71 Fun First Date Ideas to Break the Ice in 2025

Though first date ideas are ideal get-to-know-you opportunities, they don't have to be fraught with awkwardness or anxiety. When you round up a collection of first date ideas that break the ice without leaving you cold, your chances of having a warm introduction are much more likely.

So how do you determine which ideas for first dates are awesome ice breakers that don’t deserve the cold shoulder? We've done the legwork to find a slew of the best first date ideas that cover a range of interests and activities. Circle your favorites or use them as inspiration for planning things to do for a first date that will get your encounter off on the right foot!

 Jump to Section

• First Date Ideas for Foodies
• Cute First Date Ideas
• Adventurous First Date Ideas
• Creative First Date Ideas
• Playful First Dates Ideas
• Romantic First Dates Ideas
• Relaxing First Date Ideas
• Science and Nature First Dates Ideas
• Free or Cheap First Date Ideas

First Date Ideas for Foodies 

1. Take Cooking Classes

Start things off at a simmer with cooking classes. You can find cooking classes near you, including online cooking classes that take the kitchen fun to the internet.

Big city first dates can take advantage of cooking classes in San Francisco, cooking classes in New Orleans and those in over 200 cities. All of these immersive experiences are great first date ideas, not only because there’s plenty of fun to be had but also because you’ll get to grasp new skills under the guidance of experienced chefs.

2. Try a Private Chef Dinner

Treat your new flame to an at-home private chef experience. From capital city experiences like private chefs in San Diego or private chefs in Houston to private chefs near you in over 200 cities around the world, these events feature talented local cooks preparing their greatest hits. 

Want to know the best part about this first date idea? You and your potential future partner won’t have to lift a finger because the chefs will do everything, from buying the ingredients to cleaning up afterwards.

3. Embark on Food Tours

Step out and find the latest and greatest places for a bite with local food tours near you. You'll be led by expert guides who know how to find the best of the best. Whether it's a food tour in Boston, a food tour in Chicago or any of the other 200+ cities around the world, these excursions to top-notch eateries and other fabulous food locales will have you savoring every bite of food while soaking up every smile offered by your date. 

4. Savor Virtual Beverage Tastings

Virtual beverage tastings are first date ideas that offer sweet sips from wherever you choose. There are virtual wine tastings that introduce you to the best bottles of vino from around the world and online mixology classes that clue you in on the latest in cocktail creativity.  

5. Make Italian Gnocchi

Gnocchi are incredibly versatile, working with practically any sauce, and they're so fun to make! Work together on this recipe as a cooperative first date idea that ends with a delicious meal. Start off by making classic Italian gnocchi, and if the date goes well, your second or third meet-up could include a more complex sweet potato gnocchi with mushroom and pesto sauce.

6. Go for Fast Casual

For keeping the pressure low, great first date ideas that feature fast casual dining are the best option on the menu. Choose a setting where comfort is key and familiarity allows you both to relax. 

No doubt, you’ll have your favorite fast casual chain restaurants and your date will have theirs, so it’s a matter of agreeing upon one that suits both of you. This first date idea could spark inspiration for more plans in the future, where you tick off a list of different restaurants you’d like to visit.

7. Try Some Food Trucks

Test out a mobile smorgasbord by finding a food truck chuck wagon train. Sample a diverse menu from a food truck festival and share your dishes family-style. An event that features multiple food trucks is one of the best first-date ideas for people with vastly different tastes, as there’s no pressure to choose a restaurant that meets both of your preferences. 

Cute First Date Ideas 

8. Go Ice Skating

Snuggle up and enjoy the glide with an ice-skating session! It’s an old-fashioned way to melt someone's heart and makes for a cute first date if you’re hoping to share a warm hug or two. After showing off your skating skills (or disguising your lack thereof), you could extend the date and warm up the nerves by going for a comforting hot chocolate.

9. Shop at a Farmers Market

Stroll the aisles of fresh, locally grown produce and artisan food creations at a farmers market. A first date idea this fresh can result in a home-cooked dinner using fruits and vegetables from nearby growers. It’s also a great opportunity to learn what someone’s likes and dislikes are regarding food.

