200 Date Ideas

Struggling to come up with a great idea on what to do on your date? Say no more. Whether it's your first date or you've been married for years, we have collected over 200 ideas to make your date memorable.

✍️ May 20, 2022

📖 Show Table of Contents 👻 Hide Table of Contents

😂 Fun Date Ideas
🥰 Unique Date Ideas
❣️ First Date Ideas
😘 Second Date Ideas
😍 Cheap Date Ideas
❤️ Free Date Ideas
💋 Cute Date Ideas
💝 Romantic Date Ideas
❄️ Winter Date Ideas
💕 Double Date Ideas

Dating can be fun, but sometimes it’s hard to come up with great ideas! If you are looking for date ideas, then keep reading this article. Don’t forget that sometimes it is nice to break out of old habits and try new things!

Here we have collected 200 date ideas that you and your partner might want to consider. You can find fun, unique, and cheap date ideas, but also suggestions for first dates, second dates, and many more. I guarantee you will find what you’re looking for!

Fun Date Ideas

What’s better than having fun alone? Having fun with your sweetheart! Here are some suggestions for great date activities.

Many people struggle to come up with fun dates because they think of usual ideas, such as a walk in the park, dinner, and a movie. But when you’re trying to find a new date idea, it is important that it isn’t the same as what you do on a daily basis. Try something new and exciting! Here are some fun date ideas:

1. Take a class for something new

There are tons of places that have classes. You can often find them at the local library, a community college, a community center, or even at a craft store or hardware store.

2. Hit up a go-kart track

Tons of fun even though it can be a little expensive. I’ve never met anyone who went around a go-kart track and was bored doing it. Sure, it won’t last all day, but it’s a fantastic add-on activity. Just remember to keep it fun and not too competitive.

3. Go sky diving or bungee jumping

Sure, it’ll be expensive. But it’ll definitely be a date that you’ll both remember for a long time. Just make sure that both of you are game. If your partner isn’t into it, don’t pressure them to do it.

4. Backyard camping or just go camping

This one does require a tent and sleeping bags. Leave the phones in the house or the car. Tell ghost stories, look up at the stars, play cards by flashlight, talk, and enjoy the lack of distractions.

5. Join a fun looking meetup together

There are a lot of meetups these days, and they cover almost every interest. Find one that you think you’ll both find interesting and give it a shot. You can search for meetups in “your town/city” on Google or see what meetup.com has to offer.

6. Take a dance lesson

You don’t need to hit the club to dance, you can take a dance class! Bonus points if you take a dancing class with a type of dancing that you both haven’t tried. Just try not to step on too many toes.

7. Go ziplining

Always nice to do something that gets the heart pumping. It’s a perfect short date idea if you don’t have a full day to have the date.

8. Do some geocaching

It’s like hiking plus surprise presents! It can be a lot of fun searching for the geocache together, and you might just visit some remarkable places neither of you has been before.

9. Go bowling

There is a bowling alley in almost every town and city. Chances are you haven’t been bowling for a while. Go give it a shot. If there is an extreme difference in skills you might not want to keep score, maybe just make it a learning session.

10. Drink and write dirty limericks

This is another short date idea that works really well when you mix it with other date ideas. All you need is some booze, a pen, and paper or cell phone, and the rhyming scheme of limericks.

11. Do yoga together with a twist

Yoga and booze, yoga outside, hot yoga, naked yoga, all kinds of things you can do to make it more interesting. This is another one that is probably best done with couples that are pretty comfortable around each other. Also, it’s a little on the short side. But yeah, it can be a blast to take yoga and remix it and see if you can make it a fun date activity.

12. Go horseback riding

Again, this one can get a little expensive. But it’s not a standard date idea. If you or your date has never tried horseback riding, it’s something you won’t forget.

13. Go to a VR café / arcade

These are becoming more and more popular. Check on Google maps to see if one has popped up in your area. If there is one in your area, check it out together. You can have an action-packed, creative, or relaxing date at the VR arcade. This is especially memorable if neither of you has tried a full VR setup.

14. Try metal detecting

This can be on the expensive side; you can get a decent entry-level metal detector for around $200. But if you calculate the cost of dinner at an upscale restaurant and a movie ticket plus snack for two, it’s not that far off. And at the end of the date, you’ll have a metal detector! Anyways, it can be a fun excuse to walk around and chat and maybe find some cool stuff. Just make sure to take turns.

15. Have a water gun/balloon fight

This one is definitely a summertime date idea. Running around spraying each other with water and lobbing water balloons can be a great way to have fun and beat the heat. Just make sure to have something lined up for when you finish as this is kind of a short date idea.

16. Go to a local nonprofessional sports game

Like a high school football game or a little league game. Choose a side to cheer for or cheer for opposing teams. Lots of fun and usually quieter than professional sports games. Plus, a lot cheaper. It’ll give you a lot of chances to talk, and you’ll be able to support a local team!

17. Rent a skateboard or longboard and give it a go

So, this one. This one is a bit risky. It can be a lot of fun, no matter what your or their skill level is. But if one of you gets seriously injured, that’s not fun at all. A trip to the hospital does not make for a good date. So, choose this date idea with an ounce of caution.

18. Try on ridiculous clothing/outfits you would never normally wear

The mall or a thrift store is the perfect place to do this. It can get hilarious really quick. And who knows, you might find that you look terrific in an entirely different style than you usually rock.

19. Play some board games or card games at a board game café or a gaming store (they usually have tables set up)

So, depending on how competitive you both are, this idea can be a little dangerous. (Looking at you monopoly.) But as long as you both aren’t taking it too seriously, it can be a blast. Pick out a favorite board game or choose a new one that looks interesting.

20. Go to the nearest amusement park or water park

Amusement parks and water parks are always a blast, so if you’ve got one not too far away, give it a go. It’s, of course, better if you can do it on a weekday, but if you both work all week, weekends are doable as well.

21. Find a place with a rock-climbing wall and go rock climbing

Another fun physical activity you can do together. It won’t be an all-day thing, but it’s great for a short date or as an add-on or backup date.

22. Play a sport or do an activity you are both horrible at or have never done

Some possibilities might be table tennis, bowling, badminton, or something similar. Making sure you are both horrible at it is vital. You don’t want either one of you to take it too seriously. It should be good for a laugh.

