41 Fun Date Ideas in Columbus, Ohio for 2024
Being such a unique and vibrant city, it’s no surprise that you can find an array of memorable date ideas in Columbus, Ohio. Whether it’s for a first date or you’re looking for something to spice up your long-term relationship, there are guaranteed to be many activities that appeal to you and your partner.
From dates that focus on delicious food to those that allow you to enjoy the outdoors or visit the city's top attractions, read on for 41 date ideas in Columbus, Ohio for you and your special someone.
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- Date Ideas in Columbus for Foodies
- Fun Date Night Ideas in Columbus
- Outdoor Date Ideas in Columbus
- Indoor Date Ideas in Columbus
- Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Columbus
- First Date Ideas in Columbus
Date Ideas in Columbus for Foodies
1. Take a Cooking Class
Looking for exciting date ideas in Columbus, Ohio that involve food? Go on an interactive culinary journey with your date and learn something new by taking cooking classes in Columbus. Brush up on your cooking skills while learning the best techniques and tricks from world-class chefs. Cook up a classic pizza, master the art of making sweet donuts or prepare food from your favorite cuisine — the options are endless with local cooking classes.
2. Indulge With a Private Chef Meal
If you’re searching for a date idea in Columbus that will make you and your partner feel like royalty, indulging with a private chef meal will definitely appeal to you. Private chefs in Columbus can cook you a meal in the comfort of your own home; all you need to do is pour yourself your favorite drink and relax as your private gourmet chef prepares delicious dishes. They’ll even take care of the shopping and cleaning up.
3. Make Coffee Together at Crimson Cup
Coffee enthusiasts, this date idea in Columbus will ravish you. Learn how to make coffee from “Seed to Cup” at Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, a place that offers a unique experience to guests through their Innovation Lab. You can choose from different courses like Coffee Brewing Basics or Roasting Fundamentals where you’ll be walked through the process of roasting and grinding coffee beans as well as how to get that perfect pour every time.
4. Visit the Wyandotte Winery
Enjoying a glass or two of your favorite wine with your special someone is another of the romantic foodie date ideas in Columbus, Ohio. Wyandotte Winery in Northeast Columbus has been open since 1977 and comprises a beautiful ranch-style home and winery that makes the perfect romantic background for your next date. Sway to the live music while exploring all the wines available at one of their wine tastings. Treating yourselves to one of their fabulous pizzas is a must as well.
5. Brewery Hop Along the Columbus Ale Trail
Interestingly, date ideas in Columbus, Ohio for the ale lover in your life are quite easy to come by. One great thing to do together if you enjoy a good brew is exploring the popular Columbus Ale Trail. On this local craft beer journey, you and your date will hop from brewery to brewery, collecting stamps and exploring the exciting beer scene that Columbus has to offer.
All you need for this date idea in Columbus is to pick up your free Columbus Ale Trail passport at any of the participating breweries. If you collect 10 stamps, you’ll get a novelty die-cut sticker to remember the date by.
6. Check Out North Market
A list of date ideas in Columbus, Ohio is incomplete without mentioning the popular North Market. Take your date on a stroll through this 148-year-old market buzzing with passionate merchants, local farmers and a large variety of foods. From authentic Mexican dishes and hearty Polish food to gourmet desserts, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Depending on what day you visit, there may be exciting events happening, like their popular trivia competitions.
Fun Date Night Ideas in Columbus
7. Learn Ballroom Dancing at Emerald City Ballroom
It takes two to tango with this date idea in Columbus. Get dressed in your best outfit and take a dance class with your significant other at Emerald City Ballroom. Learning how to ballroom dance is a date night idea in Columbus, Ohio that will create everlasting memories for you and your partner. After your lesson, you can also treat yourselves to a snack and drink from the bar.
8. Solve a Mystery at a Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Being partners in crime takes on a whole new meaning with this date idea in Columbus. Attend a murder mystery show hosted at The Dinner Detective and eat a delicious meal while enjoying the spectacularly funny murder mystery experience with your date. Be sure to bring your sleuthing skills with you because audience members have been known to participate in the case!
