Welcome to Cincinnati, the Queen City nestled along the Ohio River. If you are looking for a great date night with the perfect blend of romance and fun, you have come to the right place. Cincinnati has plenty of unique date ideas, ranging from cultural expeditions at the Cincinnati Art Museum to scenic strolls through Smale Riverfront Park and exciting ball games at the Great American Ball Park. Whether you are a local or just visiting, the city offers a great way to create beautiful memories with your significant other. Join us as we explore the 25 best date ideas that Cincinnati has to offer!
1. Baseball Romance at Great American Ball Park
The Great American Ballpark is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is home to the Cincinnati Reds - the oldest professional franchise established in 1869. If you stay in Downtown Cincinnati, you will be close to the stadium and can quite possibly walk over and enjoy a beautiful and romantic view of the Ohio River banks! This stadium also has a Hall of Fame museum and a BetMGM Sportsbook. The Sportsbook is new and opened on January 1, 2023. This stadium allows you to enjoy America's favorite pastime as you root for the Reds, and it also allows you to catch a few sporting events at once while allowing you the chance to bet on your favorite teams!
This stadium is an open-air stadium. As such, your plans may get canceled if there is inclement weather, so bear that in mind when planning out your date night! Moreover, you can bring outside food and beverages into the stadium if you want to make this date night a little more economical. It also is a plus if you have strict dietary restrictions and do not want to aimlessly walk around the stadium, missing the game, as you look for food items that fit your dietary restrictions.
2. Art and Love at Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is one of America's oldest art museums, filled with art and history in every corner. General admission and parking are free at the Cincinnati Art Museum; however, there are timed tickets for special exhibitions that vary in price. For instance, from now through October 15, 2023, they have Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds as one of their special exhibitions, a separately ticketed exhibit. The good news is that thanks to Duke Energy, you can see this exhibit for free on Thursday Nights from 5 pm to 9 pm and at "Art After Dark" on select nights - the last one being on September 29 from 5 pm to 9 pm. Check the museum's website for the most up-to-date information on their special exhibits, ticket pricing, free nights, and operating hours.
Moreover, in the general admission portion of the museum, there are over 70,000 pieces of art spanning 6,000 years! They house African Art, East Asian Art, Contemporary Art, Indigenous American Art, and many others.
3. Blossoming Romance at Krohn Conservatory
Explore the botanical wonders at Krohn Conservatory, immersing yourselves in the beauty of plant species and vibrant flora. If you want to impress your date, check out their website and learn about the different plants and sections of the Conservatory to look like a plant genius! Now through October 22, 2023, they have First Flowers featuring Dinosaurs. This event features prehistoric plants and man-made botanical sculptures of dinosaurs! Moreover, the Krohn Conservatory also hosts special events like a Goodbye Summer Cookout, Game Nights, and Craft Corners. Check out their website for more information to align your visit with the events that interest you.
You can also take it to the next level in your relationship and get married at Krohn Conservatory. It is a whimsical place to get married - the best part is that you can have a nature / "outdoor" wedding indoors! You need to contact the conservatory to plan it out, but it is an option.
4. Exploring the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati is known for being one of the oldest cities to do many things, and they do not fall short in the zoo department either! The Cincinnati Zoo was founded in 1873 and officially opened in 1875, making it one of the first ten zoos to open in the US. There are plenty of animal habitats to visit at the Cincinnati Zoo, like Africa, Birds of the World, the Elephant Reserve, the Lemur Lookout, Wolf Woods, and many more. You will find over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species on your visit to the zoo, so plan your day out accordingly to check it all out!
5. Unique Date Night at The Cincinnati Observatory
Stargaze and discover the cosmos at the Cincinnati Observatory, the oldest operating professional observatory in the United States, also known as the "Birthplace of American Astronomy." This observatory is also home to the oldest professional telescope in the US, and you can look through it on your visit! Check out the observatory's operating hours on their website, as they have limited hours and days.
6. Catch a Show at Aronoff Center
Catch a live performance at the Aronoff Center, adding a touch of entertainment to your date night! This event center offers various events, including ballet, plays, concerts, comedy shows, and Broadway shows. Some Broadway shows you can see are Aladdin, Beetle Juice, and Peter Pan. Check out their website for more details on the different live performances you can see and to purchase your event tickets.
