Don’t you just love it when the girl you’ve been asking out for the last three weeks finally says yes, and you’ve got no idea what to do on that first date?
Yes, I’m aware I tend to be hurtfully sarcastic… but the questions remain the same:
- What would she like?
- How should you approach the date?
- Do you need to do any special preparations?
- Should you plan something by yourself, or should you ask her what she wants to do?
- What if that makes you look incompetent and indecisive?
I’ve got your back!
I spent over five hours reading Reddit threads to find the perfect first date ideas, so you don’t waste your time.
Now, I am ready to spoonfeed you with gorgeous ideas that will take the pressure off your shoulders.
The best part is that women suggested and upvoted all these ideas, so the information comes straight from the source.
I’ve split the best first date ideas from Reddit into five categories:
On top of that, I give you clear instructions on what you should do before, and after the date, so you make it a success and get to a second and third date with her (if you still like her).
Let’s dive into it!
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Tips for men before the first date!
Besides giving us tons of great first date ideas, Reddit female users also share what impressed them the most about the guys they were dating.
Here are the simple but game-changing rules you want to consider following before the day of your actual first date.
Check the weather
If you plan on spending a few hours outdoors, the first thing you want to do is check the weather for that day.
Nobody likes to grab ice cream while there’s a thunderstorm on the horizon.
Food allergies
As one of the Reddit users said, you don’t want to take your girl to a pasta place and hear that she’s allergic to anything gluten.
How do you ask her if she has food allergies without sounding weird?
Just text her, “I want to take out for a meal. Any food allergies?”
Simple and to the point is always the better option, and you didn’t reveal the place either.
Destination
Unless you live in a small town, always check if she’s okay getting to the chosen destination.
The last thing you want is to make her drive for an hour to see you. Her expectations of the date will already be too high, and she might even be irritated by the traffic. Things are worse if she had to change four busses to get where you are.
Ideally, pick a place closer to her than you or suggest picking her up from her home if you drive. That gives you an extra point for being a gentleman.
Get her something
Even if I am an old-school woman who always loved getting a flower on the first date, I must admit that the idea is great only if I can leave it somewhere immediately afterward. (for example, in the car if he picked me up).
However, just because carrying a flower around is a little inconvenient in some women’s minds, it doesn’t mean you should show up with nothing in your hands.
You could give chocolates, homemade cookies (that gives you tons of points, btw), or something small and individual you know she would love (for example, a hairpin if you know she’s obsessed with them).
Don’t keep it a surprise but don’t reveal everything
If you like some of the unusual Reddit first date ideas below, keep in mind that you must be sure your date will enjoy them and be prepared for them.
Let her know if she has to wear comfortable clothes so you don’t take her hiking with high heels (there won’t be a second date after the date, I promise).
Now, let’s get to the first date ideas from Reddit, and afterward, I will tell you exactly what to do after the date.
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Simplest First Date Ideas
Reddit users offer an extended list of simple but enjoyable first date ideas you should consider trying.
They are a no-brainer, easy to organize, but provide you with plenty of opportunities to get to know your girl better.
Quiz night
Almost every bar or pub has a Trivia night with quizzes and prizes. Going on quiz night on your first date could bring the best out of you, and you get to have a drink and some food. Enjoy!
Bowling
I bet you know about that one. Believe it or not, many people haven’t tried bowling at all. So, ask your date. Playing will be fun, and who knows, maybe you’ll lose the game but win her heart.
Brewery visit
The brewery should be a fun place to visit on a first date.
Why wait to see each other’s abilities?
A brewery tour usually includes much more than just a few speeches on beer and a pint or two of it. You could learn new things about beer making, taste the fresh liquid, grab a bite in the restaurant, and chat.
It’s different, and she won’t forget it.
Just be sure she likes beer!
Local event
Check if there is anything exciting happening in your town or neighborhood on the day you have your date.
You might discover interesting options you’d never consider otherwise, such as a food festival, exhibition or classic cars show.
Choosing this as a first date idea would take the pressure off your shoulders as someone else organized the event, and all you do is attend it.
Museum
Now, don’t frown on this one!
There is a great car museum nearby us that I love visiting with my husband, and I know every guy would like it.
Well, guess what! Women enjoy these types of things too. A visit to the museum isn’t always connected to staring at unrecognizable paintings on a wall. Just dig a little bit and see what museums you’ve got in your city.
Coffee date
It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
Surprisingly, many women on Reddit prefer it as a first date idea because it doesn’t obligate them to stay too long (in case it gets boring) but gives them all the chances to get to know the guy they went out with.
In fact, that was my first date choice over five years ago, and I married the guy.
Drinks at the bar
Another fantastic way to spend time together and make it non-obligational is just to go out for a drink or two.
