For many singles, it seems like a no-brainer to have a first date at a bar. There's mood lighting, a lively atmosphere, and of course, a bit of liquid courage. But if you're not into the bar dating scene or just want to try something different, there are plenty of sober date alternatives that can be just as fun.
Here are 11 alcohol-free — and totally awesome — first date ideas:
1. Get coffee or tea.
A coffee date is the simplest substitute to the typical drinks date because it's essentially the same concept, minus alcohol. If caffeine isn't your thing, you can always opt for tea or even hot chocolate. Meeting your date in a coffee shop allows you both to enjoy a relaxed setting where you can comfortably get to know each other.
2. Go for a walk in the park.
If you live near a park, it's time to start adding it to your repertoire of date locations. A walk in the park can not only save you money, but it's a great way to learn about the other person Aaron Sorkin-style. If there's ever a lull, you can always make an observation about a flower or tree that might just spark a surprising conversation.
3. Take a cooking class.
Meeting someone while learning a new skill is a great way to make the most out of a first date. Not only that, but working on an activity together can show you whether or not you make a good team. Even if neither of you are particularly good cooks, you can still have tons of fun commiserating over your inability to boil water.
4. Do a seasonal-specific activity.
Whether that means apple picking, ice skating, stargazing, or going to the beach, a seasonal-specific date activity is a fun and easy way to show your love interest your personality. No matter the time of year, doing something out-of-the-box opens up tons of conversation topics, just in case you run out of first date questions to ask each other.
5. Go for a hike.
Good dates happen when two happy people get together, and we all know endorphins make people happy. So why not give yourself the best chance at a good great date with an endorphin-filled activity like going for a hike? As soon as you reach the top of your hike, you can take a break to chat while taking in the natural beauty.
6. Check out a museum.
If you know you and your date share an interest in art, history, or even just ice cream, a museum is a great place to go on a date. While you don't have to spend all day hemming and hawing over the meaning of that one abstract art piece, you should spend at least a few hours using the objects you see to learn more about each other.
7. Have a picnic.
There's something about eating outside that can turn even the simplest sandwich into a romantic meal. Plan your picnic spread by asking your date about their favorite foods so you can stock the picnic basket with a meal you'll both enjoy. This date offers all the best parts of a formal dinner date, with way better scenery.
8. Meet for breakfast or brunch.
While most dates tend to occur at night, there's no rule that says they absolutely have to. Wake up and shake things up by grabbing breakfast instead. If your date isn't a morning person, you can always opt for brunch. Either way, you're doing something different than most other daters, which will hopefully make your date all the more memorable.
9. Visit an outdoor market.
Whether you take your date to a farmers market or flea market, it's the perfect opportunity to explore your local community together. This creative date will spark equally creative and compelling conversations as you walk around and interact with different vendors. Even if you don't buy anything, the shared experience is priceless.
10. Check out a cool dessert place.
There's nothing sweeter than sharing a sweet treat. Whether you and your date take the old-school route to an ice cream parlor or try out a new, one-of-a-kind dessert shop, you can't go wrong. While chowing down, you can even ask your date to rank their favorite desserts or sweet flavors and vice versa. After all, life's short, go on dessert dates first.
11. Go bowling
Even if you're a gutterball magnet, you can still have tons of fun on a bowling date. (And if you really need bumpers, don't be afraid to tell your date. No shame in your [lack of] game!) If the date goes well, you can even bet that whoever ends with the lowest score has to plan and foot the bill for your second date. That way, no matter how you play, you both win.
