51 brilliant second date ideas guaranteed to bring you closer together

First dates can be intimidating because there’s a lot of pressure to make a good first impression.

But second dates – whoa! – those come with ever more pressure. Especially if you’ve had an amazing first date, the pressure could be on to impress a second time, and even third time for subsequent dates.

One-hit wonders are not fun when it comes to dating. And a second date isn’t something you’d usually do with your friends.

Give yourself some breathing room and a chance to make a series of good impressions, rather than just hit a home run once in a while.

There’s plenty to do, even in the smallest of towns, so don’t let your dating life fizzle just because you might lack imagination.

Try one of these 51 awesome second-date ideas and see if you can spice up your love life again and again!

1) Cook Instead of Look

Rather than pine over the menu at the local watering hole, invite your date over and cook some real food together.

It doesn’t have to be fancy and you can laugh when you burn the burgers. It’ll make a great story to tell the kids one day!

If you’re not a great cook, make sure you pick something simple to cook. If you try too hard, you might stuff it up and serve a raw slab of pink meat. Not exactly romantic.

So just go with something simple that you’re confident you can cook. Have a bottle of wine ready and you’ll have a great time cooking and developing a solid connection.

2) Ride the Roller Coaster of Life…and in Real Life

Head out to an amusement park and get on all the scary rides.

Get outside your comfort zone while getting outside your dating comfort zone and you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Or, at the very least, you might have a laugh.

3) Invent a Reason to Enlist Their Help

This might not sound like a conventional second date idea, but trust me, it’ll help you bond like no other idea will!

Especially if your date is a man.

You see, if there’s one thing that gets men going, it’s problem-solving. Doing this brings out their inner hero.

I learned about this from the hero instinct. Coined by relationship expert James Bauer, this revolutionary concept is about three main drivers all men have, deeply ingrained in their DNA.

This is something most women don’t know about.

But once triggered, these drivers make men into the heroes of their own lives. They feel better, love harder, and commit stronger when they find someone who knows how to evoke these strong emotions within them.

Now, you may be wondering why it’s called “the hero instinct”? Do guys really need to feel like superheroes to feel chemistry with a woman?

All you have to do is trigger one of his drivers by making him feel needed (hence the fake problem you need a hand with!).

The best way to do this is by checking out James Bauer’s excellent free video here. He shares some easy tips to get you started, such as sending him a 12 word text that will trigger his hero instinct right away.

That’s the beauty of the hero instinct. It’s only a matter of knowing the right things to say and do to have a memorable second date that’ll hopefully lead to many more.

All of that and more is included in this informative free video, so make sure to check it out if you want to give him a second date he’ll never forget.

Here’s a link to the free video again.

4) Take Out Without Going Out

Feeling tired after a long week of work but still want to take your date up on the offer for dinner?

Invite the over and order some fun food to enjoy on the couch with a movie.

It’s not the most romantic thing in the world, and it’s certainly not original, but when done right, it can be the start of a beautiful relationship.

5) Roll On

Rent some bikes at the local park and stroll around the trails to take in some beautiful scenery and give yourself something to talk about while breathing fresh air.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort and it’s relatively cheap to rent a bike for a few hours. Plus if you suck at cycling, it’ll make for a good laugh.

6) Paint the Town Red

Or, head to a paintball park and take turns shooting at one another with paintball guns.

You’ll love how competition brings out the best in everyone and you get to see how your gal or guy handles loss!

7) Ride Off into the Sunset

If you are lucky enough to live in an area with ranches or farms, you can see about renting a horse and taking on the trails.

For the ultimate second date, try for an evening ride.

8) Get Your Art On

Head out to a local art gallery and support local artists. This is a great way to make conversation, learn a few things, and take in some fabulous sights while you are at it.

9) Fortune Favors the Bold

Whether you believe it or not, going to a fortune teller can be a fun experience and you’ll definitely have a laugh.

Plus, it’s a fun way to learn lots about your date without having to ask. Just remember, take it all with a big grain of salty salt.

10) Host a Party Together

Want to get the gang together? Why not get both sides of the potential relationship together and see how it goes.

Invite some friends and mingle without a lot of pressure to be “on” with each other.

11) Couples’ Massage Anyone?

If you really feel like you have hit it off, consider taking in a couples’ massage. It’s super sexy and you can usually get a great deal!