10. Try a Progressive Dinner

You can test out a progressive dinner by making reservations for appetizers, the main course and dessert at different restaurants. To add even more excitement to this first date, make a pact with your companion to order only items you've never tried before. Once you’ve discerned what someone’s cuisine preferences are from this initial meet-up, it makes planning future restaurant dates even easier.

11. Have a Snowman Building Contest

If you’re in the market for fun winter date ideas, set up a snowman contest that'll warm your hearts. Spend some wholesome hours constructing your best frozen folk and dress them in cold weather gear. Don’t forget to initiate the most quintessential part of this first date idea — a playful snowball fight.

12. Do a Pub Crawl

If choosing a single bar to hang out in is too much pressure, why not turn your first date into a pub crawl instead? Select a few spots that share the street and sample your way from one end to the other. This is one of those fun first date ideas where adding friends to the mix will make it even more entertaining, so check if the other person is comfortable making it a double or triple date.

13. Have Your Just Desserts

Sweeten the situation with a dessert-centered first date idea that lets you skip dinner in favor of the final course. Research restaurants and cafés in your area renowned for being sugar savvy, and share a few plates of the most popular desserts. Alternatively, try something a little different by finding spots that serve outrageous desserts because you never know when you’ll get the opportunity to eat gastronomic art again.

14. Chill Out With Ice Cream

Get off to a cool start with a meet-up at a gourmet ice cream shop. You can get the scoop on one another while enjoying scoops of luxury flavors for a cute first date that’s welcome no matter the season. If you’re not sure where to go, find your favorites among the top 100 U.S. ice cream shops and tick them off one by one.

Adventurous First Date Ideas 

15. Try Kayaking

Take to the water and paddle your way around the local landscape. Rent kayaks or bring your own, and set out on lakes and other waterways for an adventurous summer date idea that can get you thinking outside of your comfort zone. There are numerous breathtaking places to go kayaking in the USA, so you’re not short of options for this first date idea.

16. Take a Hike

Get off the beaten path and onto a new trail with a hike. This is a great addition to your first date idea arsenal if you’re both fans of being outdoors. You'll have fresh air, fabulous views of nature and a fun opportunity to chat about whatever comes to mind. 

17. Help Out Rescue Animals

For animal lovers, volunteering at a rescue shelter is a great ice-breaking first date idea. You can sign up for a few tasks that help out critters in need while exploring all the things you have in common with your first-time companion. 

Who knows, if all goes well, this first date idea could lead to a longstanding relationship with an adopted animal or two in the picture. Not sure where to start? The ASPCA is one of the most renowned welfare organizations that’s always grateful for an extra pair of helping hands. 

18. Take a Dinner Cruise

Schedule a sunset voyage with dinner and drinks at a harbor in your area. Some even include live music and a rundown of significant landmarks. You'll have the perfect setting for easy conversation, magnificent views and delectable food. If this sounds like the ideal first date idea to you, City Cruises offers 216 dinner cruise experiences in the USA and beyond. 

19. Bike Around Town

Pedal through the city in search of new sites with an easygoing bike ride around town. Rent a couple of cycles and stop off someplace nice for a bite to eat or delicious drinks when the moment calls for it.

This is a great first date suggestion for fitness fanatics who aren’t quite ready to get sweaty in front of each other during a full-on workout. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, Unlimited Biking rents out various types of bikes in cities across the U.S. and beyond.

20. Try a Ghost Tour

Take a nighttime stroll through the most haunted parts of town by choosing a ghost tour from this list of first date ideas. These treks include an expert guide sharing the lurid history of city sites while searching for spirits! 

Whether you want to be the hero or feel like you’re being saved, this is the perfect 1st date idea to have someone jump into your arms or land up in theirs. If you’re ready to get your fright on, U.S. Ghost Adventures with unforgettable experiences you’ll want to erase from your memory very quickly.

