Best Indianapolis Date Nights | 100 Indy Date Ideas Near Me

Indy Date Night Ideas

Looking for the best date ideas “near me?” If you’re near Indianapolis, Indiana, we’ve got you covered from the southside of Indy to the north side and everywhere around the loop. You’re sure to find something you and your date will love.

If you love this list, be sure to check out our monthly Indianapolis Date Night series. Each article is packed full of seasonal events and activities sure to spark some romance!

Our Date Ideas Guide contains some affiliate links to help you find the best deal on your date nights!

Adventurous Date Ideas | Best Date Restaurants | Flirty & Fun Date Ideas | Unique Date Ideas | Romantic Date Ideas | Best Date Night Movie Theaters | Casual Date Night Ideas | Date Night Theatre Ideas | Music Date Ideas | Overnight | Winter Date Ideas | Summer Date Ideas | More Date Ideas |

Adventurous Date Ideas Near Me in Indy

Aerial Silks Circus Class

Grab your friends and get flying at the Aerial Silks Classes at Cirque Indy. This fitness class is anything but your average workout class. You’ll incorporate all kinds of fun moves, like the ones you see in circus acts and in the summer Olympics. This would make a great girls’ night out, bridal shower starter, or bucket list activity. Right now there’s a sweet deal on an intro class. Try it for only $10!

Run for It

If you’re the competitive and sporty type, consider signing up for a 5K or 1/2 marathon together. You’re sure to find a fun, themed run that you can bond over or train together to run.

Performances and Other Fun at the White Rabbit Cabaret

The White Rabbit Cabaret is pretty famous for playing host to burlesque shows but you might also find Bingo games, standup, and other live performances.

Row, Row Your Boat

Go canoeing or kayaking. We rent canoes and kayaks in Noblesville, but you’ll also find boat rentals at Eagle Creek Park. You head to Geist Waterfront Park in Fishers to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Zipline Date Ideas in Indy

Go Ape and Koteewi are two very close places you can zip line outdoors. The obstacle course nature of this experience will have you really getting to know one another.

Swing Dance at the Fountain Square Theatre

On the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, swing dancing takes place at the Fountain Square Theatre building. Travel back in time and dance the night away accompanied by a live swing or jazz band. Dance lessons are available too!

Tour Lucas Oil Stadium

Take a tour of Lucas Oil Stadium if it fits your schedule. Sports fans and even non-sports fans will appreciate this huge venue that is home to the Indianapolis Colts NFL team.

First Fridays in Indy

Stroll local art galleries on the first Friday night of every month. Many galleries offer complimentary snacks or beverages. You’ll see many artistic feats. We love Harrison Center for the Arts, Circle City Industrial Complex, and the Stutz, among others.

Picnic at Fort Ben

Pack up a lunch for two (homemade or store-bought, it doesn’t matter) and head to Fort Ben for a picnic. You can hike, walk, fish, or even ride a horse. The scenery is beautiful and ever-changing all year.

Feel the Love in a Gondola Ride

Romantic or just fun — it depends on how you look at it. A downtown Indy Canal gondola ride is top of the list for a picture-perfect romance story on the canal.

Go Horseback Riding with the Wind in Your Hair

Horseback riding always seems like the plot for the best romance novels. Let us know how it goes! You can ride at Fort Ben, Natural Valley, and others.

Drag Race Your Own Car

Wild Wednesdays at Lucas Raceway are open to any licensed driver and their own street-legal vehicle. It’s not about winning, it’s about the thrill of the race!

Rent a Boat

Take your date on a special boat ride at Geist Reservoir or Morse Reservoir. Rent a pontoon boat, go swimming or fishing, and have a picnic on the water. You can even get dockside service for lunch or dinner.

Best Date Restaurants in Indy | Date Ideas Near Me

Spoke & Steele

This extraordinary lounge style restaurant shares a building with Le Meridien. Spoke & Steele is a neighborhood restaurant that serves downtown residents and visitors alike with delicious food, craft cocktails and a one of a kind dining experience. From large groups to intimate dinners, the ambiance of Spoke & Steele is like nowhere else in Indy. Check out the Steve McQueen Room and the Barrel Room. Both of these rooms can be requested by anyone who walks in the door, if they’re available, you can eat there!

