First dates are always a little weird. You want to make a good impression, but don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. You try to ask interesting questions, but worry that it sounds like you’re conducting a job interview. All while trying not to spill your food or drink.
So the stakes are high and unpleasantness lurks around every corner.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. A first date can actually be fun, like, really fun, if you skip the typical “dinner and a movie” option and try something that brings a bit more character or creativity into the mix.
Here are some first date ideas that won’t make you cringe halfway through.
How to Actually Meet Someone
Before we jump to the ideas, let’s talk about where and how you meet people in the first place.
“Swiping fatigue” is a real thing. It’s especially hard when it seems like all profiles sound alike and all conversations start and end the same way. If this sounds all too familiar, it might be time to try something different.
The Locanto app is no longer just a place to sell a bike you don’t need anymore or find a used refrigerator. It’s actually become one of the best platforms to meet like-minded singles in your area.
So finding someone you click with is step #1. And step #2? Coming up with a date idea! That’s where our list of dates that are fun and not awkward comes in.
Go Somewhere You Can Really Talk
Sometimes we all need a place where we can talk honestly, without judgment or pressure. In a time when conversations are superficial, real understanding becomes worth its weight in gold. But it’s all for nothing if you go to a loud place where you can’t even hear yourself, let alone each other.
Here are some suggestions to help you really connect.
A Bit Different Coffee Date
Skip the coffee shop chain with the noisy blenders and sterile atmosphere. Instead, find a local coffee shop with quirky decor, unusual drinks, or, even better, a cat or dog that lives there. A cool environment makes breaking the ice a lot easier.
Bonus points if they have board games, trivia nights, or some art worth commenting on. Nothing brings people together like a shared wonder at a picture of a raccoon in a tuxedo.
Walking and Talking
If sitting across from someone for an hour and “staring” at them while you come up with your next question sounds like a nightmare to you, simply take a walk. A park, a market, and some quiet streets.
Movement keeps the atmosphere relaxed, and if there’s an awkward silence… Hey, look—ducks! The perfect “last-minute rescue” theme.
Do Something Mildly Funny
We know everyone usually starts a first date with the question, “What do you do?” But honestly, nothing connects people faster than laughter. A little shared silliness is the best way to lighten the mood. Forget the formal conversation; relax and throw in some fun.
Mini-Golf
Mini-golf is a great choice for a first date. Why? Because it’s fun, doesn’t require too much seriousness, and helps relieve nervousness because you always have something to do with your hands (which is key if you’re feeling insecure). There’s no pressure to be perfect, and a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.
Additionally, how your partner behaves when the ball misses the hole or when a “wind turbine” sabotages their shot can tell you a lot about their character.
Escape Room
Okay, it might not be for everyone, but if you like puzzles and teamwork, this can be a hilarious way to see how someone thinks under pressure. Will he solve the code or start blaming ghosts? Either way, you’ll have a story to tell.
Food Without Awkward “Interview” Vibe
We get it—food is a classic first date. But sitting stiffly across from someone in a fancy restaurant can quickly start feeling more like a business dinner rather than a casual get-to-know-you.
So, instead of going on just another dinner date, try something that puts you both at ease and allows for a more natural conversation. Here are some ideas for good food and good times.
Food Truck Park
A variety of food, relaxed outdoor seating, and zero pressure to know how to pronounce something correctly. If the date goes well, have dessert too. If not, you can leave with a smile, knowing you did your best.
A Picnic Your Way
Pack a few of your favorite snacks, bring a blanket, and find a nice green corner. Relaxed, comfy, and far cheaper than spending half your salary on cocktails and “artisan” olives.
If your companion brings homemade cookies, then you know they are a keeper.
Mild Adventure
You don’t have to jump out of a plane (please don’t) to have an exciting first date.
It is enough to move out of your comfort zone a little bit. Yes, you may not be ready to try something extreme, but you can opt for activities that are exciting enough to encourage you to relax and have fun, but not so much that you have a nervous breakdown.
Arcade Hall
Whether you’re a fan of old-school pinball or want to get into Mario Kart battles, arcade games are a fantastic way to have fun on a first date. By playing together, people tend to show their playful side, which is great for both having fun and bonding.
Games often reveal character. Someone can be a bad loser who gets annoyed easily, and someone else can be a kind winner who shows support even when things are not going well. These situations can bring a lot of laughter and relaxation, which is the perfect recipe for a successful first date.
Joint Workshop
What could be better than learning something new together? Whether it’s ceramics, painting, dancing, or even cooking, a joint workshop gives you the opportunity to explore your creative sides together. Nobody is perfect, and you’ll both laugh when your skills aren’t quite up to snuff.
That’s actually the best thing; that little mistake or awkward moment you had not only helped your date feel more at ease, but it also created a shared moment between you two, like an inside joke, that set the perfect foundation for bonding.
Think Outside the “Date Night” Box
Not all first dates are reserved for evening hours. In fact, daytime dates bring a very different energy. The atmosphere is more relaxed and if everything goes well, you still have a whole day ahead of you.
Such dates often offer more opportunities for conversation, exploring new places, and simply enjoying each other’s company, all without the heavy expectations that often accompany evening outings.
Brunch and Flea Market
Coffee, waffles, and vintage DJ sets? Yes, please! A walk through a flea market is like a joint treasure hunt. What someone chooses (or laughs at) says a lot more than a dozen messages.
Morning Walk/Hiking
Fresh air, no crowds and zero need to tidy up—perfect. Plus, you have plenty of time to talk between “Wow, look at this view!” and “Wait, are we lost?”
The whole point here is that just a simple walk can make you more relaxed and open, and when everything happens naturally in that environment, the conversation is more honest, the laughter louder, and everything seems like the right thing for a first date.
Keep Things Short and Sweet
Some dates last for hours and look like a movie marathon, although it felt like time was flying. Other dates are short, but they leave a strong impression and create a natural opportunity for making plans for a second date.
If you’re not sure how things are going to go, start with low-key options. One drink, one coffee, a short walk. That’s it. If the chemistry feels good, you can always extend it.
Perfect First Dates Start With Good Ideas
Still there? Awesome. A quick recap:
- Skip the fancy restaurants and go somewhere you can actually talk.
- Throw in some craziness like mini-golf, arcade games, anything that brings a laugh.
- Food can be fun if it’s relaxed and creative.
- Daytime dates are underrated—brunch, flea markets, hiking, anything goes.
- Short dates leave room for “continuation”.
- Find cool people for all these ideas through the Locanto app.
First dates don’t have to be torture. They don’t even have to be serious. The only thing that matters is that they are honest.
Find someone who will laugh when your mini-golf ball runs off into the parking lot, who will say yes to the flea market, and who will bring cookies to the picnic. And most importantly, someone you’ll actually want to text after the date.
