10 Second Date Ideas That Can’t Fail
So, you’ve successfully negotiated the first date and now you’re ready to ask her out again, but where will you take her? What makes a successful second date? Fear not my friend, I have 10 of the best second date ideas that simply cannot fail. They all contain the perfect combination of fun and one-on-one time to make the best use of your time together.
In my recent post on first dates, I covered five of the best first date ideas. Those five ideas make perfect second dates as well, but I’ve left them out to avoid duplication. If you would like to see what they are then you can head back to that post here.
Dating is supposed to be fun and encourage conversations to get to know each other. For those reasons, going for a sit-down meal and catching a movie at the cinema still don’t appear in my list of ideas for second dates (I excluded them from first date ideas too). I’m all for trying something a bit different and I want the date to be memorable for the right reasons and not because of the awkward silences in between courses!
Anyway, enough of my blabbering, here are my top second date ideas:
Also, don’t forget to read (another link at the end): The only 51 date ideas you’ll ever need
Second Date Ideas
1. See a sports game
If you were clever on your first date you will have found out what sports she likes (if any) and her favorite team(s). As an idea for your second date, try and get hold of tickets to catch a game of baseball, basketball, hockey, football or soccer. You’ll be surrounded by a positive atmosphere and what can be better than getting to watch sports with your lady?
Tip: Don’t be too engrossed in the game that you forget to pay her any attention. Check that she’s having fun too.
2. Go ice skating
Ice skating is a great second date idea for two simple reasons:
- If you cant skate then you can both laugh at how bad you are.
- If you’re a good skater then you can help her if she isn’t so good or you can have fun properly on the ice together if she can.
So, don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself, get your skates on!
Tip: If you fall over, try not to bring her down with you!
3. Go to a drive-in movie
So movies in a cinema are a no-no because of the whole speaking and ruining everyone else’s experience thing, the beauty of the drive-in is that this issue no longer exists! If you followed my guide to first dates then you’ll know about her favorite movies, so what are you waiting for dude?
Tip: Don’t sit and watch the movie in silence, the whole point in going to a drive-in over a cinema is that you’re not ruining anyone else’s experience by talking.
4. Take a cocktail making class
Too much alcohol on a date can be a disaster but if you simply drink at the same pace as your date then a cocktail-making class can be perfect. Not only is it fun to make your own cocktails but the alcohol will remove a few barriers and allow for a smoother flow of the conversation.
Tip: This date provides a great opportunity to continue drinking elsewhere, if you do take it then drink at a steady pace. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself.
5. Go for a picnic
Obviously, this is weather dependent, but a picnic is a great second date idea if you felt the conversation came very easily on your first date. Remember to ask her about any food allergies before you prepare any food and make sure you choose a nice backdrop for this date. Here’s a checklist for the perfect picnic:
- Food (sandwiches, pasta, chips, fruit, cheese, etc.)
- Drinks (alcohol & non-alcoholic)
- Condiments
- Ice tray/cooler packs
- Cups & plates
- Napkins
- Utensils (incl. corkscrew if you’re bringing the wine!)
- Trash bag
- Blanket
- Sunscreen
Tip: Location is key here, take your time when choosing where to go. Visit in advance of the date to make sure it’s suitable.
6. Visit a museum
Museums are a great place to spend a few hours soaking up the historical culture. Even if you’re not really into history as a subject, finding out facts about our past and heritage can be interesting for everyone.
Tip: Be sure to walk around together and don’t go wandering off without your date, remember, this time is about you and her enjoying something together!
7. Go to an amusement park
At the other end of the spectrum when compared to the quiet and tranquil museum, the amusement park is all wild rides and loud screams. This really is the perfect setting for having fun and engaging in conversation as you walk around the park. Try to avoid making your date go on fast rides if she doesn’t seem too sure and don’t leave her alone so you can go on it yourself.
Tip: Take the opportunity to win her a cuddly toy though, it’s cute and chivalrous and she’ll love it.
8. Cook for her at home
Dinner in a restaurant can be awkward and uncomfortable but dinner in your own home is much more inviting. Choose to cook a dish you know you do well rather than something more extravagant that you’ve never tried before. This isn’t about how well you cook but the thought and effort that counts, that being said, it does have to be edible.
Tip: Get her in the kitchen for conversation whilst you’re preparing, don’t just leave her sitting alone.
9. Go for drinks with a view
Drinks in a bar are too boring to make the list for both first and second date ideas, however, drinks on a rooftop bar or somewhere looking over the city definitely is not. Try to find the perfect vantage point and make the conversation around what you can both see.
Tip: I’m sure you’ll spot landmarks of interest if you know the city well, and that can form the basis for conversation if you find yourself in a moment of silence.
10. Go for a bike ride
It’s always a good idea to be active on a date. I mean, what can be better than doing a little light exercise with someone you like? My advice here is to try and cycle around a nice park rather than through a built-up area, the scenery makes all the difference.
Tip: Don’t forget to make short but regular stops for a drink and a little more conversation, bringing in your surroundings if you feel like there is something there worth talking about.
There you go, you now have 15 great first and fun second date ideas to choose from. If you have any others which you have found successful then by all means drop them in the comments below. When you’re ready to move on to date three, don’t forget to check out my perfect third date ideas too!
Don’t forget to read: The only 51 date ideas you’ll ever need
Happy Dating,
The Frequent Dater