Plat 99

The mixologists at Plat 99 inside the Alexander Hotel will create a cocktail perfectly designed for your tastes. Small plates pair with beverages from a range of eras – a history of cocktails – leading up to the current day’s amazing mixes. The chic upscale vibe is the perfect background for a chill chat night or the beginning of a night on the town.

Livery

If you love Latin food, the menu at Livery is where you’ll want to be. When the weather is nice, ask for a seat under the stars on the rooftop.

The Dining Room at RH Indianapolis

Combine upscale shopping with delicious cuisine at one of Indy’s most unique restaurants. The RH Gallery at the Christel DeHaan Estate on Indy’s north side offers a classy dining room with a view of the sprawling property. On the menu, you’ll find everything from sandwiches and salads to steaks and the impossibly posh likes of Mini Lobster Rolls with Caviar. Don’t forget to stroll the showrooms, wine glass in hand, after your meal!

The Prewitt

Dine in a beautifully renovated movie theater from the 1920’s! The Prewitt is located west of Indy in Plainfield and serves up a wide variety of tasty cuisines and cocktails. The decor inside pays homage to the building’s film-focused past. You can also plan your visit around a slew of events like Bingo nights, live music, and trivia. You can even rent an igloo during the winter months!

Also recommended by our friends who go on dates: Pioneer, Tinker Street, Festiva, Union 50, Delicia, Blue Beard, Garden Table, Vida, Terra Guacha Brazilian Steakhouse, The Library.

Flirty & Fun Date Night Spots in Indy | Date Ideas Near Me

Punchbowl Social

Schedule a special event or a fun night out at Punch Bowl Social. This cool but casual restaurant has a club vibe with game-room activities, all of which pair well with delicious food and giant punch bowls full of adult beverages. Rent a lane for bowling, rock out in a private karaoke room, or play shuffleboard, giant Jenga, or skee ball.

Tee Off at Top Golf

Even a golfing novice will enjoy the fun and games at Top Golf. Plus, the food and beverage selection is tops! Snuggle up between rounds and stay warm even in the winter.

Duckpin Bowling is an Indy Classic

If you haven’t tried Duckpin Bowling yet, add this to your date night idea list stat! It’s a really fun spin on bowling in a vintage and rare duckpin bowling alley.

Play Together at a Game Place

Board games are still hot and there are many places you can learn new games or play old favorites. There are gaming times at Indy area game stores but there are also game libraries where you can borrow board games to play on site!

Hit the Target with Archery

The Koteewi Archery Range will give you a bullseye when it comes to the best date ideas in Indy; shoot targets, 3D animal statues, and more.

Free Arcade Game Play

Tappers Bar offers free arcade gameplay (pay for pinball) and a good selection of beers on tap. Expect to play arcade games from your childhood.

Laugh Your Brains Out

Comedy Sportz is more than just a comedy show, it’s an athletic feat of humor. Teams compete in improv situations. Expect a little audience participation.

Jump Around

Indoor trampoline courts are plentiful across the city. You can bounce and test your skills on a Ninja Warrior course or just embrace that childlike joy of bouncing on a trampoline.

Naptown Roller Derby

If you’re looking for a fun sport to get wild about, cheer on the Naptown Roller Girls at a roller derby bout, Indianapolis’ women’s roller derby team. It gets intense, their names will give you a chuckle and the rules are easy to follow.

Escape with Your Date

Escape rooms have been very popular in recent years and the Indy area has several to choose from. Find adventure behind a locked door and solve the puzzle.

A Need for Speed

If fast is your thing, go-carting is your game. Race against one another and see who can get the faster time! There’s no blaming the wind or having the “slow car” this time! Try Fastimes on the north side or Speedway Indoor Karting to the west.

Food + Drinks + Games

Dave and Busters could be a fun place to hang out if your date likes arcade games, happy hour specials and food that isn’t terrible.

Play in the Bottleworks District

For an evening full of food and fun, all within a vibrant, walkable area, head to the Bottleworks District off of Mass Ave. Sample your way around the Garage Food Hall for dinner, then play some pinball or a round of duckpin bowling at Pins Mechanical Co. You can also relax and watch a movie at the nearby Living Room Theater if you prefer.

Cheer at the Good Ol Hockey Game

See the Indy Fuel in their new home at the Fishers Event Center. Fuel games are always a blast, especially when you plan your date on a fun theme night or discount day. Check the team schedule for events like Star Wars Night, Wizard Night, Glow Night, and more!

