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57 Unique Date Ideas in Columbus, Ohio

These fun date ideas in Columbus, Ohio will give you fresh inspiration to choose from for your next date night!

Tuck this list of fun date ideas in Columbus away for the next time you need a night out (or day date) with your significant other! There are so many fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio and most of them should be enjoyed with good company!

My husband and I don’t live close to family (aka free babysitting) so date nights can be hard to come by! But we try to make the most of our time trying new restaurants in Columbus on lunch breaks while the kids are in school or exploring somewhere new on my husband’s day off during the week!

Also, we’ve also been lucky enough to send the boys off for a long weekend at the Grandparents (who are about 1.5 hours from Columbus) and then we fill the days exploring Columbus! In addition, some of these things I’ve done with friends during a girls night out!

Man and woman sitting outside at a concert at Columbus Commons.

There’s nothing wrong with dinner and a movie, but hopefully this list will inspire you to try something new! This list of unique date ideas in Columbus is flexible and offers something for day dates, date nights or a fun time out with friends!

Outdoor Date Ideas in Columbus

1. Explore Outdoor Art at 934 Gallery

  • Address: 934 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
  • Website

934 Outdoor Gallery is such a fun place to visit! It’s a low key and free date idea! The murals on the walls of the outdoor gallery change each fall but you can be guaranteed they will always be fun, bright and thought provoking all at once!

The outdoor gallery at 934 Gallery in Columbus, Ohio, a fun date night idea in Columbus.

You can often find a scavenger hunt print out in a plastic box near the parking lot to make this date even more active! Additionally, this is a great spot for selfies and couples photos!

2. Walk Across the Dublin Link Bridge and Eat at North Market Bridge Park

  • Address: 6694 Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017 (Bridge)
  • Address: 6750 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017 (North Market Bridge Park)
  • North Market Bridge Park Website

When the weather is nice, plan some time to explore the Bridge Park area in Dublin, just outside of Columbus. While you’re there, have a meal at the North Market Bridge Park. They’re open late on the weekends so you can stop in for a drink or dessert later in the evening!

People walking across the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge near Columbus, Ohio.

After exploring all the fun things to do in Dublin, Ohio, take a walk across the Dublin Link bridge that spans the Scioto River from Bridge Park to Historic Dublin. The Dublin Link is the longest span, single tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world and it opened in March 2020!

3. Walk Amongst a Famous Painting at Topiary Park

  • Address: 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

When the weather is great, you can take a walk through the famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. Wait what? Well, this is a topiary version of the painting!

Make sure to check out the As He Saw It display (pictured below) which is a metal depiction of the painting that faces the topiary version so that you can match up what you see in the painting with the trees before you!

Topiary Park is right behind the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main Library and they have a great patio in between the library and the park and a coffee shop inside. Isn’t this already shaping up to be an amazing date idea? BRB I’m on my way!

4. Stroll High Street During the Short North Gallery Hop

  • Address: N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
  • Website

Gallery Hop makes for a fun date night or girls night out! During Gallery Hop, shops and art galleries stay open late in the Short North Arts District and there will be street performers, vendors and special events at various locations! Gallery Hop is kind of an indoor/outdoor experience!

A street scene at night in the Short North District in Columbus, Ohio.

Gallery Hop takes place on the first Saturday of each month and though hours may vary depending on the shop, special events may begin as early as 3:00 PM on these special Saturdays.

5. Wander Through the Columbus Park of Roses

  • Address: 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
  • Website

Here’s another outdoor date idea that’s also free! The Columbus Park of Roses is a sight to see in the summer! June is the best time to visit, but there’s usually something blooming between May and September!

Roses at the Columbus Park of Roses, a romantic date spot in Columbus, Ohio.

This garden covers 13 acres and displays around 12,000 varieties of roses! It is one of the largest rose gardens in the U.S.! There are lots of benches for sitting throughout the park and it is very romantic. In fact, you can even get married here!

6. Walk In the Tree Tops at Zip Zone

  • Address: 7925 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235
  • Website

If you’re looking for an adventurous date idea in Columbus, try Zip Zone! Zip Zone offers zip line tours and a tree top obstacle course! If you’re looking for a really unique date night, they even offer Night Flight events.

