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Health & Fitness

Fun Date Ideas That Don’t Involve Dinner or a Movie

I love going to the movies and I love trying out new restaurants.  So any evening that combines the two sounds like a fun evening to me.  Even though dinner and a movie can be fun, it is also a very predictable date night.  Whether you are dating someone new or have been with someone for years, sometimes going on a new dating adventure can be just the thing you and your partner need to kick things up a notch.  Here are some fun date ideas that will get you out of your dinner and a movie rut.

1.    Think “Outside” the Box…

And go outside!  Whether its hiking, biking or ice-skating, physical activity and fresh air may be just what the dating doctor ordered.  If getting too physical on a date is not your thing, try renting a paddleboat.  You will get the benefit of fresh air without working up a sweat.

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2.    The Art of Having Fun

Bring out your inner van Gogh and take a one-day painting or pottery class.  Supplies are usually provided and you get to leave with an original piece of artwork to remind you of your fun experience.

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3.    Dance the Night Away

Whether you already know how to dance or you have two left feet, dancing is a sure way to have fun with your date.   Depending on the type of dancing, some venues will offer a short lesson teaching basic steps before the official dance party begins. 

4.    Knock it Out of the Park

Attending a sporting event doesn’t necessarily mean going to a professional game.  For a change of pace attend a game at your old high school or local team and bring back some of that school spirit.

5.    A Taste of Something Different

Instead of a typical night of dinner, try going to a winery or local venue that has wine or food tastings.  Not only do you get to sample a wide variety of delicious offerings, you also get the opportunity to get to know the taste buds of your date for picking future foodie outings.

6.    Culture Shock

During any given time of the year, St. Louis has plenty of cultural art and music festivals and fairs.  To name a few, the Shaw Art Fair, Japanese Festival, Festival of Nations and Whitaker Jazz Festival are annual events in St. Louis that are a lot of fun.

7.    Be the apple of his/her eye

Spend an afternoon fruit picking.  Depending on the season, you and your date can hand pick fruits including apples, peaches, strawberries and pumpkins.  Extend the date by finding a recipe and using the fruit to bake a special dessert together.

8.    Horse Around

Go on an outdoor adventure with your date and go horseback riding.  If horseback riding is not your thing, another option is to take a more spectator approach to interacting with animals by spending the day at the zoo.

No matter what your interest, these ideas are surefire ways to get you out of your usual dating routine.  Not only will you have the opportunity to try something new but you also could also possibly see a different side of your date that makes you interested in them even more.  Best of all, many of these ideas are budget friendly, so spending a fortune is not a requirement to having a good time.

Michelle Adewunmi is a professional matchmaker and owner of Perfect Pairings, a matchmaking service connecting singles in the St. Louis area. www.perfectpairingsstl.com

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