Switch up your first dates with these rad ideas

Despite having ample time to fantasize about the time when we can return to our regular social patterns and expectations, the “good first date idea” well still seems to be running a little dry. Dinner and a movie definitely make the first date blacklist, not to mention bowling, concerts or anything with unfamiliar family or friends. So here are 10 fun first dates, good for any season with anybody. 

1. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee or smoothie tasting

College towns like Logan are teeming with both chain and local cafes and bistros. Plus, depending on the season, there are usually different fun flavored drinks or treats being promoted. Before you go, develop a point or ranking system based on flavor, presentation, wait time, etc. As you go, rank each of the drinks and determine a winner at the end. 

2. Looking at changing tree colors, Christmas lights or going for another scenic drive. 

This one is fairly self-explanatory. Pump some good music, have your camera ready and enjoy the views.

3. Museum or art gallery

While this might seem a bit pretentious or dull, visiting a museum or gallery is perfect for first dates — mostly because you control how long you spend together walking around. If things are a bit awkward or uncomfortable you can speed through, skip exhibits and there is no forced eye contact. But, if things are going well, you can take your time and loop back through to your favorite exhibits. Additionally, if conversation is lacking, you can always talk about the art or the artifacts you’re both seeing instead of just each other. 

4. Antique shopping

Local antique shops are dotted across both Main Street and Center Street, offering a blast from the past as you stroll around historic downtown Logan. 

5. Making pizzas

Making pizzas presents a unique opportunity to enjoy an activity and a meal together. If you want to get really fancy you can make the dough by hand, or you can just buy some pre-made. Pizzas usually don’t take that long to bake, leaving an adequate amount of room for conversation while you’re adding toppings to each of your pies and eating. 

6. Bob Ross night 

Watercolor, acrylic, oil — pick your favorite for a unique paint date. One of you bring the paints and brushes and the other the canvasses, light a candle and put on some soft acoustic music in the background. Following along with Bob Ross or another YouTube painting tutorial is a fun way to get creative together. 

7. Thrift shopping

Thrift shopping is a great way to find some new gems and get a sense of your date’s style. As a twist, you can go find clothes for each other and then model them, having a mini-fashion show right there in the store. 

8. Amusement park

Though not available year-round and a bit pricey, amusement parks are a great way to do something thrilling with your date. From screaming on the rollercoasters to trying the fried fair food, amusement parks are a great opportunity to get your adrenaline pumping with your date. 

9. Decorating cookies or cupcakes 

Cookie and cupcake decorating allow you to do something sweet together. Similar to baking pizzas, you can decide if you would like to make the sweets together or have them made beforehand. There’s nothing better than sharing the wealth, so taking them to friends or neighbors also offers a fun act of service to do together. 

10. Aquarium or zoo 

Visiting an aquarium or zoo offers the same benefits as a museum or art gallery, though not as high brow. Everybody likes animals. Making your way through the zoo or aquarium also offers numerous Instagram-worthy photo-ops to commemorate your favorite animals and your time together. 

Sage Souza is a junior studying political science and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys long walks on the beach, making too many playlists on Spotify, and retweeting Karl Marx fancams. 

—sageksouza@gmail.com

@sageksouza