The 9 of the Quirkiest Yet Most Awesome Date Ideas Ever
Want to hear a somewhat surprising statistic? Only 15% of American adults say that they have ever used an online dating website or a smartphone dating app. What’s more, nearly a quarter of those surveyed said that they would agree with the statement “people who use online dating sites are desperate.”
Of course, there’s also plenty of anecdotal evidence that online dating can be an effective way to approach your love life — or at least your social schedule. One way to ensure that you make a true connection, whether you met online or elsewhere? Do something out of the ordinary. We’ve got some inspiration for you in the form of weird date ideas that will help you stand out from the competition!
9 Quirky, Silly, Unusual, and Just Plain Weird Date Ideas
Let’s face it: going to the movies is a pretty crappy way to spend a date. If you’re trying to get to know someone, spending two hours together without even talking to one another isn’t going to be very effective. Instead, make an impression with these adventurous meet-ups!
1. Up the Ante with Game Night for Two
A little friendly competition is often just what the matchmaker ordered for helping the sparks to fly. Playing a board game provides the perfect amount of interaction that also facilitates conversation. Lots of coffee shops have a stash of games, but you can always pack up your travel-size Scrabble board and head to your favourite cafe.
2. Get Creative with Classes and Crafts
In recent years, paint-and-sip franchises have been opening all across the country. Maybe you’ve even been to one yourself, with your girlfriends, family, or coworkers. But have you ever considered this activity as a fun first date?
You don’t have to be good at painting; the instructors will guide you through the process. Alternatively, check out other crafts and classes at your local community college, maker space, or even big-box stores.
Classes are a great way for you and your date to get the creative juices flowing while you get to know each other. Chances are you’ll share a lot of laughs, too. And whatever the finished project, it will make a great memento of your blossoming romance!
3. Test Your Hand-Eye Coordination At a Barcade
Another popular entertainment trend that’s sweeping the country is the “barcade.” Sip on a craft cocktail or lager while you test your skill at classic pinball and video games like Ms. Pacman, Frogger, Donkey Kong, or Galaga.
Many barcades also offer shuffleboard, skee ball, air hockey, billiards, darts, and the like. Gather up all those quarters you’ve been saving to do laundry and get ready for a fun time.
4. Take the Thrift Store Shopping Challenge
Want to spice up an otherwise ordinary drinks-and-dinner date? Head to a thrift store beforehand and shop for one another. Set yourselves a budget — say, $20 — and scour the racks until you find a stylish look. (You can also go in a different direction and seek out the most embarrassing outfit, but that’s probably better saved until you know each other a bit better.)
Once you’re done shopping, exchange bags, stop off somewhere to change, and then head to the bar or restaurant. Make sure to document your new style with plenty of selfies!
5. Pack an Old-Fashioned Picnic
Persian poet and astronomer Omar Khayyám penned the line “A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and thou” way back in the 11th century, but this combination remains perennially popular as the perfect date.
Scout out a good location ahead of time, put together some delicious picnic fare (or stop at a deli for gourmet sandwiches and side salads), and be prepared with a blanket, sunscreen, napkins, and other essentials. Throw in a frisbee so you can work off some of those calories, or indulge in a bottle of bubbly for some instant romance.
6. Embark on a Street Food Crawl
If you’re lucky enough to live in a city that embraces food trucks and carts, and the weather is amenable, go for a street-food crawl. Take turns choosing the trucks, or just wander through a hip neighbourhood and stop whenever a snack strikes your fancy.
This date eliminates the potential awkwardness of a stuffy, tete-a-tete restaurant meal. However, do be careful not to order anything super messy, and ask for plenty of napkins. The last thing you want on a date is to have Korean taco fixings splattered all over your jeans.
7. Initiate a Quest for the Best
Been on a few dates already and feel like it’s going gangbusters? Begin a quest, to be carried out over a few weeks or even months, to find the area’s best nachos, ice cream sundaes, BBQ ribs, Buffalo wings, thin-crust pizza — whatever food floats both of your boats. Score each contender on taste, originality, service, and ambience.
8. Have Your Fortunes Told
Go see a psychic, tarot reader, medium, or another type of fortune teller. You don’t have to be a believer, either. In fact, it might be even more fun with a healthy dose of scepticism. The two of you will have a good chuckle afterwards, remembering whatever cockamamie predictions or insights the fortune teller had. And who knows, maybe she will see romance in her crystal ball!
9. Go Geocaching
Have you ever gone geocaching? This activity is essentially a treasure hunt! Using a smartphone app, choose a cache to hunt for together. Some secret locations might require a bit of a hike, which is great for active folks. But there are plenty to be found in more urban areas, as well.
Before heading out on your hunt, stop at a dollar store and stock up on small gifts to leave in the geocache. These could be toys like yo-yos or kazoos, novelty pencils or pens, keyrings, lapel pins, stickers, bags of hard candy, lip balm, mini flashlights, a deck of cards, or a pair of earbuds.
Have Any of These Ideas Inspired You?
Planning a fun and unforgettable first date isn’t that hard if you just think outside the box. As a bonus, many of these ideas are inexpensive. You will have a better opportunity to get acquainted, you’ll share some laughs, and you’ll save money. What’s not to love?
What is the craziest date you’ve ever been on? Do you have any wonderfully weird date ideas to share? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
