Skipping date night can seem tempting, especially when life gets busy. Still, experts recommend carving time out for you and your partner for many reasons. Date night can strengthen your relationship. It relaxes you. It helps you communicate more, and is a beautiful opportunity to create special memories together.

Whether you’ve just started dating or have been married for over 20 years, dressing up, exchanging small gifts, or trying new things together is always a good idea. But if you’re bored with the same plans, you are sure to enjoy a great date night in Columbus with any of the recommendations on this list.

Go to a Drive-In Movie at South Drive-In Theater

Going to the movies is pretty common for date night, but have you been to the South Drive-In Theater? With reasonable prices, the latest movies as well as older ones, and the option to listen through the sound system or your car’s stereo, you can turn this simple activity into a night to remember.

They have fountain drinks and food, including butter, caramel, or cheese popcorn, pretzels, nachos, cotton candy, fries, and burgers. You can also, of course, pack your own snacks, something you can’t do at most regular theaters! And they even have mosquito repellent for those hot summer nights.

Watch Rock Musicals & More at Shadowbox Live

This rare gem of a venue and cafe offers unique performances, rock musicals, sketch comedies, and more both in the daytime and in the evening. Everyone, from the actors to the writers, is fantastic, and the atmosphere is fun and lively. The entire team behind Shadowbox Life is proud to use the power of original live performance art to create a unified expression of joy to share with the local community.

All parties are seated cabaret-style, grouped around tables and chairs to accommodate food and drink service before the show. The full bar and menu are available before every show, but if you want to order before the show, plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes before showtime.

Go On a Tour of the Watershed Distillery

Watershed Distillery was founded on the principles of community in 2010, and the spirits created there stand apart in quality and character. It might have started out a tiny little still but has grown into a dedicated team of over forty people and two much larger stills.

While tasting award-winning gin and more might not be what first comes to mind when you think of date night, you will have a lot of fun learning about the history of the distillery and its products and get a first-hand look at the distilling and barrel aging spaces.

Tours last approximately one hour and include an optional sampling of select spirits and an opportunity to purchase Watershed Distillery products (including some limited bottle shop specials), glassware, and merchandise. Photos are encouraged!

Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Gardens are often a wonderful spot for date night, but the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are truly unique. There is nothing quite like seeing bananas on trees in Central Ohio, myriads of butterflies throughout the park and in the exhibit, stunning in-season flowers, and plenty of space for small children to run around and play.

While the gardens close at 5 PM (and there’s nothing wrong with an afternoon date!), they offer plenty of fun classes in the evenings that are great for couples – think Indian Cuisine, Handmade Pasta, Mixology with head bartenders from Seventh Son, Wine Tasting, and more.

Play around at Miner 49’er Black Light Mini Golf

Miner 49’er Black Light Mini Golf isn’t only one of the best spots for mini golf in Columbus, it is also a great place for a date night. It is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and you will love playing on the challenging course as much as you’ll enjoy taking a selfie with your partner by the beautifully drawn murals.

The food is definitely better than you’d expect from a mini golf, and because the owners have a strong passion for supporting the local Columbus community, the kitchen works primarily with fresh, local ingredients.

Get Food at the North Market Food Hall

Going out to eat is a popular date night activity, but instead of a restaurant, why not get food at the North Market Food Hall? In this fantastic market, you’ll find an eclectic mix of more than 30 independently-owned small businesses offering everything from flowers to international foods and distinctive gifts.

And don’t forget their very entertaining special events, like Friday Night Jazz, the Night Market, Happy Hour, or the yearly Apron Gala, which is known as the best local food party of the year.

Go to a Comedy Show at the Columbus Funny Bone

There are always good times to be had at the Columbus Funny Bone, where local and major talent get to take the stage and where you can enjoy casual American dining. And think of what a bonding experience it is to spend a couple of hours laughing with the one you love! They offer full food service to all reservations but highly recommend arriving early if you plan on eating. Or make it a grand event, and follow a comedy show at a restaurant afterward!

They offer many dishes, including Oven Baked Bavarian Pretzels served with queso dip and southern honey mustard, Grilled Salmon Dinner (Norwegian salmon pan-seared with garlic herb butter, served with chef’s starch and vegetable), Burgers, and many desserts, including their Ultimate Brownie made with Ghirardelli chocolate and topped with whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate sauce, and a large scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Go Bowling at Pins Mechanical Co

With a nice beer list and duckpin bowling, as well as a solid selection of pinball machines and more, Pins Mechanical Co is not your run-of-the-mill old bar. It also has a great outdoor area when the weather is warm, and while it can be crowded at times, the staff is friendly and helpful and will take good care of you and your date. You can also bring in outside food with you!

