You figured out the perfect opening line that’s playful without being disrespectful. You transitioned the conversation into asking them out on a date—and they said yes. At this point, some people would say that the hard part is over. Unfortunately, those people would be wrong. Once you have the date, you have to make sure it goes well. And one of the best ways to do that is by planning a memorable, unique date.
While there’s nothing wrong with dinner and a movie, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, if you want to make a really great impression and have a great time, try one of these unique date ideas on your next night (or day!) out.
1. Go to trivia night.
This is a fun twist on grabbing drinks. Trivia keeps the conversation going, gets you working together, and helps you get to know one another quicker. You win even more creativity points if you can find a trivia night with a theme you both like, such as Friends or The Simpsons.
2. Hit up the flea market.
Flea markets are sources of endless entertainment. Thanks to treasures like ‘90s band T-shirts, antique furniture, and hand-me-down cufflinks, you won’t run out of things to talk about and you never know what you’ll find. Bonus: Most have free admission.
3. Attend a comedy show.
“Drinks and a live show” is the millennial equivalent of “dinner and a movie.” It feels good to laugh with a date and get a feel for each other’s senses of humor. This is an especially unique date idea if you’re still getting to know each other and want to avoid filling long periods of potential silence.
4. Go rock climbing.
Not enough people go on active dates. They’re fun, thrilling, and a great workout—not to mention a chance to show off a little for your date. Embrace your adventurous side and hit up your local gym together.
5. Sign up for a cooking class.
Why go out to dinner when you can make it yourselves? Or, better yet, have someone walk you through the process step by step while you flirt over who gets to crack the eggs into your pasta dough. Maybe you’ll get to make the recipe again together some day.
6. Take a mini road trip.
If you’ve been on a few dates and want your next one to be a little more special, consider briefly getting out of town. A mini road trip to somewhere a few hours away is the perfect way to take a quick trip without committing to an overnight stay.
7. See live music.
There’s something about seeing live music with someone that makes you feel more connected to them. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money—or any at all—to make it happen. Whether you’re at a concert venue or your local bar, live music is a great unique date idea.
8. Visit a brewery.
This is another great unique date idea for daters who worry about running out of things to talk about. You’ll learn more about beer while sipping on free samples. What’s not to love?
9. Do something seasonal.
If it’s autumn, get lost in a corn maze at a fall festival. If it’s the holidays, find some impressive Christmas light displays in your town. If it’s spring, take a walk around the botanical garden to see the season’s freshest blooms. Think of the fun seasonal activities you see friends do and always mean to participate in, but never actually do. Those are the perfect date ideas.
10. Recreate your first date.
For those long-term, engaged, or married couples who have been out more times than they can count, sometimes, date night falls by the wayside. Rekindle the romance of going out together by going back to where it all started: your first date. Request the table by the window at that restaurant, order a pitcher of beer at that dive bar, or see a flick at that cinema. It’s a unique date idea that will mean the world to her.
Remember: It’s not about planning an elaborate date or spending a lot of money; it’s the thought behind the date that counts. The next time you plan a date, get a little creative with your itinerary and it’ll go a long way.
