POV: You and your crush have just gone on your first date and had such a great time, you’ve already decided to plan a second date. Amazing! But wait, how do you top the date you just went on? You’ve formed a connection, shared some laughs, and established that you definitely want to learn more about them — maybe you even shared a kiss or two. On the flip side, maybe your first date didn’t sweep you off your feet, but it was still enjoyable and you’re willing to test the connection on a second date. No matter how the night went, the stakes are a bit higher, and you want a second date idea that’s not only fun and flirty, but also shows off more of your personality.
You could up the ante on a second date and impress your crush with dinner at a nice restaurant or plan a romantic night-in cooking together. Prefer to keep things more low-key? Suggest a long, scenic walk in the park, peruse the local bookstore together, or grab a bite to eat at the diner after school. These activities are relatively stress-free and intimate enough where you can ask each other questions and figure out if a third (or fourth) date is in your future. For more inspo, here are 15 of the best second date ideas.
Go out to dinner
It’s a classic date night idea for a reason. Going out to dinner gives you the opportunity to dress up a little, enjoy a yummy meal, and learn more about each other. You don’t have to get *too* creative and there’s usually a few eatery options to choose from. Go for something fancier and make a reservation for a weekend date night. Or, keep things casual and grab a bite at the local diner after school.
Enjoy a scenic walk in the park
Get out in nature and take a casual stroll through the local park or your neighborhood together. Is it just us, or does it seem like conversation flows more easily when you’re on a long walk with someone?
Peruse the shelves at your local bookstore
Whether you’re looking for a new read or not, walking through a cozy bookstore is a low-key yet intimate way to get to know someone better. You learn more about their favorite authors and titles, possibly evoking a connection that goes far beyond what your favorite foods and subjects are. Once you add a couple books to your TBR list, keep the conversation going with a trip to a cafe or coffee shop.
Cook together
Pick up some ingredients at the grocery store and invite your crush over to cook dinner or bake something sweet together. It’s romantic and intimate, and typically less expensive than going out to eat at a restaurant.
Plan a double date
You had a successful first date, but you need your bestie’s opinion, ofc. Plan a double date with your BFF and their significant other — hanging with friends will let your crush see a bit more of your personality, and you can see how they interact with others, too.
Grab some ice cream
What’s better than sharing a sweet treat with someone you’re really into? On a warm summer night, an ice cream date is the perfect outing for you and your crush’s second date. Grab it to go and eat it at the beach or park while looking at the stars.
Pack a picnic
Picnics are typically a warm-weather activity, but they also make for a super fun winter date idea. Just grab some blankets and set up a cozy space in your living room. But if the sun is shining, don’t hesitate to pack your snacks and head out to the park for a casual and cute lunch date.
Go for a hike
Take in the views on a scenic hike together. You and your crush bond over a shared excursion and are given ample time to have an authentic and interesting conversation. If you’re both comfortable, you could hold hands, give each other a playful nudge or two, or share a kiss at the top of a mountain.
Visit a museum
Check out a new exhibit at a local museum. Most are pay-as-you-wish, while others often offer a student discount.
Go to a concert
Maybe you and your crush discovered that you love the same genre of music on your first date. For your second outing, grab tickets to a local show and enjoy some live music together.
Go thrifting
Pick a couple spots and go thrifting for your second date. It will likely give you the opportunity to learn more about your crush’s sense of style.
Have a movie marathon
Movie marathons are perfect for a weekend or after-school date. You can each choose a film to watch, or queue up a couple of your favorite rom-coms to really up the romance. Pop some popcorn and cuddle up under the blanket together for a cozy, low-key night in.
Attend a sports game
Baseball in the spring, hockey in the winter, football in the fall – the options are endless for a sports outing with your crush. It’s a casual date where you can chat and bond, but you can also find a bit of distraction in watching the game, in case the conversation stalls at any point.
Go to a drive-in movie
Switch up the usual dinner-and-a-movie date night. Watch a classic film or new flick at a nearby drive-in, and chat about your likes and dislikes without the fear of getting shushed.
Take a trip to the beach
Head to the beach and spend an afternoon in the sun (but don’t forget your SPF). You can listen to music, play some games, eat some snacks, and splash around in the water. Even if the temps are too chilly, pull on some sweatshirts and grab some blankets to chat seaside.
Leah Campano is an Associate Editor at Seventeen, where she covers pop culture, entertainment news, health, and politics. On the weekends, you can probably find her watching marathons of vintage Real Housewives episodes or searching for New York City’s best almond croissants.
