35 Fun Date Night Ideas in Cincinnati

Looking for a great date night in Cincinnati?  We put together a variety of  Date Night Ideas In Cincinnati for all couples.  While everyone loves a good Netflix and chill night, these fun Cincinnati date night ideas are bound to mix things up!

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Classic Cincinnati Date Night Ideas

The Cincy-Day Date

I have always admired the Cincinnati Themed Day Dates that my friend Rebecca and her husband plan.  They love to hit the town to discover new and rediscover old Cincinnati staples. A trip to Skyline Chili followed by a visit to the Taft Museum.

Tip: Surprise your date with fun Cincinnati-Themed Shirts!

Noshing on Big Boys followed by a trip to Krohn Conservatory or seeing a film at the IMAX followed by ice cream at Graeter’s.  Taking time to rediscover the gems that our city is known for is always a great date.

Picnic in the Park

Grab your picnic blanket, pick up some Revolution Rotisserie, and make your way to Ault Park. Our city is a treasure trove of phenomenal parks that offers quiet and secluded areas with fabulous views.

Eden Park offers sprawling views of the river, which downtown Washington Park always has an activity or event happening.

Other great picnic ideas include: hitting the Rootbeer Stand and then venturing to Sharon Woods. Or,  head to Miami Market and take your picnic to Stonelick Lake!  Or, if you’re feeling a little fancy, get a charcuterie board from Urban Stead Cheese to enjoy in Alm Park.

Don’t forget you can always pack your own picnic from home. Jazz it up with a cute picnic basket to take with you!

The OTR Scene And A Visit To Music Hall

Over the Rhine (OTR) has become the mecca for foodies. Local artisan resturants are serving some of the best food in the city while new bars are creating craft cocktails. OTR is a great place to spend an evening discovering great restaurants, live music, and local boutiques, along with fabulous performances from nearby theaters. 

Waffles at A Taste of Belgium, fried chicken at the Eagle, and oysters at Pearl Star are just a few of the tempting options available. Complete your evening with tickets to see Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 

Music Hall offers behind-the-scenes tours. Go behind the scenes or for a spooky treat; opt for their ghost tour. Be sure to schedule your tour of Music Hall early–Molly, a former tour guide, indicates that it is one of the most popular tours in the city.

Put together your own Cincinnati Street Car Food Tour! Get our Free Cincinnati Street Car Itineraries here!

A Toast to the Wild

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is always coming up with new and innovative events to engage the city.  In their series, “A Toast to Wildlife”, the zoo offers Zootini, Wild About Wine, and the Zoo Brew. These events offer patrons opportunities to sample various drinks, nosh on local grub– all while exploring the fabulous zoo.

The events do sell out every time, and quickly, too!   Therefore, I recommend following the zoo’s website closely for ticket release days.

The Cincinnati Zoo consistently ranks as the perfect place for a date because the zoo always has something fun happening: Zoo Blooms in the Spring, Hall-Zoo-Ween in the fall, or Festival of Lights in the Winter.

Root For The Home Team

Everyone knows that no respectable Cincy staple list would leave out a Cincinnati Reds or Bengals game. Take that experience to the next level by taking a tour of the Great American Ball Park and getting behind the scenes; look at the dugout, press boxes, and stand right behind the home plate. Want to add a touch of luxury to your ball game?  Reserve a spot at the Handlebar to experience the game like never before.

Bengal fans are some of the most die-heart fans around. Even though our team may not be the best, we can sure tailgate with the best of them. Don’t worry the curse has been broken in 2022!   Tailgating before a Bengals is an experience to behold and by some accounts,  better than the game itself.

Don’t miss out on some uniquely fun Cyclones Hockey nights. Star Wars night and $1 beer night are few fan favorites.

Naturally, I can’t leave out the amazing  FC Cincinnati for a great evening full of excitement and soccer. Before venturing to the game stop by the Symphony Hotel for a fun tailgate event they hold every home game!

SMALE PARK

One of the best romantic date night ideas is to spend time strolling the riverfront at Smale Riverfront Park. Snap a photo with the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge, grab a swing overlooking the Ohio River, then let out your inner kid by trying out the foot piano. Smale connects to Yatemen’s Cove and the International Friendship Park, making this a great spot to walk or bike.

During the warmer months the park fountains come aglow and the warm breeze makes Smale one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Tip: I recommend hopping on the Carol Ann Carousel to spark that childhood excitement.

Is the weather not cooperating with your well-thought-out date plans? Checking out our 20 Cincinnati Indoor Date Night Ideas.

Cincinnati Date Night Ideas For Foodies

Progressive Dinner in Pleasant Ridge

Have you visited Pleasant Ridge here lately? If not you need to high tail it over to this up-and-coming hot spot!  With new trendy restaurants all within walking distance of one another, this is the ideal foodie date night without the crowds of OTR.

With popular restaurants like Nine Giants Brewing, Goodfellow Pizza, and the Gaslight Cafe, this is a date night that can be repeated again and again.

