Going on dates can be equally exciting and nerve-wracking. Of course, you have made a connection with this person, which is why you’re going on a date in the first place, but you want to get to know them better while making a good impression. Whether it’s a first date or you’re trying to keep the magic alive in a long-term relationship, making an effort when the two of you go out together will be what indicates how invested you are in them. So, if you have a date coming up and want to wow them and make some great memories, consider the suggestions below for an incredible time.
1. Glamping
This is a great one for those who do enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. While normal camping can also make a fun date, glamping can make it feel a bit more special. For a start, glamping will be more comfortable, so if your date does enjoy getting back to nature but perhaps isn’t keep on sleeping on the floor, at least this way, they will have a comfortable bed to snuggle down in. You can both sip champagne as you look up into the night sky around a firepit, getting to know each other better or reigniting the romance in your relationship as you escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
2. Dinner and Cocktails
This might not sound like the most original or exciting date idea, but it is a classic, so it’s hard to go wrong with this one. An evening out at a nice restaurant followed by some cocktails or drinks elsewhere is perfect for a first date. It’s casual but depending on which place you choose to eat or drink; you can raise the bar. You could even stop at a live music venue after dinner to make the evening a little more fun, whether it’s sitting back to appreciate some jazz or hitting the dance floor together. If you’re working on a tighter budget, you could even look into getting restaurant coupons so you can take them somewhere special without breaking the bank.
3. Movie Night at Home
Going to the cinema to watch a movie together is great, but if you want to try and create a more intimate atmosphere, why not host a movie night at home? Whether you cuddle up on the couch and put a film on the TV, or even better, have a projector for something closer to that big screen experience, spending the evening together watching some great films is a lovely way to pass the time. You could make popcorn, order takeout, and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Lighting some candles would help to inspire a more romantic mood, too. If it’s a warm summer evening and you do have a projector, perhaps you could even opt for an open-air cinema in your garden instead?
4. Day Trip to the Beach
Something is invigorating about the sea breeze, and when it’s a bright, sunny day, being down by the water is always a pleasant experience. So why not take your date on a day trip to the beach if there is one near you? You could paddle or swim together in the sea, grab something to eat at a waterfront restaurant, and perhaps pretend to be kids again if there is an arcade nearby. Perhaps you could even explore the dunes together if there are any? It’s a great way to get you both out of the house, and you will surely find something fun to do together. Of course, this date idea might be more suited to the summertime, but a wintery walk along the coast can be romantic too; just find a nice café to stop in for a drink and to warm up if you do!
5. Hike a Nature Trail
This is another one for those who are into the great outdoors. Not only is this a wonderful way for you both to spend time with each other, but you can both get in your daily steps, too! Exploring a nature trail can be a wonderful way to spend time with each other, as there are very few distractions meaning that you can both get lost in conversation. Stopping to take in the beauty around you can be a lovely shared experience, and you can even stop for a romantic picnic or at a local restaurant for some food along the way, too.
6. Escape Room
If you want to see how well and you and your date work together as a team, an escape room could be the best way to find out! These are a lot of fun as well as being a challenge, and there are so many different themes you can choose from that finding one that suits the interests and personalities of you both should be relatively easy. Work together to crack the codes, ciphers, and riddles to make sure you get out in time. It will certainly be a date to remember and should have you both laughing throughout. Great for couples with a bit of a competitive streak who want to race against the clock!
7. A Night at the Theatre
Going to see a live performance at the theatre always feels exciting, whether it’s a play, musical, or stand-up comedy. You can either go to dinner beforehand or afterward, where you can discuss the show and let the conversation flow freely. If the person you’re dating has expressed an interest in the arts, then a trip to the theatre is likely to be a date that they will remember and appreciate. There is always a great atmosphere as you watch what unfolds on the stage, and you can both get lost in the plot, clever set, and lighting designs, as well as the fantastic costumes. It’s also something that people don’t tend to do all of the time, making it a little bit different.
8. Crazy Golf
This might sound a little childish, but there are crazy golf courses geared towards a more grown-up crowd. It’s perfect for those looking for a bit of fun and perhaps what to feel nostalgic for times gone by. So let your inner kids run wild and get competitive while trying to get your balls into the hole on these wacky courses. Some places might also come with arcades that have retro games if this is something you’re both into, as well as a bar that serves up some fun cocktails that go with the theme of the venue.
9. Theme Park
If you and your date are adrenaline junkies, spending the day riding on rollercoasters could be a wonderful way for you both to bond. Everyone knows that you can spend quite a lot of time queuing for the rides in these places, but take that as an opportunity to engage in conversation and getting to know each other better. You could even take back souvenirs with you at the end of your date, either from the park’s gift shops or a funny photo of you both on your favorite ride. If a theme park near you is relatively easy to get to, ask if your date would like to spend the day there with you.
10. Go for a Picnic
Romantic picnics were briefly mentioned earlier, but you don’t necessarily have to go on a long hike to have one. If there are some pretty parks in the town where you live, this can be a very low-key but nice date to have with someone on a sunny day. Take some speakers with you so you can put on some background music, and go the extra mile by preparing some delicious food that you can share. Your culinary skills and the effort you have made will leave a good impression. Take a nice bottle of wine with you if you’d like, but just remember the picnic blanket and perhaps a few cushions to make the experience more comfortable for you both.
11. Take a Cooking Class Together
Engaging in some sort of activity when you’re on a date can help alleviate some of the pressure, especially if it’s a first date where sometimes there can be awkward lulls in conversation. If you want to try and avoid this and want to do something a bit different with your date but also don’t want to be too out there, booking you both in for a cooking class could be a good idea. Food lovers will enjoy experimenting and sampling new recipes that they have made with you, and you could even laugh at your limited cooking skills if this should be the case. If you’re not sure either one of you will enjoy cooking, you can also look at doing a cocktail masterclass, or perhaps even something more in the arts and crafts realm.
Whether you’re going on a first, second, or third date, you’ll always want to leave the person you’re with feeling impressed by your efforts and be able to show them a good time. Even if you’re in a long-term relationship and you are trying to keep the romance alive, consider the suggestions above and think about which ones might be well suited for you and your partner to try out for the next date night.
By Delicia Warren
Bio: Freelance writer, Delicia Warren, is passionate about the environment and the impact humans are having on the world around us. She’s an advocate of holistic approaches to life’s issues, including alternative medicines, as well as having an interest in helping individuals make small changes to their lifestyles to minimize their carbon footprint.