Want to mix things up on your next date night or day date?
I’m sharing unique, fun, and romantic things to do to add to your list of date ideas in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
These date ideas will help you have a great time whether it’s your first date or if you’ve been together for years.
Take a Self-guided Tasting Food Tour of Findlay Market
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH
This is a great adventure for spontaneous foodies at Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. The market is located in the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood that has incredible architecture.
You can take this tour at your own pace during regular market hours vs. a guided food tour that needs to be booked in advance.
Eat. Walk. Repeat. tour is a self-guided tour that allows people to explore Findlay Market via an audio podcast presented by Cincinnati Food Tour founder, Barb Cooper.
During the self-guided tour, you’ll learn about the history of the area, and the vendors and use tokens for samples from your vendors of choice.
Explore Jungle Jim’s International Market
Two locations –
- Jungle Jim’s International Market Fairfield – 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH (Original Location)
- Jungle Jim’s International Market Eastgate – 4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati, OH
Jungle Jim’s is no ordinary grocery store. You’ll find international foods from around the world in an over-the-top quirky environment that’s over 200,000 square feet!
For example, the hot sauce area has a real fire truck on display and the seafood area has real boats.
Their bathrooms are also award-winning and one-of-a-kind.
You can take a guided tour of the market, sign up for a class or tasting, or check out a special event.
If you’re extra adventurous and like to cook you could pick a theme to shop for and create a meal after your visit.
Take a Guided Food Tour
One of my favorite things about food tours is that you can sample dishes and discover restaurants you want to return to for a future date night.
Learn more about great restaurants in different parts of Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky on a guided food tour.
Bike and Brew on the Little Miami Scenic Trail
There are 78 miles of paved trails that are perfect for walking or biking.
What’s even better is that there are several restaurants and breweries conveniently located along the network of bike trails.
The best thing about this adventure is that you can burn off your calories before or after you consume them along the bike trail.
Here are a few noteworthy stops on or near the bike trail:
- The Miamiville Trailyard – 368 Center St, Loveland, OH
- Fifty West Brewing Company- Burger Bar – 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH (Read more here)
- Little Miami Brewing Company – 208 Mill St, Milford, OH (a short distance off of the trail)
- Cartridge Brewing – 1411 Grandin Rd, Maineville, OH
- Schoolhouse Restaurant – 8031 Glendale Milford Rd, Camp Dennison, OH – (Read more here)
“Picnic in the Park” at the Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH
Enjoy exploring the Cincinnati Art Museum followed by a Picnic in the Park.
Picnic in the Park packages must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum from the Terrace Cafe.
All picnic packages come in a reusable tote bag featuring the artwork In the Park by Frank Harmon Myers and a custom CAM reusable picnic blanket.
You can order a picnic to be eaten at designated spaces inside the museum at their Great Hall, Schmidlapp Gallery, and Front lobby or outside on the grounds.
There are plenty of beautiful spots in Eden Park for picnics nearby too.
*If you purchase alcohol for your picnic package it must be consumed onsite at The Cincinnati Art Museum.
Visit the museum in a new way by creating a free personalized Art Hunt using myCAM to use to find pieces throughout the museum.
Rent an “Art Cart” at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH
Explore the incredible outdoor sculptures throughout Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park on a golf cart aka “art cart.”
The scenery throughout Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is beautiful and the sculptures enhance the beauty.
There are plenty of areas that are perfect for a picnic or you can explore more of the park on one of the hiking trails.
Take an ArtWorks Mural Tour
Did you know that Cincinnati has over 230 public murals throughout the city?
You can learn more about the incredible murals in Cincinnati neighborhoods on a self-guided tour or a public guided tour by ArtWorks.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of many of the murals if you get hungry or thirsty along the way.
Go Indoor Skydiving at iFLY
7689 Warehouse Row, Liberty Township, OH
This is the perfect adventure for thrill seekers…especially if one or both people love adrenaline, want to step outside of their comfort zone or aren’t quite ready to commit to jump out of a plane.
Indoor skydiving allows you to feel the weightlessness of skydiving in a controlled environment under the guidance of an instructor.