21. Share a Workout

Get into the nitty-gritty with a first date idea that takes you straight to the gym. You can spot each other and pick up workout tips, and even schedule shared time with a personal trainer as a no-nonsense first date introduction.

As far as the best ideas for first dates go, this one is underrated, as it allows you the opportunity to grab a smoothie or meal afterward and get to know more than just each other’s favorite exercises. 

22. Take a Convertible for a Spin

That’s not to say that you need to own one, although if you do, your date will probably want to take a spin in it, no matter what you decide to do on the day. If not, there are companies that rent out convertibles for that super cool, wind-in-your-hair feeling. From Porsches to Ferraris to old-school Cadillacs, this first date idea is the best way to pull up to your lunch reservation in style.

23. Ride a Motorcycle

Like the convertible suggestion, you may already have your own set of wheels you call “my baby.” Although this first date idea is limiting, it makes for a thrilling and equally beautiful experience if the other person is comfortable with it. Travel to a scenic lookout point to enjoy a snack or quick cup of coffee, or this could even be the way you travel to and from a relaxed breakfast date. 

Creative First Date Ideas 

24. Paint and Sip Together

Get creative on your first date by booking a paint and sip session at a local studio. These courses require no painting experience and include bites and beverages for a cocktail party atmosphere. Find your inner Picasso by planning this first date idea through Painting With a Twist, a popular company that offers multiple events and workshops.

25. Hit the Bookstore

Peruse new and old titles at a local bookstore and learn about each other's literary tastes during this first date idea. You can even map out a story-led adventure, searching for specific titles in a timed book-based scavenger hunt. You’ll soon realize that it’s one of the best 1st date ideas because it allows you the opportunity to learn what kind of books the other person likes, which could come in handy when buying birthday presents in the future.

26. Tour a Winery

Explore vintages and varietals with your new someone with this first date idea where “wining” is encouraged! Wine fans can choose a nearby winery or even plan a short excursion to a vineyard to savor new and favored flavors. Who knows, maybe the closest destination to you is on the list of the World’s Best Vineyards.

27. Have a Psychic Reading

Slip over to the spiritual side during this first date idea for a session with a psychic. You can choose from tarot, energy readings or spiritual advice with a little help from the beyond. You might even learn whether a second date is in the cards. 

28. Take a Brewery Tour

See how the suds get made with a visit to a craft brewery. You can tour the vat room, learn about the brewing process and taste the creations to choose your favorite. Book a private or public experience with City Brew Tours in over 20 cities. If you’re concerned about transportation during this first date idea, don’t worry — they’ve got you covered.

29. Take a Pottery Class

You don't have to recreate the scene from "Ghost" to enjoy a pottery class as a fun first date idea! You can find courses offered by local potters who'll show you how to create your own fun works of art. Like some of the other suggestions on this list, this is a cool first date idea because it gives you the opportunity to present each other with a gift afterward.

30. Try Glass Blowing

Turn up the heat with a glass blowing class and create mind-boggling art in a first date idea that really sizzles. You can collaborate on a piece while learning from expert artists who love sharing their knowledge. 

31. Visit an Art Gallery

Go shopping for a piece of art or just enjoy being surrounded by imaginative works with a visit to a modern art gallery. If you have a gallery row in your area, you can spend the evening basking in the glow of glorious creativity. 

Go in search of the best art galleries in the U.S. to discover brilliant pieces that range from Impressionism and Cubism to Fauvism and Realism. This is a great first date if you want to get inspired before meeting up again for a sip and paint or sculpting session.

32. Try a Photo Scavenger Hunt

Take a trip downtown or to a popular nature area near you and turn your first date into a photo-based scavenger hunt. Create a list ahead of time of target images like key landmarks and well-known architecture. While planning this first date idea, do some research on wildlife you might spot in the area and add additional points for any sightings you or your date make.

Playful First Date Ideas 

33. Take To the Arcade

Load up on tokens at a local arcade and aim for the high score on classic consoles and modern video game masterpieces. You and your companion can go head-to-head for some friendly first date competition. You’ll never get bored and you’ll never want the date to end, especially when visiting one of the many Dave & Buster’s locations. With dozens of spots in the U.S. and beyond its borders, you’re bound to find one within a short driving distance.

