Ideas for dates

The goal of the first date should be to learn about the other person, so conversation over drinks or a meal suffices.  But the goal of learning about the other person extends to later dates.  A good date would include an activity that involves interaction, and even better if it is an activity where you work together towards a common goal.  This will reveal how compatible your date will be as a partner. 

Here are some ideas for cool dates. You can even find discounts for some of the suggested activities below on websites such as Groupon and Living Social.

1.  Scavenger hunt, adventure game, or mystery/crime interactive show
This is one of my favorites.  It allows you to see how well you work together and involves excitement.  Stray boots and Accomplice have such games in various cities.

2.  Picking fruit or vegetables on a farm
Then you can use these ingredients for the next activity...

3.  Cooking (or baking) together
Preferably a dish that is new to both of you.  Or have a cook-off and pick one main ingredient that each of you must use in your individual dish, then taste each other's dish.  I suggest not preparing a dish with a lot of garlic or onions, so you don't have bad breath later.

From the movie Up

4.  Hot air balloon ride
Make sure your date is not deathly afraid of heights.

5.  Visit a zoo/aquarium, museum, or botanical garden (my favorite time to go is when the cherry blossoms are blooming) - provides a good opportunity to hold hands

6.  Ice skating (another opportunity to hold hands)

7.  Horseback riding

8.  Arcade, fair, or carnival (win her a huge stuffed animal!)

9.  "fests": Oktoberfest, beerfest, oysterfest, film festival, jazz festival, Just For Laughs

10. Amusement park
It has been shown that the adrenaline rush from rollercoasters makes emotions more intense, and therefore, feelings for your date are heightened.

11. Volunteer together (e.g., at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or Habitat for Humanity)
This shows your altruistic side and you get to work together to help others.  Win-win!

12. A (unique) show - either on stage, or at a convention (such as ComicCon or AutoShow)

13. Comedy club, improv show, or poetry cafe
Impress her by reading a poem that you wrote for her in front of the audience!

14. Concert (even better if your date is a fan of the performer)

15. Sporting event (even better if it is the playoffs/finals)

16. Taking a class or lessons together (cooking, sailing, pottery, art, dancing, bartending, archery, photography, martial arts)
You can simulate the scene from Ghost during the pottery class, or paint a portrait of your date!

From the movie Ghost

17. For the adventurer: skydiving, ziplining, bungee jumping, piloting a twin-engine plane, or rock climbing
The adrenaline rush theory also applies here.

18. For those who like water activities: sailing, kayaking, rowboating, rafting, or water skiing

19. For the athletic partner: Training for a marathon/triathalon together or picking up a new sport together

20. Spa day
A couples massage would be ideal after an extraneous physical activity to relax sore muscles.
Men, don't be afraid to get facials too - women appreciate nice skin on their partner as well.

21. For activities/sports that do not require a lot of athletics: billiards, table tennis, bowling, or (miniature) golf/driving range
If she is unfamiliar with how to play or hold the equipment, this allows the guy to get close to her when he shows her.  But if she beats you at the game, don't be a sore loser!  Since I am decent at playing these games, my "test" for men is how they handle it if I beat them.

22. Beach
Be creative in making a sand sculpture together, or have a contest to see who can make the coolest sculpture.
Remember to put on sunscreen since you would not look very attractive sunburned.  You can offer to apply sunscreen on your date, but you are only doing this purely out of concern for sun damage, not because you want to feel them up.  Of course that is the reason.

23. Game night
With friends - interactive games are best (Pictionary, Taboo, Cranium, and Outburst are my favorites).
Or alone - try a bedroom board game! (only if you are up to that point in your relationship)
If you really want to impress your date, create your own board or card game using memories, factoids, or keepsakes from prior dates in your relationship.

24. Just walking around and getting lost (in a safe neighborhood)

25. Stroll/(tandem) bike/rollerblade along the water on a promenade or across a bridge

26. Picnic with a game (board game, cards, frisbee, or ball)
You don't have to picnic in a grassy area.  Be creative.  For example, you can picnic on a rooftop of a building with a nice view (but I would recommend against playing frisbee or ball there!).

27. Planting a tree or landscaping

28. Food, chocolate, or wine tour (or winery)

29. Cruise - either a dinner/sunset cruise, or 1-2 night getaway cruise
Bring Dramamine in case your date gets seasick.

30. (Surprise) road trip or weekend getaway
Even better if there is a theme (e.g., going to Washington DC for the national cherry blossom festival).
Maybe stay at a Bed and Breakfast.
Check for discounts on last minute getaways/cruises/flights.