The latest advice from dating experts? Take a hike!
First dates that involve an activity like hiking or taking a cooking class are 25% more likely to lead to a second date than meet-ups at a bars, restaurants or cafes, matchmaking company Tawkify found.
Hiking especially boasts an impressive 50% success rate, according to data gleaned from the company’s millions of singles and hundreds of thousands of matches during the first quarter of 2025.
“The rise in popularity of activity dates mirrors research that suggests couples who engage in activities together are happier, stronger and more connected to each other,” said Brie Temple, CCO and “Chief Matchmaker” at Tawkify.
“In contrast, bar dates are typically noisy distraction-filled environments that are not the most conducive to authentic interactions and getting to know someone on a deeper level,” Temple added.
Anything that gets people on their feet and experiencing something new in a light and casual environment is preferred, such as visiting a museum, strolling through botanical gardens, attending a concert or grabbing a bite at a food truck, experts say.
Researchers have found that couples who consistently try new things together have increased feelings of romantic satisfaction. A series of studies published in 2019 found people who saw their partners as sources of insight, excitement and new experiences desired them more.
The trend’s popularity and success does vary between generations, Tawkify found.
Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are least interested in going to a bar for their first date and most interested in activity dates, according to Tawkify CEO Chris Kumar, while Millennials and Gen Xers are even open to virtual dates.
And Gen Zers — those born between 1997 and 2012 — see the least success following first dates at the bar in comparison to other generations.
This could be linked to their early adoption of the “sober curious” movement.
Kumar explained: “More singles are seeking alcohol-free ways to connect and create a space for authentic conversation and emotional chemistry to grow organically.”
