Are you on the search for memorable and fun first date ideas that are ideal for queer connections? Whether you are planning a first time meeting with that special someone or want to spend quality time with a friend turned lover, there are plenty of exciting first date ideas to consider. The right date can set the stage for meaningful connections in the future.
Keep your focus on fun and creating a comfortable space to get to know one another. This is the best way to make a great first impression, and pave the way for more dates in the future. Try out these ideas to find a fun way to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
Why Are First Dates So Important?
There’s a reason we feel so much pressure around first dates. This is our opportunity to make a great impression, and get to know the other person better. Nobody wants to plan a lackluster date. At the same time, you don’t want to go overboard with something that’s so over the top it makes your date uncomfortable. You need a first date that’s fun, shows you planned something special, and allows both of you to get to know each other.
What Makes a Great First Date?
Before we dive into first date ideas, let’s talk about dating success. Specifically, what makes a good first date? Whatever you plan, keep these first date tips in mind:
- Be realistic a successful first date is one that you both enjoy – Getting a second date is just a fun bonus.
- Plan something and go somewhere! A fabulous first date is never just hanging out.
- Have a few conversation ideas on hand, but keep it light and friendly.
- Consider both of your interests. Nobody wants to go out on a date that’s all about your hobbies and not their own.
- A double date is only acceptable if both of you know and feel comfortable with the other couple
20 Winning First Date Ideas
Ready for some good first date ideas? Perfect! Let’s get started.
1. A Walk Through a Botanical Garden
This hits all the right notes when it comes to first date ideas. It’s a great alternative to typical first dates. It gets you outside, looking at beautiful things. Even better, you can enjoy yourselves at a casual pace, chat, and get to know one another better. Besides, if things work out between you, what an amazing place to come back and celebrate your first date anniversary.
2. Ax Throwing
This fun activity has the ideal balance between laid back fun and a bit of friendly competition. You’ll also have something to keep busy if the conversation hits an awkward lull. So, grab a few beers and see if you can hit the bullseye.
3. Your Local Drag Show
It’s fun, it’s queer, and it’s a great way to show support to your local queens. Besides, there are so many options! Take your date to a drag brunch and get the calories you’ll burn off later. Alternatively, head out at night for drinks at your local gay bar as you take in a drag revue. In any case, tip your queens!
4. A Vintage Arcade
Throw on something super cute and take your date out for a fun, retro experience. Spend your first date night playing pinball, Ms. Pacman, and Pole Position. Wait a minute! Was that last one a double entendre? We admit to nothing! Bonus points if the place offers laser tag or air hockey.
5. Shopping at a Thrift Store
Imagine a date involving fashion, tchotchkes, and saving money! Take your date to a thrift store, and see what the two of you can find! You might find this becomes one of your favorite dates. Even better, many of these shops support local charities. Just do your research ahead of time so you patronize one that’s pro-LGBTQIA+.
6. An Amusement Park or Carnival
Please your inner child and your date with a trip to an amusement park, carnival, or county fair! Enjoy fun rides, cotton candy, games of skill, and funnel cakes. Don’t forget the obligatory kiss at the top of the ferris wheel.
7. Bird Watching at a Nature Preserve
Grab a pair of binoculars and head out for a long walk to find beautiful birds that are native to your area. See if your city has an Audubon Society, or if another organization offers guided bird watching tours. This is a great idea if you know the person you’re dating is a nature lover.
8. Roller or Ice Skating
Do you want a date that’s fun, a bit retro, and includes some great tunes? Head over to the local skating rink. Yes, they still exist – if not in your home town, just head to the nearest big city. As an alternative, head to your local ice skating rink for a similar activity with a winter theme.
9. Your Local Library
Yes, your local library is a great place for a first date. Start your date in a cozy spot where you can read library books together, or just enjoy a nice conversation. Then, enjoy a walk around. So many libraries stand as examples of great architecture in addition to being amazing community resources. Before you go, check out the library’s website and social media pages. You may find fun events to make your date even better. For example, an adult gaming night, independent film viewing, or an art class.
10. An Art Gallery
Looking for date ideas with a bit of culture? Head to a local art gallery to enjoy the exhibits. Spend time talking about your shared love of art, and then follow that up with a nice dinner in the museum cafe. If you’re interested in supporting queer artists and others, check out LGBTQIA+ museums to put on your first date bucket list.
11. A Boutique Cinema or Drive In
If the idea of a movie night as a first date is “meh” to you, we understand. That said, we make an exception for movie dates that can be turned into something special. For example, if you’re lucky enough to live in driving distance of a drive-in movie theater, go check that out! If not for a date, just a fun night with friends. It’s all the great things about going to the movies, plus you can snuggle under a cozy blanket, talk, giggle, and enjoy some spicy fun in the back seat under the covers.
And, if you haven’t tried out one of those boutique theaters – plan a date around visiting one to watch a great movie. Imagine going to your local cineplex, only this time you get table service, wine, and snacks that aren’t coated in fake butter. Not that we don’t love ourselves a bucket of greasy popcorn.
12. The Zoo
Can you really get to know your date if you don’t find the answers to important questions like:
- What are your favorite animals?
- Would you rather watch the primates or the big cats?
- Is your favorite zoo snack a frozen lemonade or an ice cream shaped like a penguin?
Where else can you find these answers than at your local zoo.
