20 Third-Date Ideas to Grow Even Closer to Your Crush

You've officially made it to the momentous third-date milestone. This is where the relationship dial turns up and things start getting really real. Your head may be in the lovey-dovey clouds, but you've got some planning to do. Luckily, we're here to help with third-date ideas that range from raucous good fun to cute and silly to downright romantic. It's a choose-your-own-adventure sort of approach! Whatever route you take for your upcoming rendezvous, these 20 ideas for a third date are meant to bring you closer together so you can move right along to date number four (and beyond).

In this article:

• The Best Ideas for a Third Date
• Fun Ideas for a Third Date
• Cute Ideas for a Third Date
• Romantic Ideas for a Third Date

The Best Ideas for a Third Date

We've got the cream of the crop here when it comes to the best third-date ideas. These options are classic, fail-proof go-tos for this early phase of the relationship where things are starting to get more cozy between you two.

1. Enjoy a Scenic Hike

This active date idea immerses you in Mother Nature, where you'll have the right amount of privacy to get to know each other along with some pretty gorgeous views. Whether it's a stroll through a local park or an adventurous ascension, you can't go wrong.

2. Take a Pottery Class Together

Learning a new skill together is a great way to get to know each other better and get a little bit vulnerable. You'll also walk away with a token to remind you of your time together. Not into pottery? Consider a painting class or another crafty idea.

3. Poke Around a Local Museum

Museums allow you to move at your own pace to explore art or historical objects. This idea for a third date also gives you a chance to tap into each other's minds on a deeper level to see what moves you.

4. Pull Into a Drive-In Movie

A regular movie theater may seem like the iconic choice, but it's not as easy to chit-chat or get comfy together in a big theater. A drive-in theater, however, feels like a romantic experience and gives you a bit more space.

5. Sign Up for Dance Lessons

Any excuse to move your bodies together is bound to ramp up some satisfying intimacy. If you haven't had your first kiss yet then there's no doubt it's coming after this third-date idea.

Fun Ideas for a Third Date

If you and your date are the adventurous, fun-loving type, then these fun third-date ideas may be your jam. Good times are definitely in store.

6. Go to a Comedy Show

Get ready to laugh your booties off! A comedy show lightens the mood, eases any nervousness or tension and gives both of you a chance to let go.

7. Attend a Local Festival or Fair

Local festivals and fairs are casual and fun, and there are a ton of options to choose from. Sample a variety of foods at a food truck festival, poke around the handcrafted goods at an art fair or opt for iconic cotton candy and Ferris wheel rides.

8. Head to an Escape Room

Not only will an escape room put you two in a room together for some quality time, but it'll also level up your communication skills as you work together to solve the mystery.

9. Join a Local Food Tour

You could just head out to a restaurant for dinner, or you could spice things up with a food tour. These usually involve walking around to three to five restaurants to sample different cuisines. And you could even work in some smooth talk to go back to your favorite restaurant for date number four.

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10. Visit an Arcade Bar

Turn up the fun with some healthy competition at an arcade bar. From axe throwing to pinball machines to modern games, it's a great way to spend a few fun-filled hours together.

Cute Ideas for a Third Date

Have your heart set on a super-charming third date? Keep things low-key and lighthearted with these cute third-date ideas.

11. Visit a Butterfly Garden

Few things are sweeter than a butterfly garden filled with floating, colorful creatures and vibrant plants. There will be plenty of moments for adorable photo ops with this third-date idea.

12. Go to a Bowling Alley

Put on a classic pair of bowling shoes, don a vintage bowling shirt and order some tasty grub before taking to the pins. A bowling alley date provides a moment for some friendly competition and excitement. Maybe the winner gets to choose the next date?

13. Explore a Themed Café

Themed cafés run the gamut from cat cafés to comic-themed cafés to eateries centered around a certain decade or style of music. We suggest presenting a few different ideas to your date and letting them choose their favorite.

14. Attend a Poetry Reading

A poetry reading is ripe with emotion and is sure to give you both something to talk about. This idea for a third date is cultural, intimate and sparks interesting conversation.

15. Bake Cookies Together

If you've got your heart set on a casual and cute third-date idea, buy all the ingredients for your favorite cookies and whip up a batch together. Put on some good music and pour a nice glass of vino or beer while you're at it.

Romantic Ideas for a Third Date

Live out your best romcom life with these ultra-romantic third-date ideas. Talk about picture-perfect moments!

16. Soar Together on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Impress your date with a journey into the clouds via a magical hot air balloon. Often planned for dawn or dusk, you'll catch sweeping views and create an unforgettable memory.

17. Take a Cooking Class

For some structured romance, sign up for a local cooking class and learn how to whip up a delicious meal or dessert together. Maybe it's an iconic dish like cacio e pepe or maybe it's a mouthwatering dessert like creme brulee.

18. Visit a Bookstore

You'll be living that romcom life perusing the towering shelves filled with colorful spines at your local bookstore or library. You could take turns picking out a book for each other or showing each other around your go-t0 section.

19. Have a Picnic in the Park

Prepare an easy meal complete with drinks and dessert and head over to a beautiful park for a picnic in the sunshine. We're sure you'll have plenty to talk about, but consider bringing a board game, cards or music to help set the mood.

20. Go Stargazing

Whether a romantic third-date idea following dinner or the main event, there's nothing more romantic than star peeping. Bring a blanket and pillows so you can lay back comfortably, and consider bringing some tasty snacks and drinks to round out the date.