So, you’ve made a terrific first impression on your first date, guaranteeing a repeat. But before you sigh in relief, you should know the difficult part isn’t over yet. Your follow-up plans will prove you aren’t a one-hit wonder. Racking your brains for second-date ideas? Here are several budget-based options that will allow you to build on the momentum you’ve started.
Easy-on-the-pocket second-date ideas
Wondering what to do on a second date to get to know another person in a more casual capacity? Go for something more chill and low-key! Take your pick from these practical options.
Date idea #1: Picnic at the park.
Gearing up for date number two but want to keep your expenses at a minimum? No worries! How about a picnic at the park or even the beach? Show off your cooking skills by putting together a small feast. Or you can pack each other’s favourite foods, whether store-bought sandwiches, pastries, or fresh fruits. This simple gesture proves that you’re paying attention, too!
To up your game, why not assemble a simple charcuterie board? You can’t go wrong with cheese, crackers, and a local jam. It doesn’t have to be too fancy.
Date idea #2: Shop together at a farmers’ market.
If you and your date are both foodies, you can fill up your pantries together at a local farmers’ market. You’ll get fresher, healthier food here than a chain supermarket. Find a market close to where you and your date live. The market finder on the Australian Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA) website will help you out here.
Come in the morning so you have the best picks. You’ll be able to taste samples as you browse through the stalls. Learn more about the products and their origins by talking to the farmer directly. A date at the farmers’ market means you’ll get a chance to connect with your date and come home with delicious food you’ll enjoy for days, even months.
Date idea #3: Watch a local show.
Fancy theatre tickets can cost a pretty penny, so choose community events for budget-friendly second-date ideas. Instead, choose shows featuring up-and-coming artists in your neighbourhood. Tickle your date’s funny bone by attending a comedy act. You can also enjoy a night of laughter, dancing, and singing at a local drag show.
Date idea #4: Explore the city on an electric scooter.
Have you always wanted to ride along the Yarra River on two wheels? Now’s your chance to rent an e-scooter for you and your date and explore the city together.
Besides riding along waterways, consider seeing some hot spots and playing tourist for a day. You can either join tour groups or customise your itinerary. The goal is to make new memories even if you’ve already been to these places before.
Date idea #5: Visit a dog park.
Are you and your date dog owners? When planning what to do on a second date, you may want to consider organising a date for your fur babies. It might be the first of many, especially if your pups get along.
Here are a few reminders for your dog park date:
- Scope out the park before your date to make sure it’s well-fenced in. You’ll also want to check if there are separate areas for small and big dogs. If your date has a dog of a different size from yours, it may defeat the purpose of going to the dog park together if you spend the whole time in separate sections.
- Bring water for your dog. Not all dog parks provide a communal water trough or bowl, so keep your pooch hydrated by bringing water with you. For extra thoughtfulness, pack an extra water bowl for your date’s dog too.
- Bring treats for your date’s dog as well as your own.
- Pay as much attention to your dog as you do to your date. You want to be responsible even as you take advantage of the opportunity to connect.
Second-date ideas with a bit of a splurge
Are you willing to spend a little more on date numero dos? Check out these fun ideas you can splurge on.
Date idea #6: Visit the zoo.
First dates reveal many things about another person, including their comfort food, favourite band, or adoration of animals. If you discovered a shared love for creatures, big or small, a zoo visit is an ideal second-date idea. Sure, these dates rank high on the cliché metre, but who can say no to the most adorable critters?
You can also try something different and skip the day trip. Instead, grab tickets for an after-dark visit to the Night Safari. Zoos allow you to converse and enjoy each other’s company – and expand your animal knowledge – in a relaxing setting.
Date idea #7: Play games at the arcade.
Inject a bit of competition into your outing by taking your date to the local arcade. You can challenge each other, collect tickets, and win major prizes. Make sure to try both retro games and the more modern ones. Stay and enjoy to your heart’s content! This might even be your chance to show off your talents, whether they’re in dancing, shooting hoops, or driving.
Don’t forget to commemorate your date with a couple of photo-booth sessions. Let your hair down, flash your most genuine smile, and be you!
Date idea #8: Go wine tasting.
Do you both love sipping on wine to unwind? Level up your game and pinot knowledge by taking the oenophile in your life to a wine-tasting event. Sample some of the best reds and whites before grabbing a meal. Or, contact with your local winemaker or pub and inquire about their tasting menu. Alternatively, opt for a brewery tour and indulge in some ale.
[H3] Date idea #9: Go gourmet for your dinner date.
