33 Fun Date Ideas in Minneapolis, MN for 2024
If you’re looking for some fun, new and refreshing date ideas in Minneapolis, you’ve come to the right place. While dinner and a movie can be a great date idea, it might not be exactly the vibe you’re looking for. When it comes to dating, the pressure is on, and if you’re like most people, you want to impress your date.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do together in Minneapolis! Whether it’s your first date or your fiftieth, these 33 Minneapolis date ideas are sure to provide adventure for your next date.
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- Foodie Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Unique Date Night Ideas in Minneapolis
- Winter Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Cute Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Indoor Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Relaxing Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Fun and Playful Date Ideas in Minneapolis
- Double Date Ideas in Minneapolis
Foodie Date Ideas in Minneapolis
1. Join a Cooking Class
Nothing brings people closer than cooking a nice meal together. The perfect date idea in Minneapolis is a cooking class where you can learn and have fun together as you create a beautiful meal to share. Cooking classes in Minneapolis are plentiful and offer a variety of different dishes you can choose to make. You’ll learn new techniques and cooking methods while having a great time. Keep an eye out for cooking classes near you and discover something new and exciting together.
2. Experience a Private Chef Meal
When it comes to the perfect date idea in Minneapolis, you might not even need to leave your home. Private chefs in Minneapolis are ready to give you a night you won’t forget. A world-class chef will take care of all the shopping, prep and cooking while you sit back, relax and enjoy a quality meal together. Look for private chefs near you to create an unforgettable experience for your next date.
3. Enjoy Dinner and Drinks at Union Rooftop
If you’re searching for a rooftop bar and restaurant that stays open regardless of the weather, Union Rooftop has you covered. The glass-enclosed dining space provides beautiful views of the skyline while you enjoy quality American food and craft cocktails. This is the perfect Minneapolis date idea if you’re looking to plan a simple yet classy evening together.
4. Dine in at Spoon and Stable
While fine dining is great, it can be just as nice to dine at a warm and cozy restaurant with delicious food and even better company. Spoon and Stable is a former horse stable turned into a rustic-styled restaurant that serves quality Midwestern food inspired by French cuisine. This down-to-earth date idea in Minneapolis is the perfect chance to get to know your partner while enjoying a quality comfort food-inspired meal.
Unique Date Night Ideas in Minneapolis
5. Paint and Sip at Wine & Canvas
If you’re looking for an artsy and creative date idea in Minneapolis, why not try a paint and sip night? Wine & Canvas allows you to create a one-of-a-kind painting with the guidance of an instructor. Wine and food are available to purchase at an extra cost to enjoy as you paint your masterpiece.
6. Test Your Strength at Bad Axe Throwing
While it’s not your typical date idea in Minneapolis, axe throwing is a unique way to get to know your date and have a good time together. At Bad Axe Throwing you can take advantage of walk-ins that give you 45 minutes of throwing to see who can best hit the target. There’s also a pretty substantial food and drink menu available.
7. Get Crafty at Upstairs Circus
If you’re looking for something a little different for a date night idea in Minneapolis, consider getting crafty at Upstairs Circus. You’ll need to reserve a date on the website and choose from a variety of DIY projects to complete before visiting. When you arrive, you’re greeted with a full bar offering a selection of local brews, wine and cocktails to enjoy while you create something fun and unique together.
8. Check Out a Ghost Tour With Minneapolis Trolley Tours
Probably the most unconventional date idea in Minneapolis is also one of the most adventurous and exciting. If you and your date are all about the spooky and supernatural, there’s no better way to take a ghost tour than with Minneapolis Trolley Tours. The candlelight ghost tour takes you around the city on a historic trolley and showcases the most haunted sites in the area.
Winter Date Ideas in Minneapolis
9. Go Ice Skating at Parade Ice Garden
When it comes to winter date ideas, ice skating is always at the top of the list. It’s fun and almost anyone can do it, making it an ideal date idea in Minneapolis for winter. The Parade Ice Garden has three indoor skating rinks and provides free skate rentals so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own. There’s even a concession stand to grab some hot chocolate after the skate date.
10. Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride With The Hitching Company
Nothing says romance quite like a horse-drawn carriage ride. With The Hitching Company, you and your date can enjoy a beautiful ride around the city, taking in one-of-a-kind views and experiencing a ride like no other. You can choose from several different tours that range in length from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and each takes you on different routes within the city. This exhilarating carriage ride makes for the perfect anniversary date idea you will never forget.