23. Rent a convertible sports car or luxury car and cruise around all-day

This is another one that is on the expensive side. But it’s a lot cheaper than buying a sports or luxury car! Just make sure to check the weather before you get the convertible.

24. Play pinball and switch between balls

This is more of a short-date activity idea. It’s probably not a full-date idea unless you both REALLY love pinball. But it can be a lot of fun, especially if you try to beat a high score together on the machine or if you try out a bunch of different machines.

25. Use just a compass and a map to get to someplace cool

Who needs Google Maps? Go old school with a compass and map. Test both of your abilities to find your way to a charming destination.

Unique Date Ideas

Make your date something special! If you want to make your date unique, try one of the following ideas. Stop struggling and pick one of our ideas! This will be a night to remember!

26. Power out date night

Pretend like there is no power and no charge in your devices. Party like it’s 1799! Break out the candles and pull out some card or board games or whatever you usually do when the power goes out.

27. Adult kids party

Have a kids’ birthday party for yourselves. With a cake, a present for each of you, a pinata, pin the tail on the donkey, etc. Basically, whatever party games and decorations you want to rock. Because why should kids have all the fun?

28. Make a homemade pinata together

This one might stretch over a couple of date nights. Basically, you can plan and start your pinata on one date, let it dry, and then on another date, you can decorate it and smash it. It pairs well with the above adult kids’ party idea. Fill it with whatever fun stuff you want. Maybe even each sneak in some surprises for each other.

29. New food night

Try out some new food items that you have no idea if you will like or not. Grab a bunch of fruit from the grocery store that you have never eaten. Grab a bunch of snacks/food/drinks from an international food store that you have no idea what they taste like. Have a taste testing night. You could also film each of your reactions.

30. Fancy fast food feast

Dress in your finest and use your best plates, glasses, and silverware, and candles and have a fancy fast food meal. It can be at home or in a fast-food restaurant. Go super fancy and sophisticated with your burger and fries. You could even pair it with a nice box of wine.

31. Go donate blood together

This one is a much shorter date idea, but it could easily be added to another date idea. It’s definitely not a typical date idea, but donating blood is a fantastic thing to do, so why not do it together?

32. Play fake tour guide/art expert

Go to a museum or historical location. Pretend to be the tour guide or expert and make up outrageous “facts” about the art or the history of the area for your date. Then switch roles. Bonus points if you pick up random people for your tours.

33. Antique shop creativity

Make up histories for the items. Buy old photos and make up identities. Maybe put them in a photo album, buy an old appliance or machine and try to use it. Restore an old piece of furniture. Antique stores have a lot of neat stuff in them. You’ll both probably come home with some neat trinkets or decorations for your house. Plus, you get to guess what some of the old tools/appliances were used for. Lots to talk about and check out in antique stores.

34. Go fossil hunting

This one depends a lot on where you live. In some places, it’s really easy to find fossils, some areas not so much. Look up finding fossils in your area and see where the best places are to look.

35. Create a new type of dessert together

Desserts are great for experimentation because if you slap enough sweet stuff together, it will probably still taste good. So, let your creativity run wild, make a mess of your kitchen, and get decadent with some sweets.

36. Get some sidewalk chalk and get creative

Cheap, fun, and good for a laugh. It’s more fun than you’d expect to make the concrete and asphalt your canvas, even if you are both terrible at drawing.

37. Find some cool science experiment videos on YouTube and try them out

Whether they fail or succeed, you are both sure to have a good time trying them out. Just make sure to go shopping ahead of time to get all the ingredients and create a playlist of stuff to try. You can both choose some videos to try before the date.

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38. Take a factory or brewery or bakery tour

It sounds like a field trip, but it’s usually pretty entertaining. If nothing else, it’s a date idea that neither of you has tried! Plus, if you go for a bakery or brewery tour, you get some tasty samples.

39. Go to a local fundraising event

Do a little good on your date and have fun in the process. There are always groups running fundraising events, and they can be a lot of fun.

40. Go foraging for edible plants and berries and make a meal with them

You’d be surprised how many plants we consider weeds are edible. You and your date definitely need to be very open-minded for this one, but it can be a fun way to cook dinner together and learn about what plants and weeds are edible.

41. Drive around looking for yard sales and see if you can find any cool stuff

It’s like treasure hunting! You can find out what kind of stuff they are into and maybe find some super cool things for yourself. Plus, driving around looking at random people’s stuff leads to some funny conversations.

42. Make a list of missions to accomplish and see how many you can get through

Some examples might be: buy ice cream from an ice cream truck, find 3 payphones, get a bull’s eye, jump over four benches, etc. You need a little creativity for this date idea, but it’s entirely doable. You could also get your date to send some mission ideas as well. This date idea is adaptable and is as fun as you make it.

43. Pretend to be an ultra-wealthy couple, test drive expensive cars, or go to open houses

It can be a lot of fun pretending to be someone else. You can make up fake names and backstories for yourselves as well. See how well you can pull it off.

44. Learn about local history and visit some historical spots

Okay, so not everyone is interested in history, but this can be a great way to learn more about your town. And you’ll get to travel around to places in your town you might not have visited. You’d be surprised how much fascinating history there is in every town and city.

45. Buy a load of modeling clay and see what you can make

This is a bit of a short activity, but it’s great for something to do at the park. Or as an evening activity at home with some wine. Let out your inner artist and make some hilarious creations.

46. Buy some cheap watercolor paint, get a drawing pad, do portraits of each other or dueling landscapes

A great idea if you are both horrible at painting or are both aspiring painters. If one of you is way better than the other, it might not be the best choice. If you are both horrible at painting, it can be a hilarious way to spend a date. And if you are both good at painting, you get to connect over your love of art.

47. Buy a bunch of seeds and plant them all over in random places, see what grows over time

It sounds weird, but it can be a lot of fun visiting new places and secretly or not so secretly planting seeds. It makes you look at your surroundings in a new way. Plus, it’s very cool when you start seeing the plants begin to sprout and bloom.

48. Paint and build a model you are both interested in

Any Walmart or Target will have quite a few models for you to choose from. Pick something you both like and try painting and gluing it together. If you both enjoy it and it turns out well, maybe you found a new hobby. If it turns out terribly, at least you both can have a laugh, and you have a good story.

