max3732 Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 With the woman I've been on a few dates with and will hopefully continue seeing I did an activity for a 2nd date and enjoy it a lot more than just a restaurant since it gave us something to do together and was something I'd enjoy anyway. What we went to was seasonal though and I'm trying to think of other activities that would be fun for us. One idea that I had has bowling, which I know is a dating staple, but I thought it might get boring since I'm not that great a bowler and it's just a single activity. With the arcade near me it has things like air hockey, mini basketball, dancing and a whole bunch of games that to me would be more fun. Plus I grew up with videogames and would be good at them. Would the arcade be an ok venue for date with a woman in her 30s to 40s or if I suggest that as venue would it show me as someone who is immature and hasn't grown up yet? What would be some other non-restaurant ideas?
RecentChange Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 Ehhhh.... Would this be the kind of arcade that children would be at? You are good at video games - has she expressed any interest in video games whatsoever? As a 40 year old woman, I would have NO INTEREST going to an all ages arcade. Never enjoyed video games. That said - in my area there are a number of adult arcades - these places have cocktails and beer, might even serve food, and have a large variety of vintage video games and pin ball. These places are fun - even if I am just watching someone play Street fighter - if I can have a cocktail and be surrounded by adults having fun - that's cool. And I enjoy playing pin ball even if I suck at it. Dave and Buster's (chain) has a similar model - but kids are allowed. I find it less appropriate for a second date - more for a group outing maybe. 4
thefooloftheyear Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 Dave and Buster's?? I used to take my kid there and even at only 17 she wouldn't want to go there now....Id think a grown ass woman would be bored to tears at that type of venue and you will probably lose some man points for even suggesting it...That being said there are some nerdy types of women(not my flavor), that may think its cute... I dunno, man... TFY
Author max3732 Posted December 26, 2019 Author Posted December 26, 2019 12 minutes ago, RecentChange said: Ehhhh.... Would this be the kind of arcade that children would be at? You are good at video games - has she expressed any interest in video games whatsoever? As a 40 year old woman, I would have NO INTEREST going to an all ages arcade. Never enjoyed video games. That said - in my area there are a number of adult arcades - these places have cocktails and beer, might even serve food, and have a large variety of vintage video games and pin ball. These places are fun - even if I am just watching someone play Street fighter - if I can have a cocktail and be surrounded by adults having fun - that's cool. And I enjoy playing pin ball even if I suck at it. Dave and Buster's (chain) has a similar model - but kids are allowed. I find it less appropriate for a second date - more for a group outing maybe. When I said arcade I mean a place like Dave and Buster's. It has a full menu as well as cocktails and beer and I see corporate events advertised on their website. Kids are allowed, but it's not like Chuck E Cheese or anything. I see they have some vintage games like a giant Pacman and pinball as well as carnival type games and other games like pool and skee ball. It just seemed like so many activities we'd be able to find something that we'd enjoy doing together. Then again I don't know how women think and don't want to scare her off by a choice like this So you wouldn't do it other than for a group outing? Would bowling be ok then?
RecentChange Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 (edited) I would not want to go on a date at Dave and Buster's. Cheeeeeesy and the drinks and food aren't any good. If there was an elevated "barcade" - yes. Dave and Buster's - no. What part of the country are you in? Trying to brainstorm ideas for you! Winter can be tough though. My area I am lucky to have lots of date appropriate venues. Super fun adult only indoor putt putt, barcades, many small music venues etc. Edited to add.... Bowling, gets another "eh" from me. Not a bowler myself, and again - kids and families - which at least I like to avoid when setting my sights on romance. Could be fun though if you get a chance to physically show her some techniques I suppose. Edited December 26, 2019 by RecentChange 2
Brennan72 Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 My wife loves going to arcades and playing games. Every woman is different We went to D&B a couple months ago, drank beer, and played games. It was fun
preraph Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 Too many screaming kids. Not at all romantic. you should take her to do something that will show that games isn't the only thing you enjoy. 2
Piddy Posted December 26, 2019 Posted December 26, 2019 Bowling has been a staple for many years. I did bowling on a first date once decades ago and it went very well. If you both suck you'll have lots of laughs. And as was mentioned if you're a decent bowler you can give her tips. You can actually get a touchy feely in showing her some tips.