11. Skiing at Hyland Hills
This Minneapolis date idea might be for the more experienced skiers, but it’s still a great way to spend some time together outdoors during the winter months. Hyland Hills offers equipment rentals for all kinds of winter sports and also has programs for all ages to be able to learn. Several trails are available as well as night skiing, which tends to be a local favorite date idea in Minneapolis.
Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Minneapolis
12. Take a Walk Along Stone Arch Bridge
Date ideas in Minneapolis don’t always have to cost an exorbitant amount of money. Whether you’re on a budget or just trying to keep it low-key, a nice walk around the city is the perfect way to chat and get to know someone. The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railway bridge that is now a historic architectural masterpiece in the city of Minneapolis. If you're unsure where to go for your walk, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your date during the day or at sunset.
13. Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Free dates can be something as simple as a picnic or a walk in the park, but they can also be a lot more elevated and exciting. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden combines the simplicity of a walk in the park with the intrigue of an art gallery. With over 60 incredible sculptures to look at, this is the perfect free date idea in Minneapolis if you’re looking to see some magnificent art. The park is completely free to access and open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day, meaning you can even opt to explore this place after dark.
14. Wander Around the Mall of America
While it may seem counterintuitive to visit a mall if you’re looking for a free or cheap date idea in Minneapolis, the Mall of America is an experience in itself. The largest mall in the U.S. has four massive levels and features a plethora of stores, restaurants and other attractions. With events and free concerts happening all the time, it’s a great option for a cheap date idea in Minneapolis.
Cute Date Ideas in Minneapolis
15. Visit the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
If you’re looking for a cute date idea in Minneapolis, the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is only a short drive out of the city and is the perfect place for animal lovers of all kinds. Wander the park together and admire all the different creatures while enjoying a sweet treat at one of the concessions. There’s also a wide range of educational programs, shows and talks you can watch.
16. Take a Trip to Sea Life Aquarium
Located inside the largest mall in America is the biggest aquarium in all of Minnesota, and visiting it is a real adventure of a date idea in Minneapolis. The Sea Life Aquarium is home to a variety of different marine animals and hosts more than 11 different exhibits. With a 300-foot-long underwater tunnel, you and your date will enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of all the magnificent ocean life.
17. Bring the Dogs to Unleashed Hounds and Hops
If you’re a dog person, you probably wouldn’t date anyone that your dog doesn’t approve of, so it just makes sense to bring your pup along for the date. Unleashed Hounds and Hops is a fully indoor off-leash dog park where you, your date and your dogs can all have a good time. The separate dining area and terrace allow you to enjoy a light meal and some drinks together while the dogs play away in their own space.
Indoor Date Ideas in Minneapolis
18. Enjoy a Virtual Wine Tasting or Mixology Class
You don’t have to get all dressed up and go out to have a nice date. Think about staying in and inviting your partner over for a virtual wine tasting. Grab some snacks and cheeses to pair with your wine and entertain a quiet night in. If you’re feeling creative, try taking an online mixology class together and pick up some new skills you can use for your next date night.
19. Try Indoor Rock Climbing at Vertical Endeavors
Challenge yourself and your partner with this exciting date idea in Minneapolis. Vertical Endeavors is an extensive indoor rock climbing gym with some walls reaching almost 60 ft in height. There are multiple routes for various skill levels, so even if you’re a beginner, you’re still in for a good time.
20. Uncover History at the Mill City Museum
While the idea of visiting a museum might seem boring to some, for others this date idea in Minneapolis has exactly the type of intrigue they’re looking for. The Mill City Museum sits on top of the ruins of the former largest flour mill in the entire world. The sheer size of this operation is what is most impressive, and having the opportunity to see it for yourself is definitely worth it.
21. Get Inspired at Walker Art Center
Art speaks to everyone differently, so get the conversation going with a date to the Walker Art Center. Immerse yourself in the creativity and admire the brilliance of each masterpiece while roaming through the various exhibits. You can also check out different performances and events happening regularly.
22. Watch a Minnesota Wild Game
One of the most popular things the Twin Cities are known for is the Minnesota Wild NHL team. For a great date night idea around Minneapolis, you won’t want to miss out on catching a Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center. While technically in St. Paul, the arena is only 15 minutes by car from central Minneapolis. Grab some beers and snacks and be ready to cheer your home team on.