34. Get Gaming

Hook into a multiplayer video gaming station and get to know each other in the virtual world. Even light competition from a whimsical title like Mario Kart can get the communication flowing and will give you a familiar space to play in. Of all the things to do on a first date, this is probably the best choice for introverted gamers to come out of their shell.

35. Throw Some Axes

Aim for the bullseye with a first date trip to an axe-throwing alley. A little friendly competition with drinks and dining in the mix makes a great setting for learning more about each other. It's a winning way to test the strength of your connection early on. Whether you’re good at it or not, the best place to plan this daring first date idea is at the world’s largest urban axe throwing company — that’s right, we’re referring to Bad Axe Throwing.

36. Have a Game Night

You can roll the dice on an evening of board game fun that's no trouble to put together. Gather some classic titles like Scrabble or Monopoly, or check out new options such as Life in Reterra or Sky Team. The final ingredient to executing this good first date idea perfectly is to prepare some simple snacks and drinks, and spin the wheel! 

37. Belt It Out With Karaoke

Karaoke is the great equalizer when it comes to first date ideas. Secure a booth for a more intimate song session or go for broke with a public performance that might make you and your date stars for the evening.

38. Try an Escape Room

Test your compatibility with the timed challenge of an escape room. Communication is key in these experiences, and cracking codes and solving puzzles under pressure can create connections that other first date ideas, such as a movie night, might miss. 

Sound like a worthwhile test? Pop into any of The Escape Game locations and you’ll discover a systematic world constructed by a meticulous and dedicated team of professionals. 

39. Do Open Mic Night

Try an open mic night to add the excitement of live performance to your trove of great first date ideas. From poetry to music to improv, you can find spots around town that offer the audience a chance to stand in the spotlight. 

Pro tip: You may want to prepare something in advance. Although you could be a natural at any of the performing arts mentioned above, there’s nothing wrong with going the extra mile to impress your date.

40. Try Pub Trivia

Find out just how much your companion knows with a few rounds of trivia at a local pub. You're sure to surprise each other in hilarious ways with a first date idea where there's no such thing as useless information. 

If you’re up for the challenge, look out for trivias hosted by Geeks Who Drink. With over 700 weekly events that last up to two hours, there’s plenty of time to show off your knowledge base to your date.

41. Visit a Casino

First date ideas are always a gamble, but when it comes to breaking the ice with someone new, a night at a casino puts the odds in your favor. The free drinks may be watered down, but the savings give you extra cash for trying your luck.

From Poker to Blackjack to a throw or two at the Roulette table, there are many ways to win a few extra bucks. Just remember to be responsible and save enough for a delicious dinner.

42. Do a Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Book a scavenger hunt in your downtown area for a fun first date idea that gets you searching for new details around the city. These excursions give you both a chance to discover and share local lore as you stroll. Working on the same team allows you the opportunity to find out what your date’s teamwork skills are like, but going up against them exposes their (and your) competitive nature, so choose carefully.

43. Go for Mini Golf

Line up on the links for a round or two of mini golf in a first date idea that makes you feel like a kid again. No matter how tall you are, you'll find the whimsical courses and challenging obstacles at the best mini golf courses in America to be just the right size for a fun time out. 

If you’re in the mood for a spontaneous meetup or don’t have time to connect over the weekend, this is an easy weeknight date idea that shouldn’t take up too much time or require too much planning.

Romantic First Date Ideas 

44. Take a Sunset Drive

For a first date that gives you a different perspective on things, drive to one of the highest points in your city and watch the sunset. Plan a playlist, bring snacks and drinks, and plan some icebreaker conversation topics. 

If you’re lucky enough to live close to these 10 incredible sunset spots across the U.S., they’re worth a visit. Nonetheless, the golden hue reflecting from your date’s face should be more than spectacular.

