Second Dates Are Stressful. Here's How to Plan a Good One.
So you've nailed the first date: you figured out how to land it, what activities to plan, and how not to screw it up. Congrats, bud! Now comes the even harder part: You actually like this person and want to see them again.
Which means you have to plan a damn good second date.
There's no question the first date is scary, but the second date comes with a whole new kind of stress. By date number two, you've exhausted all the getting-to-know-you questions, and there's pressure to plan something more creative than "coffee" or "drinks."
"It is more stressful because you want to impress your date, but also not overdo it and scare them away," says Maria Sullivan, dating expert and VP of Dating.com.
So what's the secret to planning a good second date?
"Try to make sure the activity has some sort of connection to you or your date," Sullivan suggests—that way, you know you'll enjoy yourselves. Is there a bar that makes a cocktail you really love? A free concert with their favorite kind of music? That's the kind of thing you're looking for. If you're drawing a blank, think back to that first date conversation: "Did you discuss a park or restaurant you both like?" Sullivan says.
We asked Sullivan, along with the Men's Health staff, for their best second ideas. Here's what they offered up. Keep in mind that the accessibility of these date ideas will vary depending on COVID regulations in your area, so use your judgement!
The Best Second Date Ideas
Have a game night at your place. (Here are some good two-person board games to play.)
Play a round of mini-golf.
Go to the driving range.
Make a reservation at your favorite boozy brunch spot. (And then go for a tipsy stroll through the park?)
Get tickets to a live podcast taping.
Grab the blankets and watch a movie in the park.
Head to a drive-in movie in your car, like in ye olden times!
Visit your local farmer's market to prick out bread, fruit, and cheese—or whatever else looks tasty—and bring it to the park for a picnic. For bonus points, pack a frisbee so you have something fun to do when you're done eating.
Depending on the time of year, you might be able to check out a holiday market or street fair—and cozy up with a hot chocolate or gelato when you're done.
Go to a group fitness class. (Note: Only plan this date if you know your date is into fitness.)
If the great outdoors is your preferred gym, go for a hike.
Go to a pub trivia night. The questions are a built-in source of conversation, and the two of you will bond as you take on other teams.
Go to a free concert.
Check out a comedy show. (We recommend buying tickets for a comedian or improv group you've seen before, so you can minimize the risk of supreme un-funniness.)
Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Bake a seasonal dessert together. (Pumpkin pie, anyone?)
Go to a rock climbing gym and try top-rope climbing or bouldering.
Visit an art museum featuring a style or artist your date is into.
Or go to a smaller, niche museum to learn about something really specific.
Speaking of art, go to a pottery studio and re-enact that scene from Ghost, except without the ghost.
Sign up for a paint and sip class (a.k.a. a painting class where you bring your own wine).
Or, if it's a daytime date, take sketchbooks and art supplies to a scenic spot and draw your surroundings (including each other's portraits, if you want to have a good laugh).
Visit a botanical garden (and pack a blanket so you can cozy up under a pretty tree).
Take them to bar you love to try your favorite cocktail.
Or visit a brewery that makes their favorite kind of beer.
Or head to a vineyard that makes their favorite kind of wine. (Of course, if neither of you knows what kind of beer or wine you like, it's fun to try a flight!)
Go for a bike ride somewhere scenic, like a boardwalk or a large park.
Get tickets to a panel on a topic they're interested in.
Visit a cute bookstore for an author event—especially if it's an author or genre you know your date loves.
Visit the zoo.
Visit the aquarium.
Plan a "crawl" where you try three versions of your favorite foods. (Think of things you could eat three of and not get full, like pizza slices.)
Watch one of your or your date's favorite movies while you slow-cook something for dinner, like chili.
Try to find a geocache.
Play pickleball.
Go for a walk on the boardwalk.
Go canoeing or kayaking. (Many cities located on the water offer boats for free or to rent.)
Try your hand at making fresh pasta.
Go skating (and grab a warm beverage after).
Go to an apple orchard, where you can pick a few apples and then sit down to enjoy some hot apple cider (and apple cider donuts).
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