You matched on a dating app. You meet through a friend. You had a whimsical rom-com meet cute that blossomed into a butterflies-inducing crush. But now you’re taking things to the next level. You’ve come face to face with one of the most daunting parts of romance: planning the first date. But never fear, we’re here to help! Check out these fool-proof ideas for the first date of your dream. 

Coffee Date

Also known as the holy grail of first dates, grabbing coffee is a low-pressure, alcohol-free way to get to know a person. Whether you’ve been talking for days (or weeks) or you’re going in cold, an afternoon or morning coffee date is an excellent way to get to know a person. Crack a joke about their coffee order, or your own, and jump right into asking them about themselves. If you feel a lull in the conversation, look around you for inspiration. (Coffee shops are ideal spots for people watching!) If the date is going well and you want a change of scenery, finish your coffee to-go. It’s a natural transition to a casual stroll. 

Window Shop

Window shopping is an excellent way to learn about a person’s interests while sharing the neighborhoods or spots you love. Grab a coffee — common theme here — and bob in and out of shops. You don’t have to spend any money, pointing out things you like and trading anecdotes about the things you’re looking at or places you’re visiting is fun in itself. Visiting a bookstore, record store, or hobby shop with a person is a natural, low-stress way to share your interests. Trade music recommendations and pop culture trivia. Show them your favorite books and ask about theirs. With so much to look at, there’s no way you’ll run out of things to talk about. It’s a friendly date idea, and not too serious. Whether or not you shoot for date number two, you’ll likely leave with some new recommendations of new things or places to check out. 

See Some Art

You may be seeing a common theme here, but it’s for good reason! The hallmark of a good date is finding something to do, and museums are lovely places to wander. If it’s not your first visit, you can show each other your favorite pieces or rooms. Reminisce about the exhibitions you’ve seen and the artists you like. Feeling a little too serious? Change the mood by stopping by a particularly bizarre, funky, or old-fashioned gallery. For example: in the MFA Boston there is a giant painting of a man being attacked by a shark. The shark looks like a cartoon. It is absolutely hilarious. Or find a room of those funny folk art paintings where everyone of every age and gender has the same exact face. Instant joke material. You’re welcome! 

Catch a Live Show 

There’s a huge difference between catching a movie and seeing a live show. Movie dates are tempting, but they can make it really difficult to actually get to know the person you’re meeting up with. And unless you’re looking to do a few hours before or after, which is a big time commitment for a first date, you’re not going to get much time face time in the light of day. On the flip side, a live show is a more fruitful way to enjoy an event in a more casual atmosphere. Consider stopping by a comedy or improv show, an open mic, or a free concert at a bar, restaurant, or park. There’s more light and more variety to the experience, and the rhythm of the show and space to walk around make it possible to break up the evening, alternating focusing on the performance and each other. 

Visit a Botanical Garden

This one is a quick and easy warm weather staple. Find a garden or park in your city and meet up for a walk. Soak up the sun! Wind down paths, smelling flowers and snapping photos of the beauty around you. See if you can guess the name of the flowers by looking at them. Play I-Spy. Plan for a small picnic if you’re feeling fancy. Embrace your inner child on a playscape. Enjoy the splendor and silliness of a day spent outdoors. Share your simple joys, and learn theirs, too. The Vitamin D doesn’t hurt, either! 

What’s your ideal first date?