49. Go to an old cemetery and look at the graves

So, this is definitely not everyone’s idea of a good date. And it really should not be your first or second date. It’s much better for couples who have been together for a while. But a lot of people enjoy the peaceful nature of graveyards and guessing at the stories from the gravestones or trying to find the oldest graves.

50. Buy some Lego kits and put them together

First off, your date has to like Lego. But if they do, it can be fun picking one out together and then putting it together. Perfect for a coffee shop or a trendy bar.

51. Go to a flea market

Going to a flea market can yield some interesting treasures. You’ll always see something unexpected at a flea market. And you can chat about the items and vendors you see.

52. Get lost locally, take back roads you’ve never taken try to find interesting stuff that isn’t on Google maps

Turn off the GPS and see if you can get yourself lost in your hometown. Going down roads you’ve never been down can feel like an adventure, and you never know what hidden gems you might find.

53. Go to an auction

There are all kinds of auctions going on at any point in time. See if you can find an interesting one near you. You don’t need to buy anything, but it can be fun to bid on stuff together. Just getting out and doing something different can be a lot of fun.

54. Try your hands at movie / Halloween makeup and watch horror movies

Go to the local party store, buy some fake blood or Halloween makeup. Spend some time putting it on together, then curl up on the couch and have a scary movie marathon.

55. Go to a town hall meeting or another local political session

Okay, so I was back and forth on whether to take this out or leave it in. But I decided to leave it in because I think it is awesome when people get involved in their local politics. Local politics has a big impact on your daily life and can be a form of politics you can actually make a difference in. Even if it’s just a local town hall meeting or a vote on some local decision. Go check it out. It may be a bit of a dull date, but it’s probably a date idea you’ve never done!

56. Give graffiti a shot but in a legal way

Watch some tutorials online, then head to the hardware store. Grab a piece of plywood or particleboard and some spray cans, and you are off to the races. You could also cut some stencils if you wanted to go that route. Use the particleboard or the plywood as your canvas and have fun.

57. Rent / buy an instrument and learn to play it together

If you both aren’t very musically inclined, this can be really hilarious. And if one of you seems to have a knack for it, hey new instrument you can take up! It won’t be hard to find some tutorials online, and you can spend as much or as little as you want on the instrument. From a kazoo or harmonica to a violin or tuba, instruments run the gamut of prices.

58. Make a time capsule

This is another unique date idea that will be interesting to some and boring to others. After you made sure it’s something you are both interested in, get yourselves a waterproof container and fill it with all kinds of cool stuff. Then find some random place to bury it.

59. Go to a hardware store or a craft store and pick something to make together

Another creative date idea, the sky is the limit on this one. It might help to find something that one of you wants to add to your / their house or apartment and try to make that.

60. If you both play an MMORPG, an online multiplayer shooter, or some other online game you could have a date in-game

Entirely depends on both of you being into gaming, but if you both are, it can be a great date idea and a great way to do something, you both love.

61. Brainstorm a new product or business

Yeah, so this is kind of a weird one. It sounds super boring but can actually be a lot of fun if you both get into it. That being said, you and your date need to be relatively creative to pull it off. But if you do, you can find out a lot about the other person, what they like, what their skills are, and who knows you might come up with a business idea you would like to try.

62. Find places that are supposedly haunted in your area and visit them at night

If one of you is easily scared, this might not be the best date idea. But if you are both into horror movies and enjoy a good scare, this can be a lot of fun.

63. Do a themed 5k or fun run type of race

You can take these as seriously or as laid back as you want. A lot of people just walk them. So they are perfect for any fitness level. And there are a lot of fun-themed races. Some have bubbles, some you eat during them, some involve getting messy in some way or another. Always good for a date day.

First date ideas

A first date is always a big step in a relationship! I am sure, you want it to be just perfect. Here are some things to consider when picking your first date idea.

There are certain expectations that we all have on our first dates - and if they aren’t met, it can leave us with a bad impression. Here are some tips to help you figure out the best first date idea!

64. Go to a science center if your city has one

Science centers are usually filled with all kinds of fun, hands-on activities. You might think that they are mostly for kids, but what are adults? Kids who got taller. It’ll be fun and exciting. Plus, you’ll both have lots to talk about, and you both might just learn something new.

65. Hit up an art museum

Whether you are both into art or not, an art museum can be a quiet place to walk around and have a conversation. If one or both of you are into art, you can talk about the paintings and what you think of them. If you both aren’t into art, you can always play “pretend to be an expert” and make up things about the paintings and sculptures. Consistently good for a laugh.

66. Play some putt-putt

Chances are you haven’t done putt-putt in quite a while. But, it can be a lot of fun as long as you don’t take it too seriously. Never take putt-putt too seriously, it would be way too frustrating. And with a name like putt-putt, it’s okay to be a little silly.

67. Go to a botanical garden

Quiet and peaceful, botanical gardens are great for strolling around and chatting. Walk around and enjoy all the gardening work that someone else did and be glad you don’t have to deal with all that upkeep. It’s a great place to talk and get to know each other.

68. Go see some live stand-up comedy

Not the best place for conversation, but hopefully, you’ll both get some good laughs at the show. And as long as you both have fun on the date, that’s what’s important.

69. Craft brew tasting

Perfect if you both like beer. You can do this at a bar that serves craft beers or if you want to save some money, you can buy individual bottles at a liquor store.

70. Rent a boat, sailboat, or a paddleboat

For this one, a body of water is a must. But most towns or cities have a few lakes around. And there is a good chance someone is renting out things that float. So, go out on the water and have a good time.

71. See a play or musical

Support your local theater scene and check out a play. You won’t be able to talk during the play, but then again, you can’t talk during movies either. And whether it’s good or bad, you’ll still have something to talk about afterward. It’s a great spin on the traditional dinner and a movie.

72. Catch a sunset

I highly recommend scouting out a good spot ahead of time, and of course, sunsets are best enjoyed with your beverage of choice. You can do a bit of stargazing afterward too, as long as the light pollution isn’t too bad.

73. Play tour guide and take them to your favorite spots

By being a tour guide, you can share some of the places you really enjoy and see if they enjoy the same types of things you do. Plus, you are already familiar with the place so you can show them around and make sure they get the best experience possible.