My recommendations: Start with custom cocktails at the Overlook Lounge, share a cheese plate at Share Cheesebar then top your night with some gravy fries at the classic hangout Pleasant Ridge Chili!

The Summit at Cincinnati State

This unique dining experience transports you into the classroom for culinary students at Cincinnati State. This restaurant is run by chefs who are earning college credits under the direction of a professional management team.

Your entire meal, with optional wine pairings, is packed with educational tidbits and local flair from the students. The Summit is open Fridays and Saturdays only, and reservations are highly recommended.

Ghost Baby

Cincinnati is home to a hidden underground speakeasy that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Ghost Baby can be found by locating the purple lights outside a building in OTR. Descend a couple of flights of stairs (they do have an elevator) till you get to the swanky, posh bar.

Live music drifts through the underground tunnel turned bar as delicious craft cocktails fly out of the bar.  This is one date night experience in Cincinnati that you don’t want to miss.

Tip: Make reservations. Tables book up quickly.

On the hunt for more fun spots to grab a drink? Check out our list of the Top Bars in Cincinnati to grab a cocktail!

Cincinnati Dinner Train

All aboard for a dining experience that is full of class and elegance. The Cincinnati Dinner Train offers a four-course meal paired with a 3-hour long train ride. Drinks are available for purchase in the Oasis Tavern Car which was formerly part of the red train for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Check out their special events and remember that reservations are often made months in advance as they sell out frequently.

Do A Food Tour of Oakley Kitchen Food Hall

A great way to try many local restaurants at once is with a food tour of Oakley Kitchen Food Hall. Oakley Kitchen is home to nine different local restaurants, all under one roof. Visitors can grab a drink at the Cut Away Bar, sample fried spam at Onolicious Hawaii, then grab a falafel wrap at the Olive Tree. 

There are tables throughout the food hall, including outdoor picnic tables during the summer months. 

The Presidents Room at the Phoenix

I had to include this gem after the phenomenal experience my friend Kari had for her anniversary. This restaurant located in the Phoenix downtown gives diners dishes prepared with quality ingredients all served in an elegant, historic dining room. The Presidents Room takes special events seriously and has every fine detail planned out.

For their anniversary, Kari and her husband were able to enjoy a customized 12-course dinner in a private dining room overlooking the kitchen. A perfectly romantic and memorable experience. Rumor has it that there is a secret bowling alley in the basement and if you ask (tip) the right person they will take you to see it.

Hit the Northern Kentucky Wine Trail

Yes, Kentucky has a wine trail and it is just as glorious as it sounds. Plan an afternoon exploring Kentucky’s countryside while sipping on tasty wine.

Check out the events at Seven Wells Winery, as they often have live entertainment and allow you to bring in outside food. Plan your trip on the trail NKY Wine Trail.

Kungfood Chu’s Amerasia

Explore this hidden gem that is offering dishes packed full of Asian inspiration and flavor sprinkled with a hint of American flair. Local self-appointed ambassadors Kathleen and Craig have declared this one of the best date night spots in the queen city. It is different, delicious, and has a great beer selection.

Take a Cincinnati Cooking Class at Jungle Jim’s

Most folks from Cincinnati know that Jungle Jim’s is a good place to noodle around for a few hours, but did you know they offer tons of cooking classes? Classes are offered throughout the week and make for a great weeknight date for those who can’t sneak away on the weekends.

From pasta to steaks, these Cincinnati cooking classes are the perfect bonding opportunity while eating delicious food together. Before or after the class spend time perusing through the store for some yummy treats.

Dinner with a View

There are plenty of great restaurants in the city, but a few offer panoramic views of the city like Primavista. The Primavista is one of the best places for an elegant meal with a jaw-dropping view. It makes the perfect dinner spot before catching a performance at the local Covedale theater.

For those looking to dine riverfront snag a table on the Chart House’s patio or at the classic Montgomery Inn Boathouse.  Visitors to the Boathouse should leave time to meander along Sawyer Point Riverwalk and nearby Friendship Park.

Eat Your Way Through Findlay Market

This fabulous market is a food-lovers paradise. As Ohio’s oldest public market, Findlay Market has a little something for everyone. There is an opportunity to take a free tour that is offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 10:00 am.  Other tours are available and we recommend the tour and treat that allows participants to choose an item from three different vendors in addition to the 30-minute walking tour.

No tour? No problem! Findlay Market is chock-full of tempting local delicacies for you to discover around every corner.

Tip: Cincinnati Food Tours offers a variety of guided tours throughout the city to explore the local food scene.

Savor Cincinnati 

For a luxury dining experience, snag tickets to Cincinnati Magazine’s premier event, Savor Cincinnati. Savor features curated local chef duos that collaborate in pairs to prepare exceptional five-course meals complete with wine pairings. 

Savor is held in a luxurious upscale venue, such as the View in Mt. Adams, which offers spectacular views of our city. Dine on beautifully crafted dishes, sip on fine wine, then complete your evening with a tempting dessert. 

