What to Do on a Third Date

So, you’re going on a third date—how exciting! But what memorable activities can you do? How can you keep them interested? Have no fear because you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the best and most creative third date ideas to get those sparks flying. There’s sure to be something that’ll pique you and your date’s interest in this list, so keep reading.

This article is based on an interview with our professional dating and relationship coach, Mark Rosenfeld, founder of Make Him Yours. Check out the full interview here.

1

Go on a picnic.

Lay out the picnic blanket for a wholesome date. Having a picnic during golden hour may seem cliche, but it can leave you and your date feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Pack their favorite foods or surprise them with a picturesque charcuterie spread. Ask them questions and don’t be afraid to get personal—third dates are all about learning more about each other.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Snap a picture or two of your date when the lighting’s just right to capture the memory and show them how beautiful they are.
- Take a walk around the park after your picnic to move and talk together.
- Picnic rained out? Lay the picnic blanket in your living room for an at-home date.
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2

Go bowling.

Take your third date to the bowling alley for competitive fun. The best dates are those that get you moving because, when you move together, you laugh together. You’re more likely to build a lasting connection with your date if you do something physical, so why not try bowling? It’s fun, and the alleyway lights can be quite romantic.
- Challenge each other to see who can make the most strikes.
- Order your date their favorite soft drink and snack.

3

Share an ice cream.

Sit down with a sweet treat and your date. Bring your date to their favorite ice cream spot and get a sundae to share. Sit across from each other to keep eye contact, or sit side by side for some “accidental” touching. They won't know what is sweeter between the cold treat and your kindness!
- Sharing not you and your date’s thing? No problem at all! Have separate cones or cups. You have more to share than the ice cream.
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4

Go for a bike ride.

Take a scenic adventure if you’re both explorers. Third dates are all about connecting with one another, so consider going on an outdoor adventure. Bike to a local coffee shop or through the city out to the country. This is a great way to move and spend time together.
- Use your own bikes for an inexpensive date or rent bikes from bike racks.
- Pack a picnic lunch to sit and eat at a spot you discover together.
- Ride side-by-side when you can to casually chat and cruise.
- Challenge your date to a race to keep things interesting.

5

Solve an escape room.

Reveal the hidden sides of your personality with an escape room. You and your date know quite a bit about each other by now, but there's still much to learn. Escape rooms are an excellent challenge that pulls out all sides of your personality. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to show off your intense puzzle-solving skills.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Find escape rooms in your area by searching “escape rooms near me” online.
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6

Spend the day at the beach.

Cozy up on the sand together and chat. Looking for the perfect third date for summertime? Well, the beach is calling your name! Grab an umbrella, towels, and sunscreen to spend a day lounging with your date. You can go swimming, toss around a volleyball, or simply lay in each other’s arms in the sun.
- Take time to chat in between all the fun beach activities. Ask if they have any fond beach memories or what their favorite beach snack is—extra dating points if you can get them that snack.

7

Team up for trivia night.

Show off your fun facts knowledge to impress your date. Not only are trivia nights super fun, but they’re also a great team-building exercise. Who knows? You and your date may be surprised by what questions you can answer, leading to plenty of laughs and deeper conversations.
- Check out the local bars to see if they host trivia nights.
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8

Take a class together.

Try something new with your date to make lasting memories.^{[3]XResearch source} Have you both always wanted to learn how to cook or dance? Finding a mutual interest can help you bond and strengthen your growing relationship. So, get out of your comfort zone and enroll in a class that matches both of your interests.
- Are you both artistic? Try a painting or pottery class—and don’t be afraid to get messy!
- Are you both athletic? Take up a yoga or dance class to work out together.
- Are you both foodies? Consider a cooking or baking class to improve those culinary skills.

9

Go to a karaoke bar.

