20 Creative Date Ideas: Be Original and Have Fun

culled from:http://youqueen.com

by Trina

Although we all love to go out on dinner dates, there are times that dinner and a conversation can be a little too mundane. In fact, after a while, going out for a meal loses its spark, doesn’t it?
I joined a matchmaking service for a little while (which I won’t get into, but I can say it did not work), and had a few dinner dates at nice restaurants. You know, the kind of dates where I was bored out of my mind trying to make conversation when I didn’t really have anything to talk about.
Although first dates are usually dinner or drinks, I have to say I’d rather have a guy take me somewhere a little more interesting. This is especially true if I’ve been dating a man for a while and want to go do something fun and exciting instead of trying to, once again, make a two hour conversation with someone I already know everything about.
When you get bored and stuck in a rut, here are a few creative date ideas that you and your guy can try. It’s definitely not just dinner again!

1. Picnic

I don’t understand why I never see people having a picnic anymore. Picnics are fun, romantic, and you get to pack a cute little package of things you and your partner love the most! Take the day off and go for a picnic together, you’ll have a romantic time (and also get to people watch, so the conversation keeps on going).

2. Sky watching

Many city universities have an astronomy department and offer sky watching events at different times throughout the year. If you want to look at the stars with your man and really enjoy the beauty of our vast universe, I highly recommend having a date night to one of these sky watching events.

3. Sailing lessons

An unusual and a really fun way to spend a summer afternoon is to take a sailing lesson together! You might try it for a day, or, you might decide that you want to really learn how to sail, either way you’ll have fun in the sun (and in the water).

4. Roller skating

Where else can you get exercise and cheesy nachos while trying not to fall on your butt? Never boring, roller skating is a dying art that you and your date should go and relive!

5. Ice-skating

Ice-skating might be a winter sport, but to be honest, I prefer it in the long, hot days of summer. For those above average temperature days there’s no place cooler (pun totally intended) than the ice-rink.

6. Paintball

Are you more of an outdoorsy kind of woman? If so, then you and your guy should definitely go paintballing. In fact, this is an excellent way to wear of some of that relationship aggression you guys have built up over the years.

7. Video games

Want a date that will make him happy and keep your competitive side going? Spend the day challenging each other to different video games. There’s no need to stick to the modern kind, pull out some old Mario Brothers or Sonic the Hedgehog and show off your high school gaming skills!

8. Poker night

Not every date needs to be just the two of you. One of the best ways to keep the spark going and to keep from getting bored with each other is to have a poker night between you and your friends. Grab a deck of cards and a few beers and ante up!

9. Speakeasy

Did you know that there are many cities that have old speak-easy locations you can visit? If you want something historical, yet not quite like a museum, do some research and see if your town has an old transformed speak-easy! It can be quite exciting!

10. 80’s night

Who doesn’t love the 80’s? Bad hair, terrible clothing style, and AMAZING music!! At least one local bar or club in your area is likely to have an 80’s night so you and your partner can dress up your worst and dance to Debbie Gibson or Twisted Sister. Really, how can you pass this up?

11. Bingo

If you think Bingo is just for old people, you’re sorely mistaken! Bingo is actually a lot of fun! You get different colored dotters, you can carry along your bag of lucky charms, and you might, just might, actually win some money. You know you want to yell “BINGO”, don’t you?

12. Paint it yourself

Okay, I’ll be honest with you, it can be a little hard to talk guys into this one, but if you’re able to put on the puppy dog eyes and convince your man to give this a try, then I definitely recommend going to one of those “paint it yourself” ceramic places. Not only is it fun, but you will also have a priceless souvenir of your date to treasure forever.

13. Petting zoo

Here’s the thing. Everybody goes to the BIG zoo. You get to walk around and look at all the fascinating animals “oohing” and “ahhing” over their majestic forms. But, you don’t get to play with the animals, no, you get to look from behind a fence or a thick piece of glass. Add some spark to your zoo trip and go to a petting zoo instead. You get to play with baby goats or feed little pigs…petting zoos are so much fun!

14. Cycling

Do you and your man spend all of your time in the car? Do you miss the freedom and warmth of a stroll in the sun…but really hate going for walks? If so, then you and your guy need to have a cycling date. Get your bikes out (or borrow some from friends) and spend a warm afternoon cycling through the streets of your town enjoying the great outdoors.

15. Reading to each other

Many people overlook the great joy of reading aloud. I, for one, love to listen to someone read because it’s less eye strain and I don’t have to think too hard. I can daydream and picture the events and places in my head without having to reread the same paragraph over and over.
If you and your date take turns reading to each other, as you lay your head in his lap and let him play with your hair, you’ll find that there’s so much more romance involved than just reading by yourself.

16. Seeing a college play

I love the theater, but I can rarely afford to go. Luckily, I live in a university town that has a really good theater program and offers tickets to the public. These tickets are usually very affordable and definitely much lower in price than, say, the opera I love so much.
Also, these guys and gals can act! They often put on a brilliant performance simply because it’s they’re passion and their major. If you have a community college or university near you, take a look on their website and look at their theater program. It’ll be worth your time.

17. Kid’s museum

Do you want a fun date that lets you relive your childhood? Instead of going to one of the modern art museums, or fancy museums where you have to be quiet and NOT TOUCH ANYTHING, go to a kids’ museum instead! Places like COSI have great events like the Titanic Exposition or T-Rex Sue where you can go and interact with the exhibition. It’s tons of fun and will really bring out the kid in you again!

18. Skydiving

Are you and your guy into extreme sports? Are you two just a little bored this weekend? Go skydiving. I know a couple who went skydiving on their second date together (and later ended up married). Not that the two are related, of course, but you never know!

19. Cooking class

Feeling hungry? Instead of going out to dinner, you and your partner should take a local cooking class. Many restaurants and kitchen supply stores offer quick afternoon classes that you can take. If not, then turn on the cooking channel and hang out in the kitchen as you cook along with the show. I guarantee you’ll have fun…and food!

20. Sneaking into a movie

It’s expensive going to the movies these days. I’m not ashamed to admit that I usually end up spending about thirty dollars for my ticket and popcorn. Sometimes, when I’m really bored and really broke, I sneak into a second movie so I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. I’m no angel, people.
If you want a date that will feel a little naughty, but nothing that will land you in jail, sneak into a second film the next time you’re at the movies. You have to time it just right and make sure it’s a theater that doesn’t check your ticket stubs.