Date Night

33 Flirty and Fun Third Date Ideas to Bring You Closer

by: Sarah Cook

Last Updated on Jan 10th 2024

Are you looking for third date ideas that will spark romance and fun in your dating life? After the first few dates, you’ve moved past the awkward stage and are now trying to find out more about your partner. But just because the ice has been broken, that doesn’t mean that dating gets any easier!

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, almost half of Americans believe that dating in today’s world is more challenging than it was ten years ago. So, it’s no wonder that many people are confused about how to keep the romance alive after the first one or two dates.

You might have a lot of questions! What is expected on a third date? What does three dates mean to a guy? Or maybe you’re wondering what you should do after three dates. We’ve rounded up 33 great third ideas that should spark some flirtatious fun in your budding relationship.

Creative Third Date Ideas

1. Paint and Sip

For a fun third date that allows you to loosen up and find your artistic side, try a paint and sip class. These classes are offered in most major cities, so you’ll be sure to find paint and sip in Houston, paint and sip in Chicago, paint and sip in NYC or paint and sip near you.

You’ll laugh together while you try to create artwork and you’ll leave the date knowing more about each other’s artistic abilities, or lack thereof!

paint and sip third date idea — *via Canva*

2. Pottery Classes

Another great third date idea for engaging your creative side is a pottery class. Get your hands in the clay and make something fun that you’ll both treasure. You can find pottery classes in Boston, pottery classes in Houston, pottery classes in Los Angeles and pottery classes near you.

3. Dance Classes

If you’re wondering “What does a third date mean to a guy?” there’s no better idea than dancing. Holding each other close and learning some new moves will help you figure out if there is a spark of connection between the two of you.

You can find dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in NYC, dance classes in the Bay Area or even online dance classes so the two of you can dance in the comfort of your own home.

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4. Take in a Show

Taking in a Broadway show, musical lor other performance is a creative option that you’ll find on many lists of first, second and third date ideas. So what makes it different as a third date idea?

There’s something romantic about sitting in a dark theater next to your date. You can hold hands and enjoy the show before going out afterward for coffee or drinks.

5. Find a Drive-In Movie

This third date idea is a bit on the nostalgic side. Do some internet research to see if there is an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater in your area. Then pack some popcorn and candy, and snuggle up in the front seat to watch a classic film together.

cars at a drive in movie at sunset — *via Canva*

6. Go to a Museum

Another creative option for your third date is to go to a museum together. You can learn about art, history or science while taking in the exhibits together. Many museums also offer special events with food and drinks that would make for a special experience.

Foodie Third Date Ideas

7. Cooking Classes

Learn how to make a new dish together by taking a cooking class. These classes will allow you to be taught by a real chef, and you’ll learn some new skills along the way.

You can find cooking classes in Houston, cooking classes in Washington, D.C., cooking classes in Portland and other cooking classes near you.

8. Mixology Classes

If your date likes creative cocktails, why not try an online mixology class for your third date? You can stay in together and learn how to mix up something new.

9. Try a Wine Tasting

Wine and beer tastings are a popular first, second and third date idea. Put a new spin on this traditional date night by inviting your date for a virtual wine tasting. You’ll enjoy learning more about wine together while staying comfortable at home.

wine tasting third date idea — *via Canva*

10. Make a Home-Cooked Meal

Invite your date over for a romantic homemade meal. Or, if your cooking skills still need some development, try an online cooking class together for a great third date idea.

11. Go on a Progressive Dinner

Plan to eat one course of your meal at different restaurants around your city. Start with drinks at a favorite bar, then move locations for appetizers, entrées and desserts. You’ll get to sample different cuisines all in one evening.

12. Try a New Restaurant

If you’d rather tackle one cuisine at a time, take a more traditional route for your third date and visit a new restaurant together. Find something that neither of you have tried before.

This is a simple idea, but it can help calm your nerves, especially if you find yourself asking “What are the third date rules?” Remember that the goal is to have fun getting to know someone. Trying something brand new together can help take the pressure off.

13. Bake Sweets Together

There’s nothing sweeter than love, and with this great third date idea, you’ll be able to bake something sweet for each other or for your friends and family members. Try a new recipe together and indulge your sweet tooth.

couple baking cupcakes together at home — *via Canva*

Unique Third Date Ideas

14. Scavenger Hunt

Instead of driving yourself crazy by asking “What does a third date mean to a guy?”, try to relax and just enjoy the moment. You can plan a fun scavenger hunt around your city or take part in virtual scavenger hunts together.

