Summary
- The Third Date is a turning point, because it signals that both feel a genuine connection worth exploring. At this stage you move beyond casual introductions to see if a real relationship is possible.
- Choose an activity you both enjoy, like taking a cooking class, visiting a museum, going for a hike, or attending a concert. Shared experiences create a relaxed environment, spark conversation, and help you see a different side of each other.
- Be yourself, show genuine interest, and be open to deeper conversation.
- Don’t dominate the conversation, get too drunk, or put too much pressure on the outcome.
You’ve navigated the first two dates. Now comes the real test: the third date. So why is this meeting so important? What makes it the definitive turning point?
Why is the third date so significant?
Reaching a third date proves the initial spark was real and you’re both invested in seeing where things go. This is your chance to move beyond surface-level chat and get personal. Will you build a genuine connection? Is this the moment you decide if an actual relationship is possible? Will it be the night you finally progress toward intimacy?
The third date is when you:
- Transition from just getting to know each other to developing a relationship
- Become more personal with one another
- Find out if you want to have a relationship
- Progress towards intimacy
The 20 Best Third Date Ideas
To give this potential relationship every chance of success, you need a memorable and exciting third date, one packed with fun and one in which you can spend some time opening up and getting to know each other better.
Continue reading for some of the best third date ideas.
1. Taking a cooking class together
Food is always a good focal point for a 3rd date, especially if you’re cooking it together. With cooking classes, you get to show off your culinary skills while discovering if your partner is a gourmet chef in the making or is the sort of person who can burn ice cream.
A cooking class is fun and creative. You can even make a game out of it, seeing who will cook the best food. It’s also a little messy, and these things are perfect for getting to know someone.
2. Going for a nature walk or hike
Silence and nature—it’s the perfect date idea. It’s also free and you don’t need to worry about too many distractions.
3. Visiting a new city or town
Enjoy a date night together by strolling through the city, enjoying the lights and the sights as you walk arm-in-arm. Or take a stroll through the town during the day, maybe visiting a coffee shop or stopping for a bite to eat. You will have plenty of time to chat without any distractions or noise, so it’s a great way to get to know each other.
4. Going to a concert or live show
A love of music can connect two individuals better than anything. If you have a passion for the same genre or bands (whether that means you’re both into thrash metal and Metallica or you appreciate the ballets of Tchaikovsky) you’re set for good times ahead. Arrange to see a concert, ballet, or opera together.
Don’t like the same music? Find something neutral or just listen to something they like. It’ll still be fun and you’ll still be with them. That’s what matters.
5. Visiting a craft fair
A craft fair always makes for a fun date idea, especially among older daters and those with a passion for creating. Check that they actually have an interest in crafting first, otherwise you’ll bore them into submission and may never hear from them again! Can’t find a fair? Look for a craft class instead.
6. Go to a wine tasting or brewery tour
Enjoy the occasional tipple? Is your date of a similar ilk? Then head for a local brewery or check out wine tours in your area. You can enjoy wines in the vineyards or sample some local brews at the bar.
7. Having a picnic in the park
Food, silence, sunshine, and relaxation—a great third date idea if ever there was one! You can even show your class by bringing out the Champagne!
8. Attending a sports game together
Give your local team some support. If you’re both cheering on the same team and they have a good game, you’ll be jumping for joy together and maybe even jumping into one another’s arms.
9. Trying out a new sport or activity together
Whether it’s tennis, ping pong, pool, darts, or something completely different like axe throwing, doing an activity like this will make for a memorable date. They’ll never forget playing that game, so they’ll never forget you.
10. Going for a drive-in movie
It’s old-school. It’s classic. And it’s a great date idea for all ages! You’d be surprised at how many of these venues are available in the UK.
11. Having an at-home movie or game night
If you’re looking for something a little simpler, and prefer to stay home, just put on some films. You can also pick up a game or two (a video game or a board game, depending on your date). It’s a very cheap date idea and it never fails.
12. Going to an art class or workshop together
As with the craft fair, art classes and workshops allow you to explore your creativity and show your date what you’ve got. They are also quiet and safe.