healing light Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 Some of my favorite places to go in my last relationship included this bowling alley that had arcade games attached to it (air hockey, pac man, a photobooth, etc.), the largest mini golf venue in America with a ton of arcade games inside (including the motorcycles you can race a partner with), and Dave and Busters. I hadn't done arcade games in years prior to this and it was a blast. Just last night my mom and I went to the movies to celebrate Christmas and I convinced her to play air hockey and pac man afterward because they were attached to the theater. She hadn't done arcade games in years and loved it. She's in her early 60s, I'm in my early 30s. However, the air hockey machine was dysfunctional and at Dave and Busters last year one Ghostbusters machine kept crashing and eating our money (it was like circa 2000), so make sure whereever you go has up-to-date games or working machines. So--I say float the idea past her and see if she takes to it. If not, you can always try something interactive like an escape room (never been but I hear it's fun). Lots of adults go to those without any negative connotations.
Ruby Slippers Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 I agree with Recent Change that Dave & Buster's seems a bit cheesy, but a cooler "barcade" could be a lot of fun. However, please note that I'm an overgrown kid at heart and enjoy these kinds of activities. I'd offer it as one option but have backup ideas in case she isn't into it. 1
BaileyB Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 I would be ok with it, as an “early date” if we were looking for something fun to do together that was not too serious. Amusement park, arcade, pool hall, mini golf... It’s nice to change it up sometimes, and just have some fun together. Of course, this all depends on what she considers to be “fun.” What is good fun for you, may not be good fun for her. In other words, you really need to know your audience... 1
Art_Critic Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 Bowling all the way, no to arcade or D&B.. that is more if you have been dating a while just to go have fun not get to know someone. Night bowling is fantastic, the kind where they turn the lights out and all the pins/balls glow with black light..
CautiouslyOptimistic Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 There's a teensy tiny village near me with a few shops, a restaurant, a bakery, and a vintage arcade. It feels like you're stepping right into 1970 when you walk in. I think that's the only type of acceptable arcade to take a date that age to. As far as bowling, just make sure to ask her about it first. As a woman suffering from tendinitis for about a year now, in both arms, I would not physically be able to bowl (even though I like it) until I heal, that's the only reason I'm sensitive to that activity at the moment! 1
smackie9 Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 I'm being Canadian here but how about ice skating? or craft beer tasting. 1
Wanderlust2018 Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 I wouldn’t do Dave and Busters and I’m a guy that grew up with the first Atari and the rise of arcades in the 70s and 80s. I’ve been to Dave and Busters once and I’m a guy who likes music, loud music at that, and still plays Xbox with my kiddos. That said, Dave and Busters had terrible food and blaring music that reminded me of an Abercrombie and Fitch store sans the heavy aroma of cologne and perfume! The ability to actually communicate and get to know someone in a Dave and Busters to me seems nil. I obviously have no idea what part of the world you’re in, but are you on Facebook? The events section lists tons of things, by date and location, if not close to you, perhaps within an easy drive. Other ideas... What about a nearby lake with a picnic and/or renting a canoe? Are you somewhat close to the beach or mountains where you could do the same; a nice drive and pack a lunch or a hike or walk together? How about wine tasting if close enough? If you want to be bold, look up salsa dancing lessons in your local area, pay for one lesson and have fun! Many if not most ladies love to dance. Or if you want to be really bold, pay to take an introductory flight with one of the local pilot license schools. For an hour or two, it’d be super unique and memorable! If you live in California, you can hire me to take you both out on one of my boats, have a nice charcuterie and see some bald eagles in the wild. Don’t think I haven’t done that for a few dates in the past...worked like a charm! 2
Happy Lemming Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 (edited) 56 minutes ago, smackie9 said: ... but how about ice skating? Oh... this is a great idea. I remember ice skating with one woman I dated. Me in my old ice hockey skates and her in her figure skating skates. We also went to the symphony from time to time. How about a comedy club?? You can't go wrong with a date when you are both laughing!! Add me to the "no" list for "Dave & Busters"... I have been to a "Dave & Busters" but it was for a friend's kids birthday party. Edited December 27, 2019 by Happy Lemming 1
Ami1uwant Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 An Arcade can be fine..it just depends on what type it is and the interests of her. bowling can be fine as would something like mini golf. if you live in a winter area there coukd be pkaces for sledding or tubing. there is also ice skating rinks. Most cities have them and at this time of year they have open skating warm sreas you have inline or roller skating. then there is the peddle pub crawl.