7. Go Underground at Olentangy Caverns

  • Address: 1779 Home Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
  • Website

There is really a ton to do at Olentangy Caverns for people of all ages! This would make a super fun day trip from Columbus! It’s just about 30 minutes to Delaware, Ohio where the caverns are located.

Steps down into the caverns at Olentangy Caverns, a fun date idea in Columbus, Ohio.

As part of your date you can do a self-guided tour of these underground caves that were used by the Wyandot tribe for ceremonies and shelter. There is also an on-site museum, a petting zoo, gem mining, mini golf, a treasure hunt maze, and more!

8. Watch a Minor League Baseball Game at the Columbus Clippers

  • Address: 330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

If you’re looking for a date idea that is sports oriented, it’s hard to beat a minor league baseball game! Huntington Park is such a great ball park and there’s not a bad seat in the house!

You can choose from assigned seats or purchase standing room only tickets and watch the game from one of the balconies, bleachers or the Tower! Check the schedule for Dime a Dog Nights when you can get hotdogs for $.10 each (though be prepared to wait in line)!

9. Chase a Waterfall at Quarry Trails Metro Park

  • Address: 2158 Old Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
  • Website

Millikin Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls in Columbus to find! This waterfall is located at Quarry Trails Metro Park on the west side of downtown Columbus. Make sure to park in the lot at the entrance at 2158 Old Dublin Rd.

Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails Metro Park in Columbus, Ohio, a great destination for a day date in Columbus.

The observation deck is just a (very) short walk from this parking lot. You can look down over the falls and then take the stone steps down to ground level. These falls are beautiful and a romantic spot for a date.

10. Pet a Stingray at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  • Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
  • Website

Ahhh, remember the days before kids when going to the zoo could be a date? When my husband and I were dating we went to the Akron Zoo and my brother said he knew I was a gonner when he found out my (future) husband had bought me a stuffed animal at the zoo.

But I digress. I actually don’t know if I have ever been to the Columbus Zoo with my husband, without kids. But it sounds like a really fun date! LOL

The Stingray pool at Columbus Zoo where people are feeding stingrays.

One of the coolest, new-ish things at Columbus Zoo is Stingray Bay where you can pet and feed stingrays! I recommend impressing the lady by splurging on the $3 cup of fish heads that you can feed to the stingrays. It will be worth it.

11. Cheer on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field

  • Address: 96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

Watching the Columbus Crew at the high-tech Lower.com Field is an experience like no other! The energy inside the stadium is electric! When I saw the Crew for the first time I declared it the most exciting game I’ve ever watched where no one actually scored! Final score 0-0. But a good time was had by all!

On the field at Lower.com Field home of the Columbus Crew soccer team in Columbus, Ohio.

There are so many food options within the stadium (or you can try a restaurant in the Arena District) and there are amazing views of Columbus, too. It’s an all-around good experience and a fun date idea!

12. Meet Artists at Franklinton Fridays

  • Address: 400 W Rich St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

Franklinton Fridays take place on the second Friday of each month from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM in the Franklinton Arts District. Walk around the district to enjoy art shows, live music, tours of artists’ studios, classes and more!

13. Get Lost in the Secret Garden at Inniswood Metro Gardens

  • Address: 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
  • Website

Inniswood Metro Gardens is a beautiful place to walk around! Some highlights include The Herb Garden, the Woodland Rock Garden and the Boardwalk Trail. The Sisters’ Garden has a labyrinth, a Secret Garden and more! It’s definitely THE place for a romantic walk in the park with your partner!

14. See a Free Concert at Columbus Commons

  • Address: 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website
The stage during a concert at Columbus Commons, a free date idea in Columbus.

During the summer, Columbus Commons is home to several free concerts! It’s a great spot for relaxing on a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoying some live music! Many of the concerts are free! You can get grab dinner at Tortilla or ice cream at Jeni’s, the two permanent food stands inside the park! Check their schedule for the list of concerts each season!

