Summer Date Nights Under $50

You’re probably overdue for a date night with your significant other. If you’ve got kids, you may have forgotten about or not even know about all of the things you can do without kids in Indy. The arrival of summer and the warmer temperatures opens up the possibility of so many outdoor activities and fun date nights. Check out this list of fun summer date night ideas in Indy, book your babysitter, and make some reservations for some much needed couple time!

Written by Jessica Deubner and Lisa Viaches

Daniel’s Vineyard

Take in the view of acres of vines while sipping on wine at Daniel’s Vineyard. Located in McCordsville, Daniel’s Vineyard offers wine tasting, delicious food offerings, outdoor concerts, and many other events throughout the summer. And, while you can take your kids to Daniel’s, we love going to Daniel’s for a date night!

Symphony on the Prairie

Pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy a concert under the stars. From classical favorites to a Queen tribute, the lawn at Conner Prairie is the best seat to take in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on weekend nights this summer.

Punch Bowl Social

For an action-packed night out downtown, head to Punch Bowl Social for dinner, drinks, and a variety of games or activities. There are multiple lanes of bowling, karaoke, ping pong, pool, foosball, giant Jenga, arcade games, and more.

Bottleworks

Bottleworks District combines food, drinks, shopping, entertainment, art, a theater, and a hotel in the historic North Mass Ave corridor. The Garage Food Hall has several dining options offering authentic tastes of Indy. Pins Mechanical has duckpin bowling. You could even stay overnight at the luxury hotel for a romantic getaway.

Go Karting

Fastimes Indoor Karting has a bi-level race track for a fun experience racing go karts. It’s all indoors, so when the weather limits outdoor activities, this is one place to have a fun night inside.

3UP Rooftop Bar

Carmel’s fanciest rooftop bar, 3UP sits atop Anthony’s Chophouse overlooking the bustling Monon Trail. Grab a cocktail from the bar and find some comfortable seating outside. The ambience is perfect for a romantic date night.

Cake Bake

Women love Cake Bake! It’s all decked out in pink and crystals with delicious food, teas, cocktails, and dessert! Treat your lovely lady to dessert or drinks here as part of your date night. Advanced reservations are suggested for both all locations, but you can always try to grab a seat at the bar.

Gondola on the Canal

The Old World Gondoliers are back on the canal downtown, and new this year are the swan pedal boats. Make a reservation for a romantic gondola ride or a swan boat with your special date. A gondolier will paddle you up and down the canal while you enjoy the ride and take in the sights. Or, use teamwork to pedal your swan boat down the canal.

Newfields Beer Garden

The grounds of Newfields are beautiful in the spring and summer. Take a stroll through the museum then head outside to the beer garden for a refreshing drink among the lush museum gardens. They feature local brews to internationally brewed pours as well as kombucha and snacks.

Evening Pontoon Rental

Rent a pontoon for the evening at Morse or Geist Reservoirs. Evening rentals are from 6-8 pm so it’s perfect for a sunset cruise. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks onboard so pack a picnic or end your evening at the restaurants near the boat docks.

Topgolf

Book a bay for a fun night of golf for just the two of you, or up to 6 couples across two bays. Topgolf is fun for everyone, even those who have never played golf before. Advance reservations are always appreciated to ensure your spot, but if you don’t reserve a bay, you can always put your name on the waitlist and head to the bar to hang out while you wait.

Axe Throwing

Axe Throwing is all the rage right now, and everybody I know that’s done it, has loved it! There are several different shops in central Indiana if you want to try for the bullseye.

Tastings Wine Bar

Tastings boasts one of the world’s largest selections of wines-by-the-taste. The selection of over 200 wines is available by the 2 ounce taste, glass and by the bottle. Tastings is a self-serve experience. Buy a card (like a debit card), get a glass, stick the card into a pouring machine and get a 2 ounce sample or glass. Try as many wines as you’d like, and try super expensive wines because you only have to pay by the ounce!

Go Ape Ropes Course

An adventure date always puts everybody in a great mood. Embark on a treetop adventure zip lining from tree to tree. With Go Ape, you’ll maneuver up and down ladders and across various catwalks and swing into nets. It’s an exhilarating excursion and a perfect date activity.

Archery

Head to Koteewi Archery Range to enjoy time together, while hitting fun targets with a bow and arrow. (Don’t worry if you don’t have equipment of your own. The range has all of the resources you might need available for rent, making for a great and low stress visit.) Reservations are required, so make sure to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Horseback Riding

Enjoy a romantic ride on horseback. A fun place to try is Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg. They offer 30 and 60 minute guided rides along the banks of White Lick Creek. It’s a great way to connect to nature and your partner.

