9 Second Date Ideas That Are Better Than Your First Date

Here’s the truth: the first date is easy.

It’s easy because the expectation for a first date is lower than normal. When you start dating, your date hasn’t had the chance to learn much about you. For all they know, you could be a nutcase, and as long as you’re mostly normal, the rest of the first date itself is a breeze.

On the second date, now that they know you’re not going to murder them (if you are, good job playing it cool), their focus is going to shift to the larger question:

“Is this individual a good fit for me?” [R]

But even though the expectations are higher for the second date (it’s normal to feel a bit of pressure), the possibilities for the second date are also greater. Fortunately, we have a list of tips and tricks that will help you craft the perfect day for you and your date. Whether you’re the creative type looking for unique date ideas or prefer a more relaxed environment, we’ve got you covered. Our recommendations range from active outings to laid-back pre-dinner events.

Before we get into our list of great second date , here are some general tips you should keep in mind when planning your 2nd date.

Date #1 vs. Date #2: Which Part Is Different?

On a first date, what you do is secondary to the main objective: getting to know one another better, establishing a rapport, and maybe a kiss.

On the second date, you’ve established trust (and maybe made out). They feel comfortable with you, and your date will want to learn about the real you, not the “first-date” you. What’s unique about you? Can you handle yourself pressure? Do you have potential?

How can you make the second date even better than the first (and maybe make out again)?

If you’ve both agreed on a second date, don’t try to play it cool by making them sweat. Some people think initiating contact too soon after the first date makes them seem desperate, but the idea of waiting a certain number of days before reaching out is silly. You want to wait a day? Fine, however…

“There is no need to make them sweat”

If you’d like to see them again, wait until the next afternoon or evening, then text them to reiterate that you had a great time and see when they’d like to go out next. [R]

We all have a tendency to try too hard to impress our date. [R] Don’t get me wrong — you want to impress your date, but you want to do it by being yourself, not what you think they want you to be.

Being honest about what you like means you might not have as many second dates, but that’s okay! It’s better to hold out for an individual who shares your passions and interests than to trick them into liking you. This authenticity is crucial, especially when you’re trying to figure out how many dates before a kiss or other milestones in your budding relationship like means you might not have as many second dates, but that’s okay! It’s better to hold out for an individual who shares your passions and interests than to trick them into liking you.

The second date is your time to show a little of the real you and the stuff you enjoy, and that starts with the what you’re going to do on the date. If you pick activities you don’t enjoy, you’re not going to be comfortable, you’re not being honest, and worst of all, you’re not going to have a good time. For example, if you dislike farmers markets, then don’t go just because it’s a good idea (it is). Instead, maybe you think: “I want to go snowboarding today …” So you invite her to come along. Remember, enthusiasm is contagious. Dating is supposed to be enjoyable to start by doing what you feel like doing and then invite her to be part of your life. Chances are, your perfect day will be a ton of excitement for her. [R]

Good second date concepts are:

• Social — Doing stuff you’d enjoy with friends (so, not stuff like quietly reading a book or browsing Reddit)
• Light — You’re not bringing them home to meet your parents just yet. Keep it light! The younger you are (college students), the lighter it should be. Forget classic dinner dates and just go enjoy yourselves.
• Creative– If you want a great date without the pressure of being compared to a previous guy, being creative with your date will ensure that you stand out. (In other words, don’t go out for a boring dinner on a second date because you think you have this bit) Find a unique location that’s exciting and it will increase your chances of success.
• Inclusive — No prior experience date activities such like horseback riding etc.
• Conversational — There should be lots of opportunity for talk between you and your date; in other words, no going to the movies at night or taking a miming class. [R]

Here are some great foolproof tips so you don’t have to go back to dating sites ever again! (Unless you’re addicted to swiping like we are.)

Enjoy Playing A Round of Mini Golf

Everybody knows how to play mini golf, even if they’re terrible at it. It’s competitive and engaging, you’ll be able to have a nice chat while you play, and most of all, it’s enjoyable, so your date is bound to have a good time. This is one of those recommendations that always has potential… unless it’s the middle of winter. (In which case, there’s indoor mini golf)

A Relaxed Walk Around A Flea Market

You can find all sorts of cool, interesting stuff at flea markets, and the wide variety of different items means you’ll never run out of stuff to talk about. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great method to show your date the kinds of stuff you’re into. And if you do buy a present, you’ve got a nice memento of an excellent second date.

Go Bowling (Easier Than Snowboarding)

Whether you go to a high-end location like Lucky Strike or just your local alley, bowling is an excellent second-date option. Like mini golf, bowling is a no-stress, lighthearted option that offers plenty of opportunities to chat with your date. Bonus: Most bowling alleys serve beer. Just sayin’. If you’re looking for more quarantine-friendly date ideas, there are plenty of creative alternatives that can be just as fun and engaging’. For some, it might be the perfect spot. If this doesn’t appeal to you however…

Head To A Pub With Board Games

Try adding a little twist to the standard pub date: head to a pub that has board games. The idea is that it’s the best of both worlds: you get to have cocktails and chat with your date, and adding in board games gives you a built-in choice that’s enjoyable and doesn’t require your chat to do all the heavy lifting.

Check Out A Live Show (No Pressure)

If you’re both into music, a live show can be a great second date option. Ideally, you want the kind of live show that isn’t the centerpiece of the whole evening; after all, you still want to be able to talk to your date. This is a great weeknight date idea.

Take A Cooking Class (Creative)

Taking your date to a cooking class can be a blast. If you do it right, you’ll impress them with your skills in the kitchen, and even if your meal turns out to be a disaster, you’ll have a good time trying to make it. Best of all, you don’t have to clean up when it’s all done!