45. Do Dance Lessons

Test out your groove by learning modern moves with dance lessons in your first date idea line-up. Learn from local instructors teaching everything from cha-cha to samba to rumba. With studios all across the U.S., Dance With Me Studios is a great choice for anyone, from beginners to more experienced dancers.

46. Enjoy Rooftop Cocktails

Set your sights higher with a first date idea that takes you above the hustle and bustle and go for rooftop cocktails. You can find a restaurant with a rooftop patio or veranda and order up a few rounds of luscious libations to inspire sweet conversation. Try your best to plan this romantic date idea on a cloudless day so that you and your date can be serenaded by the backdrop of a lovely sunset.

47. Play Netflix Roulette

Hit the couch and let Netflix choose your entertainment for stay-home date ideas with a unique kick. Plan some choice drinks, order in dinner or cook up some home snacks as you enjoy a flick hand-selected by the algorithm. 

If you’re having trouble deciding, you should find something that piques your interest among the best Netflix shows and movies, as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes. Foodie couples could even check out the best wine movies or exciting food movies for a fun themed film night.

48. Warm Up by a Bonfire

A beachside bonfire is an excellent first date idea for getting your companion to huddle a little closer. Check your local beach for a bonfire schedule and bring plenty of fixings for s'mores! Don’t forget to snap a photo or two as the night goes on, and if you’re skilled with a guitar in your hands, this first date idea presents the ideal opportunity to show off that talent.

49. Hear Some Live Music

Choose a jazz club or blues bar and enjoy some live music for a first date idea that rocks. Breaks between sets will give you a chance to chat while you sip craft beers or artisan cocktails and enjoy the vibe. You may even have the opportunity to grab your date’s hand and show off a couple of moves on the dance floor.

50. Try an Indie Cinema

Many towns have small, independent movie houses showing art films that make perfect locales for a first date. Forget regular popcorn and soda; this first date idea will give you the opportunity to try the quirky options at the snack bar as part of your adventure. Look out for popular titles such as “Lost in Translation” or “Ghost World” among the best American Indie movies.

51. Hit the Dance Floor

Enjoy the high-energy environment of a dance club as a first date idea that puts a new spin on things! You can go wild and show off your moves or keep things reserved as you hang at the bar and enjoy the lights and music. 

52. Step Into a Speakeasy

Cue the romance of a bygone era by finding a speakeasy in your city to turn your first date into a cinematic event. These creative clubs require passwords and usually have limited seating to make the experience even more exciting and exclusive. Look out for the top 50 speakeasies in the U.S. and Canada when making your decision — you never know how close you could be to one of them.

Relaxing First Date Ideas 

53. Have a Spa Day

Chill out at a nearby spa for a first date idea that's all about relaxation and indulging in self-care activities. Choose a suite of services to surprise your companion or select your options together. From marvelous massages to much-needed facials, the serene setting and luxurious atmosphere will be heavenly. 

54. Do Some Yoga

Yoga is one of the few first date ideas where being a poser works in your favor! The various types of yoga offer different benefits, so be sure to choose wisely. Enjoy a rejuvenating session, then follow up with a healthful meal at your favorite local spot. 

55. Do Brunch

Make the mid-morning your preferred rendezvous time by enjoying brunch as a satisfying first date idea. Choose a new spot and sample their brunch menu to discover new favorites with someone who may end up topping your list. 

56. Try Meditation

Bring in the bliss with a recentering meditation class that takes some of the pressure off of first date conversations. You can try a beginner's session or go for a more advanced course to tap into your inner peace. After the class, discuss how you both feel and see if those feelings align with the benefits of mindfulness changing the brain.

Science and Nature First Date Ideas 

57. Do the Zoo

See exotic creatures in various versions of a natural habitat by including a zoo trip or animal preserve excursion on your first date. Numerous zoos are devoted to conservation, with many endangered species to encounter on your afternoon out. Chances are you live close to one of the best zoos in the U.S., where you’ll encounter a large variety of animals, from bears to sea lions to giraffes. 

58. See the Science Museum

Explore the nature of the universe with a trip to your local science museum. There are interactive exhibits and mind-expanding displays that turn your first date into an excursion that’s fun and informative.

