Deciding what to do on a first date can be a difficult decision to make, but it needn’t be. There are numerous great first date ideas; it’s just a matter of being open minded and creative. There are no rules to say you have to stick to the classic dinner date or a visit to the cinema, although there is nothing wrong with those ideas. There are many alternative first date suggestions all to suit different budgets and personalities. With some imagination you can make any date special and not necessarily at your expense.

Eating out for a first date doesn’t limit you to a fancy restaurant. You have the option of a pub or bar, a coffee shop, a café, or even going for a picnic. Although these options do tend to cost less than restaurant prices, you can make them as classy as you wish. If you decide to have a picnic, you will have the opportunity to show off your creative skills by putting together a basket of your favourite dishes accompanied by a bottle of expensive wine. A picnic can be enjoyed at a variety of locations including the park, the countryside, at the beach and even in your own garden or living room if the weather is bad. Eating out for a first date is usually a safe option, it provides a good location to talk, plus food can be a distraction should conversation dry up. If you decide to have a meal on a first date, make sure you are aware of any food dislikes your date may have, which will save any unnecessary embarrassment, especially if you are responsible for booking a table at a restaurant.

Many people choose to go to the cinema for a first date. Although this is very popular, it doesn’t give you the chance to spend quality time with your date. A first date is about getting to know one another by talking, and watching a film in a room with other people isn’t ideal for a conversation, although if conversation becomes difficult a film will give you something to discuss. Great alternatives to the cinema are, the theatre, a comedy club, the opera, a concert, watching a film at home or even watching a pantomime. Some of these suggestions will allow you to dress up, while others are more casual allowing you to concentrate on one another. If you decide to watch a film in the comfort of your own home, you also have the option of eating in and the choice of your favourite films.

If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many options for a first date. Going for a long walk, whether it is in the park, at the seaside, in the countryside, or even just around your local town, will give you the chance to relax and get to know one another. Although simply going for a walk may not seem like your ideal first date, it can be accompanied by a picnic, or simply something you can enjoy before or after a meal. Other outdoor first dates include, going for a bike ride, horse riding, flying a kite, bird watching or even jogging. Some of these ideas will require a personal interest, but with the right company it can be exciting to try something new.

Active dates have become very popular. If you are both active people then an activity date is ideal. Great suggestions are, bowling, ice skating, go-karting, playing mini-golf, a game of tennis or squash, playing snooker or pool or even rock climbing, abseiling or bungee jumping. Some of these ideas are very adventurous and for some they are perfect first date suggestions. If you decide on an active date, make sure your date is as enthusiastic as you are, otherwise the date could be disastrous.

If being active or simply eating out on a first date isn’t your preferred choice, then there are many other options. These include going to the zoo, an art gallery, a museum, a day at an amusement park, a day at the races, a visit to a casino, a boat ride or even a bus tour. There is no point in arranging to meet in a busy night club or bar if you are going to spend the whole evening trying to shout over the noise to each other. If you are meeting your date properly for the first time, it is suggested that your first date is in a well known public location; your personal safety must always be your top priority. If you were friends with your date prior to the first date, then you have more options to consider. Which ever first date idea you decide on, make sure it is something that both you and your date will enjoy. It is important that you have the opportunity to get to know one another, which is the whole idea of a first date.