13. Going for a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant
It’s a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason. Book a table at a nice restaurant, enjoy a nice dinner date, and then go back for a nightcap.
14. Going for a cruise or boat ride
There’s a reason gondola rides are so popular in Venice—you can’t beat the peace and serenity of the water. It’s romantic. You might not have the canals of Venice, but there are always options for cruises and boat rides.
15. Experiencing an adrenaline-rush activity
From rock climbing to rollercoasters and even haunted houses, if you can get the adrenaline pumping, you might also ignite their feelings for you.
16. Going to a local tourist attraction
Visit a local museum or venue. Live like a tourist. It’s not uncommon for people to live for decades in a city and never visit the tourist destinations. It never feels right as a local. But a third date is the perfect excuse and a fun way to spend the day.
17. Going on a weekend away trip
Everyone loves a holiday, so why not go away together for the weekend? Don’t overdo it though. If you’ve only known them for a few weeks and have only met them a couple of times, they might not feel safe going to a remote cabin for the weekend or flying halfway around the world with you.
A simple city break in a posh hotel is a good way to keep them comfortable while injecting something new into your burgeoning relationship.
18. Taking a dance class together
You’re a great dancer, right? Of course you are! Get those arms and legs moving and your heart pumping! What better way to spend a third date together than to dance the night away?
19. Going to an amusement or water park
Amusement parks and water parks always make for a fun third date. You can let loose and enjoy yourself. Leave those inhibitions at home!
20. Planning a surprise date for your partner
The best third date idea for some people is the one they didn’t expect. So, plan something that will surprise and delight them. That way, not only will they have fun on the date, but they will forever remember the surprise and the way it may them feel. That means they will also forever remember you!
Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Third Date
You don’t need a relationship coach to tell you how to have a good time on a third date. Just keep it simple and make sure they feel safe and happy at all times:
- Keep it light and don’t try to overdo it
- Show an interest in your partner and listen to them
- Make it about them and not you
- Get creative with your date ideas, but don’t dismiss the classics
- Plan the third date according to your partner’s interests
- Make sure they are having fun, but don’t ask them every few minutes
- Do something new and unexpected
- If you chose a group activity or game, find a way to involve them at every step
The Do’s and Don’ts of a third date
Do’s
- Show a little affection, if they are comfortable with it
- Be yourself
- Plan for the day/evening and not just for an hour
- Greet them with a hug or a kiss
- Make the date fun
- Open up to them
- Try to bond with them
- Show that you’re listening by referencing things they have told you
- Base the date around food, music, or creative exploits
Don’ts
- Don’t make assumptions about how it will end
- Don’t get too drunk
- Don’t be too pushy. Make sure they are comfortable
- Don’t try to show off
- Don’t worry about trying to make it perfect
- Don’t keep asking them if they are having a great time
How to move forward after the third date
Once the day has dawned and your third date is over, it’s time to reflect and plan the next steps. The third date is always a momentous time in a relationship, so things get even more interesting from here.
Evaluating the date
Did it work for you? Did they seem to enjoy themselves? Was there any way it could have been better? Were there things that didn’t work? It’s important to evaluate in this way, not only for the relationship but also for future dates.
Deciding whether to continue dating or not
Do you want the relationship to continue? Do you want to keep dating that man or woman? It’s an important question. By now, you should have a good idea of whether you really like them or not. It’s also still early days, so it won’t hurt them too much if you decide to break up with them.
Communicating your feelings and thoughts about the relationship
Whatever you decide, let your date know how you feel. That might mean saying that you want the 3rd date to become a 4th and a 5th. It might mean you want to spend the night or weekend together.
It could also mean that you want to break it off. In that case, while there it is never easy, the third date is a great time to do it as they haven’t had time to become fully invested.
Conclusion
Whether it’s creative or relaxed; adrenaline-fuelled or romantic, the third date is a big one in any relationship. Once you get over this step, you should know what the future holds. So, think creatively, plan something they like, and have fun!
Key points
Find your new relationship at Match
Your ideal match is just a click away ! Find your new relationship at Match
Meet and date singles