19 Creative Third Date Ideas for a Romantic Experience

Couple takes selfie next to rental bikes and skyline in background — Cavan Images / Getty Images

Third dates are fun, exciting, and full of intrigue. You and your date are just getting to know each other and are building a rapport, and it’s the perfect opportunity for both of you to do something out of the ordinary. So rather than the same old dinner and a movie date routine, these 19 third date ideas will not only help you discover if you two really click, but will also encourage you to have fun in the process.

01 of 19

Cook Together

Couple chops vegetables in kitchen — Cavan Images / Getty Images

If you’re looking for an interactive third date idea, heading for the kitchen can be a great way to mix things up. And if you're not pros, don't panic: You and your date can sign up for a cooking class (try your local Sur La Table or Williams-Sonoma) to nail a new recipe while learning more about each other. If you're both kitchen novices, consider signing up for a knife skills class—you'll learn how to properly hold a knife, as well as practice classic knife cuts, which might include the julienne, rough chop, and mince.

02 of 19

Sing Karaoke

Another third date idea is to make a beeline for the nearest karaoke bar and sing your heart out to the person who may soon capture it. And whether you can carry a tune or not, you and your date will be able to see just how well you harmonize as a couple. You can even request a duet to really up the ante.

03 of 19

Go to a Museum

Two women sip Champagne in a museum — Petter Muller / Getty Images

If you’re looking for a date idea with an educational twist, visiting a museum is a great option. With so many different types of museums to choose from (contemporary art, natural history, air and space museums, for example), you and your date will not only discover fun facts as you walk through the exhibits, but learn more about each other as well. Plus, most museums feature a gift shop and a cafe so you can browse for unique souvenirs and enjoy a coffee and pastry, all in one place.

04 of 19

Take a Mini Road Trip

While we wouldn't recommend embarking on a major trip together at this point, a mini road trip is perfectly doable. Hop in the car and take a day drive outside your usual circuit to explore new terrain. The novelty of discovering new restaurants and points of interest will create a unique opportunity for connection. Plus, you get a chance to evaluate one another's playlist style.

05 of 19

Volunteer

Couple at beach cleanup — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

For those who are looking for a third date idea that can make a positive and lasting impact in every respect, volunteering is the way to go. Whether you sign up to help organize a run or walk in your area (such as those by Girls on the Run, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young girls through the joy of running), work with a local Humane Society animal shelter, or spend the morning serving or delivering food with a non-profit organization like Meals on Wheels, there are many different and worthy causes to do some good as you get to know each other.

06 of 19

Attend a Sporting Event

Group of young people cheering at sporting event — Flashpop / Getty Images

Hit up a sporting event for a third date that will really knock it out of the park (or whatever sports euphemism fits!). Not only will you get to learn more about your date's competitive spirit as you cheer on your team, but the high-energy environment can help you to see an upbeat side of each other as well. Plus, sports arenas have upped their concessions offerings, and while you may be paying more than you would elsewhere, you're likely to find local craft beers on tap, as well as local and regional food specialties.

07 of 19

Try a Wine Tasting

A wine tasting is a terrific third date option that's bound to leave you both in high spirits. Going to a wine tasting is an opportunity to sip as you learn about the hard work involved in getting said wine into your glass regardless of whether you prefer Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or are more of a Merlot fan. And, if you haven't figured out your preference just yet, this is a good a time as any to pin down your favorite grape variety. Maybe you'll even learn what wine to order on lucky date number four.

08 of 19

Visit a Theme Park

Male splashes into pool — BraunS / Getty Images

Adrenaline-seekers, check out a theme park for an exhilarating day date. Enjoy the different rides together, indulge in all the snacks, and appreciate the benefit of always having someone to chat with in line. Up the romance by attempting to win each other stuffed animals, hats, and different prizes at the various booths.

09 of 19

Plan a Picnic

Couple enjoying picnic near ocean — PeopleImages / Getty Images

Picnics are always a memorable date idea as you and your date get to enjoy a meal together in an unusual way. You can pick up food from a restaurant for ease or, our personal favorite, plan a potluck for an eclectic mix of your individual favorites.

