When dinner and a movie are too played out, there are plenty of other potential casual dates to look forward to. If you and your potential special someone are looking for a way to bond and get to know each other in a low-pressure environment that still feels genuine, take a look at these eight suggestions. These casual date ideas are perfect for anybody to try!
A walk is a simple but fun idea for a casual date. Plan out a scenic route beforehand, and you and your partner can spend a good deal of quality time together. Walking is great because you can make it last as long or as short as you want and gives both of you plenty of time to bond. Unlike some typical dates, like watching a movie, walking will give you the chance to actually talk and learn about each other. It’s not that you are going to run into any huge distractions, and you can find a pace that suits both of you. For more active people, a hike will give you let you admire the scenery of nature and get away from the crowds of cities. Whether you’re taking a walk through the city or a trek through the mountains, getting out and going for a walk will ensure that the two of you will be able to appreciate some gorgeous views and spend quality time together.
Going out to eat is the classic date option, but you don’t always need to go out for a great time and delicious meal. Cooking together for your date gives you both the chance to show how well you work together as partners. You can make a meal more complicated than the average meal, since you have two pairs of hands, as well as getting the reward of a tasty meal resulting from your own effort. Eating at home can be a lot more relaxing, without the pressure of strangers present. It can be nice to plan ahead, get the ingredients for a meal both of you will enjoy, maybe clean up your home a little bit. A few candles works wonders to set the mood. If you don’t necessarily want to cook together, it can be a very kind gesture to cook the meal and have it ready for them when they arrive. This really shows you put in the effort to show your date a good time, while also proving you’re a capable provider.
Another excellent casual date idea can be gaming together. Games always bring out the fun side of people, whether it’s a video game, board game, cards, or whatever else you have to play. Pick a simple and casual game so no one needs to spend a lot of time learning the rules. There are plenty of small two-player games that are great for breaking the tension and letting a couple laugh and forget any awkwardness. It’s hard to stay too stressed when playing a game, so just have a friendly light competition with your partner.
Some people on dates try to avoid embarrassing themselves, worrying that any awkward interaction might be the end of the date. It’s hard to get caught up like that when you’re belting out your favorite song to an audience. When the music is playing, people can’t help but having fun and forgetting about any troubles. Sometimes you might come across as silly, but the context of a karaoke bar makes it all the more charming and endearing. You get to learn all about your date’s favorite music, and if you’re daring, you could even go for a couple’s song. It might be a little cheesy, but it’s cheesy in the best way.
A combination of alcohol and games is never a bad choice. There’s no pressure to drink, of course, but these locations are friendly and light in atmosphere, and a good way to get out while still playing games. Bowling is a classic choice, since it’s a simple game that’s both easy and fun. But there are plenty of other bars like these. Some offer conventional board games to play while you grab a beer. There are even bars with an ax-throwing lounge. It can be a new experience for both you and your date, learning to toss an ax at a target, but it’s low pressure and you can have plenty of fun with it. You could even go for a competition, but just make sure you put down your drink before you reach for the ax.
A romantic picnic is another classic casual date idea. You can find a nice spot in the sun and admire the nature around you, while also having a good meal. All you really need is a blanket and a basket for food, and your date is already set. It’s a nice balance between an intimate setting and a public location– you’ve carved your own little corner for the two of you, while still being around others. Lay down next to each other and stare at the sky and enjoy each other’s presence.
This date can be a fun way to experiment with your fashion tastes. The two of you can pick out outfits together without worrying about prices, and it’s a nice way to get a good sense of your date’s wardrobe tastes. It’s an easy way to pass around compliments, acknowledging what clothes work and steering away from the lesser choices. Have some fun and try on some weird and out-there outfits!
A pretty simple date idea is to take your date to the mall, maybe grab a bite to eat or drinks, and then just people watch. This is a great way for more chances to talk and just learn about your date’s mindset and how they think. Another low-pressure date, it’s easy to bail out if things go wrong, but can lead to more if they don’t. Try coming up with some funny stories and enjoy each other’s company.
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