13. A Tour of a Local City
Plan an amazing date as you enjoy the treasures in your own backyard. When was the last time you took advantage of the great things in your city or one nearby? Take a walking tour of a local city, or just plan a day playing local tourists.
14. A Couple’s Cooking Class
Here’s a great spin on the classic dinner date. In this case, rather than allowing somebody else to serve you, the two of you take a cooking class together. You’ll eat an amazing meal that you’ve cooked yourselves, and learn some techniques that you can use during your next date night at home.
15. A Picnic or Bonfire
What could be more romantic than a night outdoors in front of a roaring fire? Maybe a picnic dinner complete with a great bottle of wine? Either choice is ideal for a first date. You’ll be able to cuddle and talk, or just enjoy the fresh air together.
16. Karaoke or Trivia Night
Release your inhibitions and channel your inner Lady Gaga! If you have an opportunity to take a date to sing karaoke, you should jump at that. It’s fun. It’s fabulous! It’s your opportunity to see just how seriously your date takes themselves, or not. Seriously, can this relationship go anywhere until you know whether or not they know the words to Youth by Troye Sivan?
17. A Visit to a Cat Cafe
For the uninitiated, a cat cafe is exactly what you’re thinking it is. It’s a cafe where folks get to pet and play with cats as they enjoy their coffee and croissants. Even better, many of these exist because cafe owners have partnered with a local animal shelter. That means the cats are often available to adopt, and some of the proceeds go to help strays. Be careful, or you might come home with a new kitty and a date to share your bed.
18. Live Music
If you love live music, consider taking a date to a concert. There’s just a couple of caveats here. You want to enjoy a night of great music, but also spend time talking with your date. So, consider dinner beforehand or attend a local show with a laid back vibe.
19. A Comedy Show
A good relationship needs a shared sense of humor. If you and your date enjoy the same comedy, that bodes well for your future together.
20. A Sports Game
Are you a sports lesbian or a gym-culture gay? If so, grab your can koozies, favorite jerseys, and head out for a night at the ballpark. Hopefully you follow the same teams. Then again, if your relationship can survive a sports rivalry, it can make it through anything.
First Date Honorable Mentions
These aren’t our absolute favorites, but they are creative and fun. Give these a try!
- Take a dance class!
- Solve a murder mystery at a dinner theater
- Take a group first date at an escape room
- Support local theater by taking in a play
- Visit your local farmer’s market
- Play a few rounds of mini golf
- Treat them to something sweet at a gourmet ice cream shop
- Skip the chains and visit a locally owned coffee shop or bakery
- Go to a wine or chocolate tasting
- Enjoy a day on the water – take a ferry ride, go kayaking, or just splash around at the beach
You could even combine a few of these ideas for an unforgettable evening. For example, start with a meal at a murder mystery dinner theater, enjoy some ice cream, and follow that up with mini golf at an indoor range.
A Few First Date Ideas to Avoid
Not every date is a good fit for a first date. If you’re planning any of these, it may be time to rethink your strategy.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
You may be looking for impressive first date ideas, but big expensive gestures aren’t the way to go. This is coming on too strong, too soon. Better dial it back a bit.
Movie Date At The Local Cineplex
Yes, we did list movie dates as one of our top first date ideas, but not at your local cineplex. Any date that doesn’t allow for conversation just isn’t a fun way to get to know somebody.
House Party
We listen and we don’t judge. Nah, we’re definitely judging you if you take us to some random person’s house on a first date.
Big Ticket Concert
Same as a balloon ride. This seems fun and indulgent at first, but not a great date idea at the start of a relationship. First, too many screaming fans. You’re also going to come across as trying too hard. The only way this date activity passes is if you both happen to be superfans.
A Fortune Teller
If your date’s a skeptic, this might make their eyes roll. Besides, who wants to go on a date only to find out that you have no future together?
Hiking
Going out into nature, getting some fresh air, and exercising? Normally, we love this idea – just not for a first date. Think about it for a moment. How comfortable would you be travelling a long distance into the woods with someone you don’t know very well.
A Wedding
Wait…
Were you really planning to turn your first date into a plus one at a wedding? Picture us holding your hand as we say this. Not just no, but hellllll no. Do not do this to your date or to the people who are getting married.
Bungee Jumping
We love an adrenaline rush too, but this one is definitely not it when it comes to first dates. Scratch cliff diving and parachuting off your list too, Daredevil McGee. Get your blood pumping with something less risky and panic-inducing. Maybe keep it safe with a trip to a rock climbing gym.
Your Place
If you you’re planning a first date at your house, there’s just two possibilities here. You’re either really thirsty, or just bad at planning dates. Now, if your date ends at your house, that’s another matter entirely!
A Spa Day
At first glance, a day at the spa seems luxurious and romantic. Just consider that it could be a bit uncomfortable. Not everybody wants to spend their first time alone with another person wrapped in a towel in a sauna. getting a couple’s massage, or having their blackheads extracted.
Play Paintball
If your idea of fun involves getting outdoors and chasing people around and getting hit with high-velocity paint projectiles, more power to you! It can be a fun alternative to standard date ideas, but maybe not for the first date. Keep in mind that even somebody with a bit of a pain kink might object to this. Better save this one for the second date.
Your Best First Date Starts Now
You can take your date to an escape room, trivia night, or dance club. There are so many fun options available, but first you have to meet somebody! That’s where Taimi comes in. We’re an inclusive queer dating app that specializes in connecting folks in the queer community. Give us a try, and you’ll be planning your next first date soon!
Share this post:
