Toronto’s best first-date ideas and spots that will secure a second one
We all experience many firsts in life - first interview, first apartment viewing, first date, but let’s be real. When those “first times” start piling up without leading to many “second times”, it quickly becomes overwhelming, exhausting and even a little hopeless. And when this pattern plays out in dating, way too many first dates can make you question whether finding the so-called “significant other” is even possible.
If you think about it, nothing is quite as exhausting and burnout-inducing as endless first rounds of “So, what’s your favourite colour?” - only to end up without a second date, or even worse, potentially facing the universal fear we all have catastrophized in our heads: being ghosted.
Now, we know why you’re here, and it’s time to stop overthinking and start planning. And, it’s your lucky day because you have landed on the right blog: we’re not just here to help you plan a great first date so you can finally break the cycle of never-ending firsts, we’re also giving you the best spots and date ideas in Toronto, carefully tailored to the different activities you and your potential significant other enjoy.
Step One: Let’s do a very much-needed self-awareness activity
First, let’s take a step back and evaluate what might be keeping you stuck in this never-ending cycle of perhaps poorly planned first dates that never lead to a second, third, or fourth - let alone a potential happily ever after with a potential significant other.
Self-awareness is key, so let’s address some of the worries that have kept us all awake at night at some point:
What if there’s nothing to talk about and the silence is loud and uncomfortable?
What if they don’t like the place we’re meeting at or the plan I suggested?
What if we realize we’re not a good match? How do I even leave the date?
….And so on.
At the core of these worries is one common fear: the unknown. Not knowing how to connect with them, what they like or dislike, where to take them for the first date or how to make a date enjoyable - all of this amount of “unknown” does two things: it spikes your anxiety and it increases the chances of a disappointing first date.
However, there are ways to beat the unknown: the questions you ask, the conversations you have before the first date, and knowing the right spots in the city (which is what we’re here for) are crucial as they can definitely make the difference in having enough information so you can plan a first date that actually leads to a second. All of this said, to set yourself up for success, consider these key questions:
What do you have in common based on prior conversations? If you both love board games, why not meet at a board game café? Having a built-in activity makes bonding easier and more natural.
What are their hobbies, interests and favourite activities? Can you incorporate any of them into the date?
Are there things they absolutely dislike or are 100% opposed to? Do they have dietary restrictions or specific no-gos?
What type of plans do they naturally gravitate towards? Do they prefer daytime or nighttime dates? Outdoor activities or cozy indoor settings?
If you can confidently answer these four questions, we can almost guarantee your first date won’t be, at the very least, awkward, even if it doesn’t lead to a second one. However, we have a winning-or-nothing mindset here: if you implement these recommendations carefully, you will be planning a second date before you know it.
With this preliminary guide in hand and hopefully the right answers to the above questions, here are our top recommendations for first-date activities in Toronto:
For those looking for a meaningful connection, great conversation, drinks, yummy food and board games to play:
Snakes & Lattes:
A lack of conversation is almost always the #1 cause of a bad first date (and let’s be real, it’s one of our biggest fears when planning one). And, honestly, we all need a little boost, A.K.A BOARD GAMES! Not only do they guarantee effortless conversations, but you won’t have to overthink about the “right thing” to say next because, yes, the games do the work for you.
Plus, you can enjoy food and drinks while playing! It’s like going to a restaurant but without the awkward silence when you don’t know what to say. And just to brag a little - we found this review about us on Reddit:
For those into peculiar, niche activities, art and hobbies:
This is where the question, “What hobbies or activities do they enjoy?” comes into play. Trust us, there’s nothing more romantic than showing genuine interest in what your potential significant other likes to do, and crafting a date around it will earn you major bonus points before you even get to the actual date. We’ve handpicked some of our personal favourite spots just for you — explore their websites to learn more!
Pictures are courtesy of Mono Art Studio, Gem Studio, Pinot’s Palette, This Candle Is Lit, and Doki Doki Floral Studio, respectively.
Pottery classes:
Take your date to a pottery class! These workshops typically last a couple of hours, and these places offer multiple sessions throughout the month.
Mono Art Studio (📍87 Wade Ave)
Gardiner Museum (📍111 Queens Park)
The Pottery (📍 498 Runnymede Rd)
Make your own jewelry:
Make your first date an opportunity to create personalized accessories for both of you! And who knows… maybe even a matching bracelet? At these places, you can add custom charms, strings and more.
Armed Jewelry (📍903 Dundas St W)
Bling Bling On Queen (📍448 Queen St W)
Arton Beads (📍523 Queen St W)
Gem Studio (📍The Well, 486 Front Street W)
Just picture this: if you keep dating (and you will after this), that bracelet will serve as a sweet reminder of your first date… how romantic!
Painting classes:
If your date enjoys painting or a relaxing, creative activity, this studio in Toronto offers events and workshops every month that will make for a truly unique and well-thought-out first date.
