10 Unique and Memorable First Date Ideas

Where should I go on a first date?

Depending on the city you live in or where the date is taking place, there are many options for what you can do. But how do you choose? I know dinner is such a common go-to, but let's think outside of the box.

These are the 3 things to help you pick the perfect first date activity:

• A good first date should let you get to know each other without forcing conversation.

• Taking in a comedy show, visiting a museum, or getting active can help you find some common ground.

• Try something new together to create space for vulnerability and set the stage for a strong bond.

Here are 10 unique first date ideas for 2024!

Attend an Art Class

A small ​​2019 study found couples who participated in an art class experienced an increase in the production of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in bonding and building trust. Even though each partner created their work of art, researchers observed that couples stayed connected by encouraging each other throughout the experience.

You don't have to be a skilled artist to have fun at a painting, drawing, or pottery class. These activities offer the opportunity to showcase your creativity — and you won't have to worry about awkward moments in conversation because you'll have a specific topic to focus on.

See a comedy show

What better way to break the ice than with laughter? You both will be in stitches all night long and you can even follow up the show with drinks or dessert if it goes well.

A stand-up or improv show makes a perfect first date because it allows you to see whether or not you share the same sense of humor.

Note: Since you won't be able to talk much during the show, meet up beforehand to get to know about each other or plan for drinks after to talk about the experience.

Take a nature walk

One of the simplest but most effective date ideas is grabbing a coffee, tea, or smoothie and taking a stroll. You could stroll a park, a downtown area, a nature trail, etc.

Walking around can help you to loosen up and encourage you both to share more vulnerably than when you're sitting interview-style across from one another. Plus, you can get a sense of how someone interacts with their environment.

You could easily learn a thing or two about your date's interests while exploring together. Maybe you will walk into different stores or find new parts of a trail together!

Explore a farmer's market

A farmer's market is the perfect way to find out more about your partner's tastes. See what they gravitate towards, what kind of booths they like, and what products they want to buy.

Plus, if things go well, you might even want to pick up some seasonal ingredients to whip up an at-home dinner together for your second date.

Go to a Gaming Bar or Arcade

In my early to mid 20s, I went on my fair share of first dates in the pursuit of finding love, and this was personally one of my favorites.

We had a gaming bar in my town that had drinks, food, board games, and video games! This was perfect because not only could I figure out what kind of games my date liked to play, but I could gauge how competitive he is, if he was good-humored, and I could still be able to talk to him about any other topics.

Note: some of the games could be get-to-know-you card games, so I would whip those out to get to know the person deeper. The card game is called, Let's Get Deep. They have a version for couples which can get spicy and one for friends that is more tame.

Volunteer Together

I went on a first date to build ceramic chili bowls for a fundraiser and it was the best date I ever had.

Not only are you doing good for your community, but you are bonding with someone through a shared activity and experience. After it's done, if it goes well, you could always go to dinner to talk about it.

In a 2015 survey, 10% of respondents said volunteering led to a romantic relationship, and more than 80% agreed their relationship improved after volunteering together. Meanwhile, a 2016 study found evidence to suggest potential romantic partners consider generous, altruistic people more attractive.

Make it a point to choose an activity that will allow you to interact with each other, such as picking up trash on the beach for a preservation organization, planting a tree for an urban gardening program, or walking dogs together for an animal shelter.

Visit a Museum

History, science, or a weird and zany offering (World's Largest Ball of Twine, anyone?), museums give you plenty to think about.

Commenting on the pieces may reveal interesting details about each other's personalities, preferences, and experiences. 

Not only that, but art can evoke strong emotional responses that help you and your date to dive into deeper topics rather than merely engaging in customary small talk. In short, it could promote a more meaningful connection.

Play Board Games

Okay, I know I mentioned games earlier, but maybe you don't have a super cool arcade bar in your town like me. So, you could bring your favorite board game or card games (coordinate what games you like) and take it with you to a dinner or picnic. Just something to spice up that basic meal talk.

Sign up for a Cooking Class

Participating in a hands-on cooking class can tell you a lot about your date.

Are they able to take instruction well? Are they a bit of a perfectionist? Are they creatively inclined? You can observe all of these things while preparing a meal together. This will let you know how they might behave in a relationship.

If there aren't any classes available, buy some ingredients, invite them over, and follow an instructional video on YouTube.

Play Mini Golf

If you haven't hit putt putt since you were in school, there's no time like the present. The cheesier the course, the better.