The second date is just as important as the first. If you are looking for some second date ideas that’ll help you create a great, meaningful relationship, look no further.
Scroll down for 20 different date ideas that will give you the best second dates you can have with your potential partner that will make your next date both fun and memorable!
Table of Contents
1. Cook together at home.
Got a killer recipe up your sleeve? Why not wow your date with your excellent cooking? After all, there’s nothing better than a plate of delicious food – and these 30 recipes are easy to make for your boyfriend at home.
You can even cook together, which will build teamwork and form a bond. But be careful; if you’re not the best chef and eggs get all over your kitchen, it might be a little awkward.
Be sure to have a backup option prepared in case things don’t go as planned.
2. Go hiking at your favorite spot.
Invite them out for a day hike at your favorite spot. Set off with a pack of trail mix, sandwiches, and water bottles for an afternoon in the woods. Going hiking will get the endorphins flowing, which is a feel-good chemical in your brain. If there’s one thing we want from a second date, it’s to feel good.
3. Grab drinks together.
You may have already been for drinks on the first date, but if not, why not go out for a few cocktails in a local bar? You can get to know the person on a more relaxed level and enjoy some of that good, old-fashioned conversation. Going for drinks also lets you make a swift exit if things don’t go as well as you’d hoped.
4. Get cultured.
If you’re both lovers of the arts and culture, this is the perfect date idea for you. Visit your local art gallery or city’s most famous landmark to learn something new about history together.
It’s always amazing to see how artists put their own twist on things. Going to a gallery is a great second date, especially if your date is a creative individual.
5. Go out for brunch.
If you’re looking for a date where you’ll have plenty of time to chat and get to know each other, this is the perfect option.
Brunch is a great, casual and low-pressure date idea that still gives you enough time for conversation – plus, plenty of food options to choose from! Basically, it’s a slightly more relaxed version of dinner – so you’ll be able to get comfortable with them without any pressure.
6. Have a game night.
There are so many different types of games out there that you can play together. Today, the most popular game is Cards Against Humanity, which offers a fun time for everyone and requires no previous knowledge about cards.
It’ll make for a great icebreaker, so you’ll be able to break the awkwardness of sitting across from someone new.
7. Go shopping together.
Shopping can act as a great bonding experience between two people, while giving them something to talk about afterward too! Shopping can be a great second date because it offers so many different options of things to do. Focus on looking for clothes or go out and just explore the unique stores at the mall.
Keep an eye out for the things they like – knowing this information can be extremely helpful in the future when you need gift ideas.
8. Plan an adventurous day together.
Go rock climbing, hike in a local park, or bike around your town while enjoying some ice cream at the end of it all. An adventure allows you two to bond with each other while getting to know new things about one another’s interests. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
9. Plan a picnic together.
Who doesn’t like a picnic, especially if the weather is sunny?
To make it even more memorable and special, find some great spots that are nearby so the two of you can walk or bike there first. Pack everything you need, and have it all ready to go so that there’s no fussing around when figuring out what to bring!
End the perfect second date with ice cream; it’ll feel like a well-deserved reward after spending time together, while also making room for some sweet treats later on (wink).
10. Bowling
Bowling is great for a second date because it’s a fun way to get physical, and competitive. You can also do this in groups, so you’ll have people at your lane to chat with and enjoy some drinks. If one person knows how to bowl but not the other, they can teach!
11. Explore each other’s hobbies.
To get to know the person you’re dating, learn about what they love best in life. For example, if they play guitar, go for a tour in their favorite music shop. If they love photography, go with them to take some scenic pictures. Once you know about their hobbies, you will be able to plan better for the third and fourth date.
12. Have a karaoke night.
Karaoke is a great low-key and fun option for a second date, and is recommend for groups as well. It’s always more enjoyable when there are others singing along with you. This one is definitely for the more adventurous daters out there, and probably not the best date if you or your date is an introvert or shy in public.
13. Go for a scenic dinner.
Going for dinner is a classic date idea, because it works – after all, grabbing food after dark is always romantic. Mix things up if you’ve already had dinner together, by having the second date at a scenic location, like near the beach, on a boat, or overlooking the city skyline.
14. Go to a museum.
The natural history museum has many hands-on exhibits where you can learn about cool things in nature that we don’t always think about every day. Visit the science center for some interactive displays that often lead to lots of laughs.
One thing that’s nice about museums is being able to walk around looking at exhibits without feeling pressured by anyone else there.
15. Ride bikes around town.
Grab your trusty two wheelers for an evening cruise through the streets of downtown. Take in all those twinkling lights and hang out by the water, or just explore different neighborhoods nearby.
16. Go dancing together.
Besides being super fun, dance lessons help you learn something new while getting a workout and meeting cool people – plus, it’s another one of those places for you to show off your moves.
17. Go on an overnight camping trip.
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere that has forests or mountains nearby, take the opportunity to go for an overnight camping trip. Camping is a great date idea for those that are outdoorsy or want to try something new. It’s a good way to get in some bonding time and spend quality time with someone you just met outside of the city.
Be sure to only go camping with someone you can trust and already feel comfortable with.
18. Go to the zoo.
The zoo is a great date because there is always a whole bunch of things to do – like walking around and exploring the different environments. Plus, it’s an opportunity for some really sweet pictures!
The zoo also provides a lot of talking points, which makes it a great date if the two of you have yet to find your rhythm when it comes to talking.
19. Relax at home with a good movie.
This one might not seem like much fun, but if you discuss what to watch beforehand then it can lead to some great conversations. Netflix and chill is a great date – plus, it’s really easy to make popcorn.
If you’re already on comfortable terms with the person you’re dating, this is the perfect way to be yourself and maybe even cuddle up together.
20. Go to a festival.
Whether it’s an annual event in your city or one happening nearby, festivals are great for second dates. There is something about live music and the atmosphere of thousands of people all having fun that really makes you forget any awkwardness you may have felt from date number one! Plus, there are always lots of food vendors so no need to spend money on dinner – bring some cash just in case.
Tips for a Successful Second Date
The second date might just be as important as the first. It’s a time for you to get know each other better, and make sure they’re feeling invested in you just like you are with them. Plus, now that things are heating up between the two of you, take advantage of every second!
- If your first date went well, you can also make the second date a continuation of the first.
- If your date seems to just be sitting there without any conversation, ask them questions about themselves and what they like in a partner. It might not seem like it’s going well at first, but many people are more likely to open up on the second date than their first.
- If you have something in common, like a favorite TV show or movie, use that as an icebreaker.
- Regardless of what you do on the second date, make sure that both partners are enjoying themselves. If one person starts feeling bored, switch things up. Be creative and have fun.
- There are endless ways to spend time with someone new while still getting to know them better – so don’t limit yourself! You’ll never find what’s best for you and your partner unless you give new things a try.
- There’s no need for a fancy restaurant or expensive show when you can have an even better time at home. The best second date is one where both individuals are being themselves and are excited to spend time with each other.
The Bottom Line
The second date is the time to make your first impression last, so don’t let it end up being a disaster or an awkward encounter because of poor planning. The ideas above will help make your second date more successful and help you make the most of your next outing.
Remember that everyone has different needs when it comes to a successful relationship, so find someone who you can be yourself with and have fun!