Warning: This is one of those types of dates that you really have to want to do. If you don’t like cooking, then choose another option that will be enjoyable and interesting for you!

Stop By A Comedy Club (Relaxed)

Checking out some stand-up comedy is a good manner in which to get you and your date laughing. You’ll still be able to talk to one another in between sets, and you’ll give your date a better idea of your sense of humor. Plus, most comedy clubs have a lounge area, so when the jokes have stopped, you can hang out and have an in-depth dialog.

Go-Kart Racing (For The Active Individual)

Who doesn’t love go-karts? Joyless monsters, that’s who.

Just like mini golf and bowling, go-kart racing is a light option that’s bound to be enjoyable for you and your date. Plus, you can always introduce a little incentive into the race — for example, “Whoever wins gets to pick what we do on our next date.”

Visit A New Neighborhood In Your Town (Romantic)

The odds are there are a lot of neighborhoods you’ve been meaning to visit but haven’t. Why not take your date? Have a nice chat while you walk around and visit cool new shops, and if it’s all going well, find a location in the area that’s not too busy so you can share an intimate drink and a meal.

Not all of these concepts will work for you, and they shouldn’t — the choice should be one that you enjoy. If you’re stuck for inspiration, there are apps that can suggest interesting activities in your area. (You might discover there are festivals happening) [R] But above all, have a good time; if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have enjoyed yourself. And if it does work out, you’ll be in the fast lane to serious territory: Date #3.

Resources & References

Still nervous about your second date? They can be tougher than the first, here are most resources to help plan your ideal date.

1. If you’re looking for information on what to do on a first date, then the guys over at The Social Man have a kick ass article on first date questions to ask that you might want to check out.
2. Second date advice: What you need to know to be successful – an man’s and woman’s perspective by My Love My Design
3. 15 dating mistakes you’re probably making – Men’sHealth by Sarah Jacobsson Purewal
4. Enthusiasm is contagious – A behavioral study done by D MacDonald (1995).
5. 7 recommendations you should follow to get a girlfriend by Win With Women

1. What are some second date ideas that are better than the first date?

There are many second date ideas that are better than the first date. Here are some examples:
1. Going for a walk in the park. This is a great way to get to know each other better and to spend some time in nature.
2. Going to a museum. This is a great way to learn more about each other and to spend some time in a relaxed setting.
3. Going out for dinner.

2. Why are these ideas better than the first date?

There are a few reasons why these second date ideas are better than the first date. For one, they’re more unique and interesting, which can help to break the ice and get to know each other better. They’re also more likely to lead to lasting memories and inside jokes, which can make for a stronger bond. Finally, they tend to be less expensive than first dates, which is always a bonus.

3. What are some things to keep in mind when planning a date?

– First, you’ll want to make sure there’s mutual interest. This means, both parties should be excited for a second date. There shouldn’t be any awkwardness or hesitation on either side.
– Second, you’ll want to choose a date and activity that you’re both interested in.

4. What are some common mistakes people make on second dates?

Not being fully present. It’s easy to get caught up in your head on a second date and start thinking about things like whether or not this person is right for you. However, it’s important to stay present and focus on the person in front of you.

5. What are some things I should avoid doing on a second date?

There are a few things you should avoid doing on a second date to make sure things go smoothly. First, avoid talking about your ex. This is a surefire way to kill the mood and make your date feel uncomfortable. Second, avoid getting too drunk. While it’s okay to have a drink or two, getting sloshed will make you look bad and will likely lead to a night of bad decisions. Third, avoid getting too intimate too soon.

6. What should I do if I’m not sure what to do on a second date?

If you’re not sure what to do on a second date, it’s important to communicate with your date and figure out what they’re interested in. If you’re both open to trying new things, consider going to an amusement park, going on a hike, or checking out a local festival. If you’re both looking for a more low-key second date, you could go to a museum, grab coffee, or walk around a nearby park.

7. What are some red flags to watch out for?

1. If your date is constantly talking about their ex, this is a red flag. You want someone who is over their past relationship and is ready to move on.
2. If your date is always talking about themselves, this is another red flag. You want someone who is interested in getting to know you and is willing to share things about themselves as well.
3. If your date seems disinterested in what you have to say, this is a red flag.

8. How can I tell if a date went well?

If you’re wondering whether a second date went well, there are some key things to look for. First, did you have fun? If you didn’t have fun, it’s unlikely that the date went well. Second, did the conversation flow easily? If you found yourselves struggling to find things to talk about, that’s a sign that the date may not have gone as well as you hoped. Third, did you feel a connection with the other person?

9. What do I do if I don’t want to see the person I went on a second date with again?

If you don’t want to see the person you went on a second date with again, there are a few things you can do. You can try to be honest with them and tell them that you don’t think there is a future for the two of you and that you would like to end things. You can also try to be vague and just say that you’re not interested in dating anymore.

10. How can I make my second date better than my first date?

Here are some general tips that might help make the second date even better than the first:
– Talk about what you enjoyed on the first date and why you’re looking forward to the second. This will help set the tone for a fun and enjoyable evening.
– Make sure you have a plan!

11. How can I make sure my second date is more successful than my first date?

Here are some tips:
1. Talk about what you liked about the first date. This will help set the tone for the second date and let your date know that you enjoyed yourself.
2. Suggest doing something that you both enjoyed on the first date. This will show that you are paying attention and want to do something that your date enjoys.
3. Be yourself!

12. How can I ensure that my second date is more enjoyable than my first date?

Get to know each other better. On a first date, you may have been nervous and only scratched the surface when it comes to getting to know each other.