
33 Fun Date Ideas Around NYC for Couples
We're crowdsourcing the best fun date ideas NYC 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 in NYC for couples.
What do you love to do together when you don't feel like the standard dinner and a movie? Leave a recommendation, or add your review to any of the date ideas around New York City included below!
Kings County Distillery Whiskey Tasting
MG13 said: Why have a drink at the bar with your spouse when you can have it straight from the barrel? Take a tour of the distillery to learn the history, culture and science that goes into every tumbler. Tour includes a whiskey tasting and admission to the distillery's Boozeum (think museum for booze). This is one of the only bars in the world where they make the spirits, press mixer juices themselves and even grow their own garnishes! Reservations for tours are recommended. Check out their upcoming events too.
Brooklyn, NYBrooklyn Museum First Saturdays
Kelly R said: Brooklyn Museum offers free admission, entertainment, and special events through the First Saturday program. The theme and offerings change each month, and can include gallery tours, hands-on art, film screenings, live music, dance classes, and more. Advance registration is required.
Brooklyn, NY1st Sat of Feb–Jun, Aug, Oct
5-11pm
The High Line
Annette Parks said: The High Line is a stunning park made from a repurposed train track, and it offers some of the best sights in New York! With lush greenery, plenty of people watching, and fun snacking opportunities, there's something incredibly romantic about this popular spot. Go at sundown, and hold your partner's hand, or enjoy free stargazing.
New York, NYTaste Buds Kitchen
Cherisse Harris said: They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Test this theory by sweeping him off to a night of great food and culinary fun at Taste Buds Kitchen. They offer great cooking classes for chefs of all ages -- no experience needed -- and the adult BYOB classes are offered at night. Everyone learns in small group, and there 's no pressure -- mostly eating and mingling. You're sure to impress your bae, or vice-versa, as you whip up 3-4 tasty recipes including tapas, cooking with beer or wine, pasta, pizza, chicken and sushi.
Stepping Out Studios
Cherisse Harris said: Stepping Out Studios specializes in various styles of partner dance (think Swing and the Waltz) but nothing says sexy like their Latin dancing! Why not heat up the dance floor with a little Salsa? You can try a private session with an instructor or drop-in to a group dance class. If you're feeling confident, check out their social events. Celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé have danced here, so get ready for a wild date night in NYC.
New York, NYWatson Adventures Scavenger Hunts
Cherisse Harris said: Watson Adventures organizes private and public scavenger hunts in museums, neighborhoods, and other various attractions around NYC, including the MET, the American Museum of Natural History, and Grand Central Terminal. Teams are challenged to be the first to unravel a series of challenging and humorous clues. Various hunt themes are available, and usually last for about two hours.
New York, NYThe Murder Mystery Co.
Cherisse Harris said: There's nothing like a good murder mystery to heat things up! Get ready for a night of intrigue, interrogation, comedy and mingling, as you enjoy a delicious three-course meal at The Murder Mystery Co. With a new monthly theme for every date night, this two-hour Who-Dunnit? allows guests to become a part of the show. Perfect for a fun date idea or visiting New York City with other couples or families. NYC events are held at the Hilton Garden Inn New York.
Tom Soter's Sunday Night Improv
Cherisse Harris said: Every relationship needs a little humor beyond knock knock jokes. See how in-sync you two really are with a drop-in class at the Sunday Night Improv Studios. For an exceptionally reasonable price, you can improv with some of NYC's best performers, and stick around afterwards for a hilarious show. A funny night for aspiring comedians or couples who just love a good laugh.
New York, NYSundays
Paint & Sip Studio New York
Cherisse Harris said: Paint & Sip offers a wonderful night of artistry and fun for individuals, couples, and groups. You don't have to be an aficionado to enjoy this art session. Paint & Sip provides the paint supplies and a friendly studio artist to guide your creativity and provide instruction. Just bring you, your date, and your beverage of choice. Create interesting wall art and decor for your home! These BYOB painting nights fill up fast, so don't forget to register.
New York, NYCentral Park
Annette Parks said: Duh! This is one of the most romantic places in the world, and it's totally free. You can rent a boat, walk the trails, pick a bench, and bring a picnic. Plenty of opportunities for sports, activities, and snuggling. . . For a cheap eat, catch the local hotdog cart or ice cream stand. Really, no matter what you do in Central Park will be fun, inexpensive, and unforgettable!
New York, NYBrickHouse Ceramic Art Center
Cherisse Harris said: Hoping to recreate the sexy scene from the movie Ghost? Well, you might have to wait till you get home for that, but the BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center will still make for a memorable night at the pottery wheel. Arrange a call to set up a private lesson for the two of you. You'll learn how to "throw" the wheel and create your own pottery pieces during a 2-hour art class with a skilled instructor. Make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes - you're bound to get messy.
Long Island City, NYThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
Annette Parks said: Art is romantic. And viewing art with your partner? That's some quality time! The great thing about the Met, if you are a NY resident, is that it's pay-what-you-like (donations are suggested)! There is inexpensive cafe dining inside if you want to make a whole day of it!
New York, NYThe Met Cloisters
Nancy L. said: Enjoy a taste of Europe in upper Manhattan's Fort Tyron Park. This is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art so there is a pay-what-you-can entrance fee, which makes this an affordable, peaceful option for a day out with your partner. Overlooking the Hudson, this part of the museum is dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe.
New York, NYQueens Botanical Garden
Annette Parks said: The Botanical Garden of Queens is not to be missed! Easy to get to, and never overly-crowded, this gem of a garden is the ideal place for a cheap date.
Flushing, NYSpa Castle
Juan L. said: Pamper yourselves at this Queens getaway! As parents, a massage, a facial, and a good amount of "me time" are the perfect recipe to recharge. Spa Castle offers saunas, hot tubs, an aqua bar, facials, lavender treatments, couples massages, and dining. It creates an extremely relaxing environment that is perfect for you to relax with your partner and reconnect. Spa Castle sells daily passes that include access to the sauna, indoor and outdoor pools, and common areas. Additional services are extra.
College Point, NYPrimary 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.