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Congratulations! You’ve made a great first impression on your first date, and a repeat performance is all but guaranteed.
Now comes the tough part.
That’s right—you thought the first date was a tough nut to crack? Anyone can pull off a fancy dinner or a night under the stars. But the second date is your chance to prove that you weren’t just a fluke, that you can actually be sweet, charming, intelligent, and interesting two days in a row. The regular old first date ideas just won’t cut it in this case.
So without further ado, here are some of the best ideas for what to do on a second date.
20. Join In On A Spoken Word Open Mic
Yes, not just attend one, but participate in it! You’ll get to see how you each perform in a public setting, and how your date supports the other at performances. It’s a cute way to unwind and get to know your date a little better.
19. Go To A Gig (But Not A Big Concert)
Check out a band playing at a bar, whether or not you’ve heard of them prior. Don’t go to a big loud concert, though, or you won’t be able to enjoy each other’s time!
18. Check Out A Small-Town Ma And Pa Diner
Restaurant franchises have taken over most of the known Universe, but the family-run diner that’s been in town for decades will always have a unique date atmosphere.
17. Go On A Hike Together
Scenic views, a bit of physical activity, and the opportunity for a fun little picnic make hiking a unique date choice. Plus, you get a little private time if you walk off the beaten path.
16. Have A Trivia Night About Each Other
Rather than a boring session of asking random questions and giving answers, set up a trivia night for each other, where you can get to know your dates well-kept secrets.
15. Skinny Dipping At Night
This is one for the more adventurous couples. While you might think this idea is all about getting ‘frisky’, it’s actually a great way to get to know your date’s comfort-zone, and gauge their spirit for adventure.
14. Stay In And Play Video Games
Here’s a great second date tip: Identify mutual interests on the first date, that you can go ahead and enjoy on the second date. If you and your date are a little bit nerdy, then there’s no better way to get to know them than playing a couple of your favourite video games!
13. Play An Airsoft Or Paintball Match
If you’re looking for some really fun date ideas, and are ready to get dirty (but not that kind of dirty), you can try a paintball or airsoft match with your date. Now’s your chance to experience the cinematic moment of watching your lover die in your arms…after they get splattered with green paint.
12. Head To A Speakeasy
Going to a bar doesn’t exactly sound like one of the best second date ideas. But speakeasies are a different breed altogether, with their off-the-radar location, intimate settings, and oftentimes vintage feel. They attract a very different crowd from the usual watering holes too. Look up a speakeasy near you and your date to check out one of the most interesting romantic date ideas.
11. Hang Out With Each Other’s Friends
If you had a really, unequivocally great time with your date on the first date, have them tag along on your next group outing and see how they mix in with your friendship circle. After all, what did the Spice Girls say about “If you wanna be my lover”?
10. Learn A New Sport Or Skill Together
If you’ve already learned a lot about each other on your first date, taking up a new activity together is an awesome way to expand your horizons while spending time together meaningfully.
9. Cook A Meal Together
If you had a first date at a fancy restaurant, a home-cooked meal is literally a great palate cleanser for your second date. It’s also an amazing opportunity to get to know if you guys work well as a team!
8. Try Wine Tasting
Go to a wine tasting and genuinely appreciate the fine flavour notes of a good pinot noir—or laugh together at the pretentiousness of it all.
7. Visit A Flea Market
If you’re looking for cheap date ideas, why not take your partner to a flea market and get some really incredible deals on what only looks like junk? You’ll be able to bond over your biggest finds.
6. Go On A Sunset Ferry
Ah, the smell of the sea, the wind in your hair, the gorgeous cityscape illuminated by the golden sun…it’s the perfect place to have your first kiss.
5. Take A Vinyl Store Trip
Music truly does bring out emotions in people. Combine that with nostalgia and classic hits from every decade, and you’ve got a recipe for good times.
4. Embark On A City Bike Tour
Hop into one of those bike tours of your city and explore your vicinity while having a decent workout. Physical activity is, after all, a potent aphrodisiac.
3. Amusement Park Date
A lot of stereotypically cute date ideas revolve around winning giant teddy bears at parlour games or making out in a tunnel of love. If you go to an amusement park, you can do all these and more!
2. Karaoke Night
Pop quiz: What’s a second date idea that involves plenty of passionate screaming and declarations of love?
You guessed it: Karaoke night. Take your date to a karaoke bar and immediately learn their choice of music, whether or not they can sing, and how willing they are to embarrass themselves in public. Just don’t forget karaoke etiquette—it’s not a competition!
1. Head To A Bookstore
If you want to know what to talk about on a second date, there are few better places to start than talking about the books you love. Why not make literature the entire theme of your second date? You can get a lot of insight into your partner through the books they love. After your second date, you can even buy them a good book as a gift.