15. Shop Local at the Hilltop Hop

  • Address: 3058 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43204
  • Website

The Hilltop Hop takes place on the Second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and features specials and local handmade vendors at the businesses at Broad & Westmoor. Pick up a coffee at Third Way Cafe and then visit the local businesses at this monthly event!

16. Take a Walk Along the Scioto Mile

The Scioto Mile encompasses 175 acres of parkland and includes bikeways, walking paths and 9 great parks! The Promenade on the Scioto Mile is a walkway along the Scioto River that offers stunning views of downtown and swings and benches for relaxing.

Along the way you can check out Bicentennial Park and maybe have dinner at Milestone 229, a great restaurant right on the park!

17. Go Birdwatching at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park

  • Address: 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

If getting out in nature is your favorite kind of date, head to the Scioto Audubon Metro Park and Grange Insurance Audubon Center. The back porch is one of my favorite spots in Columbus! There is a great view of downtown Columbus and you can sit back, relax and watch for birds in the area!

Two chairs on the deck of the Scioto Audubon overlooking downtown Columbus, Ohio, a great date spot.

Afterwards take a walk down the boardwalk to go rock climbing on the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the U.S., if that’s your jam! This metro park in downtown Columbus is a gem!

Indoor Date Ideas in Columbus

18. Explore the Otherworld

  • Address: 5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232
  • Website

It’s really hard to explain Otherworld, you just have to see it for yourself! Otherworld is a great idea for a first date because it is an experiential date and it will give you a lot to talk about afterwards!

Man and woman at Otherworld, a unique date idea in Columbus, Ohio.

Walk through 47 rooms of interactive artwork and make sure you don’t miss any secret tunnels or hidden gems! There are optical illusions, lots of lights and unique installations that will have you questioning if you are in fact in another world.

19. Listen to Jazz Music at Ginger Rabbit

  • Address: 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

In the Short North District is a small, underground jazz club with live jazz every night! This is a unique experience that you’ll be hard pressed to duplicate elsewhere in Columbus!

Jazz musicians on stage at Ginger Rabbit, a jazz club in the Short North district of Columbus, Ohio.

Reservations are definitely recommended, even on weeknights! Ginger Rabbit serves small plates and drinks so you may want to plan for dinner out beforehand and then a drink or snack while listening to music. The chocolate covered treats are a definite must!

20. Try to Solve a Mystery at Escape Game Columbus

  • Address: 3960 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219
  • Website

I really enjoy interactive dates. There’s nothing wrong with sitting in a movie theater, but I think having a shared experience is the best way to bond! The Escape Game at Easton Town Center offers a really fun opportunity to explore your strengths and weaknesses as a couple! Haha!

Escape Game Columbus has 6 escape room games to choose from, each with their own unique mystery and difficulty level. Work together to use clues to solve a mystery before time runs out!

If there’s just two of you, you may end up in a group with people you don’t know or your could make this a group date with up to 8 players in the same room. Make sure to make time for dinner at one of the many restaurants at Easton!

21. Watch a Show at Shadowbox Live

  • Address: 503 S Front St #260, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

Shadowbox Live is an artist-operated theatre company that features 45 metaperformers who don’t just perform on stage, they also play a variety of rolls within the company like bookkeeping, marketing, serving food and more!

The crew members on stage at Shadowbox Live a unique date night in Columbus, Ohio.

They have a variety of live shows Thursdays through Sundays. You can order a full meal and /or drinks while you watch!

22. See Columbus’ Dinosaur at Orton Geological Museum

  • Address: 155 S Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
  • Website

Did you know Columbus has its own dinosaur? Ohio State faculty member David Elliot discovered Cryolophosaurus ellioti in Antarctica while tracking volcanic ash deposits. A replica of this newly species of dinosaur was installed at Orton Geological Museum in 2018.

It’s free to visit Orton Geological Museum, which is on the campus of the Ohio State University. Also, the museum includes the skeleton of a giant ground sloth, local rocks and gems and more information about dinosaurs!

23. Build with LEGO Bricks during Adult Night at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

  • Address: 157 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
  • Website

Adult Fans of LEGO Nights are a fun time at LEGOLAND Columbus! Visit LEGOLAND without the kids and enjoy activities, all of the build experiences, the rides and 4D movies! No kids allowed! Check their website for the next time this event is offered! It is typically once a quarter.

