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Dating is never the same. It can be easy when you’re just having a cup of coffee, while it can get complicated when you’ve run out of conversation topics after five minutes. Raise your hand if you’ve experienced this, because you’re not unique. That’s why you can choose to play it safe when dating.
Meeting someone you don’t know yet or barely knows is exciting. That’s why you stay as close to your comfort zone as possible. It’s safe. But sometimes that can mean you get into a pattern where you do the same thing on dates. For example, you go to a different restaurant every time, but the fact that you and your date sit opposite each other remains the same – regardless of what’s on the plate in front of you.
The problem is that once you get comfortable with the other person, routine takes over. Staying in with Netflix becomes an attractive prospect. Standard dates remain the norm. How do you break out of this dating rut? With something outside your comfort zone: a daring, adventurous date.
What is an adventure date?
Most dates are run-of-the-mill activities. From having a drink on the terrace to going out for dinner , these are date ideas that anyone can come up with. They can be fun dates when you first meet, but every now and then it’s good to think outside the box and try something new together. An adventurous date has an element of daring, a sense of risk and a thrilling charge. It’s exciting, thrilling and daring.
Adventurous date ideas aren’t just a great way to spice up your dating routine. They can also help you find each other more attractive. And that’s scientifically proven. Risk-taking, novelty, and daring activities that promote anxiety all release dopamine in the brain—the same chemicals released when you fall in love. To illustrate the potential effects of an adventurous date, let’s look at this example study.
The rickety suspension bridge
Imagine you’re walking across a rickety suspension bridge in windy weather, 200 feet above rocks and a shallow rapid. The bridge swings back and forth, side to side, and wobbles as you cross. You’re holding on to the rope on either side. Yet, you feel like you’re about to fall over the railing with every step. Your breathing changes and your palms start to sweat. Your heart is beating so fast at this point that you can feel it in your mouth. Sound adventurous enough?
It is exactly how researchers Dutton and Aron set up their experiment . They had 85 men walk across a suspension bridge. Some of the men walked across a scary suspension bridge, the one in the example, while the other part walked across a perfectly normal suspension bridge.
Shortly after walking across the bridge, the men were approached by an attractive woman who offered them her name and phone number. Who do you think was more likely to accept the woman’s phone number? That’s right, the ones walking across the scary suspension bridge. And not only that, they were also more likely to call her and ask her out on a date.
This iconic study found that people find each other more attractive in fearful situations. After men felt aroused by the experience on the bridge, they attributed these feelings to the woman they saw immediately afterward. The men reported finding her arousing, but didn’t consider that it was because they had just stepped off a terrifying bridge. Nerve-wracking situations can help make you more attractive on a date, research suggests.
19 Adventurous Date Ideas
You don’t have to jump out of a plane if you want to do an adventurous activity. And you don’t have to go into survival mode in a remote area. There are many more date ideas that flood the brain with feel-good hormones, but are also fairly common. Here are nineteen adventurous date ideas to consider.
1. Take a nature walk
Walking in the park or close to home? That is not adventurous. A walk in a nature reserve is. If there is one in your area, follow one of the off-road hiking trails through the area.
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2. Bungee jumping
For those who are not afraid of heights, bungee jumping is a daring date idea. The adrenaline rush is guaranteed when you jump into the deep. And sharing exciting moments like this makes the bond between you stronger.
3. Ziplining
The zipline is a zip line that can easily have a length of more than 100 meters. You start high and with a speed of more than 50 km/h the zipline moves you through the air to the end point. Spectacular from start to finish.
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4. Cards
It is challenging and bloodcurdling. For the racers and speed demons among us, karting is an exhilarating experience. If you share a love of cars or speed, then karting is the date idea you are looking for.
5. Mudrun
Mark your calendar for the next mud run. A mud run involves following a course with obstacles and hurdles that you must complete in the shortest possible time. Training together for the mud run and pursuing a common goal will give you the runner’s high – a state of euphoria. Combine this with the glory of finishing and it doesn’t get any better than this.
6. Random date
Print out the map of the Netherlands, stick it on a tree and throw each of you one dart at the map. The dart will point to the location of where your date will take place. Choose one of the two options and see what you can do there. In other words: leave dating to fate.
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7. Challenge
Why not come up with your own romantic challenge? You can be creative together in coming up with the challenge and still have fun completing it. Think about:
- Kiss each other when you walk past a red building.
- Try every local 5-star Tripadvisor activity .
- Feed each other food while blindfolded.
8. Amusement park
Although some people already call their own relationships an (emotional) rollercoaster, you could also brave a physical rollercoaster. There is a reason why they also call amusement parks adventure parks: you experience adventures there. A ride on a fast rollercoaster guarantees a big dose of adrenaline.
9. Laser game
You imagine yourself in a dark, deserted city with a weapon in your hand. Will you survive the battle? In a laser game you are released into a maze with others who – just like you – are looking for future victims. Take it on with your date against the other groups and duos that participate.
10. 3D glow in the dark minigolf
We all know about midget golf. But have you ever heard of 3D glow in the dark mini golf? Hit a hole-in-one and discover the magical world of mini golf in a surreal environment. With the special 3D glasses the experience becomes even more vivid.
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11. Escape room
Try to solve all the riddles and puzzles within 60 minutes, before the door is closed for good. In an escape room you feel the tension hanging, while you immediately learn to work together creatively with your date partner.
12. Airbnb Activities
If you didn’t know yet, Airbnb doesn’t just offer a place to sleep anymore. Locals can now also offer activities via the platform. Are you going on a day trip and do you want to combine this with an adventurous experience? You can book these in advance via Airbnb .
13. Jumping
There are so many trampoline parks now that there is sure to be one near you. Show your flexibility and let off steam together on the trampolines during this sporty date . It is for young and old. And not unimportant: you can often enjoy a bite to eat and a drink.
14. Rooftop-diner
What’s even better than dining with your date? Dining at great heights. That’s possible at some rooftop bars and restaurants. Enjoy a breathtaking view while you’re eating. For a dinner with a view, you should mainly be in the west of the Netherlands.
15. Speel Truth or Dare
There are few games more daring than Truth or Dare . This is the blood-curdling game that gives you a choice: tell the truth or do the assignment? If you want to get to know each other better in a daring way, this is the game for you.
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16. Quad biking
Racing over muddy dirt roads on a quad bike: there are few things in life that are more emotional. Rent a quad bike or buggy to go off-road. Join another group or go on a double date for twice the fun. The advantage is that you don’t need a driver’s license to participate.
17. Balloon flight
Some people would never dare to take a seat in the basket, others can’t wait until they get the chance. A hot air balloon ride is not only the perfect date idea for thrill seekers . According to experts, even people with a fear of heights can safely step into a hot air balloon and quickly forget their fear.
18. Helicopter
It may not be the cheapest date idea . But if you have deep pockets, a helicopter ride is an experience you will never forget. And if you want to make it even more exciting, you can have yourself dropped off at an unknown location. You just have to figure out how to find your way back.
19. Skydiving
For those who have said no to all other ideas, there is one more option to consider. Skydiving is on many people’s bucket lists , and for good reason. A parachute jump from an airplane involves a free fall of about 30 seconds. And then you fly through the air for many minutes, with your life hanging in the balance.silk threadstrong cord hangs. Do you dare?
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