The date would probably be around 8-9 p.m. You would have had dinner before that in your homes (saves you time and money) and just meet up for a chat and test the vibe.
Moreover, a drink or two would help you get over the nervousness and chat freely.
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Fun date ideas
Mini golf
Finding a nice mini-golf place is so easy nowadays. They are almost everywhere and offer a different experience. It could be a Jungle themed, Jurassic-type, Pirate-themed, Cosmic-themed, and many more.
I had such a date many years ago, and it was so fun, so I’m both hands up for this one.
Puppies
Did you know that there are dog shelters you could go to and pet the puppies? Once you know your date is a dog lover, that will be the most heart-melting experience you could choose.
And who knows… you might end up adopting a pup or two afterward.
Wine tasting
I have no idea why I didn’t put this on the top of the list…
Wine tasting.
Should I repeat it?
This is such a great way to learn more about a favorite drink, choose a new brand or type of wine to call “favorite”, and have fun together.
Cooking classes
What better way to impress her with your cooking skills… even if someone else is telling you how to cook..?
A cooking lesson could be a fun way to do something different; you can eat what you’ve just cooked (if it’s edible) and compare skills. It’s a finger-licking good first date idea.
Food festival
A delicious way to spend a few hours out.
It will be interesting for both of you as you’ll taste many different dishes. It’s a bonus for you if it’s an international kitchen you’ve never tried before.
Comedy show
At least, you shouldn’t worry if you’ll make her smile as that’s not your job for the night.
A comedy show in a local club is an innovative first date idea as long as the comedy guy is… well, funny. But when the show is over, you will have quite a few topics to discuss.
Make sure to combine this with something else that will give you enough time to chat.
Planetarium
Even if you’ve been there before – it will be as impressive as the first time. Stars, mesmerizing views, photos, recreations, and lots of information.
This one will give you the Wow-effect you were searching for.
Arcade
Too weird way to start a relationship?
Not really.
Playing arcade games is just a fun way to try your luck, and you can always make flirty jokes about how both of you are working your chance – with the game and each other, of course.
Who’s up for it?
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Most risky/adventurous first date ideas from Reddit
Carting
It boosts your adrenalin, it’s challenging, and guys, have mercy if you want a second date. Oh, and don’t get offended if you lose. If you think you cannot talk when carting – you’re right. But it’s an unexpected way to start the first date. Grab a drink or a quick bite in the nearest coffee, and you’re set.
Escape room
A dangerous idea, but give it a go.
An escape room is a game. You two are locked in a room and have to solve puzzles and play different games to get out. Approximate time – 90 minutes.
The biggest catch about that choice for a first date is that you have to be 100% sure your date is into such things. Ask them at least the day before your date, if not earlier. Don’t keep it a surprise because you might end up surprisingly alone… in less than 90 minutes.
Ice skating
I think that one could go to the traditional first date ideas. But anyway, it’s romantic, and it doesn’t happen very often, so there’s still a big chance to impress her with that idea. It could be one of the best first dates if it’s wintertime and you add some hot chocolate. Almost like a Christmas fairytale.
Hiking
If the weather allows it, hiking is a great way to spend a few hours together. Fresh air, a nice walk, a picnic, and a long talk.
Take your date on a hike only if you already know each other. If you just met on Tinder, inviting her into the woods with you won’t happen… at least if she has some brains left.
Also, let her know of your plans. She might not be into hiking or have medical conditions that prevent her from it.
Rock climbing
Challenging. Lots of adrenalin. Fun.
This is an unusual date idea, and I bet you would go for it only if you already know she is into rock climbing.
Skydiving
If you share the love for adventures and high adrenalin experiences – there’s nothing better. Enjoy the views!
Also, she will remember it for the rest of her life, and it’s doubtful someone else could top this up.
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Most romantic first date ideas from Reddit
Okay, we got to the romantic part of the date ideas. These are truly some heart-fluttering ways to sway your woman off her feet. Date with caution; she might fall for you.
Dancing classes
Step forward. Step backward. Touch her waist. Brush the shoulder. Spin… her and her heart.
Going to a dancing class together is a highly romantic way to spend an hour together and have fun.
A small suggestion is to go for a coffee before that, so you break the ice before all the touching starts.
And hey, be sure you are respectful at all times.
Drive-in Movie
It gives you privacy, dark space, and popcorn, and you can talk if you get bored without disturbing others around.
Picnic
Homemade sandwiches (that will impress her), some fruits, a ready-made selection of cheese from the shop, a bottle of cooled rosè, and good weather – now this is a romantic way to start a relationship with someone as special as her.
A walk on the beach and picnic
This is just an extra tip for the first date idea from above. If you live at the seaside, there is no better place to go on your first date.
It works great if you also live near a river or a lake.
Home cooking
Invite her to your place and cook for her. Maybe dance, why not watch a movie and chat?
