Date Night Ideas in Indianapolis (That Aren't Just Dinner) - From a Local
Bored of dinner-and-a-movie date nights?
Well, Indianapolis has some exciting and unique date options that will add a dose of fun and adventure to your nights. Check out these twelve date night ideas in Indy, one for each month of the year, that don’t just revolve around eating out – plus a few extra bonus dates. Whether you’re into games, cooking, live music, or a bit of mystery, there’s something for every couple in the Circle City.
January: Fowling Warehouse
📍1125 E Brookside Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
💰Price: $
Compete at Fowling Warehouse
Kick off the year with a bang at Fowling Warehouse! This hybrid sport combines football and bowling for a one-of-a-kind date night experience that’s sure to be a strike. 😉 Warm up your arm, grab a drink from the bar, BYOF (bring your own food), and challenge each other to some friendly competition.
Heads up: Unless you reserve a lane, games are open play. If you see an open lane, it’s yours. If they’re all full, call next and wait your turn. Winners stay and losers find another lane.
February: Sur La Table Cooking Class
📍14400 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032
💰Price: $$$
Cook a Dish in a Sur La Table Cooking Class
Heat things up in the kitchen with a Sur La Table cooking class. Both interactive and hands-on, you’ll learn to cook a delicious meal together under the guidance of a professional chef. The best part is that you’ll get to enjoy the meal you prepared afterward. Located in Carmel, there’s a bunch of different class options to choose, from baking to gourmet dishes. The classes are not only fun, but they also give you ideas for new recipes to recreate at home for future at-home date nights.
March: Jazz Kitchen
📍5377 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
💰Price: $$
Listen to Music at Jazz Kitchen
For couples who appreciate the soulful sounds of jazz music, the Jazz Kitchen is a must-visit. Located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, this intimate jazz club offers live performances by talented musicians. Enjoy a night of smooth melodies, good company, and delicious drinks. This is a good option for a romantic night out.
April: North Mass Boulder
📍1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201
💰Price: $
Climb Boulders at North Mass Boulder
Get your adrenaline pumping and conquer new heights together with bouldering at North Mass Boulder. Located near the north end of Massachusetts Avenue (hence the name), grab a day pass and climb into this challenging adventure for active couples. Enjoy a snack after working up a sweat at their Top Out Café.
May: Pins Mechanical Company
📍856 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 4620
💰Price: $
Play at Pins Mechanical Company
Head to Pins located in Indianapolis' Historic Bottleworks District to get your game on! Enjoy some old school entertainment with arcade games, foosball tables, giant jenga, ping pong, pinball machines, and the main attraction: duckpin bowling. It also has a nice outdoor deck upstairs that you can grab a drink and cool down after playing games.
Tip: You can always round this night out with a nice dinner downtown and grab a glass of wine at Mass Ave. Wine Bar while you wait for your table.
June: Tibbs Drive-In
📍480 S Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241
💰Price: $
Catch a Feature at Tibbs Drive-In
Transport yourself back in time with the nostalgia of drive-in movies at Tibbs Drive-In. Located on the west side of Indianapolis, this drive-in offers a unique cinematic experience. Snuggle up in your car, bring your favorite snacks, and enjoy a double feature under the stars. It's a reminiscent and romantic way to revel in the latest blockbusters or timeless classics.
July: Fountain Square Clay Center Pottery
📍950 Hosbrook St., Indianapolis, IN 46203
💰Price: $$
Join a Pottery Class at Fountain Square Clay Center
Tap into your creative side by taking a pottery class at the Fountain Square Clay Center. Take a one-day class or sign up for a longer-term workshop. Mold and shape clay into your own pieces of art while enjoying quality time together. Plus, you'll get to keep your creations as mementos of your special night together.
Note: you will have to pick them up at a late date when they’re ready from the kiln.
August: Urban Vines
📍303 E 161st St, Westfield, IN 46074
💰Price: $
Live Music & Wine at Urban Vibes
Escape the city and unwind at Urban Vines, located just north of Indianapolis. This charming winery offers a variety of wines, beers, customizable charcuterie boards, pizza, and live music that set the stage for a memorable date. You can opt for a wine flight or tasting, or try their featured spiked slushy flavors of the week. Don’t forget to check their event schedule online for the latest music lineups and upcoming events like trivia nights or food trucks. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed and enjoyable evening together.
