37 First Date Ideas That Aren't Awkward, No Matter How Nervous You're Feeling

Not sure what to talk about? Hit up a local book reading in your area, and get the conversation flowing after as you mill around to look at books.

There's nothing like the hustle and bustle of a crowd to make things seem less awkward — plus, there are guaranteed to be fun treats to sample and share.

Go head-to-head at the local arcade (or, if you're lucky, arcade bar) for an instant conversation starter.

Team up together at the local pool hall, or go one-on-one — either way, there's nothing like a little healthy competition to get the party started.

As cliché as it seems, going to a movie is a great icebreaker — plenty to talk about over drinks or dinner afterward.

If you're both the museum type, find a deal to go to one together. Better yet, see if there's an interactive museum or a fun niche one to really spark discussion.

It's hard to feel awkward on a first date when you're hop, skip, and jumping around town with a bunch of tipsy new friends.

Get your retro groove on by trying out some moves at the roller rink — even if you tank, at least you'll be able to laugh at yourselves.

Make some new furry friends as you get to know each other by volunteering to walk dogs or clean up at a local pet shelter.

Get a little bit out of your comfort zone by traveling to an orchard or a local farm — there are usually plenty of other activities there that will help you get to know each other better.

Nothing makes two people feel connected to each other quite like openly guffawing right after they've first met.

Brunch is the best of both worlds — an excuse to get a little bit tipsy to take off some of the pressure, but with a built-in out if you're not feeling it.

Discover the local talent and knock some of your nerves out of the way by dancing the night away at a jazz club.

If you want to literally have your cake and eat it, too, go to a cake decorating class — even if you're not artistically inclined, you'll have plenty to eat afterward.

Challenge each other in mini games or get your adrenaline pumping on rides, where you can get to know each other better waiting in line.

Odds are your area has all kinds of niche walking tours that even locals can learn from — do a quick Google search and see what hidden paths you can explore.

If you're both relatively confident in your wine tasting ability (although honestly, it could be more fun if you're not), head to a local vineyard or a bar offering tastings.

The healthy competition and unmatched greasy side snacks of bowling alleys are the optimum get-to-know-you date.

Find a quirky or used bookstore in your area, and reminisce over your childhood favorites and find hidden gems. Pick out a book for each other to read after the date, so you can catch each other up on date two.

Getting caught up in the heat of the moment with the rest of the fans will help bridge the first few awkward minutes of a first date in no time.

Wake up your inner kids by heading over to a local candy store and carefully curating your own bag of candy, then introducing each other to your favorite ones.

See if your connection is ~written in the stars~ by heading to the local planetarium — check and see if there are any cool events to attend before you go!

There is nothing quite as tried-and-true as a coffee date — if you're feeling awkward going in, try inviting them to one of your favorites so you're on home turf.

Expand your horizons by checking out a local boat tour, where you'll both get a chance to admire your area from an angle you've never seen before.

Is there a band you both like coming to town? Take a risk and make the first date a concert, where you can bond over favorite hits.

There's never a dull moment or an awkward silence at a trivia night, where your wheels are constantly turning.

Put each other to the test by heading to a local rock climbing wall, where the adrenaline of adventure will get the conversation flowing.

If a bar seems a little too cliché, hit a fun themed one in your area — the bars off the beaten path usually have the most worth talking about.

Take yourselves for a whirl at a local ice skating rink, then treat yourselves with coffee or hot cocoa as you nurse your butt bruises after.

If you're nervous about a first date, going out for ice cream is a good way to keep it short and sweet, and easily extend it if you feel a spark.

You'll have plenty to talk about during a joint cooking class — particularly if one of your dishes ends up being superior to the other's!

Head to a matinee or weekday performance of a play, musical, or dance production to get affordable tickets, and share an experience you'll both want to talk about after.

If your area has a board game bar, use it as a no-pressure way to instigate a double or triple date with you and some of your friends.

Whether you're competitive as heck or just there for kicks, mini golf is a great way to get some insight into each other's personalities while enjoying the sunshine.

If you're the kind of person who likes to get real fast, head to a park with one of those workout circuit courses on them and put each other to the test.

Nothing says "budding romance" quite like hanging out with some adorable lil' penguins and making friends with fish!