9. Relive Your Childhood at LEGOLAND Adult Night
A night of nostalgic LEGO building at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center adult night is an exciting date idea in Columbus, Ohio that will make you feel like kids again. During this evening event, you will get to learn from master model builders, enjoy themed adult night activities, explore the fun attractions and even go on some of the rides. You can also enjoy the Starbucks products available from the coffee shop throughout the night.
10. Try Duckpin Bowling at Pins Mechanical
Exciting Columbus date ideas have to include a friendly game of bowling at Pins Mechanical. Located in the heart of Downtown Columbus, this old-school entertainment venue is full of nostalgic charm and specializes in duckpin bowling, which is an edgier version of traditional bowling but with smaller, faster balls. This date idea in Columbus will definitely have you buzzing with energy, so cool off after your game with a unique seasonal cocktail at the bar.
11. Enjoy a Show at Shadowbox Live
Another exciting date idea in Columbus, Ohio is attending a show at Shadowbox Live. Established in 1988, the theater has been keeping locals entertained with its bold and visceral shows ever since. From comedy skits to exciting musical events, watching a show here makes for an unforgettable date idea in Columbus that you don’t want to miss.
12. Have a Laugh at Funny Bone Comedy Club
Few things are as satisfying as getting fits of laughter to the point where you can’t breathe. A show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club is the perfect date idea in Columbus, Ohio for this. Choose from a variety of different shows, including hilarious Irish comedy and performances by some of Ohio’s best comedians, all while enjoying a refreshing lemon drop martini with your crush.
Outdoor Date Ideas in Columbus
13. Wander Through the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
If you or your date love nature, taking a romantic walk through the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the perfect date idea in Columbus, Ohio. Enjoy the fresh air and admire the luscious floral arrangements and exotic plant collections while learning about horticulture.
You can additionally step inside the beautiful conservatory to see what art exhibits are up and take in the wonderful live butterfly metamorphosis display. To make this date idea in Columbus even more memorable, get each other a unique present from the gift shop.
14. Stroll Hand in Hand Around the German Village
The German Village is a scenic and historic village in Columbus that was established in 1960 by the local community to save the area’s historical buildings and landmarks. Take your date on a stroll through the village, learn about its history, admire the scenery together and explore its unique cafés, stores and gift shops. Make sure to treat your date to some creamy fudge from Fudge Haus to make this date idea in Columbus even sweeter.
15. Catch a Columbus Clippers Minor League Baseball Game
Booking tickets to watch the next Columbus Clippers Minor League Baseball home game is an excellent activity for sports-loving couples. The food is affordable, and the tickets aren’t too expensive either, making this one of the best cheap date ideas in Columbus as well.
Enjoying a day or evening amongst the passionate fans while cheering for the Columbus Clippers together will be an outing you won’t soon forget. This could also make a fun double date idea if you know another couple that loves sports.
16. Attend Gallery Hop Saturday in Short North
This Columbus date idea is perfect for those who have a taste for culture and enjoy the arts. On the first Saturday of every month, Short North Columbus comes alive to create Gallery Hop, an event that celebrates art, local shops and good food. During your visit, you can enjoy sets by local musicians, admire the artworks on display and stop in cafés and restaurants for delicious bites. This date idea in Columbus is ideal for getting your fix of local discoveries.
17. Plan a Kayaking Trip
Kayaking is one of the date ideas in Columbus, Ohio that’s ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Olentangy Paddle offers guided kayaking tours that follow the Scioto Mile into Downtown Columbus. The tours take approximately two and a half hours.
The first 20 minutes are set aside for learning basic paddling skills and boat launch, so even if you have no prior kayaking experience, you can still enjoy this tour. This date idea in Columbus is ideal for discovering Columbus from a different perspective while connecting with nature.
18. Zipline Through the Forest
If your ideal date idea in Columbus involves adventure and adrenaline rushes, then you’ll love ZipZone Outdoor Adventures. Have a day full of thrills while ziplining through the trees with your date. The tour guides are friendly and helpful, and there are different course levels, allowing you and your partner to pick what you are most comfortable with.
19. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
Reach for the sky with this romantic date idea in Columbus that you and your date will cherish for a long time. By booking a stunning sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride, you get the chance to take in Central Ohio's beautiful landscapes while you sip on a glass of champagne.