Experience the Thrill of Axe Throwing at Dueling Axes | Axe Throwing Bar

If you’re looking for something different to a unique date night in Columbus, how about axe throwing? Adrenalin-pumping activities are great for bringing couples closer together, and Dueling Axes | Axe Throwing Bar is one of the best spots to learn about throwing techniques. Don’t worry if you have no experience, the staff will train you and make sure you have a great experience. And being indoors, it is the perfect winter activity.

Create glass art at Glass Axis

Glass Axis teaches everyone from beginners to expert-level glassblowers, including techniques like fusing and torching. Not only will you have a fantastic date night, but you will also be able to bring back something you’ve created and keep it as a souvenir. They also offer private classes should you wish to book one just for you and your partner.

If you aren’t sure where to start, cold glass is a good option. In this stained glass class, you will cut and grind pieces of cold sheet glass to fit inside a pattern and then learn the process of foiling and soldering pieces together. Or, try hot glass, where you will work with glass as a thick, gooey liquid. You will blow air into a pipe to inflate your artwork, sculpt solid glass as you touch, poke, twist, and cut it using tools, and have a great time!

Discover Rare Books at the Book Loft of German Village

The Book Loft of German Village is one of the best independent bookstores in Ohio, and if you are both book lovers, you will love spending hours there with your favorite person. This amazing place has over 30 rooms filled with anything from bargain books to rare editions and new releases and lots of gift items. Grab a map at the entrance and get lost together. Hours will fly by!

Go Rock Climbing at Vertical Adventures

Vertical Adventures is the place to be for a date that’s part romantic, part athletic, with 16,000 square feet accommodating bouldering, top rope and lead climbing, auto-belays, yoga, fitness, and more. Rock climbing will bring adventure and excitement to your couple, and you will definitely have a memorable and thrilling time while learning to trust your partner as you overcome the climbing wall together.

Visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is an excellent choice for a date night, especially if you love all things cartoons and comics. You and your date will be able to explore a diverse collection of graphic novels and more designed by people who genuinely admire their artistry and cultural significance. A fantastic educational experience for both of you!

Check Out the Dinosaurs at the Orton Geological Museum

Have you ever considered going to the Orton Geological Museum for date night? If not, give it a try! You might enjoy holding hands while soaking up knowledge in the diverse collection of fossils, minerals, and geological specimens while appreciating the wonders of our planet’s history.

Fascinating conversations will be sparked that might continue long after. But keep in mind that the museum closes at 5 PM and your date will have to be scheduled before. Still, this leaves the rest of the evening for other plans like a romantic dinner.

Tackle the Escape Room Puzzles at The Escape Game

Excitement awaits at The Escape Room, one of the best escape rooms in Central Ohio. Together, you will work at solving unique and challenging puzzles and unraveling mysteries through teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Escape rooms are a great way to bond, have fun, and create lasting memories.

Experience Immersive Theater at Otherworld

Yet another immersive experience on this list, Otherworlds is a theater in Columbus that is truly unique and offers a multi-sensory journey through fantastical environments, blending art, technology, and storytelling. Captivating and memorable, this futuristic entertainment center with interactive puzzles, immersive rooms, and digitally augmented art is not your traditional date night setting but definitely one we recommend trying.

Play Retro Games at 16-Bit Bar+Arcade

One of the best arcades in Columbus, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade may not immediately come to mind when one is planning a date night but do give it a shot, as it can be a fantastic choice for an evening full of fun and nostalgia. You will bond over friendly competition and enjoy drinks in a fun setting, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for both.

16-Bit Bar+Arcade also has an extensive menu full of cocktails, beers, wine, and mocktails to enjoy throughout the evening.

Help Solve a Case at The Murder Mystery Company

Work together with your favorite person as you try to solve a case with The Murder Mystery Company of Columbus. In this live entertainment experience, you will enjoy a meal while immersed in a fictional murder mystery storyline and will attempt to find the murderer within a unique and engaging evening of mystery and suspense. As far as date night goes, this one will definitely be thrilling, engaging, and a great opportunity for teamwork!

Enjoy a Show at the Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge

One night at Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge and this swanky and charming bar might become your new favorite date night spot. Cozy and intimate with top-notch live jazz music and fantastic cocktails, it also boasts a menu designed around ingredients sourced from local bakers, butchers, and farms.

The nostalgic energy and elegant feel are popular around Columbus, and getting tickets at the last minute can be challenging. This one is best planned in advance!

Visit a Cat Cafe at Kitty Bubble Cafe & Bar

Cat lovers, rejoice! Kitty Bubble Cafe & Bar has cute drinks, adorable cats, and delicious macarons and donuts. All the cats are up for adoption if they haven’t been spoken for yet. It is the perfect opportunity to go for a fun date, have a nice, and leave with your new furry friend (after the adoption is complete).

While there, don’t forget to order a Pink Toe Bean (green milk tea with bubble, strawberry, and milk cap) or Purrty Rose (lychee rose limeade), and grab a Mochi Donut. They also have beer, coffee, miso soup, and other items.