What is a good first date idea?

Take her to do something you enjoy that is an activity. If you have fun, suggest you continue to dinner after.

My boyfriend took me to see a museum display of maps. Not everyone’s thing, but it worked for us. I took a previous SO to the park to make crafts. You could go to one of those places where you pain ceramic things. Or, I don’t know, what do you like to do? I think it works best if it is mentally stimulating (educational, creative, whatever) and you can talk during it.

I love cooking and think doing it together makes a great date, but would save it for a second or third or later date.

I would also say making a few different plans and letting her choose one might go well.

There was a thread about this a while ago, but I couldn’t find the link.

One of my favorite first dates was to a mini-golf/arcade/batting cages kind of place. It let us act silly, see how each other wins/loses, see how each other responds to annoying children,have some friendly competition, etc and the go carts got our adrenaline going. And it’s just plain fun, for every age.

Thanks a lot for the good responses! I’ve got a few ideas going now so I may be able to give her a few options. I know she was/is a pretty good athlete (soccer player), so something that involves physical activity (like batting cages) might work out well. Is going to a rock climbing place an odd first date?

Thanks again for the help! :-)

@TenaciousDenny
Nah, I don’t think it’s weird at all. Trust-building, and all that. But do take her out for meal afterward so you can talk and get to know each other.

Yeah, that’s kind of the order I was thinking. I may take your arcade type place idea, too, with dinner thrown in beforehand, but involving video games on a first date with a girl is a little scary.

There is always that good old fashion activity…. Bowling. Makes for a fun first date.

Miniature golf! It’s so cheesy, you’ll be laughing the whole time.

Miniature golf would be great, but I don’t know if there are any indoor places around here, and it’s pretty chilly outside…

I’m a lady folk :)

Bowling or mini golf are really great, both in a 1vs1 setting such as you and your date, or by extending it and having her invite a few of her friends, and you invite a few of yours, during the next date.

Rock climbing, I would say, is best left for a 3rd date, as it can be a bit touchy feely, as well as relying on someone if you’re climbing and spotting. Personally I wouldn’t go rock climbing with someone without gauging their athletic ability, so no first date climbing for me.

A tip, go for supper after the physical activity. Doing physical activities on a full stomach is a recipe for disaster, plus you’ll be hungry after working hard, so order an appetizer which gives you a bit more time to chat. Plus it’s easy to know where to steer the date next based on her responses and body language throughout dinner – if she’s happy and having a good time, maybe head out to a coffee place or ice cream place for dessert instead of having it at the restaurant. But if she’s a bit bored or sleepy etc, you can end the date at the restaurant or bring her home if you have a car.

Just avoid a movie—no chance to talk. Indoor possibilities: roller skating or ice skating (in addition to rock climbing).

Have fun!

You flutherites are awesome. Dynamicduo, I’m taking your advice and rock climbing is now out of the question. And I agree with the activity and then dinner order of the night, and hopefully things will go well enough for ice cream afterwards.

Marina, I’m liking your ice skating idea. There is an outdoor rink downtown with plenty of restaurants around it, so that may be a winner.

Get a room. That’s what I do.

Yaaay! Denny has a date!! :D

I agree with the ice skating and dinner date. That would be fun!

I took my girlfriend for a swing dancing lesson on our first date. It was nice because it gets you in the mode of working together and non verbal communication, and it gives you an excuse to touch her (and get over the fear of touching her, in a non threatening way).

Fear of touching her? WHAT fear of touching her??

Anyway, there’s always the ZOO. Take her to a place that is a big tourist attraction in your area but to which “natives” rarely, if EVER, go. For me it’s the Statue of Liberty.

Making physical contact with someone you’re interested in on a first date is a pretty big stressor for a lot of people. I’ve also heard that riding around on a motor cycle is good for the same reason, because she needs to have her hands wrapped around your waist.