Guide: 50 best date ideas in Indianapolis
This piece was lovingly written with ample mention of our sponsors, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. They offer date ideas allll year-round, and we kinda love them for it. Go peek their site and snag your tickets, ok? #hosted
The night is set. Sitter is secured. Perfect outfit is ready...this is usually the step when we see our CityMoms start asking: Where should we go for a date?! After years of this q popping up on our member board, we knew it was time to create a quick hit list of the best date ideas in Indianapolis. Like for reals. (BONUS: You don't have to be a parent to enjoy them!)
Here's an ultimate list of the 50 best date ideas in Indianapolis:
Plan time at an old favorite...
1. Make reservations at St. Elmo's in downtown Indy.
2. Walk around Monument Circle at sunset. Or sunrise. Or anytime.
3. Catch a movie outdoors - maybe not during the winter but definitely warmer months at the Summer Nights series at Newfields. (Just don't forget to hit up the Beer Garden!)
4. Get sporty at an Indians/Colts/Pacers/Fever/Fuel game.
5. Stroll along the Canal, or take date night to the next level and try a gondola ride.
6. Get a couples massage or even better, try a salt lounge (like this one).
7. Catch a performance by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
8. Deepen your bond as you demonstrate your teamwork at Paniq Escape Room Indianapolis.
9. Picnic (or winter hike!) at Eagle Creek Park.
10. Hit the IMAX inside the Indiana State Museum.
Looking for an indoor date with your kiddos? Peek this list of the best indoor playgrounds in Indy.
Make reservations for...
11. The spot Esquire Magazine called “One of the best bars in the US” at Bar One Fourteen.
12. The Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert at Late Harvest Kitchen.
13. The food hall-style fun at The Garage downtown.
14. Anything along Mass Avenue.
15. One of these best restaurants of 2022 (thanks Indianapolis Monthly!).
16. Exploring 16 Tech’s The Amp and their delish eats - some are even served out of shipping containers.
17. A greasy dish at Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli.
18. One of the elusive Chef's Night-Off dinners around town.
19. Gallery Pastry Shop, because macarons are always in season.
20. Indulging your international side with a delicious dinner from the restaurants of the International Marketplace (located at 38th and Lafayette Roads).
Try something new like...
21. Duckpin bowling in Fountain Square.
22. Catch an Indy Eleven game.
23. A soothing sound bath - Here Minds Collective and Invoke Studio offer some faves.
24. Picnicking in the park - order Donato’s (or your fave ‘za) to keep it simple!
25. Beer and a movie at Flix Brewhouse or Living Room Theater.
26. Stargaze at Butler University's Holcomb Observatory, open Fridays-Saturdays for public tours.
27. An arcade bar like Tappers in Fountain Square.
28. A ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyage at Conner Prairie.
29. First Friday art gallery openings, exhibits, and musical performances scattered around town.
30. Sit on the Terrace at Hard Truth Distillery. (Ok, ok, not quite Indy but seriously worth a visit).
Looking for more good eats? Hit up one of these 5 underrated spots.
Get outdoorsy while...
31. Hiking at Ritchey Woods of Fishers, Fort Harrison State Park, or your favorite trail.
32. Teeing off at the new Back 9 Golf + Entertainment downtown.
33. Shooting archery at Koteewi Archery Range in Noblesville.
34. Renting kayaks or canoes at Eagle Creek Park Outfitters.
35. Trying one of the 12 different outdoor experiences at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Sports Legends Experience.
36. At a local climbing gym like North Mass Boulder. (Grab a drink while you’re there!)
37. Doing a stroll on the Monon Trail.
38. Exploring the exhibits at the ARTSPARK.
39. Throwing axes at Bad Axe Throwing.
40. Trying the ziplines and rope obstacle courses at Go Ape Adventures.
Or go off the beaten path by...
41. Pulling up to a drive-in movie at Tibbs or The Skyline Drive-Ins (summer months only).
42. A quick farm tour before dinner at Trader's Point Creamery.
43. Signing up for one of the many Arts & Culture Programs from Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (yes, for adults!).
44. Touring the downtown Indy Catacombs under City Market.
45. Taking in the New Native Galleries at the Eiteljorg Museum.
46. Walking thru Crown Hill Cemetery (Hot tip: Visit the Riley Memorial on top of the hill for an unmatched view of the Indy skyline).
47. Yelping your night away because our friends at Yelp Indy are all-kinds-of-amazing with suggestions.
48. Scaling the treehouses or sledding hill at Flat Fork Creek Park.
49. Climbing the 330 stairs at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for a one-of-a-kind view of downtown Indy.
50. Catching jazz at the Indy Jazz Kitchen, Chatterbox, Slippery Noodle or your favorite music venue.