Pinot’s Palette (📍2866 Dundas St W)
Candle-making and perfume-making classes:
Being obsessed with smells and scents is definitely a thing for many people, so taking your date to a candle or perfume-making class could be the perfect way to turn your first encounter into a sensory, fragrant experience! These places offer monthly workshops and events and provide all the tools you need.
Kandl Artistique (📍88 Avenue Rd)
This Candle is Lit (📍3308 Dundas St W)
Orris Labs (📍326 Davenport Rd)
Chocolate-making:
What screams love more than chocolate? Or better yet - making your own chocolate? This studio offers different combo options you can choose from, and the sessions usually last between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Doki Doki Floral Studio (📍8200 Birchmount Rd)
For those looking for local, themed events, trivia and community game nights:
If you’re looking for events filled with community, euphoria, and plenty of ways to break the ice, with zero awkwardness, Snakes and Lattes’ monthly events are perfect for you! Just picture this: you’ll be in a room full of people doing exactly what you two would be doing, and best of all, a host is there to guide the experience, so you don’t have to overthink your next move on a first date.
Themed Trivia Nights:
If you and your date are obsessed with a specific movie, show or artist, chances are we’re hosting a trivia night about your fave one! Each event features 6 rounds of questions, a fun host to keep things running smoothly (which means your date will be too), and if you two prove to be a trivia dream team, you might win our prizes!
Puzzle Competitions:
These happen multiple times a month, and one ticket covers both you and your date (yes, we’ve been planning this moment all along). Best part? You get to take the puzzle you worked on home - a perfect souvenir from your first date.
Chess Drop-Ins:
We know we keep saying this, but once again, we are serious about seeing first dates and couples thrive. That’s why we offer 2-for-1 admission for just $10 at this event. Play chess, share your strategy tricks, and learn from one of the top chess minds in the city!
General Trivia Nights:
If your potential S/O knows every random fact under the sun, this is your moment. Just hit them with: Hey, I’ve got THE event for you. And yep, it’s our General Trivia Night at our Annex location. You’ll both be tested on everything from music and movies to celebrities, sports, food, games - you name it.
Click the button below to check out upcoming dates and grab your tickets!
For those looking for sporty, high-adrenaline activities:
Pictures are courtesy of Yelp.ca, Pursuit OCR, Planet Splatter, Secret City, and K1 Speed, respectively.
From escape rooms to go-karting, playing sports and fun adventure activities, make your first date an action-packed experience! If you’re worried about having a boring date, trust us, these activities will keep you so full of adrenaline there won’t even be time for uncomfortable silence. (sounds like the dream, right?)
Play tennis or basketball together:
Toronto is a city with hundreds of public tennis and basketball courts. So why not do something a bit unconventional and turn your first date into a friendly match? If you think about it, competition could be a very smart bonding strategy, and if your date is into sports, you might just win their heart by planning a fun match. Here are some courts you can take them to (completely free, BTW):
Trinity Bellwoods Park (tennis and basketball courts)
Dovercourt Park (tennis and basketball courts)
High Park (tennis courts)
Marilyn Bell Park (tennis courts)
Christie Pits Park (basketball courts)
Stanley Park (basketball courts)
Take your date to high-adrenaline activities:
If you need a little boost to be your true self, the adrenaline from these activities will definitely do the trick. You’ll be running, jumping, solving obstacles, tackling strategy games and, just having fun all around! Sessions are usually 90 minutes long and it’s highly recommended to get your tickets online.
Pursuit OCR: Canada’s largest indoor obstacle course (📍75 Westmore Dr Unit A)
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (📍45 Esandar Dr)
Activate - An Active Gaming Experience (📍30 Weston Rd, 1980 Eglinton Ave E Unit 2 & 24 Lebovic Ave)
Turn your date into a friendly(ish) paint war:
If you’re too worried about how to look on your first date, don’t stress - this time, you won’t have to! Both of you will get all painted up while running around and competing against each other. Messy can definitely be romantic, and these sessions usually last 40 minutes.
Immersive Paint Playground by Planet Splatter (📍5120 Dixie Rd)
What about getting lost together?
At Casa Loma, you’ll get to explore and play in its mysterious and intriguing installations, while Daydream Escape Room immerses you in an artsy, dream-like world you won’t really want to escape from! Sessions last approximately 60 minutes.
Escape Room at Casa Loma (📍330 Walmer Road)
Daydream Escape Room by Daydream Adventures (📍1803 Danforth Ave)
Or… Test if your date can compete with your driving skills:
Speed, adrenaline, and driving will be your bonding tools here. You can book between 1 to 3 races, and each race includes 12 laps!
K1 Speed - Indoor Karting (📍75 Carl Hall Rd Unit #9)
For the concert, live music lovers:
Pictures are courtesy of Candlelight Experience and Davie Studios, respectively.