24. Go Duck Pin Bowling at Pins Mechanical

  • Address: 141 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 (downtown Columbus location)
  • Website

Don’t just go bowling, go Duck Pin Bowling! Duck Pin Bowling involves smaller pins and balls and is a lot of fun! Check out one of the Pins Mechanical locations around Columbus to experience this unique and low key sport with your significant other!

A bowling lane for duck pin bowling at Pins Mechanical in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Plus, there are fun arcade games to play and other fun things to do like ping pong, yard games and an outdoor patio area. (Activities may vary depending on the location.) Pins locations serve drinks and usually have a food truck on site.

25. Go Axe Throwing at Dueling Axes

  • Address: 309 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 (downtown Columbus location)
  • Website

Axe throwing might be a great date idea if you have a little pent up anger to release. I kid, I kid!

My husband and I had date night in downtown Columbus when the kids were out of town one summer and we had dinner at Pecan Penny’s (you can read more about that on my list of downtown Columbus restaurants) and then went axe throwing at Dueling Axes which is nearby!

A woman throwing an axe at Dueling Axes, a fun date idea in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

20 years ago, I never would have imagined that I would be throwing axes on a date night, but that’s just proof that you never know what the future holds!

The downtown location of Dueling Axes does not serve food or drinks, but you are welcome to bring your own or order in. The New Albany location has a full bar on site. Reservations are highly recommended.

26. Have Cocktails at the Conservatory

  • Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
  • Website

This themed event features drink samples, food trucks, live music and the opportunity to explore Franklin Park Conservatory (inside and out) after hours. You may even enjoy the Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory!

27. Play Free Arcade Games at Level One Arcade

  • Address: 130 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH 43235
  • Website

Another low-key date night idea in Columbus is to hit up Level One Arcade! The arcade games here are free to play as long as you purchase a drink! It’s a lot of fun and low-stress. If you’re looking for first date idea, this would be a great one!

28. Explore 32 Rooms of Books at Book Loft

  • Address: 631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206
  • Website

Book lovers (like me!) will love getting lost in the Book Loft in German Village! 32 Rooms full of books on multiple levels will keep you and your partner entertained and amazed! The Book Loft is definitely a Columbus gem!

The path leading into The Book Loft in German Village in Columbus, Ohio.

While you’re in the neighborhood, you can have a coffee date at Stauf’s Coffee next door or have a romantic dinner at a nearby German Village restaurant like Lindey’s or Barcelona, two of our favorites!

29. Perfect your Swing at Top Golf

  • Address: 2000 Ikea Wy, Columbus, OH 43240
  • Website

Top Golf is not just for golfers! Anyone can play a variety of games ranging from beginner level to advanced. Reservations are not required, but they are recommended during peak times. Price is based on the usage of the bay area and the price is the same for up to 6 people, so this would be a great double date option!

Top Golf also has a restaurant and full bar with vegan and vegetarian options. Afterwards, take a walk around nearby IKEA.

30. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art for $5 on Thursday Nights

  • Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

Date nights in Columbus don’t have to cost a fortune! There’s nothing wrong with free or cheap date ideas! In fact, I’m a huge fan of saving money! The Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission on Sundays. Or you can visit on Thursday nights from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM for $5/person. Thursday nights at CMA usually include special events or guest speakers. In the summer there may also be concerts outside in the sculpture garden.

31. Watch a Comedian at the Funny Bone at Easton Town Center

  • Address: 145 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
  • Website

Funny Bone is a Comedy Club and Restaurant at Easton Town Center that features well known comedians and performers. There are also some local events on the calendar! There is a full service kitchen and bar available before and during the show.

32. Go to the Ballet with BalletMet

  • Address: performance locations vary
  • Website

If you’re looking for a cultured night out, plan a date to the ballet! BalletMet offers performances in the fall, winter and spring. The ballet can be a romantic and festive date (think The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre at Christmastime)!

My husband and I went on a date to see The Nutcracker when I was pregnant with our second son, not knowing that eventually, seeing that ballet would become a Columbus tradition at the holidays with our kids!

