Sometimes dinner and a movie just isn’t gonna cut it. Before you start panic-Googling the nearest place to buy flowers, check out this list Indyfluence compiled of some of the best date spots in Indianapolis. Fortunately, Indy has plenty of options that are unique and fun for your next date night. Whether it’s your first date or you’ve been together for years, these ideas are sure to impress. We’ll even let you take all the credit for coming up with them!

1. Gondola Rides

Hop on a gondola for a romantic float down Indianapolis’ beautiful canal. You and your date will be serenaded by your gondolier as they transport you into the atmosphere of Old Italy. Plus, there’s really no better way to see the charm and beauty of Downtown Indianapolis than directly from the canal. A trip with Old World Gondoliers is definitely the pick for you if you’re looking to turn on the romance.

http://www.4gondola.com/

2. Go Ape!

For the more adventurous, Go Ape in Eagle Creek Park is your best bet. This treetop adventure course consists of zip lines, rope ladders, tree-to-tree crossings, and more. Climb through the tree canopies up to 40-feet high. Seems like a pretty good trust exercise if you ask us.

https://www.goape.com/location/indiana-indianapolis/

3. Drive-In Movie

Kinda like dinner and a movie… but make it nostalgic. Tibb’s Drive-In Theatre is family-owned and the last standing drive-in of Indianapolis. The drive-in has 4 screens and reaches almost 1,600 cars. Sound is transmitted through FM radio in your car or a portable radio right outside your window. They have concessions, but you can bring a four-course meal with you in your car if you want! Insider tip: get there almost an hour early to make sure you get a good parking spot.

http://www.tibbsdriveintheatre.com/

4. Go-Karts

We all know that Indianapolis is the racing capital of the world… it would be a shame not to give racing a try yourself! Before we go to full-fledged race cars though, how about go-karts at Speedway Indoor Karting? This two-level road course has a mini superspeedway that gives you a taste of the thrill of racing! They offer many different types of karts for all skill levels and purchase packages for date night. They also have a restaurant, 1911 Grill, for when you need a snack break. Start your engines!

https://www.sikarting.com/

5. Work Out Together

Indy’s fitness scene offers many chances to try out something new together. Get your sweat on with hot yoga at The Hot Room with multiple Indianapolis locations. There’s nothing better than relaxing and calming your minds together. If you want to try out something super different, try reformer pilates at Invoke Studio. They offer reformer classes for duos so you can test your strength together. They also have yoga, HIIT, and barre classes. Talk about growing together!

https://thehotroom.com/

https://invokestudio.com/

6. Attend a Concert

Are you planning to serenade that special someone? Look no further than HI-FI Indy! This venue draws musicians from all genres to Fountain Square. Their indoor and outdoor stages also allow them to host concerts throughout the year. By support HI-FI you also get to give back to the Indy community since HI-FI donates a percentage of their sales back to local organizations. They even provide free or discounted tickets for some of Indy’s most anticipated performances. 

https://hifiindy.com/

7. Duckpin Bowling

Fountain Square Theatre Building offers the only authentic Duckpin Bowling in the Midwest. Action Duckpin Bowling has 8 lanes, vintage decor, and games for you and your date to enjoy. There’s also a cafe area for refreshments. Get competitive and enjoy the sleek, black duckpin lanes. We won’t judge you if you use the bumpers.

https://fountainsquareindy.com/action-duckpin-bowling/

8. Cooking Classes at Sur La Table

Take a class here, so next time you can stay in and cook it yourself! Sur La Table has a wide array of courses and dishes that you and your date can learn how to make. They have a variety of group classes for you to choose from as well as specific Date Night classes to help you spice it up. Some upcoming lessons include Cedar Planked Salmon, Homemade Tortellini, and Paella. Plus – it’s not your kitchen so no fighting over who does the dishes!

https://www.surlatable.com/cooking-classes-1/

9. Indianapolis Art Center

Indy Art Center offers 2 hour guided classes called “make it and take it” where you can create a unique piece to bring back to your home. Some popular mediums are glass shaping, jewelry, or cutting boards. Enjoy these casual classes where you don’t have to commit to mastering an entire craft. Build something beautiful to take home with your date!

https://www.indplsartcenter.org/

10. Dinner Detective

Dinner Detective is an interactive, improvised comedy murder mystery show. You’ll be in for an experience unlike any other! While you eat dinner, the culprits of the crime are hidden in the audience in plain clothes. They could even be at your table… or your date! Clues, drama, and laughs are sure to be uncovered throughout the night until the murder is solved. Test your sleuthing skills with your date!

https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/indianapolis/

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