Wondering What to Do on a Date? We Have You Covered!

So you’ve met a great person and are planning to meet up, but now you’re wondering what to do on a date. If you’re thinking about places to go on a date or looking for fun, romantic date ideas, be it for a first, second or regular date night, EliteSingles has you covered. Here’s a list of our favourite ideas for a date.

What to Do on a Date: Casual First Date Ideas

Kicking off with laidback first date ideas, EliteSingles takes you through a few excellent suggestions for what to do on a date to minimise the pressure and maximise the pleasure!

A simple stroll

Suggesting to meet someone and go for a walk is disarming and laid back way to get to know each other. It’s good for the nerves to keep on the move, and if it’s going well, you can stop in somewhere nice along the way.

Classic coffee shop

Meeting for a coffee can be a little cliché, but it’s also is a tried and tested date formula. You’re only investing the time it takes to drink a coffee but can easily stay longer if all goes well. Why not enjoy some cake and more if you’re hitting it off?

Breakfast, brunch and munch

Having breakfast is a nice way to ease into a first date and get to know each other over the pleasure of egg and pancakes. Suggesting a breakfast or brunch is also a fun way to turn the dinner date on its head.

Get active

Doing an activity together is an engaging environment to break the ice with ease. You can rent bikes and go exploring or go bowling and enjoy a fun competition. If you’re feeling daring, why not race each other and go-kart! The options are endless and doing an activities date is both fun and low-key.

Peruse a market

Markets are a great place to go when trying to decide what to do on a date with a wide selection of street food and homemade treats on offer and lots of bric-a-brac to browse. They offer you a one-stop shop where you can eat, drink, stroll, shop and date to your heart’s content!

What to Do on a Date: Interesting Places to Go

Sometimes you’re looking for a date with a difference. If you’re trying to think up interesting date ideas to shake it up and put a fresh, tasty twist on dating, here some intriguing options for what to do on a date to remember.

Stars in your eyes at the planetarium

Get your geek on and discover the night sky from the comfort of a planetarium! It’s a shortcut to stargazing and is an interesting date option when you’re wondering what to do. The night sky is a perfect backdrop to light up your romance!

Wet and wild at the aquarium

Aquariums are a beautiful setting, offering an ethereal peak into the water world. Visiting an aquarium gives you a talking point and is a fun alternative date idea when you want to do something a little different on a date.

Culture vultures at the museum

Want to show off your cultural knowledge? Interested in digging a little deeper into your local history or enjoying some ancient artefacts? Up your date game and go check out a museum. It’s guaranteed to be an impressive suggestion when you can’t decide what to do on a date!

Be highbrow at the art gallery

Pick an interesting gallery on and enjoy the delights of a tasteful art exhibition. If you’re into modern art or appreciate the old masters, engaging with the arts is a lovely way to get to know a new person or hang out with your other half.

Getting crazy at the carnival

Ride the Ferris wheel, eat cotton candy and see if you can win a giant teddy bear. Be teenagers again and indulge in a little carefree fun on your date. Going to a carnival is a charming date idea to up the ante!

What to Do on a Date: Raise the Romance Stakes

If you want a date that oozes good, old-fashioned romance, and promises to get hearts racing, here’re some solid suggestions for what to do on a date when you want to raise the stakes.

Candlelit homemade dinner date

Cooking a homemade dinner for your date and eating by candlelight is a surefire way to light up the romance. Make your favourite dish, put on some music and wait for the magic to happen!

The perfect picnic

Why not pack the perfect picnic when you’re at a loose end about what to do on a date? Be sure to include a picnic blanket, some snacks, and for special occasions, a bottle of champagne!

A surprise weekend getaway

If you’re ready to take your romance to new heights and the entry-level options for what to do on a date just won’t cut it, go all in and plan a surprise weekend away. Your date is sure to be swept off their feet!

Comedic inspiration

Laughter is a miracle worker when it comes to romance. The feel-good hormones that are released when you laugh will put you both in the right mood to make the most of your date.

Karaoke showdown

Trying to think up a genuinely fun date idea? Head over to your local karaoke bar and put on your own show. Croon a romantic duet or see who has the best moves and show off your romance on the stage.

How to Prepare for Your Date: The Basics

Now that you have your ideal plan for what do on your date, here’s some useful first date etiquette to help you put your best foot forward in style.

Polish and preen

Be sure to clean up properly and show your date you put some effort into getting ready. It’s an easy way to express that you’re excited for the date.

Take a moment for yourself

Dating can be stressful, so before you meet up, take a minute to yourself and relax. Remember you’re there to have fun, go with the flow, and see where it takes you.

Be on time

Creating a good impression is also about covering the basics. Being late is disrespectful and can get your date off on the wrong note. Plan ahead to be on time, and if you’re running late, let your date know!

Put your phone away

Good date etiquette includes putting your phone out of reach. Meeting up with someone and then spending the time scrolling on your phone is poor taste and best to avoid!

Be upfront and open

Be honest and open with your date about what you’re looking for. This doesn’t mean you have to have a serious discussion about marriage on the first date, but in the right context, choose authenticity over game playing every time!

About the author: Zoe Coetzee

Zoe Coetzee is a Relationship Psychologist and Editor for SilverSingles.

See more articles written by Zoe Coetzee