74. Do some wine tasting at a local vineyard or wine tasting festival

Always good to support locals, and you get some wine in the process! It’s an excellent way to find a new wine you like, plus wine has a way of relaxing nerves.

75. Buy a cheap drone and take turns flying it around and probably crashing it

You can get a drone for the price of a couple of drinks these days, and they are a ton of fun to play around with. I would recommend outdoors away from people, but some drones work okay indoors too. Just make sure not to fly it around breakable stuff. Relax and chat while it charges up after you burn through the battery.

76. Do a pub crawl, coffee shop crawl, thrift store crawl, or any other type of crawl you want

Pick a theme, plot some of them on a map, and go! Works well with some of the other date ideas like renting scooters or bikes to ride around town.

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77. Go to one of those dinner theater/murder mystery places

There’s nothing like dinner and a show. It can be a bit expensive, but if you don’t mind spending a bit more, it can make for a fun and exciting date idea.

Second Date Ideas

On your second date, you can take it a step further and do something more intimate. There is no need to try and re-invent the wheel when thinking of a good date idea! Here are some fun date suggestions for your second date.

78. Do some pub trivia

This one is a fun option if you want some drinks, but don’t want to just sit at the bar together. Now you can sit at the bar and try to answer trivia questions! It gives you a lot to talk about, and you can find out what they are interested in. Whether you win or lose, it’s still a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

79. Hit up an arcade or video game bar

Most cities have a video game bar or arcade, and it’s a great way to have some friendly competition or some coop gameplay. Just make sure to keep it relaxed and casual. Don’t get all ultra-competitive. It might not be the best place for conversation, but it can be a lot of fun!

80. Head to the zoo

Zoos are great places to walk around and talk. It’s casual and relaxed, and with so many animal exhibits, there is always something to talk about. Just be careful. If your date is morally opposed to zoos, it might not be a good idea. Or if your local zoo is a bit run down, it can be a little depressing.

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81. Take a mini road trip to someplace not too far away

Research what there is to do in a town close by and choose something you both will be interested in. It’s like a super mini-vacation to a nearby city.

82. Go to an escape room

These are popping up in more and more places. You go into a room and see if you can solve a mystery using the clues provided. A lot of fun and can be a great way to spend an hour or two.

83. Go ice skating

If your town has an indoor rink or if it is winter and there is a frozen pond, this is a great date idea. Once again, it helps if you are both terrible or both pretty good. But if you are good and your date isn’t, you could always try teaching them how to skate.

84. Hit up a local artist art gallery

Most towns and cities have at least one art gallery for one or more local artists. Go check it out and pretend you are art critics. If there is more than one art gallery, you can hop from one to the other and get an idea of the art scene in your neck of the woods.

85. Find a nearby quirky museum

There are so many small quirky museums. There might just be a few in your city or town or at least not too far away. They can make for fun road trip destinations and can be a lot of fun to walk through and check out all the unique exhibits.

86. See a local band

It’s always great to support local music, and you never know, you might find your next favorite band. It’s not really conducive to conversation, but if you are both into music, it can be a great way to spend the evening.

87. Rent motorized scooters and zip around town

I would recommend those stand-up scooters/skateboards where you have the controller in your hand. A load of fun and a great way to get around. Stop at whichever shops look exciting and make a day of it.

88. Rent bikes and go on a bike trip together

A lot of cities now have bikes you can borrow, and even if yours doesn’t, there is a good chance your local bike shop rents out bikes. Riding a bike around is fun, and even if it’s a bit difficult to chat while riding, you can also talk when you stop for breaks.

89. See what events are happening at the local university or college

Chances are they’ll have talks, events, fundraisers, etc. that you can pick and choose from. Unless you are going to college, it’s unlikely that you’d think to check your local university or college for something to do. But most of them have lots of things going on all month that are open to the general public.

90. Do an animal encounter at a zoo, like swimming with dolphins or hanging out with a tiger

So, I know I already mentioned the zoo, but I thought this deserved its own spot. It can be quite expensive, but as far as date ideas go, it’s something neither one of you will ever forget.

91. Find something touristy in your area that neither of you has done and do that

Most locals never get around to doing the touristy stuff. Find out what is popular in your town on TripAdvisor and pretend to be a tourist in your own town. You can even make up fake personas if you want.

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92. Shooting range, archery, ax throwing

Hit stuff with other stuff! Whether it’s a shooting range, archery range, or ax-throwing range, it can be a ton of fun if you’ve never tried it. And if you have tried it, you can always try to do better this time! This is another one that might be a little expensive but can definitely be memorable.

93. Go to a demolition derby

This depends highly on where you live and if there are any demolition derbies nearby. But if there are, this makes for a really memorable date night. Just make sure to check if it is something your date will be interested in.

94. Redo a field trip you enjoyed as a kid

We all took field trips as a kid. But when have you taken one as an adult? Go get in touch with your inner elementary school self and relive an awesome field trip from the past.

95. Build and launch a rocket

They are less expensive than you might imagine, and they can be fun to put together. But the real fun part is when you launch them. They are a great project to work on together, and you both can share in the experience of launching it.

96. Take to the skies (helicopter tour, hot air balloon, hang gliding, or just a cheap ticket from the local airport)

This one is expensive, and if one of you has a fear of flying, definitely give this one a miss. But if you are up for spending the coin and enjoying a trip through the skies, this can be a ton of fun.

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97. Paint some pottery

There are quite a few places, usually at a mall, where you can go and paint some pottery. Then they fire them, and you’ve got a souvenir from your date!

Cheap Date Ideas

It can be difficult to find a date that is both romantic and affordable! If you’re looking for something fun and cheap, we’ve got some great ideas for you! Here are some of our top picks for the most inexpensive date activities.

98. Budget mad scientist/inventor

Assign yourselves a budget of 10 or 20 dollars. Then go to Walmart or the Dollar Store and see what awesome contraption you can cobble together using only the things you bought with your budget. Creativity meets crafts. It’s cheap, fun, and you’ll probably get a good story out of it!

99. Explore a local national or state park

Chances are that there are at least a couple of national or state parks within driving distance of you. Grab a takeout lunch and go experience what the park has to offer. There’s nothing like getting out in nature to soothe the soul.

