31 Spectacular Date Ideas in Indianapolis for 2024
If you’re desperately looking for date ideas in Indianapolis and the usual movies and dinner duo won’t cut it, we’ve curated a list of 31 exceptional date ideas for you to spark romance while getting to know Indy’s hidden gems.
From romantic gardens to vibrant outdoor activities, Indianapolis offers a rich scene of places and adventures perfect for both relaxation and thrill.
Whether it’s your first date and you want to find the perfect spot to create lasting memories, or it’s a special anniversary, these date ideas in Indianapolis promise to elevate your time together, creating an atmosphere where love and excitement intertwine.
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- Foodie Date Ideas in Indianapolis
- Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Indianapolis
- Outdoor Adventure Date Ideas in Indianapolis
- Group Date Ideas in Indianapolis
- Relaxing Date Ideas in Indianapolis
- Unique Date Ideas in Indianapolis
Foodie Date Ideas in Indianapolis
1. Join a Couple’s Cooking Class
Fun date ideas in Indianapolis involve getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. And cooking classes in Indianapolis can offer exactly that. Join an exciting culinary adventure where you and your significant other will learn to prepare premium dishes guided by a top-rated chef. Look out for cooking classes near you and upscale your kitchen skills.
2. Explore a Private Chef Meal
Who says date ideas in Indianapolis can't be luxurious? Private chefs in Indianapolis can give you and your partner the experience of a lifetime. A world-class chef will take care of sourcing the best ingredients, prepping and cooking a multi-course meal of your choice. Look for private chefs near you and elevate your palate as you enjoy an exquisite dinner made from scratch.
3. Go on a Food Tour
Great date ideas in Indianapolis are those that allow you to explore Indy’s unique culinary landscape. The best way to do this is with food tours in Indianapolis. You’ll get to explore its hidden gems and places where the locals love to eat and drink. With food tours near you, you'll gain deeper insights into why Indianapolis proudly holds its reputation as one of the finest food cities in the U.S.
4. Romantic Dinner at Bodhi
Tired of the usual dining spots? Level up date ideas in Indianapolis and surprise your partner with a Thai culinary experience by going to eat dinner at Bodhi’s. This women-owned bar is proud to offer refreshing cocktails and authentic Thai food. Its New-Age-inspired dining room is perfect for special occasions where you can enjoy delicious dishes in a relaxed environment.
5. Visit the City Market
The City Market is an ideal spot for date ideas in Indianapolis, particularly for couples who love trying new flavors and dishes. With its dynamic and welcoming atmosphere, the market showcases a diversity of culinary experiences focused on local businesses and artisans.
Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Indianapolis
6. Make a Picnic Near the Canal
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t let money be an excuse for setting a romantic date. Date ideas in Indianapolis can be as special as surprising your partner with a charming picnic near the Canal Walk. Known for its picturesque surroundings and relaxed environment, enjoy its tranquil waters as you eat your favorite snacks while spending quality time together.
7. Explore Garfield Park
Romantic date ideas in Indianapolis can be as simple as going for a walk at Garfield Park. The park features extensive gardens, including a conservatory and sunken and rock garden, perfect for a different experience. You can walk through winding paths as well as enjoy other recreational amenities such as the pagoda and charming vintage carousel.
8. Coffee Date
Coffee dates are ideal when you’re getting to know a person and still want to have a great time having quality conversations. When it comes to date ideas in Indianapolis that involve coffee, there are many charming spots offering both cozy and intimate spaces to trendy and bustling cafés. Some popular options include Amberson Coffee, Buvaconti, Calvin Fletcher’s and Coat Check Coffee.
9. City Tour
Fun date ideas in Indianapolis, when you’re on a low budget, can be self-organizing a city tour exploring its iconic monuments and places. Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting for the first time, a city tour is the perfect excuse to immerse in this magical city and see all of what it has to offer. From the Monument Circle to historic neighborhoods like Fountain Square or Mass Avenue, you can visit its eclectic shops, street art, local eateries and much more!
