There are a lot of firsts that people will always remember: the first time they lost a tooth, the first time they drove a car, and their first date.

A first date sets the tone for any date to come. If it goes off poorly, there’s a good chance that you won’t get another. So before you plan one, you’re going to need the best first date ideas.

The old wisdom is to go for dinner and a movie, but that’s boring and is getting more expensive thanks to inflation. Fortunately, there are other options available to you.

Keep reading for the seven best first date ideas.

1. Best First Date Ideas in Nature: Take a Hike

The United States has a dizzying degree of natural splendor that is yours for the taking. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t see it when you have the chance.

No matter where you live, a beautiful spot for hiking is guaranteed to be nearby. This is a good chance to impress your date with your physical endurance and outdoor know-how. It also gives you an idea of how active the person is, and whether that matches your lifestyle.

Get out into the great outdoors and breathe some fresh air. You’ll be glad you got the exercise and snapped some pictures of our country’s impressive landscape.

2. Go on a Day Trip

If you’re not really a fan of hiking, but still love to travel, then see how far one tank of gas can take you. Get out and see everything that Route 66 has to offer. This could be a full-blown trip to another city or just a sightseeing journey through your local countryside.

Even if the date doesn’t go well, this is a great chance to expand your horizons. For all you know, you may discover new restaurants and points of interest in your local area. In either case, it gives both of you a chance to escape from the drudgery of being stuck in your hometown all week.

3. Do Some Volunteering

While it might not be the first date night idea that pops into your head, it’s still a great one. Volunteering is an excellent choice no matter who your date is with. It allows you to help others and still have a great time.

There are plenty of options for volunteering, so if a soup kitchen doesn’t suit you, volunteer with animal care. It doesn’t matter what you do because there are plenty of chances for you and your date to get to know each other in the process.

Plus, it gives you a reading on how generous and empathetic your date is. If they don’t like the idea of helping the poor, that might be a red flag.

4. Take Part in a Book Reading

If you live in a big city, there’s a good chance that some famous authors may be coming through. They’ll often do a book signing or a book reading. If you and your date are a bookworm, you can meet one of your favorite authors and collect their signatures.

Book readings are usually free, too. And when you finish, you can stick around at that library or bookstore and peruse the latest novels.

5. Join a Wine or Beer Tasting at a Local Brewery or Distillery

Who doesn’t love free alcohol? Many local producers will offer free tastings in order to entice you to buy more. It saves you money on a date while giving you some free, high-quality alcohol in the process.

If you want to see how your date handles their alcohol, this is a great way to do it. It lets you both explore new varieties you may not have tried. And a little bit of liquid courage can help to break down any barriers.

6. Go See a Game

Most people love sports; even those who don’t enjoy the atmosphere of a sports game. You can attend your high school’s next football game for very cheap. it’s also a great chance to catch up with old friends if you attended there.

The great thing about sports is that it gives you plenty of time to chat with your date. If things ever get awkward or you don’t know what to say, you can return your focus to the game.

Both of you will have a ton of fun cheering for the local team either way. It’s almost like you’re going on a date in high school again.

7. Have Some Private Dining on a Lunch Cruise

If you want to spend some money on your date, then spend it wisely. Don’t just drop $20 on your local Mexican joint. Consider a lunch cruise rental here.

There is no more intimate setting than a yacht cruising out over the water. You get to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the waves and see the natural beauty of our bodies of water.

This is a great way to really impress your first date. If you have a feeling that things are going to go well, then this is the best choice on the list. You will have an experience unlike any other, and one that you will remember forever.

Plan Your First Date Today

The best first date ideas aren’t always the ones that you think of first, such as dinner and a movie. Oftentimes, you can impress your date with something that is cheap or free. You’ll still have a great time, and even if there is no second date, you will have enjoyed yourself for the evening.

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