An amazing connection usually starts off with an amazing first date.
This doesn’t mean the date has to be extravagant; when you and your match have a real attraction, it will be obvious no matter what the date entails. Making plans that are more casual will help cut out any extra awkwardness while also letting the sparks between you and your match shine.
It can take a while to be able to get to that point, though. Many online daters can find it difficult to even get to the moment of planning out a first date. Even with such a vast online dating population, being able to make a match that evolves into a common interest can take a long time.
If you happen to find yourself in that category where your dates are too few, too spread out, and lacking in genuine connection, then your profile needs some work.
That’s right, it’s not because of you. If you aren’t seeing the attention you wanted from your online dating journey, it’s because of a faulty profile!
If you want to fix your profile and actually experience what online dating has to offer, work with our team of dating profile experts and get in the game!
And once our experts optimize your profile to bring in the dates, you can use this list of 10 casual first date ideas to show your matches a good time and start making connections. These examples are all safe and public first date options, while also providing enough of an activity to cut down on any awkward tension.
- Movie
A first date at the movies is a classic choice for a reason. If you and your date show up a bit early, you’ll have time to snack and chat a bit before the movie starts. And once it does, you’ll have a perfect distraction playing while you both get more comfortable with each other… and maybe a little closer!
- Arcade
A first date at an arcade is a truly great option. An arcade is full of distractions and fun games to play while getting to know your date. You’ll have the chance to show off any skills you may have, teach your date something new, laugh with each other, and even for you and your match to work together!
- Miniature golf
Planning a date of miniature golfing is a great way to have some innocent fun together and spark some low-stakes competition. Playing through the course at a leisurely pace will give you and your date plenty of time to talk while also giving you a distraction from the conversation here and there.
- Fair
If your date is planned while the fair is happening, it’s a great place to get to know your match. The games will give you a chance to cheer each other on, or win your date a prize, and the rides can bring you closer together. Just be sure not to try any rides you’re too scared of or fill up on fair food before riding!
- Farmer’s market
An easy-going first date idea, if you and your date are a bit more natural or granola, is a trip to the farmer’s market. Not only can you slowly walk and talk with your date, but you’ll also have intermittent distractions if conversation is getting a little flat. And if the date is a bust, at least you got some shopping done!
- Zoo
Having a first date at a zoo is such a cute idea. There are always plenty of exhibits to check out and talk about while also giving you and your date time to get to know more about each other in between. Plus, if you want to learn more about your date than Edward the emu, there are benches everywhere to stop and chat.
- Coffee to go
While a typical date of meeting at a coffee shop relies heavily on good conversation, taking your order to go can help with that. If you start at the coffee shop and then sip while talking and walking around window-shopping, you’ll have an easier time talking and learning about each other.
- Art class
Paint and wine classes, or short pottery making courses are another first date idea that sets you and your date up to have fun while talking as well as laughing about the less-than-perfect products you’ll likely be creating. You’ll get the chance to be a good sport about your wobbly bowl or maybe help your match with a technique, depending on your skills!
- Athletic center
If you and your match enjoy staying active, a great first date might be indoor rock climbing, a trampoline park, or even a gym date. If you aren’t afraid to get a bit sweaty on the first date, these ideas would certainly be a lot of fun while also showing you whether or not your date can keep up!
- Shared interest
And maybe one of the best first date ideas you can plan is an activity that is a shared interest between you and your date. This may be golfing, surfing, cooking, etc… but no matter what the activity is, you’ll get to share a passion with your match and find out if there could be a deeper connection.
Finding success
Choosing a first date activity that keeps you and your date both feeling safe and comfortable while also avoiding extra chances for awkward conversation is a great start to any relationship.
But no matter how well thought out that first date is, if it’s not a good match it won’t be a good date.
That’s why finding the right matches that are actually compatible with you and what you’re looking for is so important. And to do that, you’ll need a profile that attracts the dates you want most.
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