10. Ride Bikes on the Cultural Trail
If you’re looking for date ideas in Indianapolis that are perfect for exploring the city’s cultural scene, then riding bikes along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a must. For only $1.15 a minute, you can pedal through downtown, exploring the city’s urban trail that connects different neighborhoods and highlights the city’s art, history and green spaces.
Outdoor Adventure Date Ideas in Indianapolis
11. Explore White River State Park
If you want to switch things up and go on an outdoor date, consider exploring White River State Park. The park offers a myriad of engaging activities, such as kayaking on the White River, embarking on a romantic walk along the art-adorned Canal Walk or enjoying a bike ride. Other fun activities include going on a Segway tour or enjoying a concert in the park’s Amphitheater.
12. Visit the Indianapolis Zoo
Date ideas in Indianapolis can be as fun as going on a Zoo adventure. Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoo offers wonders of the animal kingdom. It’s open year-round and has over 64 acres of indoor and outdoor habitats, being home to nearly 1,300 animals of approximately 230 species as well as 47,000 plant specimens. You can also do fun activities like feeding giraffes or visiting the Orangutan Center.
13. Paddleboard at Eagle Creek Reservoir
How to make date ideas in Indianapolis more adventurous? Embark on a refreshing outdoor adventure and visit Eagle Creek Reservoir for a paddleboard date. With beautiful surroundings, the reservoir offers an ideal setting for a day of exploration and water activities. You can rent paddle boards and navigate the calm waters as you enjoy the serenity of nature.
14. Rock Climb at Hoosier Heights
Date ideas in Indianapolis that involve adventure can be as fun as rock climbing. Hoosier Heights is an indoor climbing facility that offers a thrilling and safe environment for climbers of all levels. You and your partner can spend the day ascending towering walls and navigating challenging routes together.
15. Go For A Romantic Hot Air Balloon Ride
Elevate your outdoor adventure date by going on a romantic hot-air balloon ride. You can experience the engaging beauty of the sky from above as you and your date gently float across the sky. This picturesque journey offers the perfect setting to witness the breathtaking colors of sunrise or sunset, creating a truly unforgettable and magical experience.
16. Visit the Botanical Gardens at Newfields
Indulge in the natural beauty of Indianapolis by going on an adventure at the Botanical Gardens at Newfields. This destination features a diverse array of plant life, from vibrant flowers to lush greenery, making it the perfect scene for a romantic date. Navigate themed gardens hand in hand, where art installations seamlessly integrate with the botanical surroundings, enhancing the immersive experience.
Group Date Ideas in Indianapolis
17. Attend an Indians Baseball Game
Exploring fun and engaging group-friendly date activities in Indianapolis? Experience the thrill of a classic American pastime by attending an Indianapolis Indians baseball game. This group date idea is perfect for having a fun and energetic experience, cheering on the players and enjoying the atmosphere of the baseball enthusiasts. Capture the spirit of the sport and revel in the shared excitement of a day at the ballpark for a date that combines entertainment and sportsmanship.
18. Duckpin Bowling at Atomic Bowl Duckpin
What are some cool double date ideas in Indianapolis? Atomic Bowl offers a charming and retro-inspired duckpin bowling alley that presents a twist on traditional games with smaller pins and balls, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. You can share laughs and friendly competition as you navigate the vintage lanes together.
19. Go to a Food Truck Festival
Going to a food truck festival is one date night idea in Indianapolis that blends great food with a fun and easygoing environment. Indiana has a vibrant food truck scene with spots from unique culinary proposals that range from local delicacies to international meals. It’s the perfect place for a double date, as everyone can pick their favorite meal and enjoy it together.
20. Have Fun at an Indoor Trampoline Park
Experience an exhilarating and active date by heading to an indoor trampoline park in Indianapolis. These parks provide a lively and entertaining environment, offering a variety of trampoline-based activities for all fitness levels. Bounce together in the open jump areas, attempt gravity-defying flips into foam pits, or challenge each other in a game of trampoline dodgeball.