Cincinnati Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate
Book your first iFLY flight here
Enjoy the Views of the Ohio River From Smale Riverfront Park
166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH
Smale Riverfront Park is a beautiful place to walk or bike along the Ohio Riverfront.
You can also enjoy views from the pedestrian walkways on both sides of the Roebling Bridge that connects Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
The park also has two separate sections with swings and fountains that light up at night during the warmer months.
If you want to get a drink or bite to eat there are plenty of options at The Banks within walking distance.
Take a Stroll Through Washington Park
1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH
Washington Park offers great views of Cincinnati Music Hall. There are special events at the park year-round that include live music and food trucks.
During the summer months, the fountains are magical at night and there is a Graeter’s Ice Cream on Vine Street a short walk from the park.
Take a Scenic Ride on the Cincinnati Dinner Train
Cincinnati Dinner Train – 2172 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH
There are only a handful of dinner trains left in the United States and we’re fortunate to have one in Cincinnati.
Reservations are required (Read more about our experience on the Cincinnati Dinner Train)
Additional Scenic Train Rides
There are several themed train rides that are perfect for a date
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad – 16 E South St, Lebanon, OH 45036, US
Watch Fireworks Friday at Great American Ball Park
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
The fireworks take place each Friday night that the Cincinnati Reds have a home baseball.
Check the Fireworks Friday schedule for an upcoming show.
Be prepared that it can be a late night whether you’re watching from inside the stadium.
Riverside Drive in Covington is the perfect place to watch the fireworks if you want to see the full skyline of downtown Cincinnati.
If you love baseball, check out “1919: The Year That Changed Baseball Tour” that is focused on baseball history in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is a great option for Cincinnati Reds baseball super fans.
Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour is another option where you go to every location where the Reds played during the 19th and 20th centuries, tracing the connections between local brewing and baseball.
Watch a Movie at the Drive-In
A drive-in movie is a great way to mix up movie night. Use these tips for what to pack for the drive-in movie before you go.
- Starlite Drive-In Theatre – 2255 OH-125, Amelia, OH
- Holiday Auto Theatre – 1816 Old Oxford Rd, Hamilton, OH
Watch a Live Performance
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have a lot of great options when it comes to watching a live performance. We’re fortunate to have so much talent in the area in a variety of mediums and venues.
- Aronoff Center for the Arts – Home of Broadway in Cincinnati – 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Playhouse in the Park – 962 Mt Adams Cir, Cincinnati, OH
- Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 1120 Jackson St, Cincinnati, OH
- Taft Theatre – 317 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
- Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 127 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 1195 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH
- Covedale Center for Performing Arts – 4990 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH
- Warsaw Federal Incline Theater – 801 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH
- Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 962 Mt Adams Cir, Cincinnati, OH
- The Carnegie Theatre – 1028 Scott St, Covington, KY
- Cincinnati Ballet – 1801 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH
- Circus Performance at Bircus Brewing Company – 322 Elm St, Ludlow, KY
Attend a Live Concert
Check out the upcoming shows and live music coming to the following venues:
- PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation
- Riverbend Music Center
- Bogart’s
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at Cincinnati Music Hall
- Taft Theatre
- The Ludlow Garage
- Heritage Bank Center
- Ghost Baby – Live music on select nights
Book a Behind the Scenes Experience at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH
If you want to get closer to the animals there are Animal Encounters with the giraffes, penguins, wallabies, elephants, hippos, or Red Panda for an additional fee.
Other romantic dates at the Cincinnati Zoo are the Tunes & Blooms events with gorgeous tulips and live music each Thursday evening in April or the Festival of Lights during the holiday season.
Purchase Discounted Tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo here
Backstage Animal Experience and Penguin Encounters at Newport Aquarium
1 Levee Way, Newport, KY
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium or book a penguin encounter to see penguins up close.
Purchase Discount Tickets for the Newport Aquarium here
Visit a Cat Cafe
Cuddle with kittens and enjoy drinks from the coffee shop at one of these Greater Cincinnati cat cafes
*Warning you may be tempted to adopt a cat while you’re there.
- Kitty Brew Cat Cafe – #6-7, 6011 Tylersville Rd, Mason, OH
- Purrfect Day Cat Café – 25 W 8th St, Covington, KY
Sightseeing Date Ideas Around Cincinnati
There are a variety of sightseeing, dinner cruises, and themed cruises to choose from. These are a great way to appreciate the city from another vantage point.
