Firehouse Pottery is a nice outing, followed by dinner. It'll give you an opportunity to talk and get to know each other while creating. And, as a bonus, if your relationship works out (which I hope it does) you'll have a wonderful token of that first date. If you're not aware, Firehouse lets you purchase a piece of pottery which you glaze and then they fire. You pick up the finished piece in a week...which could also serve as a great reason for date #2! They have lots of glazes and instructions, you can't really fail. But, on the slight chance you find your creations hideous, you can use those as target practice at the gun range on date #3!

Agree with the other commenter that more context about interests, budget, etc would help a lot here

As a generic answer, though, roller/ice skating is fun, both of which you can do in Springfield

I personally don’t like movies for a first date but the Alamo is a good spot for dinner/drinks and a show

Check out the blue room comedy club! Some great shows go on there

There’s some businesses around town that offer date night classes/sessions for a variety of activities like baking, painting, pottery making, dancing, etc. makes for a great experience to remember!

Edit: some more places/activities lol

Big shot golf, Basically any mini golf place, 1984, Bowling, TommyHawks axe throwing, Wonders of Wildlife aquarium

A little more context is going to be needed. For some a good first date could be a trip to Menard’s followed by a stop at an Andy’s.

For others, it could be a stroll around the native prairie meadow at Lake Springfield followed by dinner at the Ozark Mill.

Spell out some interests, budgets, etc for some better responses.

Edit: really wanted to toss humor in here, but since you noted it was a “serious question”, I contained myself.

Andy Bs because they have options, walk around relics.

Alamo drinks before a movie is fun. Food in the movie.

Budget also needs to be considered.

Though I wouldn't recommend going to a $200 restaurant for a first date, if budget is no issue at all then we have a great selection of fine dining.

Or maybe you pick up some Taco Bell on your way to Andy B's?

My wife and my favorite date nights weren't the most expensive or well thought out plans, it was the fun we had at wherever we were. I would not recommend a movie for a first date though, sitting awkwardly next to a date you can barely talk to for two hours.