15. Try an Escape Room

Escape rooms are becoming a popular third date destination for many couples, but you don’t even have to leave the house to try this third date idea! There are plenty of virtual escape rooms available online.

16. Game Night

Who doesn’t love being a little competitive? Host a board game night with your date or try out online trivia games and virtual game nights. It’ll be easy to turn that competitive streak into some flirty fun on your third date.

17. Sing Karaoke

Third dates are all about deepening the connection with your date, so why not learn more about them? Specifically, their taste in music! Karaoke is a great way to belt out some ballads together and see if the chemistry you felt on the first and second date has true staying power.

young women singing karaoke together — *via Canva*

18. Play Laser Tag

Just because you’re a grown-up doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of fun. Sign up for a game of laser tag with your date, or even invite some friends; laser tag is a great competitive addition to your list of good double date ideas.

19. Go Mini-Golfing

Putt-putt is another great third date idea that allows you to put your nervous energy into a physical action. You’ll be able to practice your golfing skills together while spending quality time getting to know each other more.

20. Visit a Comedy Club

For a third date idea that’s full of laughter, try an improv club or comedy show. You and your date will be laughing all night long and making key memories that will last you to the fourth date and beyond.

21. Go to a Carnival

Check your local newspaper for festival and carnival dates. Many towns host seasonal festivals in fall and spring, making this a great fall date idea or spring third date idea, depending on when your third date will be taking place.

DIY Third Date Ideas

22. Try Flower Arranging

For a third date idea that’s unconventional but still creative, try virtual flower arranging classes. You’ll learn new skills together and create a beautiful arrangement that will be the perfect souvenir of the date.

23. Take a Woodworking Class

For another chance to work with your hands on a third date, try a woodworking class. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it or not, the key is spending time together and learning a new skill! And who knows, maybe woodworking will be your newfound passion!

24. Learn Some New Stitches

One more DIY third date idea that will help you discover your hidden talents is a sewing class. You’ll be able to stitch up some cute and useful projects together while laughing and getting to know more about your partner.

25. Try Glass Blowing Together

If you’re looking for a creative way to warm up, try this third date idea for winter. Spend time together taking a glass blowing class. You’ll be able to warm up in the studio while also learning a new art form.

glass blowing third date idea — *via Canva*

Outdoor Third Date Ideas

26. Take a Hike

Hiking is a classic date idea for a reason. You’ll be able to take in beautiful views together while hiking to a scenic vista. The hike will give you plenty of time to talk about your expectations and boundaries as you move forward in your relationship, but without the added pressure of sitting at a table staring at each other the whole time.

27. Pack a Picnic

If hiking isn’t your speed, try packing a delicious picnic and heading to your local park. You could even stay home and picnic in the backyard if you’d like!

28. Visit the Dog Park

If you or your date are dog lovers, take this chance to get to know their pet by planning a trip to the dog park. This third date idea will give you a good chance to get to know the furry friends in your significant other’s life.

29. Go Camping

For a true third date getaway, head out on a weekend camping trip. You’ll be able to cozy up next to the campfire and sleep under the stars, all while learning more about your date’s goals and plans for the future.

two couples around tents and campfire — *via Canva*

30. Go Ice-Skating

For a winter date idea that’s perfect for freezing temperatures, try ice skating! You’ll have an excuse to hold hands as you navigate the slick rink together.

Many major cities have ice-skating rinks available during the colder months, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking for date ideas in NYC, date ideas in Chicago or other big, cold-weather cities.

31. Go on a Walking Tour

For city dwellers, why not find a good walking tour of your hometown? You might learn new facts that you never knew about the city. Add this to your list of third date ideas in Chicago or date ideas in NYC to make your third date really shine.

32. Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

Take in some great music with your date and head to an outdoor concert venue. There will be no awkward moments on this date, because the music and people-watching alone will surely help disguise any awkward silences. Once the concert starts, you can sing, dance and hold hands as you learn more about your partner over the course of the evening.

33. Hit the Water

If you’re looking for a third date idea during the warmer months, hit the water! Depending on where you live, this could mean a day trip to the lake, the beach or even paddleboarding or rafting on a nearby river. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful weather together with this outdoor third date idea.

It can sometimes be difficult to know what the expectations for a third date are, but planning the date itself shouldn’t be tricky! We hope these 33 third date ideas help you find creative ways to connect with your date as you move closer and closer to a long-term relationship with each other.

For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!