Strange First Date Ideas You Need to Try

The first date in 2021 probably looks a lot different than the first date from your parents’ days. It definitely looks much different from a first date a year ago, thanks to the pandemic. COVID aside, the dating world changed forever with social media and apps like Tinder and Plenty of Fish. It used to be that first dates were reserved for the superficial getting-to-know-you stage.

“Where are you from?”

“What school did you go to?”

“How many siblings do you have?”

These questions are often answered before two people even meet each other. People find out so much about potential suitors before even deciding if the person is worth meeting. Strange how much we get to know someone without actually getting to know them. You can click so well online or over the phone only to meet them and have zero chemistry.

What is a first date without all the awkward obligatory Q&A? It’s a chance to make a memory and make an impression. If you want your first time to stand out, a cup of coffee ain’t gonna cut it. Here are some ideas for outside-the-box first dates.

Trespass

If you’ve texted or chatted before you meet, you’ve had all the opportunity to tell your date about yourself. Now’s the chance to show them a little. Doing something a little risky is a fun way to show your adventurous date and see if they like a thrill. I’m not suggesting you do any breaking and entering, but maybe hop a fence to walk through a park. Maybe you can find a building under construction and check it out – something that wouldn’t get you in any real trouble. If your date is up for it, a little burst of adrenaline will make it a memorable date.

Volunteer

On the opposite end of the dating spectrum from doing something illegal is doing something charitable. Proposing an evening at a soup kitchen or an animal shelter will do two things. It will show your date that you think of others and will also encourage your better traits to come to the forefront while spending time together. Perhaps that becomes a trend in your relationship. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?

Arcade

You’re fun. You’re youthful. And you’re competitive. Go on a date to an arcade. Places like Dave and Buster’s lets you grab a bite and a drink while you stroll the game floor. It is not a bad idea to see how your date handles competitive situations. Do you want someone who will challenge you, or do you want someone who is easygoing and doesn’t take it too seriously? Here you will grapple with complex relationship dilemmas like whether or not to let them win. (I say NEVER!) A hidden bonus to arcades is most of them have photo booths. You might be grateful that you have some pictures to remember your very first date.

Escape Room

Here’s a great way to find out what your date is like under pressure and test your compatibility. Book a visit to an escape room to see how well you and your date work together as a team. These can be very challenging and will require some critical thinking. If you make it out of the room successfully, celebrate with ice cream! If not, lick your wounds… and some ice cream!

Thrifting

Thrift shops are a fantastic way to learn about your date’s tastes. With their eclectic assortment of clothes and truncates, this is where you can find out that your date loves giraffes or vintage records. You can try on goofy outfits or dress each other up. It might be tacky to buy your date a gift on the first date, but buying some cute little novelty item that you both chuckled about would be a great way to send your date home with something to remember you.

First dates are tough. You want to put your best self forward while at the same time trying to see through to the real version of your date. Getting out of your comfort zone lets the two of you show how you are in the real world – not some practice or contrived setting. If the goal is to get to know someone, diving into something out of the ordinary is a great way to do it.