Your second date went well, and they’re still texting you regularly, but now it’s time to plan the perfect third date to move things along. But coming up with third-date ideas can be tricky!
You’ve already done the dinner date, perhaps you’ve done the coffee date too. Maybe you’ve even gone on a romantic hike or taken a cooking class together. So what’s next?
Well, we have some great ideas that’ll make your third date unforgettable and help you build a stronger connection with your potential partner. Not to mention, these ideas will also give you a chance to get to know each other better and have fun in the process.
Our Top 20 Ideas for What to Do on a Third Date
Have you been wracking your brain? You should have spent two previous dates listening to your date and getting to know their likes, dislikes and things they may want to do.
They may even have been dropping hints! You want to try to customise your date ideas to make them truly meaningful and memorable.
If you’re unsure of what to do for your third date, here are some classic examples:
1. Dinner & a Local Show
A classic date idea that’s perfect for getting to know each other better while enjoying some tasty food is dinner and a show!
You can totally personalise it to your date – maybe grab their favourite foods or catch their favourite music live.
Sounds fun, right? And it could be just what you need to move the relationship to the next step
2. Bar Hopping or Wine Tasting
Get to know your date better with the help of a bit of Dutch courage! It’s perfect for coming up with those third-date questions and deeper answers, so you can dive into more personal topics.
Visit England has a comprehensive list of wine-tasting experiences throughout the UK.
3. Plan a Trip to the Cinema
Going to the cinema is usually reserved for first dates in secondary school, but it can also make a great third date.
While you can’t talk during the movie (unless you want to get kicked out!), it can be a great way to learn to just be together, and it’s a nice segue into dinner or drinks afterwards!
4. Have a Picnic in the Park
A romantic picnic in the park is a great way to enjoy some intimacy and relaxation. You can chat freely in a peaceful setting, and it’s easy on the wallet, too.
Just pack your favourite foods or even bring along some games to make it personal. The natural backdrop really sets the mood, turning those moments into enchanting and meaningful memories.
5. Try Cooking a Romantic Meal Together
Cooking a romantic meal together is a fun way to foster teamwork and communication. You get to collaborate and discover each other’s tastes and preferences.
It’s playful and intimate, filled with laughter and shared experiences, which helps create a stronger connection on your third date.
6. Take Them to a Concert
Going to a concert to see your date’s favourite band really shows you care and pay attention to their interests.
Sharing that energetic vibe helps you bond over something exciting, creating memories that strengthen your connection. Also, it’s the perfect proof you’ve been listening to them.
7. Take a Dance Class Together
Taking a dance class together can be a super fun way to bond and boost teamwork and communication.
It’s a chance for both of you to step out of your comfort zones, share some laughs, and learn something new. Plus, it’s a great way to strengthen your connection and create awesome memories through fun and interactive moments.
You never know. Busting a move could be the ideal way to make the first move towards the next step of your relationship!
8. Go for a Scenic Hike
Going for a scenic hike in nature is a great way to have some undistracted time for meaningful chats.
The peaceful surroundings just make it easier to talk openly, share thoughts, and swap stories, building a stronger connection. Plus, enjoying the beautiful landscapes together creates awesome shared memories.
9. Get Your ‘Ghost’ on With a Pottery Class
A pottery class might seem like an odd date choice, but it’s a fun and sexy option for a third date. Getting your hands dirty with clay is a great icebreaker and can lead to intimate moments.
Think of the famous pottery scene from ‘Ghost’ – working together on something creative can bring you closer.
10. Have a Giggle at a Comedy Show
A local comedy show is a great way to lighten the mood, especially if you’re on a third date and feeling nervous.
Laughing together creates a relaxed, fun vibe and brings you closer, showing off your shared sense of humour. Plus, it gives you plenty to talk about, helping deepen your connection and making the evening more enjoyable.
11. Attend a Local Fair or Festival
Attending a local fair or festival can be a fun third date as it combines entertainment, food, and cultural experiences.
The lively atmosphere allows for relaxed interactions, and exploring attractions together fosters bonding. It offers endless conversation starters, making it an ideal setting for deepening your connection.
12. Test Your Communication With an Escape Room
Trying an escape room on your third date is a fun way to test your connection. It brings out the need for teamwork, trust, and solving puzzles under pressure.
If you manage to escape together, it’s a great sign of compatibility and strengthens your bond through shared success.
13. Relive Teenage Dreams at an Arcade Bar
Going back to your teenage days at an arcade bar is an awesome way to show off your fun side. It’s all about playful competition and light-hearted interaction.
Plus, this date idea brings back those nostalgic feelings and lets you bond over shared experiences. You’ll have laughter-filled moments that break the ice and deepen your connection.
14. Get Whimsical at a Butterfly Garden
Visiting a local butterfly garden is the perfect way to indulge your more whimsical side during your third date.
It’s a great way to show the different sides of yourself to your date, and many places support conservation charities which is a plus!
