Top places for your FIRST DATE

The most important thing to remember when picking a first date locale is that you want it to be playful and a little bit unconventional. Every woman has gone on dozens of forgettable first dates -- restaurants and movie theaters have been done to death. So how do you make your first date a memorable one? You want to pick a place where you can have a conversation (impossible in a movie theater), but you don't want to deal with the pressure of having to talk incessantly (that's all there is to do in a coffee shop). Generally, places that were fun when you were a kid make the best first date locales. Plan dates that are centered around an activity, something casual and entertaining that the two of you can do together. Try one of our top 10 first date locales and we guarantee there'll be a date number two.

1: The great outdoors

On your first date you want to show her who you are. So take her somewhere you like to go and do something that you like doing. If you're the outdoorsy type, go kayaking or take her on a hike -- in the winter try snowshoeing or skiing. Just make sure whatever you have planned isn't too strenuous (unless you're certain your date is a fellow outdoors enthusiast and can handle the activity). It should also be noted that some women just aren't the wilderness type. Then again, maybe that means she's not your type either.

2: Flea market

A first date is also an opportunity for you to get to know her. What are her tastes? What does she find funny? Flea markets are filled with cool, quirky stuff you can explore and discuss, providing a great chance for you to get to know one another.

It's a common misconception that you need to fork over a huge wad of cash on a first date. Many women actually find brazen displays of wealth off-putting. Inexpensive dates, like a trip to the flea market as a first date locale, work better because they keep the focus on you and not on your wallet.

3: Skating rink
Ice skating is a classic first date, as evidenced by its appearance in 97% of all romantic comedies. You'll need to find out beforehand if your date knows how to skate, and it's definitely a good idea if you can skate too (at least enough to avoid embarrassing yourself). Roller-skating is a good alternative if you can find a rink to hit up for your first date locale.

4: Sporting event

It may seem counter-intuitive, but a sporting event is a great first date locale. You'll have ample time to talk to each other, but the game action will give you a breather if you need it. You don't need to take her to a big league game either; college basketball or minor league baseball will work just as well. Just make sure you pay more attention to your date than the score.

5: Breakfast joint

Eating on a first date is sometimes a bad idea. You might end up talking with your mouth full or your first kiss could be laced with garlic. However, we're going to go ahead and recommend the breakfast joint as a first date locale. It's an unconventional twist on the traditional dinner date, and it works particularly well for that girl you met at the club the night before. Take her to your favorite greasy spoon for unforgettable French toast or outstanding omelets.

6: Amusement park

Your first date locale should make it easier, not harder, for you to get to know one another. An amusement park works well in this respect. Does your date have a wild streak? Is she willing to try new things? Is she running for the roller coasters or would she rather share an intimate moment on the Ferris wheel?

Where you take a woman on your first date sends significant signals. Take her somewhere she's been a dozen times before and she'll think you're just like every other guy. Take her somewhere unusual, like an amusement park, and suddenly you're the source of new and exciting experiences.

7: The park

The very best first date locales work well regardless of what "type" of girl you're dating. It won't matter if she's athletic or artsy, introverted or out-going. A well-planned day in the park, for example, can be fun for anyone. Pack a picnic and include a decadent dessert. Buy a kite and assemble it together. Teach her how to throw a Frisbee. Plan a few different activities and you'll be sure to keep her interested at this first date locale.

8: The zoo

Most people -- especially single people -- haven't been to a zoo in years, so your date will absolutely be original. Even better, all the animal antics will give you lots to talk about. And who doesn't have fun in a monkey house?

The other good thing about zoos is that they're frequented by families. Take your date to a dimly lit bar and buy her alcohol all night and she's understandably going to be on guard. Take her to a place teeming with kids and koala bears, and she's going to feel comfortable and relaxed. She'll have more fun, and so will you.

9: Bowling alley

Bowling meets just about every criteria of the best dates: it's fun, unusual and easy for everyone to do. Even if one or both of you turns out to be a terrible bowler, who cares? You want to show her you can make anywhere a fun place to be, and you need to know if she can do the same. Can she let loose and have a good time even when she's throwing gutter balls, or does she get uptight and worry about what other people might think?

10: Miniature golf course

The miniature golf course is another relaxed environment that makes for a great first date locale. Plus, your date probably hasn't played mini-golf since she was a kid, which makes it an original date locale. The pace of the game also provides lots of opportunities for conversations and flirting, and you'll get to know her better while you play. Is she competitive? Can she laugh at herself? Does she have a temper? Easy and inexpensive, unconventional with broad appeal, the mini-golf course tops our list as the best first date locale out there.