First impressions are so important, especially when it comes to dating.  First dates might be one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking moments of our lives. There’s so much pressure to be impressive and vibe with the other person…so many things to think about! First dates are stressful. There is a way, however, to take some of the pressure off. If you make a plan for an amazing first date, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy. The most important part of a first date is to be yourself, show off your strengths, and get to know the other person. Then, once it’s all said and done, the ultimate goal is to get to that second date. That’s when you can really start to see if that person is right for you.

Don’t worry. We’ve got you. We’ll help you get to that second date. There’s no need to stress because we’ve got the perfect first dates for you right here…

15. Plan a Picnic

Why a picnic? Two of the most classic elements of a first date are food and conversation. Food is forever a bonding element. We share food with the people we love. Making food for someone shows that you care and put in effort to provide for them. It’s instinct. Food is an important component of coming together, and so is conversation! Dates are all about getting to know someone, and it’s easier to get to know someone when there aren’t so many distractions around. Being outside is refreshing. Nature is soothing. Picnics are perfect for creating an atmosphere that allows you to be loving and romantic and get to know someone. They’re also great because you don’t just need to head to a park – you can picnic just about anywhere!

14. Live Music

Another great way to show that you share interests is a concert. If you love the same music, great! If not, you can share your interest with the other person. If you know what they love, you can surprise them with a trip to see one of their favorite performers. Concerts are naturally romantic and bring people together. Whether you cozy up on a blanket at an outdoor concert or grab an old fashion at a jazz club, music provides opportunities to have tons of fun with someone else. This is the perfect opportunity to show that you’re a great time and it will leave them wondering where you’ll take them next.

13. Cat Cafe

This first date is for all the animal lovers out there. If you know the person you love is a cat person, cat cafes are a cool way to show that you listen to and share their interests. Cats are snuggle magnets and hanging out with them for a few hours will be a great time. Cat Cafes are prime time date spots and a great option for a first date. What’s excellent about this as a first date is there will never be a boring moment. You’ll be able to cuddle with kitties and maybe each other too. Then, at the end of the date, you can ask them to your place for date two to meet your own fluffy feline!

12. Coffee Hopping

Why buy your date a drink, when you can buy them three? Bring the “coffee date” to the next level by coffee hopping. This involves going to multiple different coffee shops in a row. You can try new things, split drinks, or just grab a treat at a stop. This is less intimidating then bar hopping and shows that you’re creative. It also offers an opportunity to make the date as short or long as you want it to be. Short dates don’t mean you won’t go out again, they just leave room for flexibility.

This is ideal if you live in a walkable neighborhood with several different coffee spots nearby. And it doesn’t have to be coffee… tea, hot chocolate, or coffee, everyone loves to sip on something!

11. Carnival

Nothing says romance like a ferris wheel. Carnivals and amusement parks are cool dates to show off your adventurous side. Rides are playful and fun. There’s games, cotton candy, and romantic lighting so you’re setting the tone just right. You can take goofy pictures and go on the scariest ride at the park. Challenge them to a contest or win your date a teddy bear. Waiting in line is always easiest when you have great company by your side. At the end of this date, they’ll be so excited to see what adventure you ask them on next.

10. Ice Cream Tour

This is a similar idea to Coffee Hopping, but for those that have a sweet tooth. Pick a few ice cream spots and try some crazy flavors together! You can go at any hour of the day… and nobody is going to say no to ice cream. Getting to know someones favorite flavors is a charming way to show you’re interested. Prepare yourself for the cutest stomach ache ever. Make sure to save the best for last, and date number two is yours.

Lactose-intolerant? Not a problem. Switch it up for another tasty treat. Cupcakes, vegan options, and everything under the sun can be just as much fun as long as it’s as sweet as you two.

9. Rock Climbing

If you’re looking for something sporty, rock climbing is a great first date. You’ll help each other get to the top and there is something so attractive about getting physical with someone. It’s a chance to show off your bod and learn something new if you’ve never done it before. Being fit together will leave you both wanting to get to know each other in new ways.

8. Flea Market

Flea markets are treasure hunts! This first date is ideal for the creative person. Find furniture and build a crazy room in your imagination. Discover records and share your musical interests. Thrift through clothes and put together outfits for each other. There’s often food and sometimes music at flea markets too. It’s basically an all-in-one quirky, creative date to explore something new with someone new.

7. Beer Garden

The social scene at beer gardens is all over the place. There’s friends, families, coworkers, and dates all around you. Take the pressure off with this casual date by buying a beer and enjoying the outdoors. Cafe lights and laughter surrounding you is always a perfect atmosphere. There’s so much happiness going on here – it’s contagious! Live music and movie nights are common events that beer gardens throw, so there’s likely going to be a little extra fun tacked onto your evening.

6. Take Them to a Game

Are you a sports fan? Games are perfect first dates. Whether you’re passionate about a team and can get a steamy rivalry going, or your date doesn’t know the first thing about sportsball… it’s sure to create a playful dynamic that’ll leave you both wanting to spend more time together. There’s nothing like feeling like you’re the only two people in the crowd, and if you plan accordingly, this date will not only be your first but maybe your best.

5. See A Show

You might not live on Broadway, but theater exists in every corner of the world. There’s time to sit and discuss before the show begins, and plenty of time after to grab a drink and discuss. Musicals, plays and comedy shows are a wonderful date atmosphere that show you put some planning into the evening.

Plus, if the show is terrible you can both laugh it off after anyways.

4. Make Dinner

You don’t have to be a master chef to cook up something tasty for you and your date. Some might think that making dinner for a first date is too intimate, but you don’t have to make it feel so serious. Throw on a funny movie and enjoy some pasta or steak! Honestly, this is what everyone is looking for in a relationship anyways, so why not start out on the right foot and show them you have what it takes to make them happy.

3. Pop Up Bar

Pop-up bars are becoming a thing. Star Wars, Stranger Things, and Tim Burton pop-up bars are starting to trend. How cool would it be to step inside your favorite movie or TV show? If you find one of these in your town, take someone special because it’s bound to be an amazing time.

If you can’t find any around, themed bars can be just as much fun! The zany atmosphere will spark conversation and maybe more…

2. Darts & Pool

A night out at a dive bar can be the perfect evening. It’s laid back and everyone is there to have a great time. You can show off your competitive side or let your date win. Either way there’s plenty to do and talk about. This is great because when you invite them on date number two to somewhere super classy, they already know that you know how to cut loose. It’s great to show them both sides of you.

1. Pumpkin Picking

Fall is a time for raking leaves, corn maizes, holding hands, and picking pumpkins. Picking out pumpkins – and carving them if you’re feeling extra ambitious – is a hands-on, fun-loving way to spend time with someone. There are few things more delicious in this world than donuts and cider, so don’t forget to sit down and enjoy those treats. After this date you’ll want to warm up, and that’s where the second date comes in. Invite your date to something more intimate where you can spend more time together. A perfect follow up to an outdoor adventure!

Seasonal activities of all kinds can be great dates. Go see a parade, go to a festival, or enjoy a special summer movie event. Always remember to take advantage of your surroundings when planning the perfect first date.