Unique Date Ideas Near Me in Indy

DIY Tie Dye

The Tie Dye Lab in Avon is a fun spot to make your own designs on wearable garments and accessories. Get flirty as you customize t-shirts, towels, scarves, and more. At the end of this date, you’ll have a souvenir to remember all the fun you had together.

Relax in a Salt Cave

Take a break from it all, lay back, hold hands, and soak in the … salt. Salt caves in Indianapolis have caught on, it’s a great way to relax and get your mind off of things while doing something that may or may not have health benefits.

Throw Down at an Axe-Throwing Place

Take out your frustrations with a little axe throwing. I’m not kidding. Bad Axe Throwing is the world’s biggest axe-throwing club and offers axe-throwing sessions for groups, events, or walk-ins. All necessary supplies are provided, you can bring in your own food and drinks, and safety training is included. Some sessions even include a dedicated axe-throwing coach!

Tour Your Dream Home

Stop and and visit a model home or an open house in a neighborhood you’re interested in. Taylor Morrison offers tours of several models and layouts that are fun to visit and imagine living in. Enjoy a romantic evening planning your future.

Drive-in Movies in Indy

Tibbs Drive-in, Canary Creek Drive-in, and Skyline Drive-in are just a few of the handful of drive-in theaters near Indianapolis. Stick around for the double feature. Sit in your car or if the weather is great, cozy up on camping chairs.

Traders Point Creamery

The Loft restaurant and the Dairy Bar have a fantastic atmosphere for a date night restaurant. If you’re feeling really adventurous, take the day time self-guided walking tour or watch the cows come in to be milked at 7:30 pm.

Keystone Art Cinema

Located at the Fashion Mall, the Keystone Art Cinema offers a buffet of choices when it comes to independent films, foreign language films, documentaries, and non-traditional studio films. You can also catch some of the biggest blockbusters if you prefer!

Cemetery Tours at Crown Hill

In addition to their amazing Memorial Day firing of the cannons and other ceremonies, Crown Hill Cemetery has tours that highlight the stories of interesting people who are buried there, symbolism tours, ghost stories and more. Plus, the view of the city of Indianapolis is one of the best, Crown Hill boasts the highest point in Indianapolis.

Ghost Tours That Spook and Scare

If you’re looking for a fun night full of legends, go on a local ghost tour. You’ll have a history lesson and be way more interesting at parties. This shared experience just might be something you talk about with your grandchildren.

You’re Macaron-ing Me Crazy

Macaron Bar offers macaron-making classes as well as macaron pairings, like Champagne and macarons. If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, this is the perfect Indianapolis date! Yes, please!

Have a Picnic on the Freeway

The Idle Park is a place where people can sit and watch the traffic race by. The freeway viewing space has become a gathering area for the neighborhood. Bring some food or pick up something yummy nearby.

Take a Cooking Class

William’s Sonoma offers cooking classes, as does Sur la Table and other Indianapolis-area businesses. Ocean World Sushi occasionally has a sushi making class. Learn something, have a delicious meal, and maybe even take home some leftovers! Sounds like a great date to me!

Wine Tasting

There’s no shortage of places to go wine tasting in Indy — Peacewater Winery, Daniel’s Vineyard, Easley Winery, Urban Vines, Spencer Farms Winery, and Oliver Winery are all great! See if your taste in wine aligns!

Romantic Date Ideas Near Me in Indy

U-Pick Flower Farm

There’s no better backdrop for a dreamy date than a flower farm. Forget bringing flowers to your date, take your date to the flowers so they can design their dream bouquet. We recommend Dollie’s Lavender and U-pick Flower Farm.

The Cake Bake Shop

This pretty and “enchanting” restaurant will set the tone for a beautiful time. The decor and atmosphere are unmatched anywhere in Indy, the food is delicious and the cakes are unforgettable.

Mama Carolla’s Italian Date Night

Voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the country, Mama Carolla’s serves up wonderfully delicious italian food in a beautiful space. The decor, the lighting, all of it feels so romantic and lovely. The patio seating is beautiful when it’s a little warmer.

Vino Villa

This bistro style restaurant is a south side favorite for those looking to add romance to their evening. With fine wines and a seasonal menus, you’ll be happy you visited.

Best Movie Theaters for Date Night in Indy | Date Ideas Near Me

Alamo Drafthouse

Alamo Drafthouse offers dinner and a movie + drinks. Watch the latest movies to hit the big screen from a comfy seat with a button that beckons a waiter to get you popcorn, drink refills, or a hamburger. It’s all part of the all-inclusive date night.