7. Romantic Evening at Memorial Hall
Immerse yourselves in a romantic evening at Memorial Hall, where you can enjoy various performances and cultural events. Memorial Hall is in the neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, and its mission is to preserve the history of the building and honor those who constructed it. Although it is a smaller theater than the Aronoff Center, it is home to a variety of shows and live performances similar to Aronoff. Some of the shows you can catch at Memorial Hall include The Phil DeGreg Trio plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Centennial Komedy Show, and Estrada do Sol: Echoes from Brazil – A 75-Year Retrospective - to name a few.
8. Musical Magic in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is the seventh most influential music city in the United States, allowing you various opportunities around the city to enjoy live music. One of the popular places to visit for live music is Bogart's, near the University of Cincinnati. Bogart's is a music venue that accommodates 1,500 over three levels and houses 6 bars. You will find local, national, and international live music at Bogart's. If you want a more classical musical experience, check out the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the nation's sixth-oldest symphony orchestra, or the Cincinnati Opera, the nation's second-oldest opera company.
9. Music and Love at Cincinnati Music Hall
The Cincinnati Music Hall is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera. However, they also host other live performances like The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and RAIN - A Tribute to the Beetles. Moreover, this music hall is known for its majestic Victorian Gothic architecture (and is a beautiful backdrop for proposals)! If you want to tour the Music Hall, join the Friends of Music Hall on a 60-minute guided tour of the exterior of this National Historic Landmark and/or a 75-minute guided tour of the interior of Music Hall.
10. Romantic Vibes at Mount Adams
Experience the romantic vibes of Mount Adams, a charming neighborhood offering intimate settings for a delightful evening. It is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory, and Eden Park, but you will also find a few historic churches and various restaurants, bars, and coffee shops!
11. River Cruise Romance with BB Riverboats
Embark on a river cruise with BB Riverboats, offering a unique and romantic perspective of the Ohio River. They offer daytime sightseeing cruises, sunset cruises, and dinner cruises. If you want to have a romantic dinner date on a boat, this is just for you! Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance for a smoother boarding process. You could also coordinate to get married onboard the BB Riverboats as you navigate through the Ohio River.
12. Adventure at Little Miami River
If you rather be in control of the floating vessel, visit the Little Miami River and rent out a canoe or kayak! The Little Miami River flows 111 miles through five counties in southwestern Ohio and is a tributary to the Ohio River on the east side of Cincinnati. It is home to various species of fish and mussels, including one endangered species.
13. Hike and Bond at Nature Preserves
After your kayak session, if you want to continue your nature experience, go on a hike at a nature preserve in Cincinnati! You can visit Little Miami State Park or Caldwell Nature Center. Do not forget to pack a picnic meal so you can fully immerse yourself in nature and spend the day outside!
14. Washington Park: Where Fun Meets Romance
You can enjoy live entertainment, special events, and fun activities with your date at Washington Park. Some of these include Jazz at the Park, Trivia Night, Workout on the Green, Fall Fest Weekend in late October, and many others. The best part is that a majority of these events include free admission!
15. Ohio River Views at Smale Riverfront Park & Sawyer Point
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Smale Riverfront Park, offering panoramic views of the Ohio River, creating a perfect setting for a romantic evening. They host special events throughout the year, like Free Summer Concerts and free yoga every Wednesday.
Sawyer Point is another riverfront park to visit for free shows and outdoor activities, making it a perfect spot for a date. It is also a great recreational park with 18 pickleball courts, a bike path, a public landing, a concert stage, and a few other things. They also hold special events like Pickleball Competitions and an annual Labor Day fireworks show.
16. Charming Date at Findlay Market
Findlay Market is located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati and is Ohio's oldest continuously operating public market. The market is open Tuesday - Sunday year round and has permanent merchants that sell meat, poultry, seafood, produce, cheese, flowers, and more. On the weekends, they host Farmers Markets where outside vendors come to set up and sell their goods. Occasionally, they have street performers and special events. Some of these events include Market Muscles, Music at the Market, and celebrations of different holidays and seasons like Latin Night for Hispanic Heritage Month and a Fall Food Fest.