21. Pub Crawling Experience
Date ideas in Indianapolis can also involve immersing yourself in the vibrant night scene of the city by exploring its diverse array of bars. Instead of limiting yourself to just one, why not embark on a pub-crawling adventure? Pub crawling stands out among the numerous date night ideas in Indianapolis, offering a dynamic way to experience the city's nightlife. Create a list of your favorite pubs or venture into new and exciting options.
Relaxing Date Ideas in Indianapolis
22. Take a Gondola Ride
Are there any date ideas in Indianapolis that encourage relaxation? Experience a magical gondola ride with your partner in the beautiful Indianapolis Canal. Resembling Venice's iconic canals, this gondola experience is perfect to enjoy on a romantic and tranquil date. Let your gondolier serenade you with their captivating voice as you gracefully glide through the water, savoring the moment with a glass of wine.
23. Sip Tea at Tilly’s Tea Room
Transform traditional date ideas in Indianapolis to unique ones by sipping tea at Tilly’s Tea Room & Eaterie in Indianapolis. This quaint and charming establishment offers a unique and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of an authentic English tearoom. You and your date will enjoy a variety of carefully selected teas and delectable treats.
24. Go to a Jazz Lounge
Looking for date night ideas for married couples? If you want to have a different type of date with your spouse, consider going to a jazz lounge. Many venues in the city offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxing date night. Savor craft cocktails, indulge in delectable bites and let the smooth tunes set the mood for an evening of relaxation and connection. Popular jazz spots include Chatterbox Jazz Club and The Jazz Kitchen.
25. Visit a Spa
Rejuvenate your spirits and indulge in a relaxing date experience by visiting a spa. Options like Woodhouse Spa or Bliss Spa, among others, offer a tranquil atmosphere where you can choose different treatments, from massages to facials. Additionally, some spas offer couples’ packages perfect for sharing the relaxation and bliss side by side.
26. Attend a Symphony on the Prairie
If you want to surprise your partner with a unique experience, then the Symphony on the Prairie is perfect. This outdoor concert series, held at Conner Prairie, offers a captivating blend of live symphonic music and natural surroundings. You can spread out a blanket, bring delicious snacks like a charcuterie board and wine and enjoy the enchanting melodies.
Unique Date Ideas in Indianapolis
27. Explore the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Visiting a museum is a date idea in Indianapolis that involves learning more about America's culture and history. Go on an enriching date and explore the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. This museum offers a journey through the diverse histories and artistic expressions of Native American and Western cultures. Wander through impressive exhibits showcasing traditional and contemporary art, artifacts and immersive displays.
28. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For a thrilling and unique date, visit the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This legendary venue, home to the famed Indianapolis 500, has a museum with an impressive collection of racing memorabilia, vintage cars and interactive exhibits. You can also take a fascinating lap around the track on a Speedway tour or look for live racing events. This is one of the most unique date ideas in Indianapolis that will definitely surprise your partner.
29. Savor at the Indianapolis Chocolate Trail
Did you know that date ideas in Indianapolis can be solely focused on chocolate? Chocolate is the ideal ingredient to spark romance. Go on a sweet journey by trying out locally-made chocolate specialties, including treats like ice cream, doughnuts, brownies and more. The trail includes Abbott’s Candies, which has been making chocolates for more than 100 years! To start this journey, all you need to do is pick up your free chocolate trail passport at the Old National Welcome Center in Richmond.
30. Enjoy Night Golf at Topgolf
Go on a fun date night, enjoying night golf sessions and challenging each other. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Topgolf offers the perfect blend of sports and entertainment in a lively environment. Challenge each other to improve your swings and scores while relishing delicious food and drinks, creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere.
31. Explore the Indianapolis Catacombs Tour
Delve into the city's hidden history with a guided tour of the Indianapolis Catacombs. Wander through the passages, adorned with historic architecture and intriguing artifacts, as you uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface of Indianapolis. This unconventional date idea offers a captivating blend of adventure and history, allowing you to connect with the city in a truly unique way.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Discover the dynamic and unique array of date ideas in Indianapolis that cater to various interests and budgets. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a journey into secret catacombs, or indulging in the luxury of a spa, there's something for every couple's preference.
For even more ways to explore Indianapolis, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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