59. Visit the Planetarium

You'll be seeing stars with your new companion when your first date leads you to your local planetarium. Check event listings to book a guided lesson in telescope use, or spring for tickets to the dome theater for a breathtaking view of the cosmos. 

60. Pick Produce

Research orchards and open farms in your area and set up a produce-picking session. You can gather apples, pick pumpkins or collect other seasonal produce, depending on when your outing happens. If all goes well, you could invite your date back to your place to cook up a storm with the delicious ingredients you gathered. First date ideas have rarely been so fresh!

61. Visit a Museum

Whether it's filled with art or loaded with history, a first date at a museum gives you a common subject to talk about. Being surrounded by colorful works or artifacts from the past can minimize awkward silences. Visiting some of the best art museums in America may even strike up the inspiration for an extension of this first date idea, such as a photography session in a park or a sip-and-paint class.

Free or Cheap First Date Ideas 

62. Do the Dollar Store

For a great cheap first date idea, plan a meal at the dollar store. You can find incredible deals on canned and dry goods, sauces, baking ingredients and even produce and frozen foods. Alternatively, grab your favorite dollar store snacks and head to the nearest park for a fun and affordable picnic.

63. Have a Photo Shoot

No need for selfies when your first date includes a fellow photographer! Spend an afternoon in pretty parks or glossy mall locations and take viral-worthy smartphone snapshots to see one another in a glamorous light. 

If the romance lasts, turn this into a fall date idea when the season arrives to snap some shots with the most incredible colors. Hold onto the captured memories, as one day you may be able to place them side-by-side in a scrapbook with new snaps from a long-standing relationship.

64. Take a Distillery Tour

Get into the spirit of things with a tour of a local distillery, many of which are free or have only a small admission fee. This cool first date idea gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how tequila, vodka, gin and rum are made, with tasty sampling along the way. 

65. Have a Beach Day

If you have a sandy shore nearby, your first date can literally be a day at the beach. Pack a delicious lunch and lots of cool drinks, then lay on the shore as you become acquainted. Don’t forget to pack a frisbee and some beach bats to burn a few calories before enjoying delicious scoops of your favorite ice cream.

66. Plan a Picnic

Choose your favorite park and turn a simple picnic into an outstanding first date idea. Fun picnic date ideas range from planning a luxe meal with charcuterie and wine to grabbing your favorite fast food and snack-style desserts.

67. Visit a Record Store

Go old-school and saunter into a local record store to make your first date a whole lot more melodic. Share your tastes with your companion in hopes of creating sweet harmony. Before you know it, you could be exchanging artists and songs that make your hearts beat in time.

68. Try Thrift Shopping

Pop some tags in a cheap first date idea that turns your thrift store budget into big rewards. Set a small limit and get shopping. Then, share your treasures with each other over drinks and dinner or lunch at a local diner. 

69. Go for Coffee

There's a latte (get it?) to love with a first date idea that involves a coffee shop. Plan a trip to your favorite locale or choose an entirely new place to try together. It's an ideal setting for you to espresso yourself without getting too frothy.

70. Fly a Kite

Nothing brings back childhood memories like flying a kite, and isn’t that exactly how you’d like to feel on a first date — as curious and carefree as a child? As easy as it looks, it’s an activity that requires some skill, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities for silly laughs while figuring out how to keep the kite in the sky.

71. Go for a Leisurely Row

Take a leaf out of the book of some of the most popular romantic movies (and books) and go for a paddle along a scenic pond or lake. With a bagful of your favorite snacks and a book to read when giving the oars a rest, there’s nothing quite like the water’s stillness to elicit utter bliss.

If you’re nervously wondering where to go on a first date and what to do, you now have a plethora of solutions. Finding exciting things to do for a first date doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive to be enjoyable.

You just need a list of fun things for couples to do to make your first encounter relaxed and enjoyable. Use your imagination to find good first date ideas that you're both sure to enjoy while learning more about one another. 

For even more fun first date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.