Is dinner a good second date? It certainly can be, especially if you and your date consider yourselves gourmands. Plan a visit to a restaurant by one of the chefs featured on MasterChef Australia or one awarded chefs hats by the Australian Good Food Guide. If you’ve got the budget for it and can get a reservation, you could even shoot for something with a Michelin star to really impress your date.
If you pick your restaurant right, the food should be so good that it’ll serve as a main talking point for your dinner conversation.
[H3] Date idea #10: Attend a class together.
Opportunities for love and learning abound with this second-date idea. Pick a class that fits both of your interests. For example, foodies can try a gourmet cooking class. Do you appreciate art, or are you looking for a chill experience? Consider a paint and sip class, which combines art with wine drinking – variations of this include craft or crochet and coffee classes. If the class goes well, invite your date for dinner or a cuppa afterwards to extend your time together.
Second-date ideas that spare no expense
If money is not an issue, here are some second-date tips to show your date a fab time.
Date idea #11: Spend a night at the opera.
Did the first date reveal a mutual affinity for the finer things in life? If so, a second date immersing yourselves in arts and culture is in order. Start with a degustation dinner, head to an art gallery, then cap the evening listening to opera music. For a date to remember, treat your special guest to a one-night-only show or maybe even an exclusive gathering with a small audience. Not a fan of the opera? You can choose a theatrical musical or symphony concert instead.
Date idea #12: Enjoy a sunset cruise.
For a change in scenery, charter a small yacht or a sailboat and enjoy a sunset cruise. Spending time in the sea can help you think more clearly and eliminate dating inhibitions. Talk about anything and everything; get to know the other person as intimately as possible. This privacy and some time away will allow you to focus on one another much better.
Perhaps you’re wondering, is dinner a good second date? It certainly is. Follow up your water adventure with a meal and end the night with cocktails.
Date idea #13: Relax at a spa.
Indulge in a day of relaxation and rejuvenation for your second date. Spend time together getting head-to-toe pampering at a spa! If you’re comfortable, book a shared room for your treatments and take advantage of the couple’s facilities. However, if you’re not quite ready for that level of intimacy, go for something more casual, like hand massages or foot reflexology. Either way, you’ll get to engage in a touch of self-care together.
Date idea #14: Fly in a hot-air balloon.
Go up, up, and away with this second-date idea. Not only do you get to tick an item off your bucket list, but you’ll also get a view to remember as you soar among the clouds with your date. A warning for night owls, though – hot-air balloon tours start before dawn, and some packages come with vineyard tours and champagne breakfasts once you get your feet on the ground again.
Popular Australian ballooning spots can be found all over the country, including:
- ACT: Canberra
- New South Wales: Byron Bay, Camden Valley, Geelong, Hunter Valley, Macarthur, Mudgee
- Northern Territory: Alice Springs
- Queensland: Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast
- South Australia: Barossa Valley (from Adelaide)
- Tasmania: Launceston
- Victoria: Melbourne, Yarra Valley
- Western Australia: Perth
Date idea #15: Go horse riding.
If you and your date enjoy the great outdoors, trail riding may be an excellent experience for the both of you. There are a variety of trails to choose from, depending on your area. You could be trotting down a beach, cantering through gum trees, fording streams, or galloping alongside golden fields.
Are you new to horse riding? You can purchase a day membership to a horse trail riding club, and participate in the regular events they organise. The Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (ATHRA) is a group of clubs dedicated to safe and environmentally responsible trail horse riding, so they are one option for looking for riding clubs in your area.
How to prepare for your second date
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to impress someone. But before you go overboard making plans, prep for your date with these easy confidence boosters:
- Get a haircut or have your hair styled by a professional.
- Take advantage of grooming services like facials and waxing.
- Pick your best outfit. Make sure it’s flattering, comfy, and appropriate for your date.
- Practise good hygiene. Shower, apply deodorant, and trim your nails regularly – not just before a date.
- Take care of your oral health so you can always flash a perfect smile. Visit your dentist twice a year, get regular cleanings, and invest in treatments.
If you need a solution to fix your crooked teeth that won’t cramp your style, consider discreet and comfortable ClearCorrect aligners. Because they’re made with a unique and resilient tri-layer ClearQuartz material, they’re sturdy and almost completely invisible. Determine if you’d be a good candidate for these clear aligners by taking our online smile assessment.
Are you feeling pumped and excited? Choose from these second-date ideas that will wow the person you’re wooing. Start phoning to check schedules and make necessary event reservations today. And don’t leave that special someone hanging – invite them out and seal the deal.
