We all get stuck in a rut sometimes, and that includes date nights. Going out to eat at one of the same three restaurants, while predictably good, can make date night feel like we’re on autopilot. Looking to spice things up? We’ve put together a list of uncommon date night ideas that will feel a little adventurous, unpredictable, and surprising.
Science, Baby!
Museum Nights | Science Museum of Minnesota | 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul
Fridays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The museum is open Friday and Saturday nights for a unique date night experience. Explore the full museum and all the exhibits, see an Omnitheater showing, and enjoy all of the hands-on activities without having to chase your toddler through a busload of 6th graders. Plus, late night snacks available for purchase!
Planetarium | Bell Museum | 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul
Space. Stars. Skies. It’s all here at the planetarium! With daily shows, loads of special events and programs, the wonders of our earth and the universe are open for viewing.
Live Dangerously
St. Paul Gangster Tour | Wabasha Street Caves | 215 Wabasha St S, St Paul
Did you know St. Paul was a hotspot for bootlegging and gangsters during the prohibition era? Take one of the many tours available to learn all about the bootlegger operations, illegal distilleries, shootouts, kidnappings, collaborations with police, and notorious gangsters that ran the town.
PLUS: Swing Dancing Nights in the Caves
Swing dance to live big band music in this decades-long tradition. Dress up in your best roaring 20s attire–or not–and have a ball!
Add-on idea: Visit one of these amazing vintage shops first for some authentic pieces to wear on your tour or dancing!
Ghost Tours & True Crime Tours
Investigate the haunted and mysterious together for a creepy and fun date night.
Minneapolis Trolley Tours | 100 E 22nd St, Minneapolis
Candlelight Ghost Tour – Tour some of the most haunted places in Minneapolis, and explore by candlelight
True Crime Tour – Explore true-crime tales from Minneapolis’ past and unsolved mysteries
CynCity Tours | 380 St Peter St, St Paul
Gangsterland Tours & Haunted Gangsterland Tours. Walking tours and bus/trolley tours available.
Find Your Zen
Salt Water Float
Experience deep relaxation with a salt water float. The warm, dense salt water allows you to float effortlessly in a sound-free environment, releasing tension and stress in the body and mind. Here are just a few of the spas that offer salt water floats:
Sanctuary Float Spa | 14525 MN-7 #180, Minnetonka
The Wellness Center MN | 14525 MN-7 #180, Minnetonka
Awaken for Wellness | St. Paul – Woodbury – Hudson
NE Wellness | 1717 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis
Add-on idea: Keep the peaceful feelings going by visiting a meditation center
Common Ground Meditation Center | 2700 E 26th St, Minneapolis
Minnesota Zen Meditation Center | 3343 E Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis
Get Creative
Project Socials | Upstairs Circus | 135 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis
Upstairs Circus describes their space as “where DIY workshop meets bar.” Sign up for one of their project socials. The cost includes all of the materials and instructions to make the project. Project assistants are available to answer any questions. Enjoy locally curated cocktails from the bar while you create.
Clay Date | Fired Up Studios | 1000 Boone Ave N Suite #380, Golden Valley
This 2 hour class provides materials and instructor guidance to make a clay pot on the pottery wheel.
Nordic Handcraft Workshops | American Swedish Institute | 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis
A wide variety of Nordic handcrafts available: woodcarving, leather work, yarn dying and craft, painting, felting, quilling, and more.
Add-on Idea: Lean into the creative vibes with a trip to the Walker Art Center + iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Views Galore
Take in some of the best views of the Twin Cities for a spectacular date night.
Helicopter Tours
See the Twin Cities in a completely unique way with a helicopter tour! There are multiple companies that offer this unforgettable experience.
Date Night Helicopter Ride & Dinner
Observation Decks
Foshay Museum & Observation Deck | 821 S Marquette Ave 30th floor, Minneapolis
Take in the incredible 360° views from the 31st floor Observation Deck and learn about the history of the Foshay building in the adjoining museum. Enjoy cocktails and the panoramic views at the swank 27th floor Prohibition Bar.
Endless Bridge | Guthrie Theater | 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis
See many of Minneapolis’ most iconic landmarks from this architectural feature in The Guthrie. Open to the public and FREE!
Throw & Break Stuff
Wreckit Rage Rooms | 3930 Co Rd 42, Savage
Let out all of your repressed rage at the Wreckit Rage Rooms. Go on a smash-fest for 25, 45, or 75 minutes, depending on your rage-level. They provide preselected items to smash, plus choose your own items from their stock. Wrecking Tools (baseball bat, crowbar, sledgehammer) and safety gear provided. Not done yet? Throw stuff in their throwing alley.
Rock Range | The Quarry Taphouse | 106 2nd St E, Hastings
Blow off some steam and throw rocks at stuff in the Rock Range. Plus, enjoy their full from-scratch menu and large selection of tap beers, wine, and cocktails.
Axe Throwing | Emagine Theatre | Eagan | Monticello
Minnesota Axe is an axe-throwing entertainment company partnered with Emagine Entertainment, offering interactive experiences at locations in Eagan and Monticello, Minnesota. They feature private throwing arenas with trained staff, accept walk-ins and reservations, and host group events, fundraisers, and competitive leagues.
Gamers Paradise
Up-Down | 3012 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
Play the classics with more than 50 arcade games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, pinball machines, Skee-Ball alleys, Nintendo 64 console gaming, life-size Jenga and Connect Four. All games cost just 25 cents! Plus, scratch made pizza by the slice and a wide selection of craft beers.
Two Bit Game Room | 511 Rice St, St Paul
Open by appointment only means that you’ll have the place to yourself! $10 per person will get you access to over 50 classic arcade games, console games, and more.
REM5 VR Lab | 1639 Park Pl Blvd, St Louis Park
Rent a VR pod with access to all of the curated VR experiences. Explore the world, play a sport, or be an action hero– there’s something for everyone! REM5 has a menu of flatbreads, shareables, and drinks while you enjoy the VR experience.
Looking for more date night ideas? Check out our Winter Date Night ideas.