To ensure a comfortable picnic experience, remember to pack a blanket or some sort of portable seating. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you'll be directly exposed to the sun, or pick a park with covered seating.

10 of 19

Sweat It Out

Make all the right moves by signing up for an exercise class together. This third date will get your heart pumping in every respect. Whether you hit up a spinning, yoga, or Pilates session, burning calories with one another can help you figure out if there’s any heat between the two of you.

11 of 19

Laugh It Up at a Comedy Club

Couple at club — Robert Deutschman / Getty Images

For those who are looking for a date that’s guaranteed to put a smile on both of your faces, going to a comedy club is no joke. Not only will you and your date spend time laughing together, but this kind of experience creates the perfect opportunity to develop your own inside jokes. Or, at the very least test out each other's sense of humor.

12 of 19

Team Up

There's a reason why they say teamwork makes the dream work: Combing your efforts to accomplish a shared goal is a surefire way to build a bond and get the positive vibes flowing. Team up for a trivia night or partnered competition to test your collaborative force against others or try a more intimate approach by putting together a puzzle or enlisting your date's help in building that Ikea cabinet you've been meaning to get around to.

13 of 19

Scale a Rock Wall

Young couple on indoor climbing wall — SolStock / Getty Images

Take turns belaying each other at one of the many indoor rock climbing gyms popping up across the country, or go free form with a bouldering route appropriate for your experience levels. Both activities will test your coordination and strength, as well as your communication skills, as you help guide each other up and down the wall. Plus, this is a perfect opportunity to see how your date responds to stressful situations or overcoming challenges—all important skills for a future relationship.

14 of 19

Find a Bowling Alley

Young people in bowling alley — Peter Cade /Getty Images

A bowling date is nostalgic, interactive, and a great vehicle for playfulness. Have fun lacing up those hideous rental shoes and take turns attempting to bowl a strike or two. Choose from an old-school bowling alley for a change of scenery, or one of the modern establishments that combine cool music with upscale food and drinks like Lucky Strike or Splitsville.

15 of 19

Play to Win

On that note, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. The us-against-the-world mentality can be fun, but sometimes you just want to test your individual strengths. Play to your similar interests and battle it out in whatever way speaks to you, whether it's the thrill of arcades, sensorial video games, a one-on-one sports match, or laying out the childhood board games.

16 of 19

Go Outside

Young couple walks along boardwalk — Granger Wootz / Getty Images

Go for a hike or nature walk, even if it's just around the neighborhood for a few rounds. The point is to get outside, observe the environment around you, and spend some quality time together. Choose a neighborhood you typically just drive through and see what catches your eyes. By walking, you'll experience a part of the city from an entirely new perspective.

17 of 19

Sample Ice Cream

Young couple enjoying ice cream — Brittany Bravo / Getty Images

There's nothing wrong with a dinner date, but an ice cream date can be more casual and fun, and doesn't come with as much pressure as dinners do. Guess each other's favorite flavor and sample the entire menu if you're game. Or, go blindfolded and test each other's taste buds by guessing unique flavors.

18 of 19

Get to Know Each Other

By the third date, you've already exhausted all the preliminary small talk and probably want to delve a little deeper in learning about each other. In lieu of interrogating your date over dinner, mix the discovery into something interactive and fun. Games like truth or dare, 21 questions, or a restrained never have i ever are perfect for getting to the bottom of your natural curiosity. You can make it into a drinking game to feel more relaxed, but remember that the point is getting to know one another not testing limits and boundaries just yet.

19 of 19

Rent Some Bikes

Couple with rental bikes and skyline in background — Cavan Images / Getty Images

Again, get up and literally move away from the traditional dinner date. An interactive activity like a bike ride is an opportunity to see your date from a different angle and inspires a broader range of conversation topics. Since you'll be out and about, as well as maneuvering your bike, you'll minimize awkward silences.

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