Whether you and your significant other have just matched or have been together for years, finding fun new date ideas can be an ongoing challenge. There’s the classic dinner-and-a-movie idea – but Columbus is cooler than that! We collected some of our favorite date night activities for you to share with your significant other (or you best friend, because who says you have to be dating someone to show them you love them!).
Pins Mechanical Company. Show off your competitive side for a fun date at Pins! Founded by Rise Brands, Pins has two Central Ohio locations, Downtown and Dublin, plus a Cincinnati location and extensive plans to expand to more southern cities. The space offers generous indoor and outdoor space with a bowling-alley atmosphere, a variety of drinks, and plenty of games. Guests can compete with their friends in duckpin bowling, ping pong, pinball, foosball, and more! If you’re looking to skip the formal dinner with your date, grab food from one of the regular food trucks at Pins. You can certainly make a night of this stop!
Shadowbox Live. Replace that dinner-and-a-movie troupe with something more memorable! Shadowbox Live is an ensemble theater company that presents innovative multimedia productions around their “rock aesthetic.” The shows range from sketch comedy to musicals and tributes, all performed while you can order food and drinks off their exceptional menu. Shadow Box Live has been a staple of the Columbus theater scene since its founding in 1988, so it’s well-known for having a lasting impact on the arts community. You’ll be able to show your date an exceptional performance that’s sure to entertain.
Gallery Hop. Book your next date for the first Saturday night of every month, when the Short North Gallery Hop occurs in the trendiest part of the city. The Short North is the central Arts District in Columbus, located on North High Street and teeming with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. On the first Saturday, these businesses come together to host art exhibitions while musicians perform on the streets and artisans sell their crafts curbside. This event is the perfect time to explore the cultural hub that is the Short North and get to know the local artists who call Columbus home. You’ll impress your date with your love of fine art (or your love of the good food from the Short North’s iconic restaurants).
Dueling Axes. Hear us out – axe-throwing is the newest trend! For the couples that want something with a little spark, Dueling Axes operates as a private axe-throwing lounge in Downtown Columbus. The lounge lets you book time in one of the single-target lanes, where you’re guided by the knowledgeable staff to learn how to safely compete with your date or friends. Most commonly used by groups of four to six, this is a great double date idea, with many packages available on their website. You can even bring your own food and beverages (beer and wine allowed!) to make a night of it. Who knows, maybe you and your date will even end up joining a league!
Glass Axis. Give your date something to remember you by through an interactive art class at Glass Axis, where you can make custom glass creations. You’ll be guided by one of the over 120 local artists who are members. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not particularly artistic, as these glass-blowing experts are excited to introduce new people to their art form in a friendly and fun environment. The classes offered include creating ornaments, jewelry, drinkware, art, and more, so you can choose the right one to send your date home with a token of your affection. You’ll blow their mind with this special date night.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Looking for a wild date idea? Look no farther than Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The nationally-recognized zoo was first founded with a few animals in 1927 and today holds over 7,000 animals of over 800 different species. The zoo hosts 2.3 million annual visitors who come to see the variety of unique exhibits, including a polar bear exhibit that has featured many cubs over the past several years and a successful manatee rehabilitation program. The zoo’s notoriety comes mostly from director emeritus Jack “Jungle Jack” Hanna, who previously hosted a syndicated television show based at the zoo and maintains a national media presence. For you and your date, you’ll be able to make a day of exploring – you can bond over your favorite animals!