IMAX Movies

For a fun spin on traditional movie watching, turn off Netflix and take your viewing party to the IMAX 3-D theater. There are a few, including one at the IMAX at the Indiana State Museum.

Flix Brewhouse

This cinema brewhouse offers movies + food + brews for a complete experience. Since the Flix Brewhouse target audience is adults, you won’t see kids under the age of 6 in the theater after 7pm and children under the age of 2 are not welcome except during special movie dates.

Casual Indy Date Night Restaurants

Pearl Street Pizzeria

While kids are definitely welcome at Pearl Street Pizzeria (they have a kids’ menu which includes gluten free options) it’s pub vibe makes it a great spot for a casual date night or dinner with friends. Handmade specialty pizzas, salad, and sandwiches pair perfectly with a large selection of local microbrews. A private party room with space for 60 makes this a great option for a celebration.

Chow Down at Condado Tacos

Famous for their imaginative ingredients for build you own tacos, flavored margaritas and beautiful wall murals, Condado Tacos is a must for Taco Tuesday or ANY day! When you go, order the dirty queso and be sure to say a little thank you to us! The Broad Ripple location is the perfect place to stop before or after a show at the Vogue. Condado also has restaurants in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, and on Mass Ave.

Nada for a Downtown Indy Date Night

If you’re looking for cocktails and tacos, you’ve found the perfect pair. Nada serves up traditional mexican food with some flair. Foodies and non-foodies love this place.

Oaken Barrel on Indy’s South Side

Greenwood offers a fun culinary side and Oaken Barrel isn’t to be confused with Cracker Barrel (although we LOVE that place too). Their award winning beer pairs well with their delicious traditional food. Get their Dynamite Shrimp if you trust anything I’ve told you.

Bazbeaux Pizza

You could create your own pizza, but I know I’m satisfied with the amazing offerings and creations on the Bazbeaux Pizza menu. With three locations, you’ll find one near somewhere you want to be.

Theater Date Ideas Near Me

Have Dinner AND a Show at Beef & Boards

From Broadway classics to Disney favorites and everything in between, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is a favorite for all ages to attend some of the best performances in Indy. Plus, their award winning dinner buffet, desserts and cocktails are a treat.

The IRT Wows

What’s on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre? It seems like there’s always something good on stage. The theatre is located in downtown Indianapolis, very close to some of the best hotels, restaurants and attractions in Indy. We’ll see you there!

Civic Theatre

With the amazing talent and production value at Civic Theatre, you might just mistake this community troupe (one of the nation’s largest) for a professional company. Civic performs at the Tarkington Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts and each season features exciting musicals and shows you won’t want to miss.

Something for Everyone at Butler University

If you’re craving live theater, be sure to check the upcoming shows at Butler University! With multiple performance venues of campus, like Clowes Memorial Hall and the Schrott Center for the Arts, the university hosts everything from traveling professional Broadway shows, to local symphony concerts, to stand-up comedians, to high-quality student performances. There’s always something new to experience on stage at this local venue for date ideas near me.

Music Related Indy Date Ideas

Move to the Music at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center

This venue is HUGE in social media feeds during the summer because every week there’s a fantastic show that everyone is going to. Grab tickets to hear your favorite artist live on stage, or get to know someone new.

Jazz Kitchen

If you’re looking for jazz and good food, the Jazz Kitchen in your kind of place.

The Biergarten at Rathskellar

Wednesday – Saturday you’ll find live music at the Rathskellar. What kind of music? Check their website because it varies! We love visiting to hear from Polkaboy and some local favorites. During the warmer months, you’ll hear music outside in their biergarten area.

Dueling Pianos that Make You Sing Along

Howl at the Moon and the Brick House both offer a fun evening of entertainment and music.

Overnight Date Ideas in Indy

Stay the Night at the JW Marriott

There’s no place like home, but the JW Marriott is even better! Amazing restaurants, walking distance to so many Indy attractions and fantastic service.

Get the Boutique Experience at Bottleworks

What used to be an old Coca-Cola bottling factory is now an upscale, art-deco-inspired boutique hotel experience. The Bottleworks Hotel is sure to charm you with its gorgeous decor and award-winning service. The location near all the fun on Mass Ave makes it even better!

