Tired of the first date coffee cliché? I don’t even drink coffee, and I’ve found myself in countless cafés over the years, explaining to my date that yes, I really am enjoying my herbal tea. While “coffee” is really just code for “any activity we can do that will allow us to meet face-to-face in a public place and get to know each other,” I challenge you to enjoy a different kind of first date.
Explore a New Place Together
What better way to get to know one another than by getting lost together? The city I live in boasts a network of underground pathways that link up most of the downtown core. It’s essentially a giant subterranean mall, and it’s nearly impossible to navigate. Without the familiar above-ground landmarks to guide you, it feels like you’ve stumbled into a different world.
One of my all-time favorite first dates took place down there. We were so excited from the laughter that ensued upon getting lost that we ended up making out for a long time, behind a store billboard. Our second date took us to the roof of a downtown office tower, but that’s another story.
Join a Drum Circle
You’ll hear one before you see it because the sound of drums travels far. When you get close enough, you might even smell a welcoming mix of weed and incense. Don’t be afraid to get in there and start beating your own drums, or just dancing to the music.
Most circles are very inclusive. They might even have a pile of spare instruments for you to choose from. Drumming is a great first date activity. Not only is it a chance to collaborate as a couple, but it allows you to see how well you sync up rhythmically. Ya know, for later.
Make Your Own Treasure Hunt
Surprise your date with a series of clues that will lead her to your desired first date location, or work together to find a series of objects in your city or town. A quick Google search of “urban treasure hunt” will bring up sites dedicated to creating this experience for you, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Just think up a list of random things to find, then unleash yourselves on the world.
A friend of mine once had this game going with a girl that involved the two of them leaving clues for one another in parts of the city where they knew the other would be. It got fairly elaborate, but it brought them closer together, and it all started with an initial first date treasure hunt.
Go Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping is a great way to get to know each other’s tastes. Impress her by picking out a great top for her based on her current style, or put it all out there and pick each other’s look for the evening. The only rule? You have to wear what the other person chooses, no debating.
One time a date and I went thrift shopping and found a chair that later became our favorite place to get it on. (Let’s just hope we were the first two people to feel the same way.)
Have any fun and creative first date ideas to share? Leave us a comment!
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