GREAT DATE ACTIVITIES
Let's say you have found a person you would really like to go out with and you are ready to ask that person out on a date. You will immediately wonder, "What are we going to do on our date?" This question can be especially nerve-rattling on the first date, because you are trying to make a good first impression and you may not know what your crush likes to do. You definitely don't want to get stuck in one of those "What do you want to do?", "I don't know, what do you want to do?" conversations!
To avoid that scene, it is best to have a date activity in mind when you ask out your crush. A great activity that feels comfortable to both people can make a great first date. If you don't know each other or you're both shy, for example, you might choose a date activity such as seeing a movie, so you don't have to talk much. You can also earn "I'm impressed" points from a confident guy for coming up with a date idea that is really fun and creative. Try to get a sense of your crush before you ask them out, and then choose a date activity based on that.
Here are some date ideas from Jellybean to use as your starting point. Feel free to use your own creativity too, and let these suggestions give you other ideas. Have fun!
THE BASIC DATES:
These aren't the most creative, but they are the most tested!
Go to a Movie:
Inviting someone to a movie is fairly safe. It is probably the #1 first date. You can let your date choose the film, or have one in mind when you ask him out. You could also check out the "second-run" movie scene, especially if you live in a larger city. Most cities have a small theater that plays foreign or classic films, and some even run festivals of cartoons or funny TV commercials from around the world. Check your local newspaper's entertainment section to see what's available.
Go Out for Dinner:
It's a classic date, but it's not as foolproof as it sounds. First, there's the opportunity for spilling things and not knowing you have cheese stuck in your teeth. Also, dinner out means that you are going to have to think of something to talk about for an hour or two, which can seem like a looooong time if the conversation stalls. If you decide on dinner for a first date, take the pressure off by making it a double date with a friend and her boyfriend.
Go to a Dance:
High schools are always having dances, so you can invite your crush to go with you to one. Dances are great for getting close and cuddly with your crush, finding out if they have the same tastes in music and you, and hanging out in a sort of "clubby" environment. Plus, if things don't work out, you can join your friends at the other side of the room. Or you can just go in a group from the start.
SPORTY DATES:
If you and your date are athletic or outdoorsy, a sporty date can be a great way to spend time together. Just be sure to make it a date, not a competition! Some of these activities work well for two, others are better as part of a group. Consider these:
Sporty Dates for TWO:
Play tennis:
Rent racquets and balls at a local community center or hit the public courts.
Go horse-back riding:
Look in the local Yellow Pages to find stables that do trail rides.
Go rolling-blading:
Rent blades if you don't have them and spend the day on a nice path... just be sure to wear your safety gear!
Nature walk:
Check out the trails at local parks and bring along lunch in a backpack. Stop and have a picnic when you feel like a rest.
Running/Jogging:
If you both work out regularly, why not team up!
Charity Walks/Bike Rides:
Lots of charities have charity walks or rides. You and your date can collect money together and then go on the walk together. You'll feel great about yourselves, and each other!
Sporty Dates with a GROUP:
Go Bowling:
Play guys against girls, or compete couple against couple.
Roller-skating:
Hit the local rink to rent skates and work your moves. Maybe you'll get to hold hands!
Miniature Golf:
Get him to "show you" how to putt, it's a good way to get his arms around you!
Ultimate Frisbee:
All you need is a Frisbee, some friends and a park or lawn for fun.
CITY DATES:
Go to the Museum:
Most cities and towns have museums: art museums, science museums, history museums, etc. If you and your crush like this sort of thing, a museum can be a great place to go on a date.
Visit the Zoo:
If your town has a zoo, it can be a really fun place to go on a date. Figure out which animal your crush reminds you of!
Concerts:
Besides blockbuster concert events, don't forget to check local listings for free or cheap summer concerts in your area, or see a local band at an all-ages show) Go to a Book/Poetry Reading: Bookstores and libraries often invite local authors in to do poetry or book-reading sessions. Check those places, or look in the newspaper, for times.
MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Star Gazing:
Get a book on constellations and invite your crush over for dinner at your house. After dinner, go outside and watch the stars and try to figure out where the contellations are. Romantic!
Amusement Parks and Water Parks:
These are great places for dates, because the wild activities get your adrenalin rushing and you feel adventurous. There are also lots of chances for grabbing your guy, on the water slide or in the haunted house!
