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 | St. Paul
Fridays & Saturdays | 7:00pm
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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | St. Paul
Gangsterland Tours & Haunted Gangsterland Tours. Walking tours and bus/trolley tours available.
US Ghost Adventures | St. Paul
Offering nightly walking tours on Summit Avenue, you’ll learn all about the most terrifying parts of St. Paul’s dark history. Bonus extended 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 | Minnetonka
The Wellness Center MN | Minneapolis
Awaken for Wellness | St. Paul – Woodbury – Hudson
Add-on idea: Keep the peaceful feelings going by visiting a meditation center
Common Ground Meditation Center | Minneapolis
Minnesota Zen Meditation Center | South Minneapolis
Get Creative
Project Socials | Upstairs Circus | Minneapolis
Upstairs Circus describes their space as “where DIY workshop meets bar.” Sign up for one of their project socials (average cost $42 per person). 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 | 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 | 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 | Minneapolis
Take in the incredible 360° views from the 31st floor Observation Deck ($15 per person) 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 | Minneapolis
See many of Minneapolis’ most iconic landmarks from this architectural feature in The Guthrie. Open to the public and FREE!
Throw & Break Stuff
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 | 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.
Practice your aim at Hidden MN. Their throwing lanes give options of axe throwing, ninja stars (throwing stars), and knife throwing. Choose your weapon and let it fly for this unique date night!
Gamers Paradise
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.
The largest collection of classic arcade games in Minnesota, with over 150 machines! Melt your brains for $15 per person for a FULL DAY of play! Located in Keg & Case Market so you can fuel up with local food and brews.
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.
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.
