28 Fun Second Date Ideas That Make a Good Impression

Try a New (to Both of You) Restaurant

While there's nothing wrong with your standard dinner date, there's something a little more special about both of you trying a new restaurant at the same time. Choose an eatery that neither of you have dined at in the past and enjoy experiencing something new together—you might find it's easy to bond over your similar food preferences or share a laugh over order flops.

Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Movie Date

Movie theater date nights used to be a go-to option, but the popularity of streaming services have made them more of a novelty. For a fun and different second date, scour the movie times and plan to see a new release. Though you won't be able to talk for a portion of the date, it's fun to see how your favorite snacks stack up, if you laugh at the same moments, and what you both think of the flick at the end of the night. Plus, now you have something to talk about on date three!

Or Catch a Drive-In Movie

If a standard movie date feels too expected, look for a drive-in instead. It’s relaxing but it can be pretty sexy, too. If you or your date really love movies, this is a particularly good option.

Cook Together

Cooking together is another excellent date option because it offers you the chance to invite your date into your home in a low-key way. If you love to cook, this is an interactive way to share one of your hobbies with them and see if they're interested in it, too.

Do a Blind Wine Tasting

Hosting an at-home, blind wine tasting is another playful second date idea that you could do on its own, have before a dinner reservation, or pair with a homemade meal.

Go to the Zoo

A trip to the zoo is an fantastic way to connect because it combines outdoor activity (walking), a little bit of adventure (exotic animals), and a chance to connect in a setting that’s not super familiar to either of you. Most zoos these days have beer gardens or to-go cocktails available too, which will keep you entertained should you want to take a break from walking around.

Go on an Art Gallery Tour

Taking time to visit specific art galleries can often take a little planning, which is why it’s a great idea for a second date, particularly if your special someone is interested in art or in a creative field. Combine the tour with something a little more relaxed for a nice balance and a date that lasts all day.

Get Tickets to a Sporting Event

If you're a sports buff, suggest grabbing tickets to a game—you'll be showing the other person a little more about who you are, but it also gives you both an activity to focus on and talk about. And if you're not a huge sports person, you can still suggest taking in a game: Everyone loves to watch a little competition every now and then.

Engage in a Nostalgic Activity

There’s something about a nostalgic game or activity that just adds to those warm, fuzzy feelings, and who wouldn’t want that on a second date? Whether you choose a round of miniature golf, a game of laser tag, or an afternoon of bowling (adult beverages encouraged!), the act of doing something "old school" together will encourage you both to talk about your childhoods, backgrounds, and more.

Get Outside

When in doubt, planning something outdoors is always a good option for a date. Odendall suggests activities like bike riding, hiking, or paddleboarding if you are interested in outdoor sports. If you want something a little more relaxing, you could try renting a rowboat, spending an afternoon at the beach, or exploring a local park or botanical garden together. 

Do a Little Shopping

Who doesn't love a little retail therapy? Head to your town's center or visit a cute city with great shopping and browse some stores together. It's fun to see their taste in everything from clothes and books to furniture and music, and you might even cross some errands off your list while getting to know this love interest better.

Have an Appetizer Crawl

You’ve heard of a bar crawl, but what about an appetizer crawl? Trying out different small bites at different restaurants solves the problem of choosing who picks the restaurant, and gives you an opportunity to explore your city or town together, too.

"If you are a foodie, do an appetizer crawl of several restaurants," Odendaal suggests. "Plan for a two-hour activity, but leave the opportunity open-ended to extend longer if the vibe is there!"

Visit a Flea Market

Flea markets can be a ton of fun, even if you aren’t into thrifting or antiquing. Grab some iced coffees and pastries before your morning at the flea market or visit a brewery or winery after to make the date last as long as possible.

Paint Something Together

There’s a reason why activities like Painting with a Twist are so popular for date nights. The combination of art and BYOB is completely out of most people’s day-to-day schedules, and it’s a lot of fun—even if you aren’t artistic at all. Plus, there’s research that shows this type of date is known to promote the release of oxytocin (an important factor in bonding), which certainly can’t hurt the odds of a third date happening.

