Dating experts reveal the eight most popular first date ideas

Dating experts reveal the eight most popular first date ideas

Eight most popular first date ideas, according to dating experts

Dating is not easy, and even when you think you’ve found the right person, trying to organize the perfect first date to sweep them off their feet can be a stressful ordeal.

Relationship expert Valon Asani from dating app Dua.com is well aware of this and has analysed Google searches worldwide for some of the most popular, original and cute activities paired with the keywords “near me” to discover which of them will make for perfect date ideas to spice up your evenings or afternoons!

Bowling
Old-fashioned bowling is the undisputed number one with 1,640,000 average monthly searches, and we think it’s with good cause. Apart from being fun and laid back, bowling alleys have it all, from great food to a lively atmosphere which, combined with some honest sportsmanship will make a great recipe for a successful night!

Mini golf
Another one for the sportsy people out there, mini golfing scored 488,000 average monthly searches, and is another great way to have fun while keeping things real, and the right amount of competitive. Paired with a nice dinner afterwards or aperitivo earlier on, your date is going to feel the effort you put into organizing it.

Escape room
This one is for those who are not afraid to be locked in a room with their first date for a while and want their evening to last. Escape rooms gained 483,000 average monthly searches, making it the third most popular activity.

It is not for everyone, but it could be a great way to show off some of your intellectual skills, as well as survival instincts and intuition!

Aquarium
With 382,000 average monthly searches, aquariums are fourth and another great first-date idea. Unfortunately, this won’t be accessible to everyone all the time, but if your city (or a nearby one) has an aquarium, it might be the best idea you’ll ever have. The atmosphere, paired with the sense of comfort and tranquillity that water can provide might be the best combination to hope for a second date.

Arcade
Another old but gold type of location, arcades have 364,000 average monthly searches and are perfect for whoever is trying to recreate that 90s/2000s vibe.

Zoo
Animals are often among people’s favorite things, and if well organized, a trip to the zoo can be a great icebreaker. With 359,000 average monthly searches it is surely one of the favorite activities out there, and it works well as a unique and maybe slightly eccentric first date idea!

Museum
A trip to a museum has never not been romantic and even though the 353,000 average monthly searches might not all refer to a date idea, we know that if your date loves art and quiet places, they will be thrilled with the idea of being taken to one.

Karaoke
But not everybody likes quiet, and that’s why we do recommend trying to go beyond the shyness or your limits and take your date for a karaoke night if you think it will not make them uncomfortable! For sure, the 291,000 average monthly searches are proof of its popularity!

Of course, this is not all, as while it’s nice to organize fun and unique activities, sometimes simple is best, therefore never forget the opportunity to take your date on a picnic, a nice restaurant or just a long walk!

Leicester TV

Merlin Entertainments is inviting families to step into a year of magical adventures with its Spring Sale on Merlin Annual Passes. Perfect for families looking to make the most of quality time together, the pass unlocks entry to over 20 top UK attractions, including the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and more.   With spellbinding savings available just in time for the Easter Holidays, from the 2nd to the 29th March, Merlin Annual Pass packs a year of family fun and adventure into incredible prices from as little as £99, which equates to just £1.90 per week.   From thrilling theme parks like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, to fascinating aquariums, spooky dungeons and historic landmarks, the Pass offers something for everyone. Plus, with exclusive Passholder perks including discounts on food, souvenirs and short breaks, families can enjoy unforgettable days out for less.   The limited time sale applies to all Merlin Annual Pass types including yearly passes and Platinum and Gold Monthly Memberships from just £16.99* per month. Adventurers can unlock a whole year’s worth of fun memories and epic moments saving up to £50** on unmissable days out. Spring Sale prices are as follows: Pass Type Usual Price Wizards Wanted Price Saving All-new Essential Merlin Annual Pass £139 £99 £40 Merlin Gold Pass £239 £189 £50 Merlin Gold Membership £19.99pm £16.99pm £3pm £36 per year total saving Merlin Platinum Pass £299 £249 £50 Merlin Platinum Membership £24.99pm £20.99pm £4pm £48 per year total saving   2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years yet for Merlin Annual Passholders. At Alton Towers Resort, the world’s first Bluey rollercoaster – Bluey The Ride: Here Come the Grannies, will open in the UK’s only CBeebies Land on 28th March. Designed for younger adventurers and their big imaginations, the first of its kind attraction whisks guests through Bluey’s backyard. Featuring Bluey’s House, selfie spots, and fun play activities, little fans can meet Bluey, Bingo and the whole Heeler family live in Big Fun Showtime.   Over at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, pup-tastic fun awaits with the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land called the World of PAW Patrol, which debuts in Spring 2026. Adventure Bay comes to life with four brand new rides, including Chase’s Mountain Mission Ride, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure, perfect for mini-thrill seekers who want to join the heroic pups on immersive rescue missions.   For curious creators, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort will mark its 30th birthday with a  year-long calendar of awesome activities and celebrations. 2026 will see the park filled with cake, live shows, LEGO® fun, with nostalgic surprises for guests of all ages, all to celebrate the iconic attraction where imaginations run free.

Merlin Entertainments is inviting families to step into a year of magical adventures with its Spring Sale on Merlin Annual Passes. Perfect for families looking to make the most of quality time together, the pass unlocks entry to over 20 top UK attractions, including the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and more. With spellbinding savings available just in time for the Easter Holidays, from the 2nd to the 29th March, Merlin Annual Pass packs a year of family fun and adventure into incredible prices from as little as £99, which equates to just £1.90 per week. From thrilling theme parks like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, to fascinating aquariums, spooky dungeons and historic landmarks, the Pass offers something for everyone. Plus, with exclusive Passholder perks including discounts on food, souvenirs and short breaks, families can enjoy unforgettable days out for less. The limited time sale applies to all Merlin Annual Pass types including yearly passes and Platinum and Gold Monthly Memberships from just £16.99* per month. Adventurers can unlock a whole year’s worth of fun memories and epic moments saving up to £50** on unmissable days out. Spring Sale prices are as follows: Pass Type Usual Price Wizards Wanted Price Saving All-new Essential Merlin Annual Pass £139 £99 £40 Merlin Gold Pass £239 £189 £50 Merlin Gold Membership £19.99pm £16.99pm £3pm £36 per year total saving Merlin Platinum Pass £299 £249 £50 Merlin Platinum Membership £24.99pm £20.99pm £4pm £48 per year total saving 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years yet for Merlin Annual Passholders. At Alton Towers Resort, the world’s first Bluey rollercoaster – Bluey The Ride: Here Come the Grannies, will open in the UK’s only CBeebies Land on 28th March. Designed for younger adventurers and their big imaginations, the first of its kind attraction whisks guests through Bluey’s backyard. Featuring Bluey’s House, selfie spots, and fun play activities, little fans can meet Bluey, Bingo and the whole Heeler family live in Big Fun Showtime. Over at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, pup-tastic fun awaits with the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land called the World of PAW Patrol, which debuts in Spring 2026. Adventure Bay comes to life with four brand new rides, including Chase’s Mountain Mission Ride, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure, perfect for mini-thrill seekers who want to join the heroic pups on immersive rescue missions. For curious creators, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort will mark its 30th birthday with a year-long calendar of awesome activities and celebrations. 2026 will see the park filled with cake, live shows, LEGO® fun, with nostalgic surprises for guests of all ages, all to celebrate the iconic attraction where imaginations run free.