As well as avoiding negative side-effects like hangovers, skipping out on perpetual trips to the pub gives you the opportunity to try something unique with your other half. So try these ideas for your next date. You'll not only have fun, you'll also ensure you won't over indulge and end up being sick on your new sweetheart's shoes.

Date 1: get active

Have a walk around town or plan to meet in a nearby public park for your next date. Physical activity buffers awkward first date hesitancy, so it's great for a newer relationship where the conversation isn't flowing yet. Playing a game of frisbee or football will add an extra dimension. Adding an element of competition into your game by wagering ice cream or a cup of coffee on the outcome is another good way to break the ice.

Date 2: volunteer

Sign up to give back to your community together, or as part of a larger group. You'll have the chance to get to know each other's good sides while meeting other interesting people and trying something new. Plus, you get to see how the object of your affection copes when confronted with a confused granny, screaming toddlers or hard labour. Your date will be both productive and charitable so your time won't be wasted, even if you decide you're not as passionate about this romance as you are about litter picking in your local park.

Date 3: flash mob

Find out about an upcoming flash mob in your area or get other couples together and plan your own. Flash mobs can be as simple or outrageous as you like. Amaze the silliest of dates by starting a massive pillow fight in your local square, or impress your politically astute other half by planning a protest flash mob. You'll meet each other's friends, share a one of a kind experience and have something great to laugh about over a (non-alcoholic) beverage afterwards.

Date 4: coffee or tea

Since good cafes don't often stay open late, plan to take your date for an afternoon trip. Though not exactly dinner and a movie, going for coffee or tea is more of a traditional and relaxed route for a date. Not to mention more sophisticated because, hey, it's what people in films do. If you want to make it more unique than your typical trip to the café, choose a location with a lot of variety in flavours of drinks and order something you've never thought to try before. 

Date 5: people watching

If you're planning to go out on the weekend, or a major date holiday, find a place to take a small picnic where you can people-watch the hoards.  If you're far enough away that you can't eaves drop, take turns making up stories about the lives of the passersby. Is Mrs yellow jumper off to meet her long-lost sister? Did Mr funny hat just get sacked from his circus gig? Let your imagination run wild.

Date 6: museum or gallery

Step up your dating game and visit a nearby museum or gallery. Keep an eye out for locations with new or exciting exhibits, so your date is more romantic and less like a school trip. If you're really looking to impress, do a bit of research beforehand, and you'll be looking artistic and intelligent by the end of the day (or evening - check to see which museums have late openings with special events). Very suave.

Date 7: try something new

Get out of your element for your next date and try something completely new. Go horse riding or kayaking or eat at a restaurant that serves a type of food you've never had. Keep your eyes open for opportunities in your area that are sure to be fresh and exciting.

Date 8: go to the zoo

To show off your sensitive side and impress your animal-loving other half, take a trip to a nearby zoo, wildlife park or urban farm. If you love blossoms between gorilla kingdom and butterfly paradise then you've surely found a winner.  But if your date reminds you more of the bearded pigs than the person of your dreams, at least you can ditch them in the reptile house.

Date 9: booze-free clubbing

Don't let your age stop you from going out for a night on the town. Several venues now offer under-18s only club nights which have strict no-alcohol policies. You'll get all the great music and dancing without any overly-friendly old drunks. Plus, if your date's dance moves are sub-par, you're in exactly the right place to scope out a replacement.

Updated: 03/02/2011

Olivia Asiala