100. Rent and beat a game together

This is a great date idea if you are both gamers. You can rent a game and try to beat it together in one marathon session. Just make sure it is either two-player or you both can pass the controller at regular intervals.

101. Get some coloring books and color

This one is on the super relaxed side. It’ll give you lots of time to talk and can be quite soothing. Just make sure it’s something your date will enjoy. You can do it at a park or at a coffee shop.

102. Go to a car show

This one can be kind of hit or miss depending on how much you both like cars. But even if you both aren’t super into cars, it’s a good excuse to walk around and talk. Plus, if you both have never been to a car show, it might be a cool new experience.

103. Play disc golf

This hobby often gets overlooked, but it’s fun and relatively cheap to start. And most towns and cities have a disc golf course. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon and gives you something to do while you are getting to know each other.

104. Go to a local festival or fair

If you live in a smaller town, there might not be so many festivals. But if you live in a bigger city, there are festivals of some type almost every month. Have a look at a city calendar and see if there is a fun festival.

105. Buy a puzzle and hit a coffee shop

Like the coloring date idea, this one is really relaxing. And there is a lot of time to talk and get to know each other. You just have to make sure that your date likes puzzles rather than finding them dull.

106. Jump in the water

This one is kind of seasonally dependent. Going swimming in the winter is not so fun. But there are usually indoor pools as well that you can try. Just make sure your date likes swimming / can swim. You can hit up a lake, community pool, or even buy some cheap kiddie pools.

107. Origami somewhere nice

Even if you’ve never tried origami, it’s something you can pick up and start learning. It’s a lot more fun with some beautiful scenery. So find yourselves someplace nice and fold away.

108. Find a place you can make a campfire and make smores. Beers always go well with a campfire as well

There is something hypnotic about watching a fire. It makes for an easy, relaxing conversation. And who doesn’t love smores?

109. Both of you try to learn a skill or trick that doesn’t take long to learn

There are a lot of skills or tricks that don’t take long to learn. Some examples might be juggling, magic tricks, rolling a coin across your fingers, lockpicking, etc. You can find lists of things like that on Reddit and then find a how-to video on YouTube.

110. Make a bucket list, talk about all the things you put on yours, steal good ideas and brainstorm ideas together

This is a great “get to know you” date idea. You can find out more about their goals and aspirations and see if they match or complement your own. It’s a perfect activity for a coffee shop.

111. Buy and learn a new two-player card game

There are a ton of new card games out there that you can buy. Or you can try learning a two-player card game with a normal deck of cards. Be ready with another date idea just in case this one runs a little short.

112. Read up on some photography tips and go on a photography date and try to take the best photographs around town

Just pretend like you are art students. Go around town and try to take the best pictures you possibly can with your phone camera. Get all artsy and see how it turns out. It’ll be a lot of fun going from place to place, scouting out shots, and you can both have fun looking over the photos at lunch or dinner or over drinks.

113. Find your new favorite show

Before the date, both of you should scout out a few candidates, then watch an episode or two together and decide yay or nay. If you both give an enthusiastic yay, it’s binge time! This is another that works best with couples that have been together for a while.

114. Be local critics, go to parks or things like that and write reviews

Become local Google Maps or Yelp stars. Go out, take some pictures, and give out some honest reviews together. If you want to save some money, go to places that are free like parks.

115. Play badminton in the park

Badminton sets are pretty cheap, and it can be a fun way to spend time in the park. Plus, it is just physically challenging enough to be fun but probably not enough to notice if you have differing levels of physical ability.

116. Listen to a podcast or audiobook together someplace nice

So this is definitely not everyone’s idea of a great date, but a lot of people might enjoy being with the person they love, in a nice location, listening to a good book or podcast. Then if you want some talking time, you can always pause and discuss the book or podcast. A great idea if you are on a road trip as well.

117. Make some different types of homemade salsa

After you make the salsa, what else is there to do but to have some margaritas, and taste test your salsa with chips. Maybe make it into a taco or nacho night. Loads of different types of salsa to try to make to suit all different types of tastes.

Free Date Ideas

Sometimes you just want a stress-free date! Not everyone has the cash to splash, so here are some free date ideas for those on a budget. Here are some of our top picks for having fun without shelling out a penny!

118. Do some legal urban exploring

If you live in a city, there are all kinds of interesting buildings, ruins, nook and crannies, and other interesting spots perfect for urban exploration. So if you both have a passion for exploring and you live in a city, this can be a really cool date idea. Just make sure your date is totally on board, wear appropriate clothing, and stay legal.

119. Go bird watching

Bird watching sometimes gets called boring, but really, it’s a great way to get outdoors. It gives you a reason to wander around in nature. Even if you’ve never done it, there are plenty of online guides out there to get started in your area. If nothing else, it’s probably something the both of you have never done before.

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120. Go jogging

If you are both into fitness and jogging, a jog can be a great way to bond over something you both love. But this suggestion really only works if you are both into jogging. If just one of you is, or if neither of you is, you might give this idea a pass.

121. Go on a walk through a park

It’s relaxing, it’s free, it gives you plenty of time to talk. What’s not to love about taking a walk in the park on a date? You could bring a frisbee, pack a lunch, and make a day of it. A lot of the other date ideas go well with a walk in the park.

122. Find a beautiful place to skip rocks

This date idea is a great way to relax while still enjoying nature. You won’t be doing it all day, but it’s a great add-on to a trip to a park.

123. People watch at a crowded location

Sitting in a crowded place takes the pressure off having a conversation. You can just chat idly about this or that. Or you can discuss the people passing by and what their lives might be like. This one is really dependent on the person. Some people love sitting and people watching, and some don’t. One fun thing to do is create imaginary and fantastical backstories for the people you are watching.

124. Volunteer somewhere

Loads of places are looking for volunteers. Have a volunteer date night, and you’ll be doing something awesome while getting to spend time with your date.

125. Learn some Tai Chi

Relaxing but still difficult. It’s great for your health and wellbeing and can make for a fun and interesting date idea. Especially if neither of you has tried Tai Chi before. There are plenty of YouTube videos, or you could see if there is a class. This is more a short date idea, so try to have something else on had to do before or after.

