6 fun and quirky date ideas
Not so long ago, Going On A Date used to be a simple matter of choosing which café, pub, restaurant or film to go to. The list of options was limited, even if the company was the main attraction so it didn’t matter too much. While I love doing all these things, what strikes me these days is how much more opportunity there is to have varied and original experiences involving trying something new with no shortage of fun or quirky date ideas.
Meeting up is happening again and there’s lots to try and interesting things to invite someone to join you at. The good news is that the hospitality industry is super-keen to encourage business so there might be special deals on offer too. Here are six fun date ideas to try.
Of course, before making any plans you’ll want to check Covid-19 regulations where you’re planning to go and how they affect local venues or activities, and if something isn’t available you can look again at the list!
Novelty Golf
You don’t need to know anything about golf to enjoy the first of my quirky date ideas, just be ready to ‘par-tee’ and to tolerate terrible puns. These days golf type games are for everyone and go by different names – crazy golf of old has become very cool! Look out for fun, themed indoor mini-golf courses that are pure fun and highly Instagrammable, if that’s your thing. You might find yourself putting a golf ball against a backdrop from a classic film, or swinging a club in a mocked-up fairground or junkyard. Music, cocktails, and pun-tastic signage to laugh or groan at enhances the whole experience.
Bakery crawl
Because apparently ‘pub crawls are so last year’! Think baklava instead of beer, and profiteroles instead of prosecco. While there are bakery crawls organised by tour guides it might be more fun and individual to do some online research yourself to locate and then visit interesting-looking patisseries in turn, sampling one of each establishment’s own specialties. Why not use the occasion to sample pastries from different regions which have names as delicious as they taste: pastel de nata (Portugal), mille feuille (France), mooncake (China), and mochi (Japan)?
Location, location, location
If both or either of you enjoy movies as a pastime you might like to find out the film locations of some screen gems and visit them if within travelling distance. Reminiscing over famous actors and unforgettable scenes as you stand in the very place a classic arthouse movie or blockbuster was created gives you the thrill of connection to a memorable moment in cinematic history. Filmmaking is worldwide so you should be able to find sightseeing companies who organise ready-made tours in your part of the world, or browse their websites for ideas you can follow up for yourselves.
Find a walk with a perk
Along with some of the more original quirky date ideas, there’s a good reason why going for a walk has been the classic way for couples throughout the ages to begin to get to know each other. That’s because when you’re new to someone, chatting side-by-side can be easier than face-to-face.
The eye-contact is less full-on and the regular rhythm of walking means that people often speak more openly and fluently than if they were staring at each other across a restaurant table. As well as the chance to open up to each other, make it ‘a walk with a perk’ by including a specific highlight en route: an unexpected view, a glistening fountain, the sound of cathedral bells. Moments like these create shared memories.
Extreme exercise!
The Olympics may be over for now, but for the fit and energetic among us, the modern day rebrand of the assault course is a fun option. These are fresh-air dates with a distinct difference! Designed to test your stamina, the emphasis at mud runs and extreme outdoor courses is on teamwork, not competition, and helping each other succeed, not rivalry. To complete the outdoorsy fun it also features ‘a little muddy mayhem’! Couples who give it a try have commented on its great community spirit, and you might find that completing a challenge together is a really bonding experience.
Escape Rooms
Escape Room experiences will appeal to anyone who thrives on adrenalin and a mental challenge. These timed interactive events are set in a themed environment with names that sound like thrillers or fairytales, in which you work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes. This fast-paced way of finding a solution might even provide you with some helpful ‘clues’ about how you and your date work as a team – and don’t worry, you will be let out at the end if you can’t solve the mystery!
The most important thing to remember meeting up, whether it’s one of these quirky date ideas or not, is…
…how does it feel to spend time together? Does it make you feel natural or awkward, energised or drained? How does the other person treat people with whom you come into contact? If the day doesn’t go exactly to plan can they deal with it with humour and good sense? And — of course — remember they’ll be wondering the same about you!
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