kendahke Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 My ex and I used to go have fun at the arcade on Santa Monica pier and we were in our 40's.
snowboy91 Posted December 28, 2019 Posted December 28, 2019 I like the "barcade" idea. It's aimed more toward adults while still having all the main things that make an arcade fun. Don't stress if she thinks it's immature. You're sharing a part of your personality - if she doesn't like it then she's not right for you. 1
ExpatInItaly Posted December 28, 2019 Posted December 28, 2019 This really depends on the woman, but personally (38,F) I would not be very enthused by either an arcade/D&B or bowling. Neither are my thing, never have been. As others have suggested, a barcade would be a better choice. I also like the idea of skating, though that could be then Canadian in me. Craft beer-tasting was also mentioned and I like that suggestion too. But again, this all depends on the individual. Bottom line would be to stay away from venues with too many kids around, really. It can get too noisy and distracting. 1
Lotsgoingon Posted December 28, 2019 Posted December 28, 2019 (edited) Take her where you want to take her ... Or propose the idea ... and see how she responds. I've gone on super-fun dates where the initial venue turned out to be a bust. Just be prepared for a plan b if the arcade doesn't feel good. Really no need to ask about age. If you want to do something, do it. If you look comfortable whatever you do is cool. Had a great date at an amusement park, riding roller coasters. My partner loved it, so did I. The people at the park who were our age were parents with children. We didn't care. What matters for a good date is your energy, her energy. Just show up and go from there ... pay attention and react honestly in the moment. Edited December 28, 2019 by Lotsgoingon 1
spiderowl Posted December 28, 2019 Posted December 28, 2019 It probably depends on the woman but if she has children she might have done this several times before anyway. Why don't you sound her out about what she likes doing? What kinds of things would she like to do in her spare time? Is there anywhere she'd like to go? What is her idea of a great date? 1
alphamale Posted December 28, 2019 Posted December 28, 2019 On 12/26/2019 at 5:12 PM, max3732 said: What would be some other non-restaurant ideas? can you invite her over and cook a meal for her? women like guys that can cook (both in and out of the bedroom)
OatsAndHall Posted December 29, 2019 Posted December 29, 2019 To quote Ben Affleck: "This place is like Spanish Fly!" I wouldn't take a woman to Chucky Cheese but there's a local amusement park that serves cocktails and beer. It's not "upscale" by any means but I've had a number of dates there and every one has been a blast. They have skee-ball, air hockey, mini golf, laser-tag (etc..) and it's a lot of fun when you set the right mood. A couple of women have been skeptical but they relax in a hurry and have fun once I set the right l tone and we play a few games. I've had a ton of bowling dates and I found that this amusement park is really the same type of environment but with more things to do.One woman was friggin' started off bored to death and I was getting ready to suggest something else but one game of laser tag had her running around and laughing like a teen.. Another gal and I pumped ten dollars worth of quarters into an "Aerosmith" shoot-em-up game from the '90's, per her request. I will say this; it shouldn't be the only activity for the evening; we'll go out for dinner and then end up at the amusement park. And, again, you have to set the right mood for these kinds of dates. I exude a fair amount of energy, have a light hearted attitude towards it and have always had fun. Making it work basically comes down to your attitude towards it. It'll be a ton of fun if you can be playful and have a sense of humor about it.
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