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22 Things to Do on a Date That Aren’t Netflix and Chill

Dinner dates? Nope. Now, it’s about Netflix and chill. Come on people, there are better things to do on a date than sit on your couch for two hours.

things to do on a date

You have no idea how many dates I’ve been offered that consist of me “Netflix and chilling.” Of course, that doesn’t mean just sitting on their couch watching a movie. It means making out on the couch while some movie plays in the background. I’m not saying I don’t like that, but sometimes you just want to get to know someone. What a surprise, eh?

So, don’t just lure your date to your couch *trust me, if they like you, they’ll end up there anyways*. Instead, why not come up with a fun idea that’ll allow you some time to get to know them? That being said, you’re probably wondering about good things to do on a date. Good question.

Fun things to do on a date

Okay, it’s time to be a little creative and use some elbow grease for coming up with fun things to do on a date. Here are some ideas that’ll land you a second date.

1. Rent-a-bike

If it’s a nice day out, why don’t you two rent some bikes and go around the city? There’ll be lots to see, and you can adventure around the town finding out new places.

You’ll be surprised what you can see while on a bike. Also, it’s a good way to see if your date is active and likes spontaneity. [Read: 33 awesome date ideas every couple should try]

2. Theme park

If you find out that your date doesn’t do well with heights, stick to the kiddie rides. Amusement parks are so fun whether you’re on a date or not. So, why not go?

Get the cotton candy, do the Ferris wheel – go all out. Plus, it’s a good way to get the adrenaline and hormones working. Now that’s one of the most fun things to do on a date!

3. Coffee walk

This is a perfect date during fall or winter. It’s a little nippy outside, but you’re both bundled up with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Walk around the city and admire the falling leaves or Christmas decorations. You don’t have to dish out a lot of cash to have a good date. It’s all about the company – am I right? [Read: What to do on a date to have a perfect first date]

4. Festivals

Maybe there’s a Christmas festival or a Jamaican food festival going on. Why not check it out? You can walk around the stands, grab some yummy dishes from food trucks, and watch the live entertainment.

It’ll be fun, and if you two have both never been to this festival, it’s a new experience that you’re sharing together.

5. Bowling

I personally hate bowling, so I don’t think it’s one of the fun things to do on a date. But, shockingly, lots of people actually like bowling. I think it’s because you have the opportunity to touch your date without coming off like a pushy sleaze bag. Whatever.

If you like bowling, then I highly recommend you try it out with your date. Preferably at a place that serves alcohol.

6. Dinner out

Okay, dinner is the go-to idea for a date. However, you can have fun with this one. Why not try a fondue place or hot pot restaurant? It forces you to be more interactive with your food, and it’s not formal and stiff.

You want to be able to laugh and enjoy yourself, not worry if you’re eating with the right fork. [Read: Top 50 amazing first date ideas to wow your date]

7. Cooking class

If you don’t want to do a traditional dinner, then why not go to a cooking class? If you guys don’t hit it off and there’s no second date, at least you’ll have a new skill to show the next person you go out with. See? Win-win!

8. Burlesque show

I highly recommend this idea – it’s one of the best things to do on a date. I went on a date where we went to a burlesque show and it was the best date I’ve ever been on.

Don’t go if your date is more conservative, because it might freak them out. But burlesque shows are amazing and so fun to watch. [Read: 13 naughty date ideas to add a sexy sizzle to love]

9. Salsa dancing

If you’re horrible at dancing, I would take a few lessons before doing this idea. But, salsa or any other kind of dance class is a great way to interact with your partner and show them your moves. You also get to touch them… hehe… that’s right.

10. Go-karting

I have road rage, so I almost killed my date. However, I had a great time. Go-karting is so fun, and although it’s not super personal, it’s fun.

You’ll have something to talk about after and then you can go for a beer or for food. Plus, it’s a great way to unleash your rage – just make sure your date doesn’t see you becoming too possessed behind the wheel. [Read: 15 of the most memorable things to do on a first date]

11. Stargazing

This is a really romantic idea – one that I’ve tried out. I highly recommend it. Bring a blanket, perhaps a bottle of wine, and just stare at the stars.

You don’t need a lot of money to do this, and it’s a very good idea if you really want to get to know them. Maybe even sneak in a kiss or two. Now that’s one of the most romantic things to do on a date. [Read: Creatively cheap – 12 perfect date ideas to have fun on a budget]

12. Kayaking

If your date is into the outdoors, why not go kayaking? It’s exciting – you may even get to see some whales or seals.

But it’s a great way to see nature while getting to know your date. And if there’s some silence, it’s okay, you two are admiring the view.

13. Flea market

Flea markets are busy and hectic – they’re full of life. You can bargain and pick up some great stuff. So, wake up early and meet your date at the flea market. You guys can walk around and chat about what you’re seeing. Then go for breakfast. [Read: Things you should never do on a first date]

14. Go for a hike

Strap on your hiking boots, grab a backpack, and fill it with water and snacks. Head on a hike with your date. It doesn’t have to be a 6-hour hike. Just an easy and enjoyable hike that’ll give you some time to admire nature and get to know each other.

15. Check out a museum

When you live in your city, you probably don’t think about visiting a museum. I mean, you live there, so you have time to see it. But let’s be honest, you’re not going to visit the museum for no reason.

So, why not check it out with your date? If they’re artsy, then it’s even better. This is one of the more heady things to do on a date.

16. Drive-in movie

This is a really cute and romantic way to watch a movie. See if your city has a drive-in movie theater. Watch a movie on the big screen from your car. You can bring your own snacks and hang out.

This is a better way to watch a movie without giving off the impression that you’re expecting something to happen. [Read: 20 ways to perfect your first date conversation]

17. Take a class together

Look in your local paper for upcoming classes or go on Groupon and check out some deals. You can take a class together that is out of your comfort zone.

Maybe you decide on clay-making or painting – who cares what the class is about? The point is to have fun.

18. The beach

Why not have a picnic on the beach? If the weather is warm, you two can even go for a swim. It’s relaxing and isn’t built up as some major event. Which is a great way to reduce the anxiety and awkwardness of first dates.

19. See a live show

Is there a band in town that your date likes? Or even better, a show that you both have never heard of? Why not check it out?

Sure, it may suck, but that’s what will make it fun. Do something unexpected – it’s one of the many awesome things to do on a date! [Read: What to talk about on a first date]

20. Skydiving

This one is extreme, but if your date is into thrill-seeking adventures, then do this. It’ll be a first date that you both will never forget whether it works out or not. I mean, you two jumped out of a plane together! Whoa.

21. Billiards

Ah, yeah. Billiards. This one is kind of a classic date idea and is a great way to get close to your date. Maybe they’ve never played billiards before, so you’re going to have to teach them. Get where I’m going with this?

22. Visit a psychic

Okay, this is probably my favorite. And if you’re a female, you’re going to love this idea. Psychics are a great first date idea. You’ll get your cards read and see into your future. It’s exciting and fun! Who cares if it’s true or not.

[Read: Third date tips to fall in love with each other]

Now that you have 22 ideas for things to do on a date, there’s no need to do a Netflix and chill one. You have no excuse now. So, choose one of these ideas and get going!

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Natasha_Ivanovic
Natasha Ivanovic
Natasha Ivanovic is an intimacy, dating, and relationship writer, and the creator and author of her short stories on TheLonelySerb. She completed her first degr...
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