20. Complete an Obstacle Course at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Tackling the Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course at Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a date idea in Columbus, Ohio that’s both challenging and thrilling. Prepare to run, crawl, cargo climb and balance your way to the finish line. If you need extra motivation, you can make it a game with your partner — the loser buys the other their favorite dinner.
Indoor Date Ideas in Columbus
21. Master Your Favorite Cocktail at an Online Mixology Class
Taking an online mixology class is a date idea in Columbus that allows you to unwind and stay cozy at home while trying something new. Experts will not only teach you about your favorite drinks but also the history behind each of them. Prepare some snacks to nibble between the shaking and stirring required to make cocktail magic. If you're looking for last-minute date ideas, this is one of the most memorable options there is!
22. Pour Your Own Candles
Candle-making is a wholesome and creative date idea in Columbus, Ohio that also lets you keep your masterpiece as a souvenir. Penn & Beech Candle Co. offers custom candle-making classes where you learn all about the process, including how to make scented candles or wax melts. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable about their craft and are more than happy to help you pick the best combinations of scents and designs to create a truly unique candle.
23. Treat Yourselves to a Couples Massage
A couples massage at Woodhouse Spa is the date idea in Columbus, Ohio you and your partner deserve. The Swedish Massage helps relieve tension and build unity and connectivity with your partner. There are three different time options to choose from — a 50-minute, 80-minute or 110-minute couples massage. You could also enhance your experience further by adding hot stones to your massage.
24. Rock-Climb at an Indoor Climbing Gym
Taking your other half to Vertical Adventures is an action-packed date idea in Columbus that’s perfect for active couples. At the rock climbing gym, you can try climbing walls of different difficulty levels and enjoy the thrills of successfully conquering them. If you’re new to climbing, Vertical Adventures offers a clean and safe environment for you to enjoy rock climbing with trained staff who are ready to help you should you need it.
25. Reflect on Art at the Columbus Museum of Art
Wandering through the exhibits at the Columbus Museum of Art is a date idea in Columbus that art lovers simply must try. While you can visit the museum solely for its art, it is good to know that it also hosts a variety of events, such as sound baths, yoga sessions, painting classes, orchestra performances and more. Admission is only $5 on Thursday nights and free on Sundays, making this the perfect date idea in Columbus for those with a big appreciation for art but a small budget.
26. Play Indoor Mini Golf at Caddy’s Delight
If you’re in the mood for a laid-back, fun-filled date idea in Columbus, Ohio, look no further than Caddy’s Delight, an indoor golf venue with an attached bar and restaurant. Challenge your date to a mini golf game while you enjoy draft beers and friendly bar service. Depending on which day you go, you might even be able to enjoy a trivia event or karaoke night.
27. Get Crafty With Pottery Painting
If you want a relaxing and artsy date idea in Columbus, Ohio, then you’ll love The Clay Café, a paint-your-own pottery studio that lets you design customized ceramic ware. With various ceramics, such as pots, plates and cups to choose from, you can truly let your imagination run wild. You could also gift your date your finished product as a lovely souvenir of your time together.
Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Columbus
28. Admire the Flowers at Columbus Park of Roses
Going on a nice date doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, there are lots of free and cheap date ideas in Columbus, Ohio, where you can have a great time on a tighter budget. Spending your next date strolling through the colorful flowers of the Columbus Park of Roses is one of them. This date idea in Columbus offers you a spectacular walk through fields of green grass and bright blooms. Bring a picnic blanket and soak in the view while enjoying your favorite snacks.
29. Hike to the Waterfall at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Taking your date on a relaxing and scenic walk on the Quarry Trails at Metro Park is another great date idea in Columbus to connect with nature and feel refreshed. Pack a sandwich and enjoy your meal at the foot of Millikin Falls, a perfect destination to escape the bustle of the city.
30. Discover New Artists at Franklinton Fridays
Going to Franklinton Fridays is one of the best date night ideas in Columbus, Ohio and a good place to start if you want to explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. One Friday night per month, the Franklinton Arts District comes alive with art shows, tours of artists' studios, art classes and foot-tapping live music. Enjoy a meal from one of the many food trucks stationed in the district that make this date idea in Columbus even harder to resist.
