Dinner is always a safe option, but below is a list of date ideas to try besides dinner. You can hint to your significant other or someone you are getting to know.
If you are single, that is okay too; the listed ideas can be used for solo dates or friend dates. My friend and I do one date night a month to try new experiences together.
Cooking class
Taking a cooking class will allow you to tap into your creative side. You can choose different dishes from around the world to learn. You can keep the recipes and use them later for events.
Pottery making
I did this as a friend date with one of my college friends. Once a month, we would plan to do something different with one another, and pottery was it! It took a week or two to get the actual dishes we created. We opted for a private class, but there are options for group classes and private at an art studio near you.
If you enjoyed it, check into a monthly membership that an art studio has.
Skydiving
You can try skydiving in two versions: indoor skydiving and actual airplane diving. I have yet to try it, but if I were to, I would prefer airplane skydiving.
Indoor skydiving
Wine tasting
Check to see if there are any wineries near you and expand your wine knowledge. From visiting a winery, you can sign up for wince classes. Knowledge of wine can help create conversations with people you spend time with.
Mixology class
Have a taste for great cocktails? Do you want to learn how to create cocktails for your guests when you host gatherings and parties? Go to a cocktail class and learn how to make special curated drinks for your guest or yourself.
Bumper cars/ speed cars
Do you love speeding but do not want to pay expensive speeding fines? Unleash your inner competitor side by going on a speed racing date.
Candle Making
Learn how to make healthy, non-toxic alternatives to the candles you buy in the store. Candle-making classes are a healthier way to collect candles for your space that do not release carcinogens.
Body scrub making
Your skin is your biggest organ and the most forgotten. I see many women share their shower routine with products filled with nothing but harsh chemicals. By making body scrubs, you take control of what you put on your body.
Play (Theatre)
Try something different while supporting local artists. Go to a play in your town; it must not be an off-broadway or Broadway show. I once went on a date to support a black director in DC and had a great time.
Ballet Performance
Who said you only have to attend the ballet during the holiday season? Check out local ballet companies. It does not have to be traditional ballet. I saw a hip-hop ballet show in DeKalb country, Georgia. Being from Atlanta, I always wanted to support minority dancers. Alvin Alley is a black ballet company that tours around the United States.
Opera
This one might not be for everyone, but how will you know that you do not like opera if you have never been
Additional fun things to try:
- Put put golf
- Bowling
- Axe throwing
- Fowling
- Pickleball
- Arcade
- Skating
- Dance class (salsa, West African)
- Escape room
Scavenger Hunt
For my best friend’s birthday one year, I created a friendship-themed scavenger hunt of all the places we met and would go to around the town. Ever stop had a new clue and a gift for her there.
- Museum
- Paddle boat
- Hiking
- Amusement Park
Karaoke Room
Within the last couple of years, karaoke rooms have become more popular. They are entertaining if you have a group of friends. If you are thinking about this for a date night, invite other couples.
- Poetry slam
- Jazz concert
- Comedy show
If you want to try a solo date, start with this one! Some comedy shows are also free.
- Volunteer
- Art Gallery
- Hike
- Exercise class
- Zip lining
- Paint and sip
- Game night ( if you are not close to the person, you can visit a place that has card and board games)
- Floral arrangement class
- Live Sports games
Plant and sip
Yes, you read that right. Instead of sipping and painting, there are classes where you decorate and paint pots with acrylic paint. You also get to add accessories to them and learn about the plat you are potting. When I did it, it was very fun. I did it as a solo date and with a friend.
Botanical Gardens
I just found out that they are city botanical gardens and state ones. I visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens multiple times but on the drive to the college towns, Athens
Camping
If you are not a natural person, you can opt for glamping. If you are thinking about this for a solo date, check out Airbnb’s unplugged tiny houses and plan your getaway.
Spa day
It’s one of my favorite things to do. The spa has a variety of services, from body polishes to facials and massages; there is something for everyone.
- Helicopter tour
- Learn something new together
- Couples book club
- Horseback riding
- Skiing
History Tour
Outside of just going to the museums, visit historical grounds around you. Certain cities have themed tours. For example, around Halloween, my hometown does a Halloween-themed tour where they share frightening stories about the buildings in the town.
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