20 Fun Date Ideas Around DC for Couples

We're crowdsourcing the best fun date ideas DC has to offer! Check the map to find inspiration for all sorts of romantic, unique or cheap date ideas near you, and add reviews for your tried-and-true favorite things to do around Washington DC for couples. What do you love to do together when you don't feel like the standard dinner and a movie?

It's worth taking a break from your current binge worthy show to try one of these date night ideas, but we've also got a roundup of stay at home dates for when you'd rather stay in (or can't swing a sitter).


 

    POV Rooftop

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     (0.5 mi)

    christadiserio:  The POV lounge has one of the best views in the city, where you'll see miles and miles deep into Washington, DC. You'll get to see all of the beautiful landmarks and enjoy delicious cocktails with your significant other. This lounge is especially romantic after dark when the city is all lit up. Be sure to snap a photo with this stunning backdrop before you head out.

    ARTECHOUSE

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     (0.5 mi)

    Price

    $16-$20/ticket

    Ages

    After Hours Sessions visitors must be 21+

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Experience the unique art venue, ARTECHOUSE, on your next date night or mom's night out during After Hours. You and your crew will marvel at the technological and experiential works of art while enjoying an all-adult crowd. This distinct museum will invigorate your creativity and passion for the arts, science, technology and more through their interactive and fascinating exhibits and collections.

    National Gallery of Art - Jazz in the Garden

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     (0.7 mi)

    Price

    Free

    christadiserio:  Enjoy some jazz in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art for a unique date. These are free concerts featuring various jazz artists performing all different styles of jazz. It's a fun, low-key activity for those who enjoy music and a nice picnic. Food can also be purchased on-site and beverages must be purchased there.

    Smithsonian American Art Museum - Crafting Happy Hour: Handi-Hour

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     (0.8 mi)

    Time

    5:30-8pm

    Price

    $25/person

    Lisa R:  This recurring calendar event at the Nation's premiere museum for showcasing American art lets visitors 21yrs+ to enjoy live music, drinks, and snacks while crafting their own masterpiece. The ticket price includes snacks, two beers, a souvenir glass, and all the arts and crafts supplies needed for the night's project. No particular skill or previous crafting experience needed. Museum admission is always free, so be sure to check out current exhibits while you are there.

    Capitals Hockey Game

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     (0.9 mi)

    Time

    October-April

    Price

    $20 and up

    christadiserio:  If you and your partner are looking for an action-packed night and love sports, think about attending a Capitals hockey game. The energy in the Capital One Arena is unmatched, as DC fans are some of the most enthusiastic in the country. The game schedule can be found online. Enjoy some grub and drinks from the various options at the arena or make a pre-game stop at the vibrant restaurant and bar scene around the arena.

    Odyssey River Cruise

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     (1.2 mi)

    Price

    Lunch cruises start from $64.90

    christadiserio:  Sail along the Potomac River on the Odyssey Cruise with your significant other. Aboard the ship you'll see D.C.'s breathtaking views and landmarks, such as the Washington Monument, while enjoying a gourmet meal. This is as romantic as it gets in this electrifying city. All locals must do it at least once in their lives! Lunch and dinner cruise reservations must be made in advance.

    DC Improv Comedy Club

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     (1.2 mi)

    Price

    Tickets start as a low as $5/per person. Open Mic Nights are Free Admission.

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Enjoy a funny date night full of laughs at the DC Improv Comedy Club. They feature big name and upcoming comedians featured on TV, social media and radio, as well as Open Mic nights where you and your spouse can be a part of the show! They also boast special holiday events throughout the year and their own graduating comedians from their Improv Classes. You can enjoy dinner and drinks while you're there, too!

    Cafe Citron Salsa Class

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     (1.4 mi)

    Price

    Free

    christadiserio:  Do you and your partner love to dance? If the answer is "yes," don't think twice about taking advantage of a free salsa class at Cafe Citron on Wednesdays. You'll love dancing the night away to the great Latin music, and you'll food/drink specials, and the incredible salsa instructors. FYI this class transitions into a nightclub at 10 PM but you can either choose to call it a night or keep on dancing.

    American Parkour Academy

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     (1.6 mi)

    Time

    Saturday afternoons

    Price

    $20/class

    Lisa R:  If life has been feeling a little ho-hum lately, shake things up by grabbing your partner and dropping in for an hour of challenging yourself to move in ways you never thought possible. Each "Beginner's Drop-In" session or "Open Parkour Class" at the American Parkour Academy goes over the basics, so no prior experience is needed. Classes meet on Saturday afternoons, so it's the perfect quick jolt of energy for parents who find it harder to get out at night. American Parkour Academy offers kids ninja warrior classes, too.

    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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     (1.6 mi)

    Price

    Ticket prices vary

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Get all dressed up for a date night of professional entertainment at the magnificent John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. There are limitless options for you and your spouse to enjoy performances of the Theater, Washington National Opera, National Symphony Orchestra, Dance, Festivals, Ballet, Popular Music, Comedy and much more. They feature weekday and weekend performances throughout the year.

    Black Cat

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     (1.7 mi)

    Price

    No cover charge

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  If you are seeking a fun date night to let loose, look no further than the Black Cat. They feature exciting national acts, live music, poetry, films and more along with a gaming area complete with vintage pinball machines, video games and pool table. You can also play some classic tunes on the Jukebox, enjoy an adult beverage or order some tasty and healthy food.

    Top of the Gate

    Pin

     (1.8 mi)

    christadiserio:  Enjoy seasonal cocktails with your loved one at one of the most energetic and sophisticated rooftops in Washington, D.C. Top of the Gate boasts 360-degree views of D.C.'s top landmarks, such as the Washington Monument, Kennedy Center, Potomac River, Key Bridge, and the rest of the D.C. skyline. These are views you don't want to miss! In the winter months, Top of the Gate transform into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and unique winter igloos.

    Unwind Wellness Center

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     (2.0 mi)

    Price

    $190/60 minutes

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Let the stress of parenthood leave your body during a relaxing and soothing couple's massage at Unwind Wellness. You will connect with your spouse in a loving and therapeutic environment as each masseuse pampers you to relieve stress, tension and tightened muscles. It will be a blissful time to remember in the weeks and months that follow. Additional body treatment and spa services are available to splurge on, too.

    Washington Harbour - Ice Skating

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     (2.1 mi)

    Time

    November-March

    Price

    $10/adults; $6/skate rental

    christadiserio:  What's more romantic than ice skating with your loved one? Experience the beautiful ice skating venue at the Washington Harbour. It's the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the DC area, surrounded by the Potomac River and restaurants. So, grab your partner and hot chocolate on a nice evening, and enjoy this picturesque scene.

    Cost: $10/adult

    District Winery

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     (2.5 mi)

    Price

    $100-$200/couple

    Ages

    Ages: 21+

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  As parents, you deserve to treat yourselves once in a while on special date night experiences. Check out District Winery. You and your spouse will go behind the scenes with a Harvest Tour of the winery to see how their wine is made. Then tempt your taste buds when you sip through several District Winery wines. Afterwards enjoy dinner at their restaurant, Ana at District Winery, where your date night package entitles you to a complimentary glass of wine.

Primary photo:   Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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