This is a very romantic first date, but it will sound okay in her mind only if you already know each other (for example, colleagues at work, college, or are in the same friends’ group).
If you’ve met only once, your suggestion to spend a few hours at your place will bother her.
Also, be respectful and don’t cross boundaries. She is already feeling anxious because she isn’t in her territory.
Outdoor movie theatre
If your first date is in the middle of the summer, check if there is a summer theatre nearby and enjoy a movie together. Bring that picnic bag I mentioned above, some extra snacks, and a warm blanket.
You just earned some points with this date!
Enjoy!
A walk through town
If you live in a town or city with a touristic, Instagram-worthy neighborhood, you’ve got the best first date idea.
Grab a coffee or ice cream and go on a walk around. It would probably take you an hour and a little bit, which is perfect for getting a sense of the vibe between you.
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Unusual first date ideas from Reddit
Ballet
I mentioned that the category is “unusual”, didn’t I?
Our first date (with my husband) was in a small and cute coffee place, and I loved it. But if I had a second chance to do it again, I’d drag him to ballet.
Guys, this thing is a dream for many girls. Just ask if she would like to do it.
It’s classy and soul-touching—a brilliant way to make a remarkable first impression. Every girl wanted to be a ballerina back in the day, so going to a ballet show will impress her more than you think.
Behind the scene of the local zoo
Visiting the zoo behind the scenes is a fantastic way to spend the day, get to know each other, and experience something entirely different. You have a chance to feed the animals (not the tigers, I hope) and maybe even pet some of them.
Breakfast together
Who said that the first date should always be in the evening or the late afternoon?
Early breakfast in a small café, the smell of fresh coffee beans, the foam on the top of the hot coffee, some orange juice, and freshly baked pastries… A calm, peaceful way to start the day – relaxed and ready to discover a new love.
Flip a coin
Here are the rules for this date.
Flip a coin.
Tails – left, heads – right.
After that, you just go in the direction the coin shows you and see where you’ll end up. It is a bit risky as there’s always a chance to end in the middle of nowhere.
But what if you discover a castle or a new place in the town you’ve been to?
Safari Park trip
You could just jump in the car and go to a safari park nearby. A drive among predators would be an impressive way to spend the day. You’ll have many topics to go through, or you could choose to enjoy the views.
Boat trip
Out with a boat. Going out by boat would be a pleasure if the weather is nice and warm. You could hire a small boat for the two of you, have a light snack in the middle of the lake, and enjoy the sun.
You could also go on a mini cruise with a big boat. Most activities offer food and drinks so that you can enjoy yourselves. The approximate time is one and a half up to two hours.
What a perfect first date!
Explore a nearby town
Be tourists for a day.
You could drive to the nearest town (or get the train there) and spend a few hours wandering around, chatting, enjoying coffee, and maybe some light snacks.
If you want to take that date to another level, pick one thing or place to visit, so you keep things short.
Also, make sure you ask her if she’s okay with this date as it might take you longer to get back than expected.
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What to do after the first date is over?
Should you promise a second date?
Should you walk her home?
The questions can only get more at this point.
I’ve got your back; I said that already, right?
Here are just a few extra tiny tips to calm you down.
Drive her back home
If you picked her up, give her a lift back home. And that goes regardless of your decision never to see her again (let’s hope it wasn’t so bad).
It’s a matter of being a decent human being.
Even if you met somewhere, driving her back home earns you extra points (and sounds like the right thing to do).
Text her
If you didn’t give her a lift home, you want to text her and ask if she got home okay.
Also, use the opportunity to thank her for spending the day (or a few hours) with you and that you had fun (and hope she did as well).
Should you kiss?
This is so individual. You must read her body language.
If she is rushing to get home, it might mean she doesn’t feel comfortable with a kiss. If she looks like she stays and waits for something, it might be just the sign you need.
Also, some Reddit users suggest that if the date goes exceptionally well, you could initiate a light kiss even before the end of it.
Keep the kiss short; no need to explore the depths of her throat yet. It would make her feel uncomfortable.
This post is awesome but a little too long. Grab the add- and distraction-free version of it for just $2 by clicking here. I would love to give it to you for free, but a lot of work was put into its creation, and.. hm, girl’s gotta eat. Thank you for your support!
Conclusion
These were some awesome first date ideas, right? Reddit users know their stuff. Pick the one that fits best your needs, make sure you are comfortable with it too, and it’s fun enough to impress her.
Also, if you want to know how to impress your woman on the first date further and what other little tricks would make her fall for you, head over to this post here, it’s worth it, I promise.
Blogger, dreamer, procrastinator, and lover of everything soul-touching. My mission is to make you laugh, provoke your thoughts, light up your day and inspire you to fall in love with life and yourself.
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