Five dates that are a little off-script.

One rule: both of you should be in on it

An unusual date should feel like a shared adventure, not an audition for the person who planned it. Offer a couple of options, keep the budget clear, and make it easy to call it an afternoon.

These are ideas to adapt to your own area, rather than promises that a particular venue or event is available. For a first meeting, choose a public place you can both get to independently.

Five pleasantly ridiculous plans

1. The extremely unofficial museum awards

Visit a local museum and each nominate an object for “most likely to have a secret” and “best thing to keep on your desk.” Be respectful of the space, then compare your winners over coffee.

2. The corner-shop snack symposium

Set a small shared budget and each choose one snack neither of you has tried. Check dietary needs first. Rank crunch, name, and packaging with a seriousness the snacks have absolutely not earned.

3. The very bad portrait session

Bring paper to a café that’s happy for you to linger. Draw each other without looking at the page. No artistic ability required; in fact, ability may undermine the project.

4. The alphabet walk

Take a short public route and photograph things beginning with successive letters. Set a time limit so the hunt for an X does not become your entire relationship. Avoid photographing strangers without permission.

5. The tiny bookshop challenge

Find a book title that could describe your week, a cover that deserves an award, and a topic you know absolutely nothing about. No purchase required. Return the books where they belong.

Leave room for the unplanned bit

Choose one activity, not a packed itinerary. Keep the finish flexible: coffee afterward if you’re both enjoying it, a friendly goodbye if you’re not. A date can be unusual without becoming an endurance event.