September: Eagle Creek or Monon Trail
📍Eagle Creek: 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
📍Monon Trail: Starts in Hamilton County at the 96th Street trailhead in Carmel and stretches more than 25 miles north through Westfield and Grand Park to the town of Sheridan
💰Price: $
Hiking at Eagle Creek or Biking the Monon Trail
For nature-loving couples, connect with each other by going on a scenic hike at Eagle Creek Park or taking a bike ride on the Monon Trail. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the remaining warm days of the season and get active together. At Eagle Creek, you can explore the hiking trails, enjoy a picnic, and take in the beautiful nature views. The Monon Trail is a fun option for a leisure bike ride. Bring your bikes or rent them from BikeShare services like Indiana Pacers Bikeshare or Carmel’s Bikeshare. Depending on your starting point, you can even make pit stops for a drink or food along the way. Both are great ways to get some fresh air, stay active and connect with your partner through outdoor adventures.
Tip: If you can handle the slightly colder weather or get lucky with a warm fall day, I would recommend trying either of these options out in October when the leaves begin to change.
Monon Trail
Eagle Creek
October: Newfields Harvest Nights
📍4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
💰Price: $$
Have a Spooktacular Night at Newfields Harvest Nights
Welcome spooky season with open arms at Newfields Harvest Nights. Wander through thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns, check out the Ghost Train, and plenty of other spooktacular sights at Newfields. While you’re strolling through the experience, you can get spiked drinks like Whiskey Applejack, a Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, a Campfire Cocoa with Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon, apple cider, and more – and enjoy seasonal treats like caramel corn, Cinnamon Churros, and giant pretzels.
November: Penn & Beech Candle
📍Carmel: 145 W Elm St., Carmel, IN 46032
📍Downtown: 747 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
💰Price: $$
Make a candle at Penn & Beech Candle Co
Make a unique keepsake together at Penn & Beech Candle Co. With locations in Carmel and downtown Indy, this candle-making studio offers couples the chance to craft their own custom-scented candles. It's a hands-on, cozy activity that allows you to build your own scent and create a memento of your date night.
Note: You will have to pick up your finished candle at a later date.
December: Carmel Christkindlmarkt
📍10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032
💰Price: $
Get into the Holiday Spirit at Carmel Christkindlmarkt
If you're looking to infuse your date night with a dose of European charm, visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt during the holiday season. Enjoy festive decorations, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts while you stroll through the unique shops at the market. Share a mug of mulled wine in a variety of flavors, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate to keep the cool winter chill away.
BONUS DATES
Top Golf
📍9200 E 116th St, Fishers, IN 46037
💰Price: $$
Work on Your Golf Swings at Top Golf
For a fun and competitive date night, head to Top Golf in Fishers. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a complete beginner, Top Golf is a fun atmosphere with driving range games, shareable food, and drinks. Challenge each other to a friendly competition or simply enjoy hitting golf balls together.
Escape Room
📍The Escape Room: 200 S Meridian St STE 220, Indianapolis, IN 46225
📍Breakout Games: 8455 Castlewood Dr Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46250
💰Price: $$
Test Your Problem-Solving Skills at an Escape Room
Put your IQ to the test. Are you up for a thrilling challenge that will test your teamwork and problem-solving skills? Indianapolis has several fantastic escape rooms, like The Escape Room Indianapolis and Breakout Games. These immersive experiences provide you and your partner with an opportunity to work together to solve puzzles, find hidden clues, and escape within a set time frame. It's a thrilling (and sometimes stressful) adventure that will get your adrenaline pumping.
HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex
📍1043 Virginia Ave UNIT 4, Indianapolis, IN 46203
💰Price: $$
Get Groovy at HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex
Experience the music scene of Indianapolis by attending a live concert at HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex. Dance the night away together to the tunes and enjoy the electric atmosphere. Check their calendar for upcoming shows and enjoy an intimate concert or DJ set. This is a fun activity year-round.
When it comes to date nights in Indianapolis, there's no shortage of exciting options beyond traditional dining — with unique experiences that will undoubtedly add a spark to your relationship and create unforgettable memories.