Three First Date Ideas in Raleigh, North Carolina
FRANKIE’S FUN PARK
The newest attraction in Raleigh is Frankie’s Fun Park. It has everything from miniature golf to bumper boats. This is the ideal place for a first date. Playing a round of golf is always a good way to “break” the ice so to speak. There are three different miniature golf courses to challenge even the best player. After you have played a round of golf, suggest either the drop zone ride or a few arcade games. There are even several different go-kart tracks for those daredevils.
This is probably the number one choice for a first date. Unlike the movies you get a chance to talk to each other, find out commonalities, interests, etc. Don’t set a time limit on the date either. Just go and have a good time.
Hours for Frankie’s are as follows: Monday-Thursday 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-Midnight; and Sunday Noon-10pm. Prices vary for each attraction, but if money is tight take in a round of golf. It lasts a bit longer than say the Drop Zone ride or Go-Karts.
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES
If it’s raining or just too cold outside, suggest the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. Originated in 1879 this museum has grown to where it’s currently housed. It boasts several different exhibit halls and includes the only dinosaur with a fossilized heart. Where else can you see something like that? There is even a small cafÃ?© on the fourth floor that offers light fare.
Like Frankie’s fun place, the museum of natural sciences offers a stress-free environment. The museum has something for everyone. It’s a plus if you and your date both like the same thing. This will give you something to talk about. What’s worse than a date where there isn’t any communication? However I wouldn’t suggest the museum as a first date idea unless both are in agreement.
Admission is free, but they are only open until 5pm daily but are closed on holidays.
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART
The North Carolina museum of art is the third choice for a first date. If both like art however, it’s probably a better choice than say Frankie’s or the museum of natural sciences.
There just isn’t pretty art to look at any longer. Blue Ridge, the museum restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner on Friday’s only. If you go on a Sunday however brunch is served from 10:30am-2:30pm. This is also another way to “break the ice,” and a chance to talk.
Four different trails are available for a leisurely walk or bike ride. The House Creek Greenway is the most popular of the four. It winds through the woods, and eventually crosses over the beltline for an amazing view. This is a very long trail so be prepared to do some walking. Not to say this isn’t a necessity, but definitely an option if things are going really well.
In addition to the trails and art, there is the outdoor summer movie series. This could serve as a second date option. However if you and your date decide to take in a movie, choose this. At least you are outdoors and can get away to talk if you so wish.
The art museum is also free. Hours of operation are: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m; Friday 9am-9pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. The museum is closed on Monday’s.
So now you have three choices for your first date. There are many others in Raleigh, but these are by far the best options. Each has its pros and cons but at least you can have a chance to talk. After all, you never know the first date could lead into a second and beyond.