33. Watch Planes Take Off at the Ohio State University Airport

  • Address: 2160 W Case Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
  • Website

The Ohio State University Airport was remodeled a couple of years ago and there is a really great observation deck for watching planes take off and land! This is a unique date idea in Columbus that a lot of people don’t know about!

The Observation Deck at the OSU airport in Columbus, Ohio, one of many date ideas in Columbus!

It’s free to hang out in the airport and watch planes! Plus, there is a lot of historical information about the airport to read and a cool little gift shop area! Sometimes they have even have free popcorn! This is a great, free indoor activity in Columbus for when the weather isn’t perfect outside!

34. Visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum

  • Address: 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
  • Website

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics. See original art, comic books, comic strips and more! There are over 300,000 original cartoons!

Admission to the museum is free and you do not need to schedule a time to visit. I recommend visiting their website before planning your visit because they do close periodically for changing of exhibitions and seasonal changes.

35. Attend a Dress Rehearsal of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

  • Address: 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

If you want to attend the symphony but are dating on a budget, attending a Coffee Dress Rehearsal of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra is a great date idea in Columbus!

A view of the stage at Ohio Theatre in downtown Columbus, Ohio during a dress rehearsal of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

These dress rehearsals take place on select Friday mornings and include donuts and coffee! Plus, you can attend for a fraction of the price! So if you’re schedule is flexible and you have about $30 for two people, you’ll have a unique day date!

36. Get Crafty at Makers Social

  • Address: 461 W Rich St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

The best dates are interactive ones! And if you’re looking for something crafty to do together, you’ve definitely got to plan a date night at Makers Social in Franklinton! Makers Social has a wide range of projects you can make from stamped jewelry to string art to leather wallets. Some projects might take an hour and some might take up to three or four hours!

A woman holding up two craft projects done at Makers Social in Columbus, Ohio.

In addition to every tool and art supply you might ever need, Makers Social also has a full bar with spirits from local Ohio breweries and distilleries. It’s perfect for a creative date night in Columbus!

37. Ride an Indoor Roller Coaster at Scene 75

  • Address: 5033 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016
  • Website

Columbus might not have the level of rollercoasters found in Sandusky, Ohio, but we do have the unique option of an indoor rollercoaster at Scene 75! In fact, there are a lot of fun things to do at Scene 75 on a date night!

An indoor roller coaster at Scene 75, one of many fun date ideas in Columbus, Ohio.

They have arcade games, laser tag, blacklight mini-golf, indoor go-karts, a drop tower, batting cage, bumper cars, and more. To round out your date, they have a restaurant and several bar areas.

38. Go Bowling and More at Ten Pin Alley

  • Address: 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard, OH 43026
  • Website
A man and woman on a date in Columbus, Ohio at Ten Pin Alley.

One of our favorite places for bowling is Ten Pin Alley in Hilliard. They remodeled recently and now offer a 2-story laser tag arena, a patio and bar, 2 bocce courts and an arcade! This is a great all-in-one spot to have dinner and also an active date night together!

39. Paint Your Own Pottery at Clay Street Ceramics

  • Address: 13 N Westmoor Ave, Columbus, OH 43204
  • Website

My husband and I both love to do art projects and when we first started dating we subjected each other to each of our chosen art forms: his is painting and mine is mosaic. One of our first dates was a paint your own pottery shop in Wooster, Ohio, our hometown.

One of my favorite paint your own pottery shops in Columbus is Clay Street Ceramics. You can choose your project, paint it and then they will fire it and you can pick it up in a few days! As part of your date, you can stop by nearby Third Way Cafe for a coffee and bring it over to your paint session!

40. Make a Masterpiece at Studio 614

  • Address: 2487 Summit St, Columbus, OH 43202
  • Website
A painting done at Studio 614 in Columbus, Ohio.

If you’re looking for another date idea that has a creative or artistic aspect, check out Studio 614! You can take a painting class, a string art workshop or pour your own candle. Check out their list of upcoming events to plan your artistic date night in Columbus!