12) Go to Your Favorite Bar

We all have a favorite bar. Usually, it’s local. Sometimes it’s off-the-beaten path. And most of the time, the bar tends to only appeal to you and a select group of people. That’s why it’s a tricky operation to take first-date to your favorite bar.

It might make a great impression or a terrible one. But by date two, you’re ready to show them who you are and where you like to hang out.

It’s a simple idea but there are some great reasons to go to your favorite bar. You’ll feel comfortable, you’ll see how she/he reacts to being a place you love, and they’ll get to know more about you based on the atmosphere you enjoy.

13) Take a Long Walk or Jog Together

This is an often overlooked idea for a date, but it removes a lot of the awkwardness that can occur when you’re sitting down face-to-face with someone.

Research has found that walking helps people open up and express themselves.

It’s much easier to talk and express yourself as you’re walking, and you’re constantly seeing new things in the environment if you run out of things to talk about.

It’s also low pressure and doesn’t take much organization.

If you’re a bit of a fitness fanatic, and you know your date is too, don’t hesitate to go for a jog together as well.

14) Go to a Cheap Concert

You’d want to make sure they’re interested in the type of music playing at the concert, but if they are, this is a great idea to get closer to someone.

Concerts are so loud that you have to closer together just to speak to each other.

If you haven’t kissed yet, getting close to each other and dancing to music could be the perfect recipe for a first kiss.

15) Find a Dive Bar With a Jukebox

All you have to do is type jukebox into Google Maps and it’ll come up with places that have jukeboxes.

Take your time looking at each place and make sure they’re still operational. Then you can take turns putting dollars into the jukebox and get to know each other based on musical tastes (while driving the whole bar insane).

16) Get Happy Hour Snacks After Work

Perhaps you just got drinks on your first date. Now it’s time to graduate from drinks to drinks and snacks!

It may not sound like much, but taking things slow tends to work better than taking things fast.

Plus, this is a great way to get to know them in a non-formal way. Most bars have snacks, so find something that doesn’t break the bank and get to know each other over a drink and finger food.

17) Karaoke Bar

Singing may not be your cup of tea, and it might be a surefire way to embarrass yourself, but hear me out.

Karaoke can be a hella lot of fun, and you’ll BOTH embarrass yourself unless of course, they’re a professional singer.

It’s a great second date because you’ll get to know how goofy this person is and how seriously they take themselves.

You’ll both probably drink a fair amount to get through it, which will enhance the fun!

18) Have lunch at a park

If it’s nice weather, why not get a blanket, some bread, and cheese, and sit on the grass and enjoy each other’s company.

Getting outside in good weather is always a good idea, and it’s a pretty unique and memorable date.

19) Go Book Shopping Together

Books shops are fun because there’s something interesting for everybody.

Not only will you get to know more about your date by their book choice, but the different array of books will give you a lot to talk about.

It’s also a quiet place where you can speak privately and enjoy other’s company.

20) Go to a Food Court

This may not sound very romantic, but here’s what you can do. Send your date on a mission to find food for you and you do the same for them.

It’s a fun game to play and you can make fun (or compliment) the food you’ve chosen for each other

21) Go to a Museum

A museum is an extremely interesting place and a great way to make conversation.

You can get to know each other between art pieces and you can talk about them together.

Bonus? Museums always have great lighting to show off the paintings so you’ll look great as well!

22) Take in a Concert

Love music? Who doesn’t? Get some tickets to a local show so you can relax and enjoy some great tunes.

Plus, if you are shy, you don’t have to talk too much before the band will do the talking for you. Plus, clubs are intimate and you can get close.

23) Take a Dip

Go swimming. Find a local watering hole, local pool, or beach and let yourself relax into the water. It’s truly fine.

24) Picnic for the Win

Since food tends to be the focus of many first and second dates, grab a basket, go on a hike, and eat some yummy picnic food.

It’s a great chance to catch your breath and get to know each other.

25) Take a Chocolate Tour

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Book a tour and find yourself getting close with the best stuff on earth, and each other.

26) Sports, Even if You Don’t Like Sports

Nothing is more fun than a baseball game in real life. If you can’t make it to a professional event, take in a men’s or women’s league game and cheer on some local talent.

27) Coffee and Crosswords

Keep it simple and problem solve together on date number two with some good coffee and a crossword puzzle.

This is a great “rainy Sunday afternoon” date. There’s nowhere to go but you can still get out.

