So you've got yourself a first date — nice work! If the thought of another dinner-and-a-movie night isn't exactly thrilling you, there are plenty of ways to make a first date more memorable. Here are some ideas worth considering.
Hit the trail
Lace up your walking shoes and head out for a nature hike or a stroll along a local path. It's one of the better first date options out there, giving you plenty of time to talk without the awkwardness of sitting across a table and staring at each other. Fresh air, good conversation, and no pressure — not a bad combination.
Go bowling
Bowling is low-key, fun, and just competitive enough to keep things interesting. Grab a snack from the snack bar, let your competitive side out to play, and enjoy a few laughs along the way. It's hard to take yourself too seriously in bowling shoes.
Cook a meal together
There's something naturally fun about cooking with someone you're just getting to know. Pick a simple recipe, have the ingredients ready ahead of time — or make the grocery run part of the date — and enjoy the process as much as the meal itself. Sitting down to something you made together tends to make for a pretty good conversation starter too.
Grab a coffee
A coffee date is a great option if you'd rather keep things low-commitment on a first outing. It's shorter than a full meal, relaxed, and easy to extend if things are going well. Order a second cup, grab a snack, and see where the conversation takes you.
Paint some pottery
For a small fee, many studios let you paint your own pottery while enjoying each other's company. It's a little creative, a little quirky, and you get to take something home at the end of it. Worth a try if you're looking for something a little different.
Play a round of mini golf
If the weather is cooperating, miniature golf makes for a fun and lighthearted date. Putt your way through 18 holes, keep score if you're feeling competitive, and go another round if you're having a great time. A stop at the snack bar never hurts either.
Head to the zoo
A zoo visit gives you plenty to talk about without the pressure of constantly filling silence. There's always something to see, something to laugh at, and enough walking involved to keep things moving. It tends to bring out a pretty relaxed, easygoing side in people — which is exactly what a first date calls for.
Catch a local event
Trivia nights, open mic evenings, and local live events can make for a surprisingly fun first date. They give you something to react to together, take a little pressure off the conversation, and often don't cost much. Check what's happening around town — you might be surprised at what's out there.
Go fishing — if your date is into it
Here in the Dakotas, fishing is a way of life for a lot of people, and for the right match, it can make for a genuinely enjoyable first date. It's relaxed, there's plenty of time to talk, and there's something to be said for spending a few quiet hours near the water with someone. That said, it's probably worth gauging your date's interest before showing up with two rods and a tackle box.
Above all, have fun with it. The location matters a lot less than the company, and the best first dates are usually the ones where you both forget to check the time.