41. Create Your Own Candle at Penn and Beech

  • Address: 737 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Short North location)
  • Website

Penn and Beech offers another opportunity to pour your own candle! Choose from tons of scents to create the perfect blend for your home! This is a fun activity to do together and would make a great date pared with dinner or coffee!

Penn and Beech has several locations around the Central Ohio area including Grandview, Worthington and the Short North.

42. Tour the Ohio Statehouse

  • Address: 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

History buffs will enjoy a tour of the Ohio Statehouse! You can do a self-guided tour or join in with a group tour! Check in at the gift shop on the ground floor to get in on a guided tour that begins on the hour!

A man looking up at the rotunda at Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio.

The Ohio Statehouse includes an interesting museum, a cool gift shop filled with Ohio souvenirs, plus other things you won’t want to miss like the beautiful rotunda and atrium.

43. Explore COSI After Dark

  • Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

COSI After Dark is a 21 and over event that takes place one evening per month. Each month has a theme, food, craft beer and cocktails! This is your chance to experience COSI without the kids for once!

44. See Live Music at Natalie’s in Grandview

  • Address: 945 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
  • Website

Natalie’s is a great, intimate venue to see live music! They have two stages: The Music Hall Stage and Charlie’s Stage. You can see live, ticketed shows on both stages and they also have a free Happy Hour Show at Charlie’s Stage.

Natalie’s is known for their pizza! They also have a great cocktail menu (named after local artists) and a selection of appetizers and main courses. Make sure to get your tickets in advance because shows are known to sell out!

Food Focused Date Ideas in Columbus

45. Explore the Columbus Food Scene with Columbus Food Adventures

  • Address: various locations
  • Website

One of my favorite date nights with my husband was when we did the Alt Eats Food Tour with Columbus Food Adventures! Columbus Food Adventures offers several themed food tours that explore the food scene in Columbus, Ohio! This is a really unique thing to do in Columbus!

A man holding a large pita bread at a restaurant on a Columbus Food Adventures tour, a great date idea in Columbus.

You can choose between walking tours of the restaurants in specific neighborhoods or you can take a van tour that focuses on a specific type of cuisine like taco trucks or meat lovers. The Alt Eats Food Tour features international restaurants in Columbus! These tours are a great way to experience the Columbus food scene with an expert tour guide!

46. Have a Unique Dining Experience at Pellino’s Pasta

  • Address: 245 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
  • Website

Of course when we think of date night, we think of going out to dinner. But Pellino’s Pasta takes dinner out to the next level! It’s more of a dining experience than just simply feeding yourself before moving on to the next thing!

Chocolate cake dessert at Pelino's Pasta in Columbus, Ohio, a fancy date night idea in Columbus.

This experience is going to be a splurge for the average couple, so I recommend it for an anniversary dinner or special occasion! You’ll choose from a 3 or 4 course menu of seasonal Italian specialities. Reservations highly recommended!

47. Have a Drink at Ohio Brewing Company

  • Address: 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
  • Website
The inside of Ohio Brewing Company, one of the fun date ideas in Columbus, Ohio for couples.

There are tons of breweries in Columbus, but one of my favorites for the atmosphere is Ohio Brewing Company. It’s a homage to all things Ohio and they offer a full menu, which is not always the case at breweries! Ohio Brewing Company also has a large patio for warm weather dates!

48. Eat on the Rooftop at Budd Dairy Food Hall

  • Address: 1086 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
  • Website

Budd Dairy Food Hall in Italian Village is a unique food hall with a few different options for dining. You can choose from a variety of vendors inside the food hall, or have a drink at one of the several bar options. The rooftop patio has a great view and if you snag a seat, it’s the place to be!

A meal of noodles and pork on top of the rooftop at Budd Dairy Food Hall, a date night spot in Columbus, Ohio.

Budd Dairy Hall also has happy hour, live music and special events, so you can plan your Columbus date night by checking out their calendar on the website!

49. Get Caffeinated on the Columbus Coffee Trail

  • Address: various locations
  • Website

How many coffees can you drink on one day? If the answer is at least 4, you’ve got yourself a free t-shirt from the Columbus Coffee Trail! Download the trail guide online (use the website link above) and visit 4 coffee shops to get a free t-shirt! If you visit all of them you can earn a coffee mug!