Sing your heart out to capture your date’s heart. Whether you’re musically inclined or not, there’s no denying that karaoke is a fun activity! Buy your date a few drinks, and get on that stage for a duet or serenade them with a solo of your own.
- This date is perfect for a lively couple looking to make lasting memories. Plus, you may even learn that your date has the voice of an angel!
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10

Walk around a food festival.

Center the date around food if your date’s a foodie. Get outdoors and walk around a food festival for a casual but fun date. This is a great option for when the sun is shining, allowing you to learn more about your date’s likes and dislikes.
- Some towns and cities have festivals centered around a single food, like strawberries or chocolate—bonus points if you can bring your date to one centered around their favorite food!
- See what festivals are happening in your area by searching “food festivals near me” online.

11

Play a game of mini-golf.

Keep things playful with a round of putt-putt. Mini golf is the perfect activity for a sunny fall, spring, or summer day. Most courses are relatively cheap to play, making it an easy date for the wallet. Plus, the chill game offers plenty of time and space to spark conversation with your date.
- Make the date even more romantic by offering to show your date how to swing or asking for help with your swing. A simple touch can build chemistry.
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12

Watch a comedy show.

Laugh with your date to keep things laid back. The third date is the time to grow closer to one another, and what better way to do that seamlessly than by laughing? Buy tickets for an afternoon show and treat your date to dinner afterward or vice versa. The show will give you plenty to talk about, and you can learn more about their comedic side too.
- Find comedy shows in your area by searching “comedy shows near me.”
- Does your date have a favorite comedian? Check out the comedian’s website to see if they’re touring somewhere near you.

13

Visit an arcade.

Challenge each other to skeeball, Whac-A-Mole, or Pac-Man. Did you know that a little friendly competition can turn someone on? If you’re looking to build chemistry, bring your date to an arcade where you can play and tease one another. Letting your inner child out can help you bond and flirt.
- Try modern arcades like Dave & Buster’s for a mix of modern and classic games.
- Old-fashioned arcades can be a blast from the past, and you can even dress in your classiest retro outfit.
- Win a prize for your date so they’ll have something to remember this special third date.
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14

Spend the night at home together.

Get to know your date cuddled up on the couch. By this point, you have a good feeling about this relationship. Maybe it’s time to invite them over and just hang out. Put on a good movie, pop some popcorn, and get cozy. Take this chill date as an opportunity to chat and learn more about each other.
- Throw video games into the mix if your date’s a gamer. A little competition may just get those sparks flying.

15

Go to a shopping mall.

Walk around and do a bit of window shopping together. This seems mundane, but it’s the perfect third date idea! Not only are you moving together, but you’re also talking. You’d be surprised just how much you can learn about someone based on what stores they like.
- Pay attention to what your date picks up and says while shopping. You can use this information to buy them a future gift.
- Ask your date questions about what they like or dislike while you shop.
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16

Take a trip to a theme park.

Ride a rollercoaster and let your inner child out. With the third date, that initial awkwardness is most likely gone. You’re starting to feel comfortable around each other, so now it’s time to have some fun! Bring your date to a local theme park to walk around, eat food, ride rides, and be in each other’s company.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Snap lots of pictures while you’re there to capture all the memories.

17

Attend a sporting event.

Go see a game together for a memorable, wholesome experience. If your date’s as much of a sports fan as you, take the third date as an opportunity to watch your favorite sport in person together. Get dressed up in your wildest fan outfit and have fun! Remember, this is the time for you both to show those hidden sides of yourself.
- There are plenty of lulls during a game where you can talk—halftime, time-outs, you name it!
- If your favorite teams are rivals, try to attend a rival match. This is sure to build some romantic tension.
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18

Buy tickets to a concert.

Jam out to music to let loose with your date. Concerts can bring out a whole different side of someone. From the music to the wild atmosphere, what’s not to love? If your date is into music, take them to see their favorite band or musician perform.
- Use what you’ve learned about them on the first two dates to pick a concert you think they’d enjoy.
- Scroll through their social media profiles to see if they idolize a specific group or singer.
- Introduce them to your favorite band if you’re into the same type of music.