BB Riverboats on the Ohio River –
Book one of the following Riverboat cruises below:
- Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner
- Sunset Sightseeing Cruise
- Riverboat Cruise with Lunch and Entertainment
- Historic Sightseeing Cruise
Cincinnati Segway Tours (Eden Park Segway Tour and Segway of Cincinnati Riverfront Tour)
Star Gaze at the Cincinnati Observatory
3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH
The Cincinnati Observatory is home to one of the oldest working telescopes in the world. As “The Birthplace of American Astronomy” it’s also the first public observatory in the Western Hemisphere.
Their special events after dark book up quickly so make sure that you book a reservation in advance.
Take an Underground Tour
Mix things up and explore the history of Cincinnati beneath the surface on an Underground tour by American Legacy Tours or the Brewing Heritage Trail.
Check out the following themed tours
- Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting
- Built on Beer Tour
- Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour
- Brewers & Barons Trail Tour
Take a Cooking Class
Step outside of your culinary comfort zone and learn a new skill or recipe during a cooking class.
The following local businesses offer cooking classes that would be a great date for foodies:
- Tablespoon Cooking Co.
- Sur La Table
- The Learning Kitchen
- Out of Thyme Kitchen Studio
- Findlay Kitchen
- Afromeals
- Del Gardo’s – (Cannoli-making class)
- Carobello Coffee shop (Barista Basics class or try a Tasting Experience at their Analog Coffee Bar)
Take a Craft Brew, Wine and Spirits Tour
Learn more about the art of craft brewing, distilling, or winemaking during one of these tours around Cincinnati.
- Cincinnati Wine Wagon, Cincinnati Brew Bus, & Cincinnati Bourbon Bus
- Brewing Heritage Trail
- Craft Connection – Cincinnati Brewery Tours
- Rhinegeist Brewery
- New Riff Distilling (Be sure to check out their happy hour offerings too!)
- Stamp Passport on the B Line
- Tour With Us KY
- Grilled to Perfection Dinner at Vinoklet Winery
- Second Sights Spirits
- Meier’s Wine Cellars – The oldest and largest winery in Ohio
Attend a Comedy Show
If your special date has a good sense of humor a comedy show is a great date idea to break the ice.
- Funny Bone Comedy Club – (Liberty Center)
- Go Bananas Comedy Club – 8410 Market Pl Ln, Cincinnati, OH
Book an Igloo
During the cooler months, cozy up together in a private igloo.
- Upper Deck at the AC Hotel – 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
- The View at Shires’ Garden – 309 Vine St 10th floor, Cincinnati, OH
- Moerlein Lager House – 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
- Vista at Lytle Park – 311 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH
- Frosthaus Covington – 115 Park Pl, Covington, KY
- Braxton Brewery – 27 W 7th St, Covington, KY
- Kon-Tiki’s Fire Lounge Igloo Experience (Newport on the Levee) – 1 Levee Way Suite 21377, Newport, KY
Explore a Local Museum
- American Sign Museum (The largest sign museum in the United States and a must-see museum for neon sign lovers!)
- Reds Hall of Fame Museum at Great American Ball Park
- Cincinnati Fire Museum
- Krohn Conservatory
- Cincinnati Museum Center
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- The Historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche
Fun Date Ideas With a Little Friendly Competition or Team Building
The Escape Game Cincinnati – 700 W Pete Rose Way Lobby B, Suite 360, Cincinnati, OH
Book your Escape Room Adventure here- OTR Funplex – Board Game Lounge – 1112 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH – They also have Happy Hour Specials
- The Brickery Cafe & Play – Lego-themed cafe – Levee Way, Newport, KY
- Full Throttle Adrenaline Park – (Indoor go-karts, ax throwing, rage room) 24 Spiral Dr., Florence, KY & 11725 Commons Dr., Cincinnati, OH
This great! I was just trying to think of some unique date night ideas!
Lovely suggestions!!
We have wanted to try it since the day it opened!!! Looks so cool!!!
These are great ideas!
It would be so cool to Skydive.