A woman holding up a Columbus Coffee Trail t-shirt at the Experience Columbus center in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Of course, these don’t have to be all done in one day, so now you have multiple coffee dates to put on the calendar! Start by trying one of these coffee shops in downtown Columbus.

50. Have a Drink on the Patio at Jackie O’s on Fourth

  • Address: 171 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

Jackie O’s gets the award for maximizing space on a downtown plot of land! The indoor/outdoor flow is incredible. This space manages to feel modern and industrial yet warm and cozy at the same time! The patio is just begging for sunshine and summer nights!

Even though my husband and I visited in February, we were still able to enjoy the outdoor patio by sitting around a fire pit. This is the perfect spot for a date night, no matter the season!

51. Sample Wines at House Wine

  • Address: 644 High St, Worthington, OH 43085
  • Website
Several bottles of wine for sample at House Wine in Worthington, Ohio.

House Wine offers a fun alternative to wine tasting! Load your card with a dollar amount and then swipe it for wine samples by the ounce! You can bring in your own food or order from their snack menu.

52. Explore a Local Farmer’s Market

  • Address: various locations (see link below)

Is there anything more romantic than strolling through a local farmer’s market? Or maybe that’s just me. 😉 There are a lot of farmer’s markets in Columbus and Central Ohio! And you can be flexible when planning because you can find a farmer’s market on every day of the week!

53. Have Lunch at North Market

  • Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

The North Market is one of my very favorite spots in Columbus. The original North Market is in downtown Columbus near the Columbus Convention Center and it is home to over 30 vendors selling hot food, cheese, wine, fresh seafood, produce, flowers, coffee, pasta and more!

North Market is open every day and stays open until 7:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday so you could have a dinner date one of those nights. It’s also perfect for a Saturday lunch date and then stroll through nearby Goodale Park!

54. Eat on the Patio at Center Street Market

  • Address: 5354 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026
  • Website

Another patio my husband and I like to eat on is at Center Street Market in Hilliard. Center Street Market is anchored by Crooked Can Brewing Co and houses 10 additional food vendors (including one of my favorite bakeries in Columbus)!

The patio at Center Street Market in Hilliard, Ohio, a great spot for a lunch date in Columbus, Ohio.

Center Street Market has a great patio and the road is closed off for additional seating. Center Street Market is adjacent to Hilliard’s Station Park which is another great spot where you can hang out! Make sure to bring the kids back next time to play in the splash pad!

55. Eat Your Way Through the Columbus Style Pizza Trail

  • Address: various locations
  • Website

What is Columbus Style pizza? It features thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings and is square-cut. And now there is a Columbus Style Pizza Trail where you can experience this pizza made by 15 different makers.

A pizza from Josie's Hilltop Pizza, a stop on the Columbus Style Pizza trail in Ohio.

After eating in (or carrying out) at 4 stops on the trail you can earn a t-shirt. If you visit all of them in a year you can earn a stainless-steel pizza cutter and hot pad. Sounds like #datenightgoals to me!

56. Take the Dublin Cocktail Trail

  • Address: various locations
  • Website
A woman holding a cocktail from the Celtic Cocktail Trail in Dublin, Ohio, a fun date idea.

The Celtic Cocktail Trail will allow you to experience cocktails with an Irish theme! At the time of writing there are 17 stops on the trail and if you visit 3 you can earn a koozie and 10 stops gets you a Celtic Cocktail Trail t-shirt! Download the trail pass online!

57. Have a Drink on the Rooftop Deck of The Junto Hotel

  • Address: 77 Belle St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Website

You really could have a complete date night getaway at The Junto Hotel in Franklinton! Start with drinks on the rooftop bar Brass Eye, dinner at Little West Tavern, spend the night at the hotel and then wake up with coffee at Maudine’s!

If you don’t have a whole night to spend, at least get a drink at Brass Eye for the spectacular views of downtown Columbus! The vibe there is on point and very romantic!

things to do this weekend in columbus ohio

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Date ideas in Columbus, Ohio for couples.

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