15. Chill Out at a Cat Cafe
If you’re still in the “getting to know each other” stage of dating, booking a couple of hours at a cat cafe can be a great way to have some meaningful chats in a calm environment.
Cat cafes often adopt out their cats, so you’ll be supporting a good cause, too!
| Some of the most popular cat cafes in the UK include: Java Whiskers Cat Cafe Pause Cat Cafe Canterbury Tails Cat Cafe |
16. Bake Cookies Together
This is a super simple date idea, but spending time together baking cookies (and then eating them!) is a great way to have a more intimate date without any pressure.
It’s also a low-stakes way to invite your date to your house without being weird!
17. Reach New Heights With a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’re willing to splash out on your third date, booking a ride in a hot air balloon can be a great idea! Getting above the hustle and bustle of your city can be a great way to truly connect with your date.
18. Relax With Some Star Gazing
Another way to grab a quiet, serene moment with your date is to find a good star-gazing spot, lay out a blanket, and talk about how insignificant our world is compared to your love (or something less cheesy!).
Make sure you do your research on dark sky sites first!
19. Explore a New City Together
Having new experiences together is one of the best parts of being in a relationship, but it’s best to keep things low-stakes in the early stages, so exploring a new city neither of you has been to is a great idea.
It also provides plenty of opportunities to chat.
20. Attend a Sports Game Together
This is a difficult one. If you’re both into the same sport or sports in general, going to a game is a great date idea that allows you to bond (hopefully, you support the same team!).
If you’re not fussed about sports, going along to indulge in what your partner loves can earn you some serious brownie points!
How Much Time Should You Wait Between the Second & Third Date?
When deciding how long to wait between the second and third date, consider both your and your date’s schedules and how your relationship is progressing.
There’s no strict rule for the gap, but usually, it’s good to plan the third date within a week or two after the second. This keeps the relationship moving without any extra pressure.
The main thing is that both of you feel comfortable with the timing, so everything unfolds at a pace you both like.
Communication is key – just chat with your date about what feels right, and set your own schedule together!
What is the Third Date Rule?
In dating etiquette, the third date rule is the idea that you wait to do anything physical with someone until you’ve had three dates, whether you want to do it earlier or not!
The third date rule is great for setting boundaries and making sure you know someone a little better before jumping into bed with them.
It’s especially useful for those looking for more than a bit of fun.
Should You Follow the Third Date Rule?
Some people like to become intimate within the first two dates, and that is absolutely fine! Getting to know someone physically early on the first date is – in fact – what almost half of daters tend to do.
The sexual wellness brand Lovehoney found that 49% of daters have enjoyed sex on the first date, making it far from a taboo subject.
However, if you like to wait, the third date rule is the perfect way to set boundaries and build anticipation!
In the end, it’s all about what you and your date are comfortable with. By the third date, you can start feeling more at ease chatting about sexier topics.
Just remember, being respectful and having an open chat with your date is the way to go.
What is Third Date Syndrome?
Third Date Syndrome refers to the anxiety or pressure individuals may feel about making decisions regarding physical intimacy by the third date.
This cultural construct can lead to stress, but ultimately, couples should focus on mutual comfort and open communication.
Final Thoughts: Cement Your Relationship With Our Third Date Ideas
A successful third date can really be that pivotal moment where you make a genuine connection. It often sets the tone for your new relationship.
As you chat and share experiences, you start to understand and appreciate each other more. This is the perfect time to open up, be vulnerable, and build trust and intimacy, bringing you closer together.
Turn your relationship from early dating into long-term love with expert tips and advice from Finding The One!
Article updated: 08/11/2024
FAQs
Should Your Third Date Activity Interest Both of You?
Yes, ideally, your third date activity should interest both of you, fostering a connection and mutual enjoyment. Select an activity that reflects shared interests or offers a chance to explore new ones together, ensuring the date is memorable and engaging for both.
What is Acceptable on a Third Date?
Physical intimacy is acceptable if both parties feel comfortable, but it’s not mandatory. Focus on mutual respect, communication, and progressing naturally at your own pace. Each relationship is unique, so prioritising consent and personal boundaries is essential.
Who Initiates the 3rd Date?
Generally, either person can initiate the third date. The most important factor is that both are interested in continuing to explore the relationship. If you feel a connection and want to plan another date, feel free to make the suggestion.
Do We Kiss on the Third Date?
Yes, a kiss on the third date is fine if both parties are comfortable and consenting. It’s important to communicate and ensure that both feel ready and interested in expressing physical affection, respecting individual boundary preferences.
What Does a Third Date Mean to a Guy?
A third date often signifies a deeper connection and interest for a guy, suggesting he seeks to explore the potential for a long-term relationship. It’s a stage where he feels more comfortable and open to strengthening the bond.
What Are Signs There Will Be No Third Date?
A lack of chemistry, differing interests, or mismatched expectations can indicate there’s no inclination for a third date. If one or both parties feel disconnected or simply lack interest, it’s likely no further dates will occur.