126. Learn sleight of hand trick together

This is kind of a neat one, because who doesn’t like a good sleight of hand trick? Now you can be the one pulling quarters from people’s ears. There are plenty of YouTube tutorial videos to choose from, just find one that you both like and practice, practice, practice.

127. Go on a hike

No matter where you live, there is probably a hiking trail or at least some kind of walking path within driving distance. Hikes are great because you can chat while you walk. Plus, you can get out in nature and get some exercise.

128. Go to your local library, rent a book, take turns reading to each other and use character voices

With this one, the sillier it is, the more fun it is. Find an interesting fictional book and create some bombastic character voices. You can take turns reading, or each of you does a character.

129. Get stuff done date

Okay, so this sounds horrible, but it actually can be fun, and it’s definitely productive. Oh, and it’s meant mostly for couples who live together. Find some chores or stuff you can do together, blast some music, and open up a bottle of wine or a few beers. It’s a way to make getting stuff done a little more fun, and you get to spend some time together.

130. Find a public place with a lot of litter and clean it up

Similar to volunteering or giving blood, this one is really uncommon for a date idea. And you have to make sure your date will be into it. But if you are both up for it, cleaning up a public space can be a rewarding way to spend the afternoon.

131. Get lyrical and write an original song, bonus points if you can also bust out a tune for it and sing it together

This is a date idea that can be done at a bar or coffee shop, at least the writing can be, you might want to do the actual singing somewhere else. It can be a blast collaborating and is a great way to get creative. Just make sure to have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously.

132. Take some trial fitness classes

Most fitness places have trial classes for free. Give one or two of them a shot. It’ll make for a lively date, and you might even find a class that you are really into.

133. Make some YouTube videos, whether they be instructional, funny, or whatever

Having a common goal or task can be a great way to have a date. And what better than to make goofy videos to put on YouTube. Even if you don’t end up posting the videos, it can be a lot of fun making them together and then looking over them.

134. Both of you download an app/game in which you have to walk or travel around the real world to achieve goals in the game

There are a lot of these games for both Android and iOS. If you search augmented reality games, you’ll probably find quite a few.

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135. Pick out workout videos on YouTube and do them together

Definitely better if you both are into fitness and working out. It doesn’t really work so well if neither of you is into fitness or if only one of you is.

136. Try to take artsy pictures of each other in different locations

Basically, pretend to be photographers. Everyone appreciates a good picture of themselves. And even if neither of you is a professional, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to get some awesome pictures. See if you can get some photography tips online before heading out on the date.

137. Find an interesting neighborhood or suburb and walk and talk

Whether it’s a super-wealthy area or a historic district, find a cool neighborhood and walk around. You’ll be surprised at all the details you pick while walking that you might not normally see while driving.

138. Make slow-motion videos with your phone

Most cell phones these days have a slow-motion feature on them. You would be surprised how cool everyday stuff looks when you smash it or crush it. You could also do some stunts. A full-grown adult that is trying to do something they used to do all the time as kids can be pretty hilarious. Just make sure not to get injured.

139. Go to the nearest airport and get to where you can watch them take off

You’ll have to find somewhere that isn’t unbelievably noisy. I don’t want you all to be losing your hearing. But if you can find a great spot, it really is neat to see these giant tubes of metal defying gravity.

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140. Look through very old newspapers or magazines at the library

Some folks will find this to be super boring, and some will find it extremely interesting. It all depends on the person. But it can be really interesting to find out what people 70 or 80 years ago were concerned about or interested in. You’ll probably find that there are a lot of parallels to today’s news. Plus, old ads are really cool. Just remember when you are going through them not to get too loud.

Cute Date Ideas

Everyone likes to be reminded they are thought of fondly! If you want to impress your date, consider trying one of these cute ideas that will make your partner swoon. You can’t go wrong with our list of cute date ideas!

141. A book club for two

Each of you picks a short story, novella, or graphic novel for the other to read, and then you get together on the date and discuss them over drinks. This one is an excellent idea if you are both into books. But I wouldn’t suggest it unless you are both avid readers. If someone doesn’t read much, it might make them feel like they are preparing for a book report.

142. Do a seasonally themed date

Do some stereotypical seasonal activities together like building a snowman if it’s winter or going to the beach or pool if it’s summer. For fall or spring, you could carve a pumpkin or paint Easter eggs. Have seasonal food and drinks after the activity.

143. Plan the perfect vacation

This works best if you share a laptop. Otherwise, you end up both looking at your phones or looking at your separate laptop. Find a country or countries to visit, choose what you want to do, pick some impressive hotels. You’ll be able to see what they find fun and exciting and maybe get some more date ideas for next time.

144. Build sandcastles together (no beach necessary)

No beach nearby? There’s nothing to worry about. The hardware store sells play sand. Get some of that, a flat surface, some water, a place you don’t mind getting wet and sandy, and you are good to go. You could do a full-on beach day away from the beach.

145. Make matching t-shirts

Making them as ridiculous as possible. If neither of you has done much digital design, I would recommend checking out Canva for putting the images together.

146. Make masks

Most craft stores will carry some type of blank masks, but if they don’t, there is always Amazon. Then just get together, hang out and decorate your masks. You can both do your own thing or have them based on a theme. Whatever works for both of you. Don’t worry if they turn out horrible, that’s part of the fun. Make sure to get some photos together after you finish!

147. Do each other’s make up

So this is probably more for established couples looking for creative date ideas. And you have to make sure both of you are down for it. But if you do this one, it can lead to some HILARIOUS results.

148. Bring your date to the workday

This one is kind of a weird date, and it definitely depends on where you work. But with a lot of workplaces, you can show your SO around, and they can see what you do most days. Plus, a lot of workplaces have some great perks you can take advantage of for a date! This is probably best done on your day off but might be cool, depending on the job.

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149. Start learning a new language together

Sure, you could learn some of the more popular ones. But why not try an uncommon language or something like Esperanto. It would be great to have a language that you both know, but most of those around you don’t.

150. Buy and read some comic books together

Again, both of you will at least have to have a passing interest in comic books. But if you both do, it can be neat to start a new series that you haven’t read before. Try to pick one that both of you don’t know much about. That way, you can both experience it with fresh eyes.