Throw a Charcuterie Board Competition

If your second date involves having a picnic or grabbing a drink at each other’s home before the main event, challenging each other to see who can create the best charcuterie board can be a playful way to cook for each other without actually having to cook. Want to make things more collaborative? Make the board together and surprise each other with what ingredients you include.

Grab an Ice Cream Cone and Go for a Stroll

If the weather is nice, grab scoops from a local ice cream parlor and enjoy them on a walk around the neighborhood. Chatting on the go feels a little more low-pressure than making direct eye contact, so it's a nice way to get to know each other a bit more.

Plan to Laugh It Up at a Comedy Show

Comedy shows are fun for everyone, and this is a date option that allows you to experience something together without having to talk the whole time. You can chat before the show starts, then talk through your favorite parts over drinks or dinner later.

Meet for Your Favorite Cocktails

Your first date might have went off without a hitch, but it's still nice to keep the pressure low for date two. Not ready to commit to a long evening together? Plan to meet for cocktails at a spot that whips up your favorite drink. If the conversation is flowing, you can always grab a table for dinner after.

Volunteer Together

If you have a particular organization that you’re passionate about, inviting your date to volunteer with you could be an interesting, interactive activity that also gives back to the community. You could plan on doing a casual lunch afterward or meet up later in the day for dinner if you want to make sure the day has a little bit of everything.

Host a Rainy Day Television Marathon

If you’re both not totally opposed to a little bit of Netflix and chill for a second date, there’s a way to make the experience a little more sophisticated. Choose a day when it’s rainy or storming outside to up the coziness level, queue up your date’s favorite TV show or movie of all time (they’ll be flattered you remembered!), and lay out the ultimate snack situation. It’ll be romantic and engaging with just the right touch of personalization.

Head to the Dog Park

Do either of you own a pet? Meet up for some fresh air and fun at a local dog park. Play fetch, pet some adorable pups, and get to know each other in a low-pressure place. If you both have a pet, this is a great opportunity to let your four-legged friends get to know each other—if things really click, they'll likely be seeing a lot more of each other!

Explore the Farmer’s Market

Going to the farmer’s market is completely free and 100 percent entertaining. You can see the best of the best when it comes to local, fresh food, pick out vibrant flowers, or try lunch from a new vendor you’ve never heard of before. Whether you and your date want to choose ingredients for dinner together or you’re just interested in grabbing an iced tea and browsing through the different sellers, the farmer’s market is a surprisingly affordable date idea.

Go on a Picnic

Much like getting outside, going on a picnic is almost always an excellent second date idea. It can feel a little less formal and stilted than a fancy restaurant or bar, and it gives you the opportunity for some added privacy depending on where you choose to set up. Just make sure you pack ample snacks, drinks (including cold water), and blankets for comfortable seating. 

Listen to Live Music Together

If you’re worried about a date with the occasional awkward pause (hey, people are still nervous on date two!), finding somewhere to listen to live music together is the perfect solution. Don’t know what to say? Take a minute to listen to the musicians together before asking the next question of the evening. Plus, live music always makes things more romantic. 

Teach Each Other Your Favorite Recipes

Cooking for your date is always special, but teaching them a recipe can be even more intimate. If you both love to cook, take turns teaching each other your favorite, go-to recipe or a dish that’s particularly special to you. It’ll pass the time, keep you talking, and create a memory that’s sure to last.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If there’s one thing that will impress almost anyone (especially someone who lives for adrenaline), it’s a date that involves a hot air balloon ride—and it’s not as expensive as you might think. Companies like Rainbow Ryders offer sunrise or sunset rides for as low as $159 per person. Finish the date with dinner or brunch together to reflect on the experience. 

Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Have you both never been to that tourist attraction in your own city that everyone talks about? What about the most popular museum or park? Now’s the time to experience it together. It’ll give you the chance to see the city from another perspective and have an exciting date you won’t forget.

Hit a Workout Class Together

For some people, a workout class on a second date is a nightmare. For others, it might be perfect. If you both are super active, trying out a new and interesting workout class together is a great way to bond. You could plan to cool off with smoothies in the park afterward or to freshen up separately and meet for dinner later.