Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and think outside of the box when it comes to planning a special date.
I’m sharing a few of my favorite summer date ideas around Cincinnati, Ohio.
1. Take a Ride on the Cincinnati Dinner Train
Mix up date night as you are transported back in time to the 1940s era while traveling inside three vintage dining cars on a 3-hour train ride.
There are only about 10 Dinner Trains still in operation in the United States which makes this experience even more special!
The Cincinnati Dinner train can serve up to 148 dinner guests and guests can make their reservations ahead of time.
There are a limited number of 2 top tables and the rest are for 4 people so I would suggest either making it a double date or you can be open to meeting new people like the travelers did in the 1940s.
The Cincinnati Dinner Train requests a business casual dress code at the bare minimum because back in the day people dressed up to travel.
2. Experience a Food or Drink Tour
Mix up your dining or drinking experience with a food or drink tour with Cincinnati Food Tours or Riverside Food Tours.
A food tour allows you to sample menu items from local restaurants and learn more about the restaurant’s story from the owners and passionate staff.
A food or drink tour also helps you discover restaurants and bars that you will want to go back to for future dates.
For drinks, you have plenty of options depending on your libation of choice with Cincy Wine Wagon, Cincy Brew Bus, Tour with us KY, or Cincy Distillery Tours.
I’ve taken the Cincy Wine Wagon tour and I really enjoyed sampling and learning about the wineries in the area.
As a result, my husband and I ended up going back to Henke Winery for a date night and I’ve gone back to Vinoklet Winery with a friend for a girls night out.
3. Enjoy a day on the River
A kayak or canoe paddle on the river is the perfect way to unwind and just enjoy nature at a slower pace.
Pack a special picnic and you will earn even more bonus points.
I would definitely pick a kayak because a canoe can put your relationship to the test depending on how well you paddle together.
Morgan’s Canoe & Outdoor Adventures offers kayak, canoe, and raft rentals at two area locations that are perfect for a day trip adventure.
You can find more places that rent kayaks and canoes around Cincinnati here.
4. Enjoy A Night at the Drive-In
Summer is a great time to enjoy a movie outdoors under the stars at a drive-in movie theater. Drive-in movies are perfect for a date night, and you can find two options in the Cincinnati metro.
Holiday Auto Theater is in Hamilton, Ohio, and Starlite Drive-in is in Amelia, Ohio.
Here are more things to do in Hamilton before the drive-in movie.
I’ve visited both drive-in movie options. It comes down to what part of town you are driving from for your best option.
(Remember that it can be a late-night drive home if you stay for the second movie) Here are tips for a great drive-in movie experience here.
5. Visit a Downtown Cincinnati Park at Night
There is something about walking around a park that’s lit up at night that turns up the romance.
Smale Park is a great spot to walk around and enjoy the sites.
You can rest on the swings and watch the Ohio River or walk along the paths and make a run through the fountains if you are feeling extra adventurous.
Smale Park is also a great spot to watch the Friday Fireworks when the Cincinnati Reds are in town.
Washington Park in the Over the Rhine neighborhood offers live music and free movie events throughout the summer which makes for a great date that doesn’t break the budget.
Summer goes by so fast and hopefully, these summer date ideas will help you slow it down.