Camping on the White River

If a night surrounded by nature is more your style, book a campsite at White River Campground in Cicero. Sleep to the sound of the river flowing by outside your tent or camper and spend your waking hours hiking the trails at Strawtown Koteewi Park.

Winter Date Ideas Near M in Indy

Go Ice Skating

There are a lot of Indy-area ice skating rinks. You can go ice skating indoors or go ice skating outside. With everything from synthetic ice to real ice, you’re sure to find an ice skating rink near you.

Snow Tubing will keep you close

Snow inner tubing is not just for the young, everyone can enjoy the thrill of flying down a hill packed with ice. Find snow tubing near me.

Stroll Through the Christkindlmarkt

Walk around and look at gifts and trinkets in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt huts, drink hot wine from a boot, and enjoy seasonal treats. If you’re really feeling fun, rent a pair of ice skates and twirl around the rink.

Drive Around and Look at Christmas Lights

If you find yourself looking for something to do during the holidays, pack up some hot cocoa and cookies, bring along our map and list of the best Christmas lights in Indy, and visit a few! Maybe you’ll find some new displays that we don’t know about!

B.Y.O. Sled

Bring your own sled for an afternoon or morning of fun. Pick a hill from our list of the best places to go sledding in Indy and then go for it!

Summer Date Ideas in Indy

Celebrate Love at the Indiana State Fair

Stroll down the midway, smooch on the Ferris wheel, peruse the photography exhibits (for as long as you want), take a photo together in the photo booth at the Glass Barn, watch a show, eat whatever YOU want, check out Indiana Beer, Wine & Spirits in the Grand Hall. There’s a lot of fun at the fair for all ages — even WITHOUT kids! Here are some great discounts and free* days at the Indiana State Fair.

Root for the Home Team at a Baseball Game

Cheer on our Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field! We recommend you look for fun-themed nights. Almost every evening has a special discount or entertainment option.

Chill Out at the Monon Mixer

An exclusive, after-hours event at The Waterpark only for adults 21+. Enjoy The Waterpark in Carmel, with live music, pool volleyball, floating along the lazy river, testing your balance on the FlowRider(R), and more! Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Please drink responsibly. The only thing missing from The Waterpark Monon Mixer are the kids!

Waterpark Takeover at Freedom Springs

The kids are gone and all that remains are your 21+ friends, beer & wine and good food! Bring your own towel, grab an inner-tube and float the night away to sounds of live music at the Freedom Springs Waterpark in Greenwood.

Rick’s Boatyard

Live music and fresh seafood, all while enjoying the beautiful outdoors on the water. That’s the sort of ambiance that Rick’s Boatyard offers and it’s a favorite date spot in the summer months. Serving up American food on the waterfront — that’s what it’s all about.

Summer Beer Garden at Newfields

The Beer Garden at Newfields has been a summer favorite since it first opened. See the beauty of the Indianapolis Museum of Art while enjoying beer, wine, or other beverages from the Beer Garden.

Berry Picking

Strawberry picking, blueberry picking, raspberries, and blackberries! There are so many options that stretch through the summer. Grab a basket and get picking! Chill out afterward with a glass of wine, a handcrafted popsicle, or whatever edible merch is sold in the farm shop.

Where to Grab a Drink in Indy

Ash and Elm Cider Co.

Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or you’re just discovering Indy’s top cidery, grabbing a flight at Ash and Elm is always a great idea. Stop in either the Indy or Carmel tap rooms for apps or sandwiches and to try the latest seasonal ciders. The Carmel location has an expanded food menu if you’re looking for a more filling meal!

Hotel Tango

The Hotel Tango Tasting Room in the Fletcher Place neighborhood is a great place to sit and enjoy seasonal craft cocktails with your favorite date. Hotel Tango distills its own liquor and then creates cocktails using simple ingredients.

Old Towne Beer Hall

If you love trying new and interesting craft beers, you’ve got to plan a date night at Old Towne Beer Hall in Franklin. Everything on tap is self-serve and sold by the ounce, rather than the glass or bottle. You’re free to explore dozens of flavors without committing to a full glass of something you may or may not like. If a member of your party isn’t a fan of beer, there are a few wine and cocktail options available.

Also recommended by our friends who go on dates: Red Lion Grog House, Louie’s Wine Dive, Ball and Biscuit.

More Indianapolis Date Ideas

Family Friendly Romantic Date Spots | Where to Grab a Cocktail on a Date |