Fun and Creative Date Night Ideas (That Aren’t Just Dinner and Drinks!)
Lately, we’ve been ditching the typical “dinner and drinks” date night in favor of something a little more playful—and honestly, way more fun. Whether it’s biking to a picnic spot, climbing through a ropes course, or playing vintage arcade games, we’ve been leaning into laughter, movement, and memory-making.
These types of dates help us connect outside of our usual conversations (aka talking about the kids nonstop), and they’ve added some much-needed joy to our weeknights and weekends. They’re also a great way to stay on budget while still prioritizing connection.
Kevin recently started a new job at a start-up, which has made us even more mindful about cost. So you’ll find a mix of low-cost date ideas here alongside a few splurges for special occasions. And while these ideas are especially great for parents needing a reset, they’re fun for any stage of life—before kids, new parents, or seasoned pros.
Because let’s be real: a strong marriage doesn’t just happen. You have to make time, have fun together, and keep dating your partner—no matter what season of life you’re in.
Here are some of our favorite recent dates that break the mold. Let me know your go-to date night ideas in the comments!
Seattle Date Night Ideas That Aren’t Dinner and Drinks
Summer Fun
Mini Golf at Interbay Golf Center – A classic, casual, and competitive twist on date night.
Park Picnic at Gas Works Park – We biked to Trader Joe’s for picnic supplies, then headed to Gas Works for sunset views and wine in a can. Pure magic.
Get Active Together
Hike - for a reasonable in the city option, we hiked down to the beach at Discovery Park and packed some empanadas with us to enjoy!
Paddle-boarding on Lake Union or Green Lake – Rent boards and paddle around as the sun sets.
High Trek Adventures (Zipline + Ropes Course) – a pricier experience, but we did this for our anniversary and had a blast!
Indoor Fun + Rainy Day Options
Flatstick Pub – Indoor mini golf with drinks and games.
Top Golf – Great if you want a more interactive “bar + game” combo.
Add-a-Ball Arcade (Fremont) – Total throwback vibes and endless fun.
Capitol Hill Comedy Show – Laughter is so underrated. Grab tickets for a stand-up night.
Live Music at Tractor Tavern (Ballard) – Find a local band and dance in the back of the bar.
Sports Game - Another pricier option, but Kevin and I had a blast at the Kraken NHL game! We event ended the night with cheap pizza slices and karaoke!
Bonus: Weekend Getaways
If you have a little more time to sneak away, I’ve rounded up our favorite weekend trips from Seattle - think cozy cabins, wine tasting, and coastal escapes!
And TBH, I really view taking family photos as a bit of a date! You have a chance to get a little dressed up and spend some extra time loving on each other. So many parents say during their shoot “aw we never get to cuddle/kiss this much!” I also usually try to snag a couple photos of just the parents together, too! You are the OG family after all!
Let’s keep the ideas flowing—drop your favorite creative date night ideas in the comments or DM me on Instagram. Here's to more fun, more laughter, and keeping the spark alive 🔥
