Getting a second date is a fair indicator of the success of the first date. Mutual attraction was likely established and you got to know your love interest a bit. Ideally, your second date should build on the first.
The second date is not just a mere extension of the first date. It's a different phase in dating and certainly a different context. The options available when planning your second date are limitless - but that is precisely the problem. Some options are far better than others.
Sporting event/ Outdoor activity- The second round of dating should be less formal. You have seen you potential love interest in one setting, so it is ideal to do a reversal and view them in a more relaxed setting where they're likely to be more open and effusive.
Weekend lunch followed by an afternoon walk- On your second date, you need to find a way to have face-to-face interaction and spend quality time together. Your objective is to get to know your partner better. This is a good option, especially if your first-date occurred at night. At least you'll be sure that your date is no vampire.
Dinner- This is a good option only if the first date was abbreviated for some reason. Even so, it would be better to have dinner in a more casual setting. Offering dinner at your apartment is not a good idea, since one thing leads to another. It's one step at a time- not giant rabbit hops.
Theatre or movie- This is not a very good option since it only allows togetherness without meaningful interaction. However, if you combine an evening stroll with a movie you both might enjoy, you may have something to work with.
Other good options include going to the mall, browsing your favourite shops together or hanging out with mutual friends if possible. While some options seem better than others, it is important to keep the following in mind when organising your second date:
1) Plan your date around an event or activity- This may be a way to fill in the gap if the conversation lulls or provide some more ways to discover your date.
2) Don't allow your second date to taper off- plan it is such a way that it ends within a certain period of time and you don't end up lingering around each other for too long.
Your second date is where you want to confirm your initial impressions of your love interest. Choosing the right place, time and even knowing what you should and should not discuss can be critical to your dating success.