If there’s one truth, it is that music effortlessly creates bonds and expresses more than words can (So if you ever find yourself at a loss for words, music will do the talking for you). And if you’re both music lovers, a smooth date is practically guaranteed since there will already be something you both can easily talk about afterwards.
How about some iconic melodies and… candles?
Oh, the iconic candlelight concerts, where you might find your favourite melodies intertwined with the glow of candles and the piano’s harmony. A creative and romantic experience that sparks connection and bonding among really everyone in the room (and especially you and your date). Check out their website to learn more!
Candlelight Concerts Toronto (📍Multiple locations)
Take your date to a room bursting with energy, dance moves, and pure vibe:
Davie Studios hosts live music shows every month in Toronto, and what makes them truly unique is the element of improvisation. In other words, in the blink of an eye—and in the most unexpected, organic way—you and your date will find yourselves dancing and vibing to the unpredictable rhythms of the night, brought to life by talented local bands. Check out their website to learn more!
The Listening Room by Davie Studios (📍Multiple locations)
For the ones who are into museums, galleries, and art experiences:
Pictures are courtesy of Arcadia Earth, Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum and Museum of Contemporary Arts, respectively.
Take your date to a multi-sensory exhibition:
This is a unique and immersive experience that blends art and technology, all with the goal of inspiring visitors to take action toward a sustainable future. You and your date will be mesmerized by the lights, visual effects, and the art you’ll breathe and experience in this place.
Arcadia Earth (📍The Well, 486 Front St W)
Visit two of the classics:
Two of the city’s classics and must-visit spots for a date! Both museums offer breathtaking installations, seasonal exhibitions, and a rich blend of history and art. And here’s some good news - at the AGO, admission is free on the first Wednesday night of each month, and at the ROM, you can visit for free on the third Tuesday of each month!
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (📍317 Dundas St W)
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (📍100 Queens Park)
Or visit a place that celebrates creativity, contemporary art, and love for the city:
A museum made by and for Toronto, showcasing modern, vibrant, and fresh pieces of art. Not only will this place spark love between you and your date, but you’ll also fall in love with the city itself. Plus, they offer free admission every Friday from 5 to 9 PM!
MOCA Museum (📍150 Sterling Rd)
For the ones looking for outdoor, park activities (summer is just around the corner, yay!)
If your potential significant other loves going for walks in parks and is an outdoorsy kind of person, you’ve got to take them to one of the countless parks the city offers. But before diving in, let’s go over some fun ideas for what you can actually do in these places.
The classic: a picnic
You’ve probably heard it before because it works. Just imagine grabbing your date’s favourite food, some drinks, and having a nice dinner out. Everyone gets invited to dinner, but a carefully curated picnic? That’s something special. It screams, “second date secured.”
Painting in the park
Easy, unique, and romantic. Just head to your closest dollar store, grab some brushes, canvases and paint or watercolour and start creating! Can you imagine how cute it would be to keep the canvas over time? It would always remind you of your first date (yes, once again, we’re thinking ahead and manifesting this for you).
Renting a bike
If you don’t want to just sit around and look at the sky, you’re in luck - there are hundreds of bikes available to rent around the city. Biking never truly gets old, so why not take advantage of the beautiful parks Toronto has to offer and bike through them?
Now, let’s jump into our favourite parks in the city to do these activities:
Riverdale Park (Our personal favourite for picnics and also offers one of the best city views)
Trinity Bellwoods Park
High Park
Maize Park at Humber Bay (One of our favourite parks for biking!)
Toronto Islands (If you feel adventurous and want to add a ferry to the experience)
Trillium Park (It’s in the heart of downtown, so you’ll still be right in the middle of the city)
The final stage: your date is coming to an end… what do you even do, or how do you secure a second date?!
Our answer and personal favourite piece of advice here is simple: just ask them if they want to go on a second date before the first one comes to an end. It might feel terrifying, especially with that fear of disapproval we all know too well, but we highly encourage you to take the risk and ask! If you think about it, not doing so might haunt you for longer. And be confident - after a well-thought-out, carefully crafted first date you’ll plan after reading this article, it’ll be very hard for anyone to say no to a second date.
As a little bonus, if you’re already thinking about what your second date could be, at Snakes & Lattes we’d be more than happy to host it - whether with one of our themed, monthly events or just a casual board game date. One thing we’re known for is witnessing relationships grow from first dates to long-term ones, and that’s something we would absolutely love to keep happening.
With that said, and confidently knowing that this article will put an end to your endless first-date curse, we can’t wait to see you around with your date and soon-to-be significant other. Not just having a first romantic encounter but progressively building a life together - it might sound a bit delusional and out of reach to you right now; but oh, have we seen it happen at our locations.
Trust us, you won’t be the exception.