31. Watch a Free Concert at Columbus Commons
Located in the heart of Downtown Columbus, Columbus Commons is a park that hosts a variety of events, including free concerts during the summer. Bring your partner and a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the live music. This date idea in Columbus is particularly nice for enjoying the outdoors on summer nights.
32. Look Around the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum
For a date idea in Columbus that’s a little bit nerdy and very artsy, go to the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum and browse through over 300,000 original cartoons from some of the world’s greatest comics and cartoonists. Entrance to the museum is free, and with the exhibits changing every couple of months, you’re bound to find something new on display each time you visit.
33. Go for a Trail Walk
There’s no shortage of date ideas in Columbus, Ohio that involve exploring the outdoors. Another great thing to do in nature together is spending the day on a trail walk in one of the many Metro Parks spread across Columbus. Explore Inniswood Metro Gardens for a romantic stroll in the park among wildflowers or tackle the Dripping Rock in Highbanks to get your blood pumping while going through the forest and passing steep ravines.
First Date Ideas in Columbus
34. Explore 32 Rooms of Books at Book Loft
This date idea in Columbus, Ohio is a book lover’s dream! Located in the German Village, Book Loft is one of the country’s largest independent bookstores. It features 32 rooms full of books just waiting for you and your crush to explore. To make this date idea in Columbus even more special, choose a book for each other to read and grab a cup of coffee afterward at one of the many coffee shops in the village.
35. Discover a New Dimension at Otherworld
Running out of things to talk about on a first date can be awkward. But a trip to the exciting and strange Otherworld is a date idea in Columbus that will guarantee plenty of things to talk about. At the venue, you can interact with a surreal world blending elements of science fiction and fantasy while exploring over 40 rooms filled with mixed reality playgrounds, interesting artworks and hidden corridors.
36. Sing Along at The Piano Bar
If you want a date idea in Columbus, Ohio that is sheer fun, take your special someone out for a night of singing at The Piano Bar. The dueling piano show is fast-paced and will have you stomping your feet along to the beat. There are great happy hour specials as well that you can enjoy while getting to know your date. This first date idea will leave you both speechless and not just because you will sing at the top of your lungs the entire time!
37. Channel Your Inner Artist With a Painting Class
Get creative on your first date by joining a fun and interactive painting class hosted by Studio 614. The studio regularly hosts different events like paint and sip workshops, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while painting your next masterpiece. This date idea in Columbus is ideal if you’re feeling a little nervous on a first date and could use a manual activity to distract yourself.
Unique Date Ideas in Columbus
38. Attempt Axe Throwing
Learning to throw like an expert at Columbus Axe Throwing is undoubtedly one of the most original date ideas in Columbus. You’ll get to take part in fun competitions together, and possibly be crowned the champion. Don’t worry about the danger, though — their trained staff are there to teach you and make sure things are done safely. Once you’ve mastered the art, enjoy a drink at the bar and celebrate your new axe throwing skills.
39. Dare to Go Ghost Hunting
Ghost hunting is an outside-of-the-box date idea in Columbus that your other half will remember. With Columbus Ghost Tours, you'll get to explore the city with a guide, going to the most haunted spots around and learning more about each place's eerie past. This date night idea in Columbus, Ohio offers a great way to get to know the city while discovering some spooky facts that you and your partner can discuss more after the tour is complete.
40. Learn How to Curl
Want to learn how to curl while enjoying a beer or two? Then heading to Land Grant Brewing Company is a date idea in Columbus that you won’t want to miss. Not only do they serve local beers, cocktails and wine, but they also have curling lanes in the winter, allowing you and your crush to test your skills and have a blast. If you get hungry, food trucks are often on-site.
41. Create a Unique Piece at a Glass-Blowing Class
Glass-blowing is an excellent first date idea in Columbus for creative couples who love trying new things. Glass Axis offers glass-blowing classes where you can learn how to make colorful glass ornaments. To make it even more memorable, you could craft a custom piece to gift each other at the end of the date.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
This list of date ideas in Columbus, Ohio is sure to get the romance blooming. Whether you try new foods, explore local outdoor spaces or learn a new skill, there are plenty of fun, cheap and unique things to do together in this exciting Ohio city.
For even more ways to explore Columbus and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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