28) Ice Cream is a Classic Date Idea

Ice cream dates get the job done. There’s no need to try too hard. Everyone is so happy about ice cream that it’s impossible to have a bad time.

29) Visit a Farmer’s Market

Pick up some local produce and cook brunch on the weekend. Fresh veggie and a stroll around town sounds like a perfect date to me.

30) Do Something Wild

If you are both adventurous, head on out to the local drop zone and sign up for some skydiving lessons. ‘Nuff said.

31) Get Your Sexy Back with a Burlesque Show

Try on something a little different and take your date to a burlesque show. These shows are super sexy and entertaining and it’ll loosen you up to have a good time.

32) Enjoy Drinks

Whenever you are stuck for ideas, quiet drinks in a local pub is a great way to get to know one another but stay loose with cool drinks.

33) Take in a Jazz Show

Jazz is the music of love and everyone loves jazz. Grab some tix and head to the show.

34) Create Your Own Pub Crawl

Get some friends together and walk the roads to enjoy a drink at each pub around town.

35) Visit a Nearby Town – Roadtrip!

Head out on a Saturday morning, coffee in hand, and take in the sights one or two towns over.

You’ll learn something new, get to know each other, and make fun memories while you are at it!

36) Bowl the night away!

Go bowling and bask in the glory of hitting down some pins! It’s a great way to show your fun side and eliminate any awkwardness between the two of you.

37) Find a Bingo Place and Go Play Bingo

Bing isn’t just for senior citizens. It’s just a fun game for anyone! It’ll also be pretty memorable for your date. I doubt they would have been to bingo before.

38) Take a Dancing Lesson Together

If you both haven’t had lessons in the type of dance you choose, this is a great experience to get to know each other.

It’ll be a little awkward, and fun to begin with, and if you can properly learn some moves, you’ll feel a sense of achievement after it as well. That would certainly help build the connection between the two of you!

39) Go to a Winery

What better way is there to get to know someone than by trying wine together. Wineries are usually in a beautiful, spacious landscape as well.

40) Pub trivia

This is a great option. The drinks will loosen you up and the trivia will make it fun! It’s much better than simply going to a bar and looking at each other without much to say.

41) Go See Stand Up Comedy

Like watching a movie, you won’t talk much while the comedy is on. But it will provide you with some laughs you can talk about later. It’s a great way to lighten up the mood, too!

42) Get a Skateboard or Longboard!

Definitely a little risky. It’s not exactly easy. But it is fun! If it’s good weather, and you can both ride around a little, then it will be one of the most enjoyable dates that is also highly memorable.

Just make sure they wear long pants as falls might be likely!

43) Go Paddleboarding

For those who live near calm water, paddleboarding is very fun once you get the hang of it. And getting wet in water always enhances the mood (as long as it’s not too cold!).

44) Go to the Science Museum

If you find a space museum or science-type museum that’s half decent, it can be extremely interesting and fun.

You can get to know each other while learning interesting facts about the universe. You can also work out if they’re the curious minded type of person.

45) Go to an Arcade

You can mostly find these at shopping centers. It’s quite fun to play all the games and you can compete with each other for some added fun. You can pair this with a movie as well.

46) Go to the Zoo

Most people usually haven’t been to the Zoo since they were a child. We forget how interesting and fun it can be to see different animals go about their day.

As with many of these date ideas, you can get to know each other in between seeing animals. As we’ve also mentioned, walking and talking works wonders too!

47) Go Hiking

If you’re dealing with an outdoor type of person, this is the perfect date. Walking together is a great chance to open up and talk, and you’ll be out in beautiful nature as well. Win-win!

48) Play Mini Golf

You might not have played mini-golf since you were a kid. It’s a lot of fun. Just make sure you don’t take it too seriously and get annoyed if you lose. Just be silly and enjoy the ridiculous holes you have to get through.

49) Go Paintballing

It can be a bit intense, but if you have both never tried it, it’s definitely a fun and memorable experience. Just make sure you are both okay with a little stinging pain, and that you’re on the same team!

50) Find a Craft Beer Place and Try a Bunch of Beers

Similar to a winery, this is a great way to let loose, drink some drinks and get to know each other. However, you need to make sure they’re into beer for this date to work.

51) Go Rock Climbing

A great physical activity that most people don’t do that often. Being unique is always good! It won’t last all day, which means you can get a coffee or drink afterward to talk about difficult it was.