Second Date Ideas That Will Keep Them Coming Back for More

You did it! You met or matched with someone that you were interested in, felt a connection and went on a well-planned first date with them. Everything went great and now you have a second date … but having a second date means you need to come up with yet another set of plans. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with these 100 second date ideas.

Maybe you are on the opposite end and your first date did not go so well. Whether it was awkward, your plans fell through or one of you was in a bad mood, it does not matter if you are able to secure that second date. That is your opportunity to make up for the first date and start everything over.

Dating is nerve-wracking for most people as you feel like you need to try hard to make a good first impression. That is where the beauty of the second date lies. You already got to know a little about your date and you made them want to see you again. Now on the second date you can just focus on having fun, being yourself and getting to know each other even more. 

Here are 100 creative second date ideas that will top your first date. 

Second Date Ideas for When You Are on a Budget

Practically everybody these days is on a budget. There’s no shame in that game of saving and banking. But, what’s one to do if you’re also in charge of the second date outing? Of course you want to make an impression, yet at the same time you don’t want to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly ideas that may be the answer you’re looking for right now.

1. Picnic in the park with homemade sandwiches.
2. Take a scenic hike or nature walk.
3. Visit a free local museum or art gallery.
4. Attend a community event or flea market.
5. Watch a movie at home with popcorn.
6. Explore a nearby botanical garden.
7. Have a game night with board games or cards.
8. Cook a meal together at home.
9. Go for a bike ride.
10. Visit a local beach or lake.

Fun and Even Quirky Things To Do on that Second Date

If you happened to impress him, her or they with your charm and wit on that first date, and now the second date shenanigans are left on your side of the court, have no fear. Here are some second-date ideas that range from the unique to the outright charitable. Not sure what we mean? How about this for an idea: go to the local library, pick out children’s books that remind you of your date (and vice versa) and read them to each other. The second date will either lead to the altar or have them running for the hills.

11. Have a fun date going thrift store shopping.
12. Watch the sunset.
13. Attend a free outdoor concert or performance.
14. Visit a library and pick out books to read together.
15. Explore a nearby trail or greenway.
16. Try a DIY craft or art project.
17. Go to a local coffee shop for a chat.
18. Explore a New Neighborhood.
19. City Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of clues and explore your city or town together.
20. Volunteer together at a local charity or organization.

Explore Nature Together in These Creative Ways

1. Explore a nearby nature reserve.
2. Plan a romantic glamping trip.
3. Rent electric scooters and ride around the city.
4. Visit a local fishing spot.
5. Try your hand at a round of mini-golf.
6. Visit a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary.
7. Go for a walk on the beach and watch the sunset.
8. Rent kayaks or canoes for a day on the water.
9. Plan a day trip to a nearby national park.
10. Go swimming.
11. Have a barbecue or cookout in a park or your backyard.

Bond With Each Other While Sightseeing

Exploring your local surroundings on a second date can be fun, exciting and adventurous. It’s really a time to see how your date handles the great outdoors, the beach or a beautiful sunset. Do you take the time to breathe everything in and enjoy the moment? Or do you find your date ready to move on and get to the next location? This can be a very telling experience for the type of person you are out with. So, take a moment to stop and see if they want to smell those roses with you.

12. Go for a scenic drive and stop at viewpoints along the way.
13. Try geocaching or a treasure hunt together.
14. Visit an outdoor farmers’ market and sample local produce.
15. Play a game of frisbee or disc golf in a park.
16. Chill and talk next to a campfire.
17. Go horseback riding at a local horse ranch.
18. Attend an outdoor yoga class.
19. Try rock climbing or bouldering at an outdoor climbing spot.
20. Plan a day of bird watching or wildlife spotting in a nature reserve.

Head Out for a Night on the Town

1. Dinner and a Movie: A classic choice, but you can make it special by choosing a unique restaurant or watching an independent film.
2. Find a local venue with live bands for some great tunes.
3. Laughter is a great way to bond. Head to a comedy club for a night of humor.
4. Show off your singing skills or just have fun at a karaoke bar.
5. Find a nightclub or dance club and hit the dance floor together.
6. Explore a local brewery and sample different varieties of beer.
7. Trivia Night: Many bars and pubs host trivia nights where you can test your knowledge as a team.
8. Enjoy cocktails with a view at a rooftop bar or lounge.
9. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at a burlesque or cabaret show.
10. Late-Night Dessert: Visit a dessert café or bakery for some sweet treats.

