Dating for our generation is difficult because hookup culture ruins it. But why do we let our hormones dictate how we treat people and determine our relationship to them? Dating really isn't that complicated. But just in case you are stuck with what to do on a date, whether it's your first date or 100th date, here are some ideas to help you out that both of you would enjoy.
1. Have brunch. If you want to feel classy and sophisticated, brunch is the perfect date. If you want to feel classy and sophisticated, brunch is the perfect date.
2. Walk around a park. Or people-watch. That might be even more fun.
3. Work out together. Nothing says getting physical like competing on the gym and getting a little sweaty.
4. Go to an improv show. Check out the amateur comedians in your city and have a few inside jokes afterward.
5. Take a brewery tour. If you're of legal drinking age, this is a great way for both of you to learn more about the alcohol you consume.
6. The fireplace. It's simple, yet very romantic.
7. The drive-in. Grab some blankets and pillows and head to a drive-in theater for a different kind of cinematic experience.
8. Cook together. Make the same dish together or cook different things and see who's dish is more delicious!
9. Stargaze. It might be a little tricky if you live in the city to drive out to the middle of nowhere, so maybe trying going to the top of a tall building and see the skyline at nights.
10. Go to a flea market. This is a simple and quirky date that there's no way you two won't have fun and find some collectibles in the process.
11. Take a hike. (See #2)
12. Coffee shop hop. If you're coffee fanatics, try out different coffee shops and see if you find a new favorite spot. (Get decaf if you don't want to seem crazy hyper the entire time.)
13. Fondue night. Who doesn't love dipping food in melted cheese or chocolate, am I right?
14. Beer tasting at local pubs. Some bars offer beer tasting, so if you're 21, go try out some beers you've never had before and discovers a new favorite.
15. Game night. If you don't want the other person to see your crazy competitive side, then I wouldn't recommend this one. But if you really want to hold that Monopoly winning over their head, then go for it.
16. Movie night. Hot-n-Ready pizza from Little Caesars is $6 and a movie from Redbox is $4, that's a $10 date and you can just wear sweats. My favorite kind of date.
17. Play bartender. Let's see who can make the best drinks, or maybe try to invent something new.
18. Explore a museum. Some museums have certain days/times where the entry fee is reduced or even free, so scope out some local museums and learn a thing or two.
19. Act like a tourist. Even if you've lived there your whole life or for a few years, there's definitely some things you haven't discovered or experienced, so get out there and act like you have no idea where you are.
20. Take a class together. Sign up for a cooking class, dancing lessons, painting class, do something new together.
21. Go to a trivia night. What a great way to show off what you know and maybe even win some prizes.
22. Have a picnic. Classic.
23. Make a fort. Your inner kid comes out to play and that's just good wholesome fun.
24. Mix CD trade. Now, it might just be judging each other's Spotify playlists, but it's interesting to see what music interests you have in common and what their guilty pleasure songs are.
25. Try a new restaurant. Instead of going to the same four restaurants, try going to a new place, with a different atmosphere and a different menu and maybe you'll find a new favorite place.
26. Playground date. Your inner kid also comes out to play in this adventurous date. See who can climb the jungle gym faster and who can outrun the other.
27. Video game arcade date. This would also be one of my favorite dates. Chuck-E-Cheese flashbacks? Definitely. See who can get the most tickets and your tacky prizes will be your souvenirs.
28. "Triathlon" challenges. Come up with three challenges for you both to compete in and see who takes home the gold.
29. “My old neighborhood” date. If you're close enough to where you grew up, show your date around where you went to school, your favorite hang-out spots, and of course, your favorite local food places.
30. Go to the beach. If you're by a beach, take a blanket and some food and watch the sunset.
31. Take cameras and explore an abandoned place. It's creepy and exciting to explore an abandoned place and a great chance for a cool photo op.
32. Bake together. (See #8)
33. Sneak into somewhere you aren't supposed to. There's nothing more exciting than doing something you're not supposed to do, so be adventurous.
34. Dessert date. Just like coffee shop hopping, have different desserts at different places.
35. Play truth or dare. Learn something embarrassing about one another or have them do something embarrassing.
36. Amusement park. This can be kind of expensive and exhausting, but that photo of you screaming at a 90-degree angle would be so worth it.
37. A live concert. It could be a Top 40 Hit's artist or a local band with a gig at a bar, either way, it'll be interesting.
38. Putt-putt golf. Test your skills at a game of kids golf. Loser buys dinner.
39. Bowling. The bowling shoes might be gross, but lose the bumpers and see who can get the better bowling score. Most bowling allies offer discounted nights as well.
40. Street fair or carnivals. Stay away from the creepy carnies but enjoy the bearded lady and win a giant purple bear that you'll never actually use.
41. Sports game. Maybe you'll catch a foul ball or get hit in the face with one, but sports games are never boring, and maybe you'll get a photo op with a star player.
42. Game of pool. A game of physics and precision, and maybe a few drinks for fun.
43. Historical sites. It's interesting to learn about the town you live in.
44. Factory visit. Try some stuff for free and learn the process of how something gets made.
45. 20 questions. The best way to get to know each other.
46. Thrift shopping. Find some retro shirts or some cool accessories and wear them out together.
47. See a psychic. Even if you don't believe in that kind of stuff, it could be fun to see what your future holds, together and separately.
48. Group date. Group dating is always good and it just feels like you're hanging out with a bunch of friends instead of a bunch of couples.
49. TV show marathon. Watch each other's favorite series or start a new series together.
50. Wander a bookstore. Find a new read and see what topics interest one another.
