25 First Date Ideas That'll Actually Spark Connection & Romance

So you have finally decided to give dating another try after nearly two years of casually swiping left and right, virtual meetups, and the much-dreaded ghosting when the fire dies down. The early days of the pandemic limited ways we can truly connect with one another, but with the world quickly regaining a sense of normalcy, opportunities to date around town are plenty again.

If you're looking for a little first-date inspiration, here are a few first-date ideas perfect for sparking a connection that's meaningful and purposeful.

Getting ready for your first date can be quite daunting, especially if you're keen on making a lasting impression. The tendency for you to overthink this part is almost always a guarantee, but try to cut yourself some slack.

Focusing on yourself and the present–instead of what could go wrong–can help you gain a better sense of control over first-date anxiety, says sex and BDSM educator Kim Pham.

"Sometimes I find it's best to try and shake yourself from these cobwebs, and physical movement can be a great way to do this," she suggests. "Before every date, I crank up some tunes and dance to one or two songs while getting ready. This movement and joy really forces me 'back into my body' and gets me out of my head, which can be my biggest saboteur going into a first date."

Whatever it is you end up doing on the first date, one thing's for sure: It's not going to be perfect. And that's OK! However, you can do your best to create an experience that will really let your and your date's authentic personalities shine.

Be tourists somewhere you've been meaning to visit. In addition to giving you both things to talk about and new things to experience, you just might discover new spots for your next date.

Music is always a great conversation starter and can be a window to the soul. If your favorite band is playing, it's a great way to introduce them to your date, and vice versa.

Some libraries offer events and exhibitions that are great for sparking conversation if you're worried about awkward silences. You can also swap book recommendations and read together, exchanging thoughts when you feel like it.

A good way to gauge how affectionate someone is is seeing how they interact with animals. You're also giving your fur baby a new friend, so that's a win-win situation right there.

Find out if you're destined to be together just for laughs. You might even discover something new to look forward to in each other's futures.

Challenge each other on who can get the best deal. Maybe even surprise your date with a unique gift from one of the stalls.

Dinner at a fancy restaurant is nice, but a picnic is more thoughtful because you get to be more hands-on. Picking a location that holds great memories for you can help fill in some possible dead air.

You can exchange visual inspirations beforehand and try them on the streets. This is also great for discovering new spots around the city.

If you really want to get adventurous, there's nothing quite like bonding over shared pain. Plus, exchanging ideas over which design to get can be a great activity before the date.

Solving puzzles together gets the conversation flowing minus the awkward lulls. This is also a good opportunity to observe how your date deals with pressure, as escape rooms usually have a time limit.

For a creative spin on the classic coffee date, consider attending a coffee tasting or even a coffee-making course instead. You can discover new things about each other while learning a cool hobby.

Book readings can spark an interesting conversation between you that goes beyond the classic "Tell me about yourself." You and your date might even find a new author to fan over together.

Hiking is another great option if you're both feeling adventurous. Imagine reaching the peak together!

You can pick a scenic route and plan your stops beforehand. Check out cafés or cool spots along the way where you can offer to take each other's photos.

See what blooms between you while taking in a refreshing view. Some botanical gardens even have a café inside if you feel like continuing your conversation over coffee.

You can easily turn this into a picnic by bringing a blanket and some food items that'll go well with the fresh produce you're picking. If you're not feeling that, you can also suggest cooking for each other at home. 

See if one of your favorite artists is doing a show, or try to discover new talent. Art can bring up lots of emotions, which creates space for your date to talk about themselves more organically.

Bonding over shared advocacies is an equally rewarding way to form a meaningful connection. You get to observe how your date functions within a community and values relationships.

Making time together to do something good for your overall health can deepen your connection. Going on a meaningful journey like this together makes for a great memory.

Food transcends boundaries. Learn each other's preferences while refining your taste buds.

Shake off the first-date jitters while learning some new moves. If you're already a great dancer, this is your time to shine!

A classic for a reason, daytime mimosas and a lively atmosphere can inspire great conversation. Make it more fun by agreeing on a motif for your outfits.

Some good-natured competition can bring out your goofy side, which is perfect for breaking the ice. The winner can ask as many questions as they want.

If this is someone you've known for a while, you can take each other to your favorite hangout spots from way back when and create new memories there together. It can be your regular café back in college or a shop you liked as a child.

See the latest flick without getting told off if you ever decide to talk in between scenes. You can bring your favorite snacks to share with each other.

According to Pham, first dates are the perfect opportunity to dig in between the lines and move beyond the "Where are you from?" story. She recommends creating space for questions like:

Other questions can be about your surroundings:

(Here's our full list of questions to ask on a first date.)

If you haven't been on a date in a while, "getting back out there" can feel difficult, notes Allison Raskin, mental health advocate and host of the Just Between Us podcast. That's especially true given the way the pandemic has affected dating. "There will be an adjustment period, and instead of judging yourself for that, offer yourself some much-needed compassion," she says.

You're likely not the same person you were before the pandemic, so it'd make sense if dating feels like a different experience for you. Accepting that is the first step to having the right headspace before your date.

Raskin suggests going for first-date activities that you would genuinely enjoy, regardless of company. "Leading with things that actually interest you will help you show up more authentically as yourself on the date, which will hopefully help the other person feel more comfortable to do the same," she notes.

"Dating is not about trying to get someone to like you," says Pham. "It's about being your true and authentic self and trying to find someone compatible."

Letting go of expectations on what the perfect date looks like can help relieve some of the pressure and give way to a more relaxed and enjoyable time.

Your true self is your best asset! Whether this is someone you're meeting for the first time from a dating app or someone you've known for a while and finally asked out, you can show genuine curiosity about your date while having fun. As long as you remember to breathe and always bring back the focus on things that matter, you should be good to go.

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