11 First Date Ideas To Get Started On The Right Track

Finding an interesting idea for a first date is a challenge everyone faces. Try one of these first date ideas to get started on the right track.

# Traditional Dinner Idea

Taking your special someone to her favorite restaurant for her favorite cuisine is a classic first date idea. If her top choice is not an option either because of distance or it's out of your budget, try to something similar either in cuisine or ambiance. If she leaves it up to you, decide what mood you want to set. Fine dining will be more romantic, but a casual setting may be more relaxed and fun. Try to steer clear of places with messy foods like ribs or wings. Dirty hands and face could be a turn off to some ladies. Still need ideas? Make her dinner! Even better if you can make her favorite meal. Practice a few times before she comes over to make sure you've mastered it.

# See A Movie

Another classic date idea is watching a movie. Feel out her preferences beforehand. If she leaves it open, a scary movie is a great idea to get her to cuddle up. A romantic comedy will lighten the mood of your first date. Unless she says she enjoys the genre, it may be a good idea to steer clear of gory or heavy films. If the weather is nice, try an outdoor movie or drive-in. Teens be warned: drive-ins are usually double features and you'll need to make sure you'll be home in time for curfew. No drive-ins in your area? Make your own outdoor cinema in your backyard!

# Go Bowling

Bowling is a first date activity that never loses its appeal! Check out any special events at the lanes near you like bowling with black lights or themed nights. Keep in mind that most lanes can stay occupied for hours so if you may have to wait a while for your turn. Adults can hit the bar while waiting for a lane to open up. Teens can just snag from food from the snack bar. One great idea is to pair up with your besties and make it into a group date. It will give you more downtime to get to know your lady! One last note: if you're hitting the lanes during the week, make sure it isn't a league night. Leagues can take up a good chunk of the lanes and could cause a long wait.

# Play Mini Golf

This idea is just as fun for adults as it is for teens because mini-golf never gets old! Mini golf is perfect to show off your skills on your first date. But remember, it's not a competition! If you haven't played in a while you may want to try an easier course. Most mini golf courses have several levels available so pick one that suits both of you. An idea to spice it up a little is to make friendly bets for the best trick shot or how many obstacles you can hit and still make it in the hole. Maybe the prize could be a kiss or two...

# Double Up on Your First Date

Try a double date with your favorite couple to get some quality time with your love interest. Having pals along is a fantastic idea to get to know your lady while minimizing the pressure on a first date. A double date can make restaurant choice more difficult though, so make sure you're all on the same page before heading out. If things are going well, you can always suggest to your lady an activity for just the two of you after dinner. Just make sure your pals don't distract you from your date!

# Attend a Wine Tasting

For an adult night out, a first date to a winery is a perfect idea! Wineries are popping up across the country so chances are you already live near one. Many offer food and entertainment on the weekends. Check out their website ahead of time to see if they have any upcoming events that can add an extra special touch to your first date. If she's not a wine drinker or there's no winery close by, try checking out a brewery or distillery instead!

# Spend Your First Date at an Amusement Park

For an exciting first date, try an amusement park! Amusement parks come in all varieties so check out what options are near you. Some parks will have her clinging to you as the roller coaster inches higher. Others may offer more shows that will wow both of you. Some parks have a water park attached to them so make sure you know what's included in the price of admission. It’s a good idea to make sure she likes roller coasters, or verify there are enough activities offered with both feet on the ground, before springing for park passes.

# Go Skydiving

For a truly unforgettable first date, take the ultimate leap of faith! Go skydiving! There may be quite a bit of upfront safety precautions and paperwork so make sure both of you come with all documents needed. This can be a rather intimidating first date idea so make sure she’s down with the idea before arriving at the training facility. If you'd rather stay closer to the ground, try a facility that offers simulated skydiving. You'll still get the rush of the wind in your face, but without the free fall.

# Drive Go-Karts

Go-karts are the perfect idea to get your first date on the right track! At most tracks, you'll have a specified amount of time in the cars so you may want to pair this idea with another suggestion from this list. Also, it might be a good idea to save dinner for after go-karts. Be mindful if she prefers slower paced karts or isn't eager to race to the finish. It’s not about first place, but spending time together!

# Go to a Sporting Event

Get your game on while supporting your favorite team! A sporting event lets you be playful while connecting to your new lady. Doesn't matter what the sport is as long as you both like it! You don't have to cheer for the same team either as long as you can keep it friendly. If there's no professional team in your town, try minor league baseball or arena football. But if professional sports are out of your price range or are too far to travel, a local school event is a good idea instead.

# Get Your Game On

A fun idea for a first date is a little friendly competition! Pick a sport where your skills would be evenly matched and go for it! Tennis or golf are great options or one-on-one basketball. Remember, it's a friendly competition! You're already winning because you're in awesome company. Rainy day? Try shooting pool or playing racquetball. Many cities have underage pool halls that would be perfect for teens. Check out local health clubs for racquetball courts. If you have plans after a friendly game, make sure she's okay heading out a little sweaty or plan enough time for her to shower and get ready for the next part of your date.