23. Admire Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
If you’re really looking to impress your partner with some serious artistry, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is an excellent place for a date. It’s one of the largest art museums in the U.S., with a collection of more than 90,000 pieces. Take in the magnificence of the diverse artworks on display and journey through time as you browse significant historic pieces. With so much to see and do here, this date idea in Minneapolis might require a return trip in the future.
Relaxing Date Ideas in Minneapolis
24. Groove to Some Jazz at Dakota
Music is something everyone can bond over! Get to know your partner a little better over some live music, drinks and delicious food at Dakota. This live music venue predominantly showcases the lively and upbeat sounds of Jazz but also hosts a variety of other music as well, meaning there’s something for almost all musical tastes.
25. Relax at Anda Spa
Life’s daily routines can take a toll on anyone, so why not reward yourself and your partner with a nice relaxing day at Anda Spa? This luxury spa offers a full range of treatments, from manicures to facials and full-body massages. With a calm and quiet environment, this relaxing date idea in Minneapolis is the perfect stress reliever.
26. Savor a Meal at Café and Bar Lurcat
Keep the romance alive by bringing your partner to one of the most romantic restaurants in Minneapolis. Café and Bar Lurcat is an American-style restaurant with a new-age twist that serves delectable meals and craft cocktails. This high-class restaurant focuses on elevated dishes in an elevated atmosphere, making a night out here one of the most sophisticated and romantic date ideas in the city.
Fun and Playful Date Ideas in Minneapolis
27. Hit the Lanes at Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater
Hit the lanes with this laid-back date idea in Minneapolis. With plenty of lanes available, plus great food and drinks, Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater is the go-to place for bowling in Minneapolis. If bowling isn’t your thing, catch a live music performance together at the theater.
28. Challenge Your Date at Up-Down
This fun date idea in Minneapolis is sure to bring out the competitive side in both of you. Up-Down is an arcade bar exclusively for adults that serves craft beers, cocktails and pizza by the slice. More than 60 arcade and pinball machines are set up for people to play and attempt to beat new records.
29. Nickelodeon Universe
To some, it may sound a little childish, but many of us grew up with Nickelodeon, so the idea of going to a Nickelodeon-themed amusement park sounds like a great date idea in Minneapolis. Nickelodeon Universe has more than 25 different rides and attractions, including those for the ultimate thrill-seekers. With several roller coasters and scream-inducing rides, this amusement park isn’t just for kids.
30. Play Mini Golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf
Dates don’t always have to be elegant and sophisticated, sometimes you just want to have fun. For a date idea in Minneapolis that is anything but pretentious, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf has all the fun you’re looking for. This 18-hole mini golf course is packed full of whimsical characters and colorful designs that will keep you engaged and entertained.
Double Date Ideas in Minneapolis
31. Break Free at The Great Escape Room
Going to an escape room, like The Great Escape Room, is an excellent date idea in Minneapolis that a group of couples can do together. You get the chance to test your skills when it comes to problem solving, code breaking and combination cracking. Through various interactive rooms, you’ll find clues that eventually help you and your team escape. However, you only have 60 minutes to get it done!
32. Test Your Trivia at Merlins Rest Pub
Get to know your partner and your couple friends a little better over drinks and trivia with this date idea in Minneapolis. Merlins Rest Pub is an Irish pub that hosts trivia nights every week, plus live music and open jams. Grab a couple of beers, try the Irish whiskey and test your trivia knowledge — even if you don’t win the quiz, it will be a fun and memorable night out.
33. Laugh Out Loud at Acme Comedy Company
Of all the date ideas in Minneapolis, there’s only one that could potentially make you laugh right out of your seat. The Acme Comedy Company hosts many great comedians with shows that are sure to make everyone laugh. Complete with a delicious meal and drinks, this double date idea is the whole package.
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Minneapolis is a large city that comes with endless opportunities to explore and discover new and exciting things to do. When it comes to dating, whether it’s a first date or a weekly date night with your long-term partner, these date ideas in Minneapolis are plentiful and provide a great range of options. While many of these suggestions will cost you some money, there are also a ton of fun date ideas in Minneapolis that are completely free; so instead of stressing about money, you can focus on what really matters: being together.
For even more ways to explore Minneapolis and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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