From a scenic walk to a cooking class, these cute date ideas will help you make a connection.
Although meeting for a coffee, dinner or drink tend to be the go-to things to do on a date, it’s always fun to do something a little different. Whether you are active types who love the great outdoors or culture vultures with a shared passion for galleries, enjoying fun date activities together can really help make sparks fly.
In this article
- Cheap dates
- At-home dates
- Active dates
- Creative dates
- Unique dates
Cheap dates
1. Take a scenic walk
A walking date could be anything from a casual stroll or something more organised. “For those who love to explore, there are brilliant free walking tours in many cities that allow you to discover unknown gems and local history,” Charlotte says. “What’s more, almost every village, town and city has beautiful outdoor spaces, squares and parks where you can just sit and watch the world go by.” Among the most enduring cheap date ideas, a walk has brought couples together since time began.
2. Volunteer together
Shared values are one of the most important parts of a relationship, so if you both have a cause you care about, why not volunteer together at a local charity event? Not only will this be lots of fun but you’ll also have the opportunity to see how your date interacts with others and how well you get on for longer stretches of time.
What our experts say
Charlotte Ball, a professional matchmaker, advises that there are a few things to ponder before suggesting where to go or what to do.
“Consider the types of activities your date likes and ask yourself what they have indicated to you that they enjoy,” she says. “For instance, are they a music lover? Do they enjoy the theatre? Are they a food connoisseur?”
Rachel Rose, a certified relationship and boundaries coach, adds: “When you choose a date that aligns with your relationship goals, you start signalling early on the type of relationship you want.
“For example, if you envision a life filled with luxury and fine dining, choosing an upscale venue sets that standard from the outset. On the other hand, if you’re more laid-back and value comfort over extravagance, opt for a relaxed setting that allows for authenticity.”
3. Attend a free workshop
This will allow you both to learn something new and spend time together. Take a look at local websites and social media groups to find a workshop you will both enjoy. Try to think outside the box: perhaps a free taster for a salsa class, or a craft workshop where you can show off your creative skills.
At-home dates
4. Organise a games night
Some of the most romantic date ideas take place in the comfort of your own home, especially when you’re looking for a fun winter date idea. Why not play a game of Scrabble over a bottle of wine? If video games are a shared passion, you could even enjoy some light-hearted competition on the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. If you’re both open to another couple joining you, a games night is also one of the best double date ideas.
This kind of low-key date also allows you to see how life in the future could work with your new love interest. “By incorporating real-life scenarios into your dates, you’re essentially testing out the kind of partnership you’re aiming for,” says Rachel. “This activates the amygdala and insula, parts of the brain involved in emotional processing and trust-building”.
5. Cook together
If you’re a confident cook, making your date a meal at home can be really romantic. Cooking together can be equally bonding, but make sure you choose a collaborative recipe that doesn’t require too much effort. Rachel says: “A comfortable environment allows your date’s parasympathetic nervous system to kick in, creating a sense of calm and well-being, which is essential for deeper bonding. Essentially, you want to help your date to associate your time together with peace as much as possible”.
Active dates
6. Take to the water
Whether you fancy a sedate afternoon in a rowing boat or a more adventurous kayak trip, hitting the water with your date can really help to break down barriers.
“These activities give you a chance to observe your partner’s traits – how competitive they are, whether they can work independently or need support, how they deal with frustration, even their ability to resolve small conflicts,” says Rachel. “These scenarios also help you assess compatibility in a much deeper way than a typical dinner or drinks might”.
7. Go camping
If the weather forecast is in your favour, why not suggest a night under canvas? Not only does camping cost very little, it can also make for some romantic moments and allow you to work together on small tasks such as putting up a tent. It’s a great way to get away from day-to-day distractions and focus on each other.
8. Join a Parkrun
Parkrun is a free community event that happens in parks all over the country, giving runners of every level the chance to get together and enjoy some exercise. The 5km run is also a great opportunity to spend time with a sporty love interest without it really seeming like a date at all.
Creative and artsy dates
9. Visit a museum or gallery
The UK has hundreds of free museums and galleries and they are lovely places to spend an afternoon with a date. Because there’s usually no time constraint on free exhibitions, it also means you can make the date as short or as long as you like, depending on how it goes.
Discover cultural date ideas based in London.
10. Attend a paint-and-sip class
‘Paint and sip’ classes are an entertaining way to spend time with a date while enjoying a glass of wine and creating a piece of art. You don’t even need any artistic talent – just relax and don’t take it too seriously. If all goes well, you will even have a memento of those early days of romance.
Foodie dates
11. Take a cooking class together
Whether you learn how to make sushi , Thai food, or pasta from scratch, taking a cooking class together is a great way of making memories.
If you continue dating, you can carry on recreating dishes at home together.
12. Plan a picnic for two
There’s something so romantic about a picnic date – whether in the heat of summer or snuggled beneath a blanket on an autumn afternoon. Pick a beautiful spot, pack a light lunch and maybe a bottle of something delicious, and enjoy some quality one-on-one time with no distractions.
Rachel explains that these kinds of dates can reveal a lot about your partner’s resourcefulness, attitude towards life, plus their sense of adventure – all without the potential financial pressure. “Engaging the brain’s reward system, you can generate excitement through novel, inexpensive activities that still trigger bonding,” she says.
Unique dates
13. Tackle tasks at an escape room
Escape rooms are often used as a way of team building among professionals but they are also a great idea for a date. Cracking codes, working under pressure and together as a team can offer real insight into your compatibility.
14. Attend a comedy show
If humour is something through which you first connected, a night of stand-up comedy will definitely keep the upbeat mood going. Just make sure the act you choose is one you both enjoy and not likely to offend.
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