First dates are nerve-wracking. It’s a universal truth. It’s the first time you’ll both be meeting up in a romantic setting and you feel like so much is riding on this one social occasion. Play it cool, and they might be keen to see you again. Embarrass yourself, and risk never getting a text back – right?
We’ve compiled a list of practical first date advice, where to go and what to do so that you’ve got the best chance possible of securing a second date. If you want to know what to do on a first date, read on!
Different Types of First Dates
The premise of all first dates is basically the same. Unlike just hanging out on your lunch break, with a group of friends or messaging on Tinder, this will be the first time the both of you arrange to meet with the express purpose of seeing if there is any chemistry between you.
However, the way you both end up on a first date can vary. For teens heading out on a first date, you may know each other from school or extra-curricula activities. Other potential couples may have been talking on a dating app like Bumble. You may have known this person for many years, or your colleagues at work may have set you both up.
The way you’ve come to arrange this date is important. What you know about this potential love interest will help you decide on places to go and things to do on a first date.

If you’re younger, want to keep things low-key or even just prefer your beauty sleep, you can arrange a day time date. Good first date ideas don’t all have to happen in the PM and involve alcohol, and often the most unique, memorable dates are the ones that take place during the day. If you’re both busy working bees, a night time date may be your only option which is no problem. You’ll need to find some fun local activities that take place after 5PM.
Here are 10 first date ideas that are fun and adaptable, no matter your age or interests.
1. Meet for brunch

Didn’t you hear? Brunch is the new dinner!
If coming up with dinner date ideas sounds way too serious, why not opt for a brunch date? Not only is it a relaxed first date scenario, it’s an opportunity to show-off that incredible new cafe you’ve discovered. Everyone loves brunch (and if they don’t like brunch, they don’t deserve a date with you anyway!)
Cost: It all depends where you live, but most menus are online these days so it isn’t hard to research what you’ll be paying before you go.
Suitable for: when you want to keep it casual.
2. Paint ‘N’ Sip

Ok, you don’t have to do the sip part, but it’s definitely fun to! Paint and Sip classes have really come into their own over the past two years, popping up everywhere from major cities to small towns. The idea is you join in a painting class lead by a teacher, and enjoy a nice glass of wine while you do so (just don’t drink your paint water by accident!) No artistic experience is required, so it doesn’t matter if you haven’t got a creative bone in your body. Realistically, it probably helps if neither one of you have a clue about art. You can spend the whole class at each other’s amusing attempts to paint a waterlily.
Ice.
Officially.
Broken.
Cost: Prices typically range between $50 – $60 per person, and most classes are BYO
Suitable for: fans of wine who dislike awkward silences.
3. Walk a dog together

Everyone’s a winner with this cute first date idea. You both get to spend time together outdoors, your four-legged friend will love the exercise and, if you attempt this on a weekend, you’ll undoubtedly run into loads of other adorable doggos as well. Heck, if you don’t have a dog, borrow one. There is no shame in using your friend’s Fido as a date excuse. As long as you’re ok with picking up dog poo in front of this person, this scenario is perfect. Plus, if they can’t deal with a bit of dog poo, you don’t want to waste your time getting into a relationship with them.
Cost: Free!
Suitable for: animal lovers and people who enjoy a weekend stroll
4. Go to a Stand-Up Comedy Night

One of you certainly doesn’t have to get up and grab the mic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy someone else working the crowd. Stand-up comedy is a great first date because we all love to laugh. Sometimes even professional comedians return to small stand-up venues to test out their new material, so find out who is due to appear in your area. Don’t sit in the front row though unless you plan to be the butt of the jokes – people on first dates are easy pickings for seasoned comics!
Cost: Prices range from completely free to around $30, but it can cost more if some big name acts are due to appear. Remember to bring extra cash if you plan to eat and enjoy a few drinks.
Suitable for: people who want to have a giggle and don’t care who they ‘ugly laugh’ in front of!
5. Go to a Food Festival

Food festivals rarely take place every weekend, but if one is scheduled and you’re ready to have your first date, why not stop on by! Food festivals happen during the daytime as well as during the evening, so there will be a time slot to suit everyone. You’ll be so spoilt for choice that it might be difficult deciding on what to graze on, but that’s all part of the fun.
Cost: $30 should be enough to sufficiently cover one person, although its typically free just to stroll through and enjoy the atmosphere.
Suitable for: self-confessed foodies who love a culinary adventure.
6. Visit an arcade

Ready, Player One! Arcade games are fun no matter your age, so pool all your spare change together and test your skill. Retro games are back in a big way, so whether you’re older than PAC-MAN or grew up trying to catch ’em all, they’ll be something for you. Some former arcades have even morphed into bars, so if you want to feel more grown-up you can enjoy a nice cold beverage while you game. That probably won’t help your reflexes if you’re trying to get on the Frogger leaderboard, but who cares!
Cost: $10 – $30, depending on how badly you want that plush teddy bear!
Suitable for: the young and the young at heart.
7. Pub Trivia

What’s your special subject? It could end up being them, if tonight goes to plan! Pub trivia is a classic Aussie pastime, and it’s perfect if the date is going to take place in a group setting. Think about it, they’ll be plenty of opportunities to sit close and whisper in their ear. Sure, you’ll be whispering the names of the Top Ten Boybands of the 90s, but it’s still romantic right?
Cost: Pubs usually charge $10-$15 to join in.
Suitable for: group dates and pop culture buffs.
8. Head to a sporting event

Get your team colours on and go support your local athletes or go to a big match with an electric atmosphere. It’s great if you both support the same team, but somehow it’s more fun if you’re sworn rivals. You know what they say about opposites attracting!
Cost: Depends on the venue and how you plan to get there, but $50 is usually a safe starting point.
Suitable for: sports fans
9. Visit an art gallery

Art isn’t for everyone. If you’ve ever looked at something in a frame and thought ‘…I don’t get it’, you’re in a good company. But even if you have the most amateur appreciation for the finer things in life, an art gallery makes a good place for a date. You don’t have to stare at each other across a dinner table, instead you can look at weird and wonderful works of art together.
Cost: Many local and even state galleries are free to go into, but some exhibitions will charge a fee, especially if the artist is a big deal
Suitable for: those that love a bit of culture!
10. Enjoy some live music

Another date where you won’t have to worry about awkward silences – the entertainment will make sure of that! A live music date doesn’t mean you have to fork out for tickets to Fleetwood Mac’s Australian Tour (you can if you want to though, they’ll probably love you forever). Try meeting for nibbles and drinks at a live jazz venue, or head down to an open air concert by the beach.
Or get the Fleetwood Mac tickets. Go big or go home, right?
Cost: Depends on the artist and venue
Suitable for: people who like the same genres of music.
Take a few minutes before you date to relax and settle any nerves. Remember, they wouldn’t be on a first date with you if there wasn’t any spark at all. Be yourself and enjoy the activity you’ve chosen, the rest will follow naturally. Good luck!