10 Fun First Date Ideas That Aren't Just Dinner and a Movie

So, you've landed a first date, great! But before you start planning your outfit and the butterflies start taking flight in your stomach, you'll need to figure out where to go (and what to do) first. Coming up with fun first date ideas is an age-old dilemma that you'll likely encounter often if you're single and consistently dating.

There's always the standard happy hour meetup, sure, but if you're looking for something a little more engaging and unique, we've put together some great alternative first date ideas for adults that are fun, flirty, and, best of all, low-stress. From coffee to a comedy show, there should be something for everyone in here. And while we hope the conversation and laughs will be flowing, if the date ever hits a lull, we've got you covered on questions to ask on a first date to keep things flowing and learn more about your potential match.

Dinner and a movie — what's that? Keep reading to check out our picks for fun first date ideas ahead.

Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

01
Weekend Brunch
Getty | Alexander Spatari

Weekend Brunch

Why weekend brunch is great for a first date: Meeting early on in the day, as opposed to nighttime, will make the date feel more relaxed and comfortable — just like it should be. Plus, if it doesn't end up going like you'd hoped, it'll be totally believable when you say you have so many things to get to before the end of the day.

02
City Walking Tour
Getty | Alexander Spatari

City Walking Tour

Why a walking tour is great for a first date: Playing tourist in your own city will offer up a different perspective that you both can share together. You'll have plenty of chances to get to know each other while you walk, but there's always the rest of the group and the tour guide to fall back on for conversation if need be.

03
Coffee Date
Getty | Westend61

Coffee Date

Why a coffee date is great for a first date: Keeping it short and sweet with a coffee meetup means it will be easy to either leave early or extend the date. After all, it usually doesn't take more than 30 minutes to see if there's a potential for chemistry that you want to pursue. If the answer's no, the good thing is you don't even have to wait for the check.

04
Cooking Class
Getty | Thomas Barwick

Cooking Class

Why a cooking class is great for a first date: Isn't the way to someone's heart through the stomach? Taking a cooking class is a fun way to make something together. Bonus: an interactive activity will give you plenty to talk about and cut any chances for awkward silences.

05
Art Gallery Visit
Getty | Catherine Falls Commercial

Art Gallery Visit

Why a gallery visit is great for a first date: Conversation will be easy when you're commenting on and discussing different art pieces. If all goes well, you can extend the date with a trip to the gallery's cafe.

06
Farmers Market
Getty | Thomas Barwick

Farmers Market

Why a farmers market is great for a first date: Browsing your local farmers market is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the weather. You can sample new foods together and easily chat while strolling past different vendors. It doesn't have to last very long, but if it goes really well, you can pick up all the ingredients for a cozy at-home dinner.

07
Stand-Up Comedy Show
Getty | Maskot

Stand-Up Comedy Show

Why a comedy show is great for a first date: There's nothing better to break the ice on a first date than a good laugh. You may not be able to chat the whole time, but you can always head to the bar during intermission to recap the night's funniest jokes. Just don't sit too close to the front, where the comedian is bound to call out your first date.

08
Wine Tasting
Getty | Alina Nechaeva

Wine Tasting

Why a wine tasting is great for a first date: If you'd like to grab a drink, but don't want to just meet up at your usual neighborhood bar, go to a wine tasting, where you'll be able to review your favorite samples with your date. And most importantly, you'll find out if your date's a red or a white drinker.

09
Outdoor Concert
Getty | Klaus Vedfelt

Outdoor Concert

Why an outdoor concert is great for a first date: Heading to a local outdoor concert will provide the perfect mix of conversation and distraction. The topics of conversation are easy — "How nice is it out today?" "What do you think of the band?" — but you'll also get to pause and listen to some awesome tunes.

10
Miniature Golf
Getty | cookelma

Miniature Golf

Why mini golf is great for a first date: Something as laid-back as miniature golf — or bowling or arcade games — lends itself to a fun, casual time, which is crucial for a first date. And there's no better chance to get a little flirty than engaging in some friendly competition.


Lisette Mejia is a former editor for POPSUGAR News.



Lauren Harano is a contributor for POPSUGAR and was formerly an editor for the lifestyle, beauty, and commerce departments.