151. Take turns drawing a picture

One person draws one part, and then the other does the next part. Or if you want a really interesting picture, one person draws until a timer runs out, and then the next person goes.

152. Go get henna tattoos together

It’s like getting regular tattoos together but a much lower level of commitment. Just be sure that it isn’t in a place that will interfere with your job. These tattoos last 1 to 4 weeks.

153. Make a collage

Test your artist prowess by making a collage. It takes a while and provides you both with a lot of time to chat and get to know each other. Plus it pairs pretty well with drinks.

154. Have an impromptu 4th of July celebration

Or any holiday. Make a Thanksgiving dinner for the two of you or wear green and go out and have a bunch of beers and bring green food coloring for the beer.

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155. Write a story together

This is another date idea that is a little bit short but is still pretty fun. Get a piece of paper, you write two sentences of a story then pass it to them. Then they write two sentences. And then you write two sentences, they write two sentences, and so on. The story gets pretty crazy pretty quickly.

156. Jump around at a trampoline park or obstacle course

If your city or town has one of these, they are a blast. A lot of laughs, a decent workout, and a whole lot of fun. Just make sure not to get injured.

157. Go on a scavenger hunt together

This is a great way to get out of the house and have fun together without spending too much money. There are lots of scavenger hunt ideas online, you can make one customized for you and your partner, or there are even companies that specialize in scavenger hunts like Let’s Roam.

158. Go to a plant nursery and pick out a plant or two

You can buy a plant or tree together and take care of it or buy one for each of you. It’s a great way to have a souvenir from the date. Just try not to accidentally kill it like I do most of the plants I get. Plus, nurseries have a lot of cool plants, and you can chat as you wander through all the plants.

159. Go to an aquarium or aquarium store

Name the fish and make up backstories for them. Create a little imaginary drama for them like they are finned daytime soap opera characters.

160. Do a photo booth crawl and make silly photos at every booth you can find

This one is a spinoff of the “crawl” idea I mentioned earlier and can be a great way to have a lot of fun on a date. It’s a perfect excuse to act silly. On the way to the next booth, you can plan out what theme you are going to do for your next set. Bonus points if you pick up props for the photos at a dollar store.

161. Find a project on Pinterest or Instructables and make it together

This works well because it gets you both working together. And once you’ve finished the project, you can look with pride at your creation, or if it’s less than perfect, you can always have a good laugh. Plus, there are so many projects out there you are sure to find one that both of you are excited about doing.

162. Watch a movie in the park or at a drive-in movie theater

If there are no drive-ins in your area, make your own. Buy some snacks, find somewhere scenic to park, grab a tablet, put it on the dash.

163. Buy some kites and go fly them, weather permitting of course

Who doesn’t like flying a kite? And when was the last time you flew a kite? This is one of those rom-com ideas, but it’ll be fun. Perfect for a trip to the park.

164. Create a poster for a fictitious band or movie or one for a real one you both like

This can be a really fun project. Let your imagination go wild and try to make it as funny as possible. If you aren’t into digital design, I would recommend Canva to make it easier. It’s free and pretty awesome. If you really want to go all out, you can get it printed out at a print shop and put it up. It would make a great souvenir of a great date.

Romantic Date Ideas

Always aim to sweep your date off their feet! If you’re looking for some ideas on how to make this date the most romantic yet, we’ve got a few suggestions. Here are some of our top picks to help you plan the most romantic date ever!

165. Get a couple’s massage

This is one of the more expensive ideas on this list, but they are a great way to relax together and have some downtime. Afterward, I’d have something relaxing planned like sitting on a bench near a lake or river to continue that chill vibe.

166. Have an upscale picnic

Location is key, so scout out a great spot at a local park. Then go all out with some wine (if they allow booze), cheese, sliced meats, French bread. Spread out a blanket on the ground or at a table, relax, and enjoy being in each other’s company.

167. Take turns listening to each other’s favorite songs

This date idea works really well for those couples who love music. You can introduce each other to awesome music. Nothing bonds people faster than sharing in something that you both love.

168. Movies from your childhood night

Find some movies that had a big impact on both your childhoods, pop some popcorn, and enjoy your trip down memory lane. It will be a great way to connect on some common ground, and you might be surprised at all the things you don’t remember about your favorite childhood movies.

169. Pillow fort party

Just like what it sounds like, make a pillow fort together. And now that you are adults, you can make it even more amazing than the ones you made as a kid. Once inside, do whatever you want, watch a movie, have drinks and chat, snuggle, do some gaming, whatever floats your collective boats!

170. Cook a new recipe together

Find a recipe for something neither of you has ever made and make it. It’s easy to chat while cooking, and you get a dinner out of it as well. You can even make shopping for ingredients part of the date. A bottle of wine or beer helps the cooking process stay fun.

171. Meet each in a bar, assume new identities, and try to pick each other up

This depends a lot on whether you are into role-playing or not. And it is definitely more for couples who have been together for a while. That being said, it can be a great way to spice things up.

172. Create your own couple holiday including traditional food and activities and then celebrate it every year

Make your own holiday that is customized to you and your SO. This works better for established couples and can be a lot of fun setting up a new tradition. You can even break it up into two dates. The first date for planning and the second one for celebrating the holiday.

173. Pick a restaurant with a type of cuisine that neither of you has tried and give it a shot

This one is a bit of a gamble because you won’t know if you both will like the food or not. But if you are both adventurous, it can be a lot of fun experiencing new cuisine together. And you’ve both got a natural topic of conversation to fall back on, the new food! It can lead to a very memorable date.

174. Stargazing road trip

Find the area around your town with the least amount of light pollution, bring some pillows and blankets, don’t forget the mosquito repellent, and enjoy the night sky together.

Winter Date Ideas

Winter can be a wonderful time of year for going on a date! When the cold weather hits, it’s easy to feel cooped up indoors. But spending time outside can still be cozy and romantic!

Here are some great ideas for winter date nights that will have you and your partner wanting more!

175. A foreign country-themed date night

Make that country’s food, listen to music from there, drink booze from there, watch a movie or TV show from there. It’s a fun way to experience a different country’s traditions. This one works best if you pick a country you don’t know much about.

176. Try to make convoluted cocktails

This is always a lot of fun. You can try to make some crazy cocktails that have recipes, or you can try to make an original cocktail. This one can be expensive if you go all out, but if you find the right recipe, it doesn’t have to be too crazy expensive.

