So, you've met someone, maybe online or maybe just in your local supermarket. You've started taking and they have agreed to go on a date with you. Now, where do you take them?

The traditional dinner and a film is okay, but you can do better than that. A first date is all about testing the water, finding out if the two of you are compatible and have a similar view on life. A good first date should be based around conversation but it should also have an element of excitement and distraction. This helps if the conversation dries up and stops there being too much pressure on you both to keep talking.

When you go to see a film, you are sat in the dark and expected to keep quiet, this does not promote conversation and interaction. A meal can also be a bit daunting. People often do not like to eat with strangers and you may feel you have to impress by going to an expensive restaurant you can't really afford. If you have both been on the dating scene for a while, chances are you have been on a number of these types of date and they can all blur into one leaving you a bit jaded.

So how do you take them on a memorable date that you will both enjoy and remember and at the same time find out as much as you can about your potential love interest?

Here are a list of dates ideas which will hopefully achieve all of these aims:

Bowling, Pool, Driving Range, Mini Golf

These are all fun sports which almost everyone can have a go at even if you have never tried before. They will make you laugh and create a bit of friendly competition between the two of you without costing a lot. If you are quite good at the sport, you can teach your date how to play, just don't show off as this won't impress your date. This type of date will be memorable and may involve a little physical interaction all of which will help build a bond between the two of you.

Climbing, Ice Skating, Go Carting

If you liked the previous suggestion but want something with a bit more action, then maybe a more physical sport is right for you. Memories made during high levels of adrenaline are stronger. And there is nothing like a little bit of danger to reveal a persons true personality.

Watching A Sports Match

If you prefer to watch sports rather than play them, you could try a date at a sports match. If both like a popular sport and especially if you support the same team then this could be perfect. If however one of you is less sporty or you support rival teams, why not try going to an unusual sport. For example if you live in the UK, try ice hockey or basketball. A lower league match is usually quite cheap and exciting. Even if you don't know the rules you can have fun finding out together.

Walking, Hiking, Going To The Beach, Cycle Ride

If you live near the countryside and both enjoy the great outdoors, this could be the ideal date for you. A nice walk, or cycle ride chatting and enjoying the scenery together could be a great way to spend the day. It's also completely free.

Rowing

I do mean rowing in a boat, the other type of rowing would be an awful way to spend a first date. If you live near a river or a lake, you could spend the day here. You will have something to look at, apart from your date, and you will be guaranteed a bit of privacy to talk.

Fun Fair, Theme Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Arcade

Bring out the inner child in yourself and your date and you are bound to have fun. Riding roller coasters, winning prizes, getting close to lions or sharks or shooting zombies. All of these will create conversation and lead to a memorable easy day with no pressure or expectations.

Dancing Lesson, Art Lesson, Cooking Lesson, Wine Tasting, Pottery Class

Despite what you might think, learning can be fun. Dancing lessons especially offer the opportunity to get up close to your date in a comfortable safe and fun environment and you've all seen the movie Ghost. You may prefer being in a crowd and you will be able to see how your date interacts with others. Also if you don't get along with each other, at least you will have picked up a new skill.

Museum, Art Gallery, Book Or Poetry Recital

If you had a more intellectual date in mind, you may opt for one of these activities. The majority of these are free and they will give you and your date something deep and thought provoking to talk about.

Picnic

What could be nicer than sitting in a park, public garden or on the beach in the sunshine with a  picnic. You could each make your favourite food or just buy it from the shop. A picnic could be combined with a walk or a boat ride and offer lots of opportunity for conversation.

Local Gig, Comedy Show, Ghost Walk

Simple and relatively cheap date ideas which will allow you to chat and be entertained at the same time. A ghost walk is particularly good in the winter when the nights are at their darkest. It allows you to mix with others at the same time and you will always have someone to hold on to if you should see something scary.

Shopping

Maybe not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a date, but most people male and female like shopping of some sort. It can reveal a lot about your dates personality and attitude to money, both of which are important in a relationship. Try shopping for a gift for a family member the same sex as your date and asking for their advice.

Volunteering

For a very different date why not spend some time volunteering together. Try working a few hours at a soup kitchen. This will show your date that you have a caring sharing side and will let you see if your date has one too. You will be able to see how you interact together and will other people from all walks of life. At the end of the date you will also gain satisfaction from the knowledge that you have spent your time doing something good. This gives you a natural high which is a great feeling for a first date.

If You Must Do Dinner And A Film

If you must do the usual dinner and a film, you can at least spice it up a bit.

Make sure you see the film first so you have something to discuss during the meal. Why not swap the film for a play or trip to the theatre to make it more memorable. Also why not try something different with the meal. Pick a type of food none of you have ever eaten before or go for something less formal and fun like fish and chips.

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