17. Coffee Date at Local Coffee Shops
Savor a warm cup of coffee at one of Cincinnati's local coffee shops, creating a cozy and relaxed setting for your date. Two great places to check out are Coffee Emporium (110 E Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45202) and Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown (8 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
18. Ice Cream Date at a Local Parlor
Indulge in a delicious treat with your date at a local ice cream parlor, creating a sweet memory during your outing. A few ice cream shops to check out are Hello Honey (725 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202), Pendleton Parlor: Ice Cream & Cookie Dough (1218 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202), and Graeter's Ice Cream (1401 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
19. Vine Street Charm at Over-the-Rhine (Highly Recommended)
Explore the charm of Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine, home to various eateries and bars, perfect for a laid-back and enjoyable date. Vine Street runs 7.6 miles, making it the third-longest street in Cincinnati. There is so much along this long street that you can spend your date hopping around to different establishments on this road to enjoy what you would typically enjoy all in one place. Think of it as a challenge and a great opportunity to explore a good amount of the delectable delights on this street!
A unique date idea that is non-food related is The Candle Lab OTR, where you and your date can create your own candle and customize the fragrance!
20. Dinner Date in Hyde Park
If my date meal-hopping plan does not spark your interest, plan a romantic dinner date at a cozy restaurant in Hyde Park! Hyde Park is more of an upscale and charming neighborhood in Cincinnati. If you are looking for Asian Fusion, check out E+O Kitchen - Hyde Park (3520 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208). For Italian with an Argentinian twist, visit Alfio's Buon Cibo (2724 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208). There are various unique eateries in Hyde Park, so there is bound to be something for you!
21. Beer and Cheers at Dive Bars
Visit a dive bar in Cincinnati for a laid-back and casual date, enjoying a good time over a drink. You can check out Knockback Nats (10 Seventh St W, Cincinnati, OH 45202), MOTR Pub (1345 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202), Queen City Radio (222 W 12th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202), and/or 16-Bit Bar+Arcade (1124 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
22. Release your Inner Child with Arcade Games & Laughter
Unleash your inner child with a fun date night at 16-Bit Bar+Arcade or Level One Bar + Arcade, featuring classic arcade games and gamed-themed cocktails for a fun-filled evening. Scene75 is also a perfect spot for a unique date - they have an arcade, go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, bumper cars, and a few other attractions.
23. Bond Over a Cincinnati Escape Room Experience
Do you enjoy the idea of a game night but want to be on the same side? Embark on an adventure at the Cincinnati Escape Room, solving puzzles and bonding over a thrilling experience. Test your teamwork and problem-solving skills at a Cincinnati escape room! A few to consider include Cincinnati Escape Room (700 W Pete Rose Way Lobby B, Suite 360, Cincinnati, OH 45203), The Escape Game Cincinnati (28 West Freedom Way UNIT 300, Cincinnati, OH 45202), and Breakout Games - Cincinnati/Hyde Park (3653 Michigan Ave Suite 205B, Cincinnati, OH 45208).
24. Have a Laugh at Go Bananas Comedy Club
If you want a laugh and enjoy stand-up comedians, check out Go Bananas Comedy Club! On top of having stand-up comedians come in, they have an amateur night and even comedy competitions. Depending on the night, tickets for the shows start at $5. They also have food and drinks at reasonable prices.
25. Touchdown at Paycor Stadium
The Bengals also call Cincinnati, Ohio, their home, so if you visit during football season, you can attend one of their games at Paycor Stadium! Unlike the Great American Ball Park, you cannot bring your own food to Paycor Stadium. However, they have plenty of stadium favorites in their concession stands. Occasionally, other events happen at Paycor Stadium - for example, Luke Combs will perform in August 2024.
We hope you have a great time with your Queen or King in Queen City!
With its unique blend of offerings, Cincinnati provides a great spot for couples seeking unforgettable experiences and a chance to strengthen their bond. Whatever your preferences, Cincinnati offers plenty of exciting and fun date ideas for a perfect date night. Have you been to Cincinnati, Ohio? If so, let us know in the comments below - we want to know what to know about your favorite thing to do there! If you have not gone, is it on your bucket list of places to visit now? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with the person or people you want to go with! Either way, SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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