Penn and Beech

Make an appointment for a candle making date at Penn & Beech! You’ll get to choose your scents, vessel, and mix it all up yourself! A selection of beers and wines are available to purchase, as well. Take a stroll around bustling Midtown before or after your candle making date.

Train Ride

Enjoy a magical date night experience on the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad. There are special themed rides and several different seat types and cars to choose from. A cash bar is available on board for this date night experience!

Dragons and Donuts

For a unique date night, head to Dragons and Donuts in Indianapolis. They have an enormous selection of board games and card games that you play while having a beer or eating a donut. Choose a game you haven’t tried before and learn it together. Keep in mind that there is a charge to play.

Selfie Wrld

Get all glitzed up and make a date to have a photo shoot among the most unique backdrops. Selfie Wrld has over 35 sets and backdrops to take romantic, wild, funny, or even frame-worthy photos. They have special selfie stands and white lights that help make taking the perfect photos together fun and easy.

Rent Bikes

There are miles of trails in Indianapolis and its surrounding cities that are all connected. The Monon Trail connects Indianapolis from downtown all the way up past Westfield and goes through several amazing neighborhoods and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Rent bikes to explore the city and the beautiful trails. Rent an electronic bike to go even further!

SoChatti

Take a lesson in chocolate making at SoChatti. During the immersive experience, you will enjoy a flight of SoChatti chocolate, make your own drop candies, and tour the on-site production facility to see where the chocolate is made. You can also try the chocolate and wine pairing class or walk in for a chocolate and wine flight.

Comedy Show

A comedy show always makes for a great date night. Enjoy some laughs together with famous comedians or discover new up-and-coming talent. Helium comedy club downtown has two floors of theater space for an intimate show on either level.

Rock Climbing

Seasoned climbers or first timers can all enjoy an evening of rock climbing. There are walls with differing levels of difficulty to meet anyone’s needs. You can climb with or without a harness depending on the wall type. At Hoosier Heights, timers will get an instructional lesson and safety briefing.

Kayaking

Rent a tandem person kayak for one-on-one time together on the water. Kayak around the calm lake at Eagle Creek or rent from Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple for a one-way adventure down the White River.

Board and Brush

At Board and Brush, anyone can make beautiful art that is also functional and personal. From clocks to serving trays to porch signs and clothing hooks, everybody can find something they need. Instructors show you how and where to sand, stain, stencil, and hammer so everything always turns out looking amazing. Working together and creating art would make for a wonderful date.

Back 9

Set to open mid June, Back 9 will bring the indoor golf range experience to the downtown area. Make reservations online for a bay that accommodates up to 8 players or a suite which hosts 8-16 players. The venue will also offer food and a full bar making this a great choice for a group date night.

See a Free Concert

Having a picnic at a local park is a fun way to switch up the typical dinner date. Throughout the summer, you can pair this with some of the amazing concerts that are offered all across the Indianapolis area. Check out our Free Summer concert guide to help you plan.

Antiquing in Franklin

Franklin is the perfect location for a day date. Head down on a Saturday morning and enjoy the farmers market and then peruse the downtown antique shops to find treasures to take back home. Try out one of the eateries in the area to round out a fun day.

Day trip to Nashville, IN

Downtown Nashville is wonderful if you are looking for a way to get out of the city for a day. There are tons of shops to explore, delicious ice cream and candy shops, cute restaurants, and an amazing state park complete with hiking trails and horseback riding.

Duckpin Bowling

Duckpin Bowling has become a popular activity in the Indianapolis area. There are a few options around the city. Duckpin bowling uses a much smaller bowling ball so it is essentially mini bowling.

Brewery Crawl

Indiana boasts a large number of breweries with many of them condensed in a small area. Head down to Greenwood and visit Planetary Brewing, Hoosier Brewing Company and Smocktown Brewery all within walking distance. A short drive away, you can visit Oaken Barrel which also has delicious food.

Indians Game & Friday Night Fireworks

Nothing feels more like summer than an evening baseball game. Victory Field is a beautiful venue and the games are so fun. On select Friday evenings, you can see a fireworks show after the game. If you buy lawn tickets, you can bring a blanket, food, and drinks.

Mini Golf

Mini golf is a summer classic. Create a date night complete with retro classics. Pair a round of mini golf with dinner out at a local drive in restaurant and some milkshakes.

The Historic Artcraft Theater

A night at the Artcraft is always a winner. This movie theater was constructed in 1922 and still features the classic Art Deco style. Classic movies are shown with some fun pre show activities before Friday and Saturday night shows. Concessions are affordable and the root beer is amazing.

