First Date: Dating Activities to Make a Lasting Impression

You could play it safe with the classic ‘dinner & movie’ combo, but if you really want to make a lasting impression and WOW your date, follow these inspiring dating ideas; sure to turn your first date into a second… a third… even a fourth…

Drive-In movie: All the fun of watching a flick on the big screen, but from the privacy of your own intimate love-buggy! No more worrying about PDA (public displays of affection). Just don’t forget to pack some movie snacks, and a blanket for getting cosy with your date.

Dinner Cruise: If you must do dinner, at least this is a classier setting. Set sail aboard an evening cruise for some sparkling harbour views as you wine and dine your lover.

Salsa Dance Class: Grab those dancing shoes and sign up to a night of sexy salsa dancing. Not only will you be up-close-and-personal with your girl for the duration of the class, but you’ll have the chance to impress her with your steamy and sultry dance moves!

Amusement Park: You get to ride the Ferris Wheel together, share a bag of fairy floss, battle other couples at the dodgem cars, get your caricature drawn, and to top it all off… you can win your date a giant plush teddy! What could be more fun?

Roller Skating: Feeling in the mood for some Saturday night fever? Lace-up a pair of skates and roll with the best of them to some groovy retro tunes. If you can’t skate, don’t worry – you’ve got the perfect excuse to grab hold of your partner tight!

Snorkelling: A trip to the beach may appear to be the perfect date on a scorching summer’s day – until you find yourself squeezed between the seventy-year-old nudist couple and the squealing hoard of kids. Why not grab a snorkel and head to a secluded beach instead? Tip: Double your brownie points by bringing along a picnic basket filled with gourmet sandwiches, chocolates and champagne!

Wine Tasting: Take a relaxing country drive to your local vineyard for some wine and cheese tasting. The drive will give you a chance to get to know each other, while the wine will help calm any first date jitters.

Stand-up Comedy Show: This is a great one to break the ice – a guaranteed barrel-of-laughs, without any pressure on you to crack the jokes!

Zoo: Remember the thrill when you were a kid of an excursion to the zoo. The excitement of cuddling a koala, sniggering at the seal show, and going bananas with the chimpanzees. I have news for you …the zoo is JUST as much fun as an adult!

If you make it to your tenth date… you’re on your own! Remember to relax and just have fun. It’s not like your life hangs in the balance (only your relationship!)

Justin Parfitt is the CEO and Founder of FastLife International, the world's largest speed dating and singles events service. FastLife hosts over 150 events each month in 43 cities in 5 countries, including Speed Dating in San Francisco and Speed Dating in New York