This is valuable information for any guy, or girl, planning a first date. Let us assume you are over the age of 18 and thus not needing the accompaniment of an adult driver. You want to be sure your date not only has an enjoyable time, but remembers you favorably because of it. Let us deal with the worst places first.

The Worst

1. The local Bar or Pub

   Because it’s “local” you may run into people either of you know. This interruption will interfere with your time together, and may even have negative effects if either of you are asked about a former partner. At any local hang out it is easy for these other acquaintances to start up small talk, thus pulling you away from each other.

2. A Trendy Bar or Night Club

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   This is not a good idea because your date may be approached by other people. Often these people are intoxicated and will not respect personal boundaries. This is especially dangerous for men on the first date, because you do not want to hear yourself say “she’s mine, back off”. On a first date, she is definitely NOT “yours”. The noise level makes conversation difficult, save this for a future date, but do not go here on your first.

3. Movies or Plays

   This should be a given for a bad first date. The very nature of movies and plays disallows interaction with your date. The only time this should be considered on a first date is if you have dinner prior, and a bite to eat afterwards. Pick the movie/play carefully.

4. Concerts

   So, you’ve managed to acquire tickets to a “sold out” concert. Now your thinking this is the perfect opportunity to get together with your dream girl or guy, well, if they did not go out with you before hand, and now they will, it is probably because of the tickets and not you. You are setting yourself up for a long line of being used for his/her personal enjoyment. With concerts you open yourself up for a range of disasters, from people hitting on your date, to your date being an overly obsessive fan. The concert is generally going to be more memorable than yourself. There are some types of concerts which may be okay, as you will see below.

5. Sporting Events

   If your favorite team loses, the date will have a sour note. You are not really getting to know each other while watching two teams battle it out on the playing field. At any rate this is about the players, not the two of you. I should not have to explain to you why a Monster Truck Rally is not a good first date.

6. A Family Event

   There is no way a first date should be brought to your family reunion, your sister’s wedding or your nephew’s first birthday party. These events are awkward and boring at best, plus your date will be asked over and over, how long they have known you. As well, work, church, and other social events should be avoided as first date invitations.

7. The Beach

   Both of you may be very self conscious, again worthy of a date location further on, but this is not a good first date location.

8. The Mall

   This is not even a location, but rather a hangout for people who do not know what else do to. Any time you are put in front of a store you are put in the uncomfortable position of possibly feeling compelled to buy something for the other person, especially if you are the one who suggested going to “the Mall” as a location.

9. Private Places

   Your house, or anywhere a date may not feel comfortable is not a good idea for a first date.

The Best

1. Carnivals and Amusement Parks

   As long as you understand the difference between a “date ride” and a “with your friends ride”, these are perhaps one of the best places for a first date. They offer pure joy and entertainment. Stay away from the white-knuckle rides and those with long lines. By sticking to the simpler rides you can have a good time with loads of smiles.

2. A Zoo or Botanical Garden

   The appeal of either is that you can walk around or sit and talk, allowing for a bit of both throughout your date. You are given plenty of opportunities to discuss your personal interests and things you like. Both of you can feel relaxed and more “childlike” at a Zoo. There is no need for formality.

3. Museums

   Make sure you know enough about your date to be certain this is appropriate. There are many kinds of Museums, including Art Galleries, Museums of Natural History and Science Museums. The latter may be a good choice because the interactive displays allow for some interaction and silly times.

4. A Nature Hike

   This is a great opportunity to talk and get to know each other without distractions. Do not climb a mountain or anything too extreme, keep it simple and make sure its in a well used public park so your date does not feel uneasy about being in a remote area. Make sure you go slowly on the walk, throw stones, and enjoy yourselves. Combine this with #5.

5. Picnic in the Park

   You have to plan ahead, make the lunch (find out if your date has any allergies or food preferences), and bring the blanket, this could be coupled with a walk or a boat rental ride. For the guys, this is a great opportunity to show off your culinary skills, if you don’t have any, I suggest you get some. You can often find old style picnic baskets at thrift stores, which adds a bit of a romantic touch.

6. Free Outdoor or “in the Park” Concerts

   In contrast to other concerts mentioned above, these concerts can be a good date. You are not committed to staying in your seat because of ticket price, allowing you to go to a quieter spot if you wish to talk with the music as background ambiance. Yet, still feeling like you are in a public space where you and your date will feel safe.

7. Ice Skating

   Presuming you have a place to do this, and both of you can actually skate. This can be a fun winter date, make sure you can take your date for hot chocolate or dinner afterwards. Time this so there are not a lot of teens or children are on the rink.

8. Bowling, Golf, or other Light Sports

   Not team sports, or anything overly competitive. Something fun and easy, that both of you can do. If you are really good, or obsessive about winning, and your date is not, then this is NOT a good first date. It is only acceptable if both of your skills are at par with each other.
   9.Festivals. This could be an Art Festival, Renaissance Festival, Food Festival, or anything. These are great because they are fun, unusual, and will provide a memorable time.

THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER

Plan on something you both can enjoy, do not try to upstage your date with your knowledge, this is not a time for you to be showing off. This is a time to have fun and get to know each other.

Offer your date a choice, this allows you to see what they like or don’t like, and allows them to pick what they would be more comfortable with doing. I have given you some good ideas, you can come up with more on your own. Good dates are usually ones where you can focus on fun and each other. Bad dates are ones where the attention is off yourselves or the fun is dependent on an outside force (eg. Your team winning the Football game). Places that do not allow conversation between you and your date are not going to be good for first dates.

Please allow room for escape. If a date is not going as planned you need to have a back up plan or way out. A good date plan eliminates risks like drunk people spoiling your time, or screaming children in the background.

You will notice that all the good date destinations allow you to move away from problem areas and you are not confined to one spot.
Of course there are exceptions to any of these, but that is why they are called exceptions. Have fun, and I sincerely hope that this information will allow you have a good memorable time.