When dating someone for the first time, it can be difficult to know how to schedule the date so that they have the best chance of getting to know each other. Naturally, we racked our brains trying to find good places to go on a first date, and the traditional movie date doesn’t really give you a great opportunity to talk. So which venues work best? In general, places that allow both of you to have fun and interact with each other. Usually the best ideas are more of the low-key variety that allow the substance and chemistry between the two of you to shine through and not be overshadowed by the environment you are in. Here are 5 great ideas for places to go on a first date.

1) Play miniature golf – Mini golf is something that I love, as that is where my wife and I had our first date. It works because miniature golf is a game that anyone can play. You have enough privacy to talk to each other, but it allows you to joke around and have fun at the same time.

2) Go to an old school picnic in the park – There is something incredibly old-fashioned and charming about going out to the park for a picnic. Pack (or buy) a nice lunch, bring a blanket, and have fun. Afterward, take a walk in the park (maybe even the swings) and just talk and get to know each other. It sounds so simple, but extremely effective.

3) Have fun at an amusement park – Amusement parks are great because there is so much to do. You can ride the roller coasters, earn your stuffed animals by playing carnival games, or just have a bite to eat and walk. Being scared of each other and winning your lady an award are really romantic things. Also, the downtime while walking in the park gives them a great opportunity to get to know each other.

4) Play some games – Much of the excitement and closeness that comes with going to the amusement park together also applies to the games. If you have a place like Dave & Buster’s somewhere nearby, it gives you a great opportunity to have a lot of fun together. There are games, prizes, food, and plenty of opportunities to laugh. If you want a quiet time to talk, you can always duck for a bit and come back to the fun later.

5) Go bowling – Bowling is a great first date idea as there is plenty of time to interact and get to know each other between games and frames. Don’t worry about being a good bowler either. Being bad at it might even make it a lot more fun. Try putting the bumper gutters together and make it much dumber.

Make sure your first date includes lots of fun and alone time with others. Don’t waste the whole night at a movie or a club where they can’t really talk to each other. Getting to know each other should be the biggest goal of the night. A lot of what makes dating fun is when both of you are a little out of your comfort zone. Experiencing things together brings you closer and brings your first memories together. Make sure it’s something you’ll always want to remember and makes both of you smile.

After deciding where to go, make sure you know what to do on your first night. For additional tips on how to make your first date great, check out our Kiss You Back 10 Tips to Make Your Date Great article.