177. Make flipbooks

This is another creative date idea that might not fill a full evening, but it is a great way to spend time together doing something creative. It’ll take the pressure off talking by giving you both something to do, and in the end, you’ll have a fun flipbook. You could even put them together so that where one leaves off, the other person’s begins.

178. Brew some beer together

You’ll need a kit or a bunch of equipment for this one, and it can get a little expensive. Also, unfortunately, you both won’t get to try the beer you brewed together that day. But then again, that could be the next date night. All that being said, though, doing something together is very rewarding.

179. Pick a recipe, go shopping, and make a dessert together

Ice cream is a great choice, and there are tons of DIY homemade ice cream methods. And it would work well with the pick your own fruit date idea. But really any baked good is a great choice.

180. Attempt to learn calligraphy

Your first few tries will probably be a bit laughable. Still, it’s easy to start because there are plenty of video tutorials online, and beginner pens aren’t crazy expensive. So, give it a shot, be patient, and just remember failures can be as fun or more fun than successes.

181. Do an Arduino or Raspberry Pi project together

This one is definitely a bit technical, but it’s easier than you might think. There is a ton of documentation out there to help you along and plenty of sample projects to choose from. Perfect if you both like tinkering.

182. Learn the rules of a sport you don’t know much about and watch a game together

You can either watch the sport at a sports bar if there is a game going on or just watch some old games on the internet. There are tons of great sports out there that you’ve probably never even heard of.

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183. Choose a series of movies that you’ll both enjoy, and have a daylong movie marathon in your PJs

Don’t forget the popcorn! This is a pretty chill date idea for those who like staying at home. Some great options for movie series: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Avengers, Harry Potter, Die Hard, Bourne Identity, and The Fast and the Furious. There are plenty of series to choose from.

184. Watch a movie you’ve both seen a bunch and try to make memes from it

There are so many memes from movies and shows. Pick a movie that you both love and see what kind of memes you can pull from it. Post them up in Reddit. Who knows, you might get a few upvotes, and people might use or adapt your meme.

185. Write letters to folks who might want them or folks who don’t

Are you both passionate about something? Write a letter to someone who might be able to do something about it. Love a celebrity or musician? Write them a fan letter. Write a bunch of letters to a bunch of people. Your local representative, celebrities, companies, prisoners, random pen pals in different countries. People underestimate the power of a handwritten letter. You might even hear back from them!

186. Have a cooking competition with whatever food you have in your or their house

If both of you are comfortable with visiting the other’s house on a date or if you live together, this can be an enjoyable way to spend the evening. It forces you both to be creative and can lead to some hilarious results.

Double Date Ideas

Not sure what to do with your couple friends? You are not alone! Making plans for four can be difficult. Have no fear, our list of double date ideas will provide you with lots of entertainment.

187. Find a world record and try to break it

There are some crazy world records out there. Find a few that look like it would be fun to try, and all of you give it a shot. You probably won’t beat the record, but I’m sure you’ll all have fun trying. And if you do beat it, how cool would that be?!

188. Go to a roller-skating rink

Chances are you have a roller rink in your town, and chances are you haven’t visited it in a very long time. So, head on over, lace up, and see how much you remember about skating.

189. Darts or pool (best if everyone is bad at it)

Hit up a bar that has darts or pool and give it a go. There are lots of dart and pool games to try, so look up the rules for a game none of you have played and tried it out. You might find you like pool or darts, or you might just head back to the bar. Either way, a win!

190. Do a themed photoshoot (professional or amateur)

Time to get all dressed up and get goofy. You could stick with one theme or try a few themes. Professional photoshoots are always great, but this one works just as well with cell phone cameras.

191. Go paintballing

So, this one might be a bit intense if they’ve never been paintballing. If you have never tried it, go for it. It’s a blast. Just make sure you are okay with a little bit of stinging pain. Be on the same team though, no need to make your date mad by peppering them with paintballs.

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192. Take a train ride somewhere

Riding a train isn’t very common in a lot of places in the USA. But there is a good chance that there is a train station in your city or town. Just make sure you’ll be able to catch the train back!

193. Play laser tag together

Not as much fun as paintball, but also less expensive and painful. Just make sure your date is up for it. Laser tag, even though it’s pretty awesome, is not everyone’s idea of a fun date.

194. Go pick some fruit at a pick your own fruit farm

Most towns or cities will have a farm where you can pay to pick your own fruit. You can take it back home and eat it fresh or make it into a dessert. Either way, it’ll give you a chance to get out of the house and chat while doing something together.

195. Create your own Olympics for you both to compete in

This works great for double dates or with just two people. Make the events things you both can do equally well or poorly (highest card structure, quickest puzzle completion, etc.). Just make sure not to get TOO competitive with it. You could go all out and get some medals to give out too.

196. Search “challenge” on YouTube and do whatever buck-wild challenges you want

It kind of goes without saying that you should definitely film yourself doing the challenges. Just don’t go overboard and end up in the hospital, while it may make for a good story/video, it would be a lousy date. Have fun with it and see how crazy your date can be.

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197. Find the nearest small stream, make small boats, and then race them down the stream

If you bring along a picnic, you can make a day of it. Of course, this one is very weather-dependent so you’ll have to decide if it will be a nice day out. But even if the weather is bad, we have plenty of other date ideas that are great for inside dates as well.

198. Go to an open mic night. Bonus points if one or both of you gets up on stage

This one can be a bit hit or miss because, at some open mic nights, it’s a little challenging to have a conversation with all the noise. But you’ll definitely have something to talk about afterward, and if one / both of you gets up on stage, it’ll surely be a memorable evening.

199. Set up an obstacle course in the backyard or at a park

This is a really fun one for double dates. Each couple is a team, and it often leads to some hilarious antics. Just remember, as with all the competitive date ideas, try not to take them too seriously. Oh, and try not to injure yourself.

200. Buy cheap RC cars, then race/crash/destruction derby them

There are all kinds of fun things you can do. Set up courses and jumps. Race them. Play tag with them. Cheap is critical, though. Some of the RC cars can get crazy expensive.

Looking for more dating advice? Check out these books for more tips on finding the perfect partner and making your relationships last:

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