Gatling Gauntlet

Opening June 10th, the Gatling Gauntlet is a sure fire way to bring some exciting competition between you and your date! Think of it as an ultimate obstacle course. You will complete 20 obstacles and run 1.6 miles. Some of the obstacles are two tiered with options for beginners and experts. Complete it twice and you will have done the equivalent of a 5K. Located in Nineveh, Indiana.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

We think of going to the track in May but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has many more opportunities to visit throughout the year. Head out in July and you can see the Gallagher Grand Prix–an Indycar road race that features 14 turns. That same weekend, you can also catch a NASCAR race. And don’t forget the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is open all year, every day except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Bed and Breakfast

If you really want to get away from it all, plan to stay at one of the area’s quaint bed and breakfasts. This is a great chance to reconnect with your significant other and enjoy some quality time together. Make a point to explore the neighborhood you are staying in to try some local establishments.

First Friday Art Galleries

Head downtown on the first Friday of each month to check out some of the local art that is on display. Downtown has many art galleries and each one will have some special exhibits out and food and drinks specials as well.

Cultural Trail/Monon Trail

Grab your bikes and get ready to ride in an urban setting. The Cultural Trail and the Monon both have plenty of opportunities to lock up your bike and check out local businesses that are near the trails. This also is a great and quick way to get around downtown without having to pay for parking or walk a long distance.

Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park

Newfields has some beautiful gardens to explore and we love to walk around the Fairbanks Art and Nature Park which is located just down the road from the art museum. The park is open dawn to dusk and not only features native plants and a 35-acre lake, but also is made complete with contemporary art installations along the paths.

UPaint Pottery

To access your creative side on your next date night, head to UPaint Pottery for a stress free evening of painting and creating. This is a great activity for those rainy nights when you still want to go out. You and your date can pick completely separate projects or work on something collaboratively. There are tons of paint options available as well as other design elements that you can add on to your work.

Outdoor Movies

Grab a couple chairs and a blanket to share and check out one of the outdoor movie nights that are taking place all around the city throughout the summer. Bring your own popcorn and movie snacks to complete the date. Check out our outdoor movie guide!

Farmer’s Markets

If you can’t get out in the evening for a date, plan to shop at one of the local farmers markets. Typically on Saturday mornings, this is a great way to jump start your morning. Grab a coffee and pastry from a local vendor and plan to buy some fresh produce to use in your dinner that evening. We have a complete guide to help you find markets close to where you live.

Brunch

Brunch is a perfect date meal. Laid back breakfast food, mimosas, and piping hot coffee make for a great start to any morning. Milktooth is a delicious brunch restaurant that opened in 2014 and has been wowing its customers ever since. It has received many accolades naming it one of the best brunch spots in America. The menu changes frequently which makes ordering new and exciting.

Couples Massage

Sometimes you just need to relax and a couples massage is an amazing way to connect on a deeper level. Use this opportunity to forget about the world around you and feel present in the moment. Follow things up with a light dinner or picnic to keep things mellow.

Adults Night Out at Local Waterparks

Getting the chance to enjoy a pool or waterpark without kids can really feel like a vacation! Many of the area’s waterparks offer a few evenings throughout the summer where you can swim kid free, enjoy some tropical drinks, and float on the lazy river for as long as you want!

Vino Villa

Vino Villa is absolutely perfect for a warm summer night out on a patio. Located in Greenwood, you can find delicious food, plenty of wine and some incredible desserts. The patio is adorable with string lights to add some ambience and live music to keep you entertained.

Sugar Factory

One of the newest additions to downtown Indy is the Instagram worthy Sugar Factory. If you are looking for over the top sweetness and a place to bring out your inner child, then you need to check this place out. Drinks are huge and decorated with all sorts of candies. There are also tons of fun food options to choose from as well. SInce it is new and very popular, be sure to make a reservation before going.

Fowling

Fowling is a fun new idea for you next date night. If you haven’t heard of fowling, it is essentially a mashup of football and bowling. You will use a football to knock down pins. It is a really fun way to introduce some competition into your next date night. The Fowling Warehouse is also close to SoChatti which makes for a complete date night experience.

Mass Ave Date Night

Mass Ave has become a bustling downtown location to visit. There are plenty of places to have dinner, interesting cocktails, and amazing desserts. You can easily find street parking or find a parking lot close by. We also love to go to shows at Old National Center followed by drinks at Ball and Biscuit.

Drive-In Movie

Drive-in movies are so much fun! You get to see two movies for a reasonable price along with the quintessential movie concession stand foods. It is also fun to plan to bring in your own food and blankets to get nice and cozy for the movies.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, be sure to tag Indy with Kids to let us know what you are up to and what we have missed. Use the hashtag #indywithoutkids so we can see all of your date night ideas!

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