or the secret singers.
Take a walk around an art museum.: Very Blair Waldorf of you.
Go to a jazz club.: For the music lovers that can talk about tunes all night.

Sporty first date ideas:

What better way to choose a potential draft pick than get physical with your favorite sport or take bets on who is going to pull through and win the game? Hopefully, you don’t cheer for rival teams, but then again, opposites attract.

Get tickets for a local sports game.: Dealer’s choice if you ask for a diet coke in the last two minutes … IYKYK.
Book a day at the driving range.: All those afternoons golfing with grandpa sure paid off.
Go rock climbing.: It’s a race to the top!
Hit the batting cages.: Three strikes and you get a kiss?
Play disc golf.: Bonus points if it involves a picnic.

Adventurous date ideas:

OK, if bowling or mini-golf weren’t crazy enough for you, and you want to give your date a night to remember that will have them updating their BFF group chat, look no further.

Do a ghost tour.: Be a tourist in your own city.
Beat an escape room.: Not for the faint of heart.
Go berry picking.: And make homemade pie!

Zen Chung / Pexels
Go axe-throwing.: Try out this Canadian sport.
Take a trapeze lesson.: I mean, this is definitely a date they won’t forget!

21+ Date Night ideas:

Now, this might just be me but Wednesday and Thursday are elite first date options, because if it’s going south … you can blame leaving early on work. If it goes exceptionally well, the weekend is right around the corner.

Get tickets for a comedy show.: Did you know you’re 50% more likely to fall in love if you laugh on the first date?!
Book a wine tasting.: It’s a win-win: decompress after a long day and find your new favorite wine … or SO!

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Head to a barcade.: Blow off some steam.
Grab drinks and dessert.: Cozy up and share a slice of something.
Go out for dinner.: Now, this is kind of #basic, so if you choose it, the restaurant needs to be off-the-charts cool.

Got A Hinge Date? Here Are 30 First Date Ideas That Are Actually Fun