First dates can be tricky. You want to make a good first impression and spend quality time in a nice atmosphere, you want to make sure the date commences in a way so that there is something to talk about and some way to avoid awkward silences at the same time, and most importantly if you guys hit it off, first dates are the ones one cherishes throughout. A dinner date is the most tried and tested option, but here are some other ideas to consider for your first date 

Spending time in a park

Taking a stroll through a park together, to stroll one of your dogs or just casually, followed by sitting on the benches and chatting makes quite a comfortable first date. With being surrounded by people there will not be an eerie silence. Conversation is the key to a successful first date. The fresh air will help to keep you relaxed. If you’re both athletic, you could even take a hike.

Visiting an observatory or planetarium

Getting to know a person beneath a starlit sky is not only romantic but a beautiful experience. Even the occasional silence will not feel uncomfortable while gazing at the stars.

Go to a library or bookstore

A visit to the bookstore and browsing through books for two book lovers is the way to start a new bond. There is always plenty to talk about and you get to know the little things about the other person when they talk about a particular book and why they either liked or disliked it. You could even recommend and buy each other your favorite books at the end of a date which would increase the other person’s understanding about you to a great deal.

Explore your city

Quite often we live in a city but haven’t explored the best of the monuments, museums or even art galleries. Play tourist with your date. You’ll have a new place to experience and there will be plenty to talk about as you look at items in a museum together or laugh at the paintings you find silly, or even get an educational trip around a monument.

Go to a concert, gig or stand-up comedy

A new band explored will make up for memories. It does not necessarily have to be a band you end up appreciating but it could be your thing. If you both like a band and they are in town, even better since you will have a lot in common then. A cozy evening in a coffee shop where some locals are performing also makes the list. And if you do not have any of that going around then go for a show of stand-up comedy, humor is an easy way to connect. 

Picnic with home-cooked food

Cook a meal together or for each other and make a picnic out of it. Since cooking together would mean spending time in one of your apartments, it might be too bold for a first date for most. So instead, go for a picnic and perhaps feed your date with a little bit of your love with the effort you put in to cook for them. The thought will always be appreciated.

Watch a movie

Try watching a comedy together. You’ll have a lot in common to talk about afterward and it is the safest option when you don’t know what else to do. At least make sure that whatever movie you watch shouldn’t be something where the other person gets bored completely. Then again, at least there will be enough conversation material whatever the movie may be, even if it sucks or becomes your new favorite.