See What Entertainment Your Local Night Life Scene Has To Offer

11. Check out local talent at an open mic night.
12. Challenge each other to arcade games, pinball or board games at a game bar.
13. Take a Salsa or Swing dance class together and then hit the dance floor.
14. Look for outdoor movie screenings  or drive in movie theaters in your area.
15. Explore a local food truck event and try various cuisines.
16. If you’re in a rural area, bring a telescope and watch the stars.
17. Find a late-night ice skating rink
18. Attend a poetry reading or spoken word event at a café or bookstore.
19. Mystery Dinner Theater: Experience a dinner theater where you become part of the show.
20. Take a guided tour of your city’s landmarks at night for a unique perspective.

Second Date Ideas To Do in the Morning

1. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch together at a cozy café.
2. Take a camera and capture the beauty of nature in a nearby park.
3. Head out early for a hike to catch a beautiful sunrise at a local trail or viewpoint.
4. Rent bicycles and explore scenic routes or bike paths in your area.
5. Rent paddle boats and spend time on a peaceful lake.

Make a Mundane Task Fun Together

6. Go morning grocery shopping for a less crowded experience.
7. Go for a morning walk in your neighborhood or one that is nearby.
8. Attend a morning fitness class together to start the day feeling energized.
9. Prepare a delicious breakfast at home and enjoy it together.
10. Pack a basket with breakfast foods and have a picnic in a local park.

Creative at Home Second Date Ideas

1. Create a cozy movie theater atmosphere with popcorn, blankets, and your favorite films.
2. Have a cook-off by preparing a meal together or competing to make the best dish with the ingredients on hand.
3. Pamper each other with homemade facials, massages, and a relaxing bath.
4. Lay out a picnic blanket on the living room floor and enjoy a picnic-style meal together.
5. Play board games, card games or puzzles for a fun and competitive date.

Second Date Ideas That Are Special to You and Your Date

6. Choose a book to read separately, then have a discussion and share your thoughts about it.
7. Get creative with painting, drawing or crafting, and compare your artistic creations.
8. Sing your favorite songs with a karaoke machine or online karaoke apps.
9. Cook a meal together based on a specific theme or cuisine, such as Italian, Mexican or sushi.
10. “Visit” a new country together through documentaries, cooking its cuisine and learning about its culture.

Extravagant Ideas for When You Want To Impress on Your Second Date

1. Take your date to a classy restaurant with an upscale atmosphere and exquisite cuisine.
2. Wine Tasting: Visit a winery or wine bar for a wine tasting experience.
3. Explore a high-quality art gallery or museum together.
4. Attend a live theater performance or a Broadway-style show.
5. Enjoy a romantic hot air balloon ride with stunning aerial views.
6. Go on a scenic boat cruise, whether on a river, lake or the ocean.
7. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful city view.
8. Take a cooking class together to learn a new cuisine.
9. Rent a private screening room or set up an outdoor movie night.
10. Test your problem-solving skills in an escape room.

Go All Out With These Second Date Ideas

After all is said and done, you want to impress. Well, nothing says that more than taking your second date up into the sky on a helicopter ride, or, if you are so inclined, a special tasting menu at a chef’s table. Here are a few more things for your second date, one of which is simply out of this world.

11. Take a helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views.
12. Enjoy live jazz music at an intimate jazz club.
13. Explore the stars and planets at a planetarium.
14. Attend a formal opera or symphony performance.
15. Combine dining and cruising on a dinner cruise.
16. Try indoor skydiving for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
17. Relax and unwind together at a luxurious spa.
18. Prepare a gourmet picnic with specialty foods and find a picturesque spot to enjoy it.
19. Spend a fun day at an amusement park or ride a giant ferris wheel.
20. Try your hand at a creative sip and paint, art class.