Unique Cincinnati Date Night Ideas

Tiki Tiki Bang Bang Formerly Known As The Video Archive

This is one of the few secret bars in Cincinnati.  I wouldn’t give away what makes Tiki Tiki Bang Bang so special, just know that this is a must for those looking for a unique bar and it may involve a hidden door.  Grab dinner at Gomez Salsa or take time to grab another fun cocktail at Esoteric Brewing Co.

Class Axe Throwing

When my friend Angie told me that one night she and her husband went ax-throwing for fun, I thought she was crazy.  Nope. Class Axe Throwing offers just that very thing and you can bring your own beer!! After you take this ax-throwing class take your new skill up to the Renaissance Festival and win that turkey leg!

Tour Spring Grove Cemetery and Take a Picnic

This may be the perfect date for those looking for that perfect fall date. While picnicking in a cemetery may seem odd and creepy, it isn’t for those who have seen the beautiful gardens and grounds in Spring Grove. The grounds are so spectacular they are actually a natural historic landmark.  Schedule your  Spring Grove Tour Today to see what makes this place so memorable.

Segway Tours

Endless folks have raved about the tours offered through Segway of Cincinnati. It offers three unique and routes to explore the city.  They even offer a Segway with Santa during the holidays!

Art After Dark

If you follow my site it is no secret that I am a huge advocate of the Cincinnati Art Museum. Their monthly Art After Dark event offers visitors a half hours, adult-only themed party, complete beverages, and food for purchase.

Be Tourist in Your Own City

One of our favorite things to do is to be a tourist in our own city. There are tons of little museums, sights, and attractions hidden around Cincinnati that are waiting to be discovered. Visit the Police Museum followed by games at 16-Bit Bar or swing into the Lucky Cat Museum and then go Karaoke at Toyko Kitty.

Outdoor Date Night Ideas In Cincinnati

Discover a New Hiking Trail

Cincinnati is full of nature preserves and parks that boast wonderful hiking options. Invoke the spirit of adventure by tackling the trails at a nature preserve you have never been to. Here is a great list of Seven Nature Preserves To Discover In Cincinnati.

Go Digging For Fossils

Let that inner archeologist spirit shine through by putting together a fun fossil dig at Trammel Fossil Park. Not only is the park free to everyone, but you also get to keep any fossils that you may find.  Come prepared with shovels, picks, chisels, and water.  Be sure to read our Guide To Trammel Fossil Park to ensure you have everything you need.

Go Canoeing

Take a canoe ride down the Little Miami River then nab some delicious BBQ at Midwest BBQ and Creamery. You could also choose to visit one of the many breweries along the Little Miami River, such as Little Miami Brewing or 50 West.

Drive-In Movie

The nostalgic Drive-In Movie is still a popular date night idea today. The Starlite Drive In Theater in Amelia offers two movies for the price of one. Visit their website to see what is currently showing!

Architecture Walk

Take a stroll through Cincinnati with the AchiTour Cincinnati app. The app gives users a variety of walking tours to choose from including downtown Cincinnati and Cincinnati Riverfront. This self-guided tour tells the history of buildings and structures encountered during the tour.

Kings Island- Without The Kids

Often times as parents we get passes to places solely for taking the kids. For a different date night go without them! Kings Island is the perfect example. Leave the kids at home, go and ride the roller coasters, water slides and enjoy the attractions just the two of you. It is the perfect time to try some of the unique cuisine offered as well!

Not to mention you can finally get your own blue ice cream without sharing!

Enjoy A Drive In The Fall

Cincinnati, Ohio, comes ablaze during the fall with vibrant foliage that sets the trees ablaze. One of the best unique date ideas is to plan an autumn foliage drive. Not only is this a cheap date idea, but you get to explore one of nature’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Check out our eastside fall folliage route complete with step-by-step GPS!

 More Cincinnati Date Night Ideas

• Take a hot air balloon ride with Bella Balloons in Lebanon and plan for an evening in historic downtown Lebanon.
• Go explore Ohio Valley Antique Mall.
• Listen to  the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra down at River Bend.
• Love Seafood? Visit Oakley Fish House then get dessert at nearby Aglamesis.
• Need a great group date? Look no further than the Escape Game on the Banks. This Cincinnati escape room has tons of fun-themed rooms such as prison break, the playground, gold rush, and more.
• Catch the latest release at luxury movie theaters such City Base Cinemas.
• Belly laugh at the comedy shows at Go Bananas Comedy Club.
• Enjoy a romantic evening at the 21c Hotel. Stay the night in this luxury hotel that features a spa, a rooftop bar, and an exceptional restaurant.
• Beer lovers will love a trip aboard the Cincy Brew Bus.

The words “date night” often prompt laughter in households full of children. “What’s that?”  is what my fellow moms say at the mere mention of the word “date”. Even those without children can often get wrapped up in work and home life and forget to go out and celebrate each other.  We hope these ideas inspire you to get out for the perfect date night in Cincinnati!

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