There is plenty more to do on date night than the typical dinner and a movie in Philadelphia. Try one of these fun ideas to impress your date.
Dinner and a movie - Date night can be the same in Philadelphia as it is in any other city. But, it doesn't have to be. Here are some fun, interesting things to do whether you're trying to impress someone on a first date or are going out for an evening after 20 years of being together. Why not give one of them a try this weekend?
Indoor Rock Climbing - Looking for a fun, physically challenging place to take your date? Try Go Vertical at 950 North Penn Street. With walls up to 50 feet high, this rock climbing gym offers classes each day for beginners and plenty of climbing routes for the experienced. A great date for a rainy day or any day, planning a date of indoor rock climbing is sure to show your companion that you like to have fun. Just make sure your date isn't afraid of heights. Prices vary with your needs so call ahead for rates and hours.
Hot Air Balloon Ride - From April though October (weather permitting) the Channel 6 Zooballoon at the Philadelphia Zoo offers adventurous couples and opportunity to go up in a hot air balloon without breaking the bank. The balloon rises to up to 400 feet above the zoo and offers its riders a magnificent view of the animals below, Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia skyline. After 15 minutes you are brought back down to earth having had an amazing experience. The balloon goes up during the daytime and in the evening. Tickets can be purchased separately from zoo admission for a very reasonable price or along with zoo admission as a combo ticket.
Picnic and Music Under the Stars - Take in the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Fairmount Park during the summer. Purchase lawn seats, pack a picnic dinner (alcohol is allowed) and a big blanket and treat your date to a relaxing, enjoyable, romantic evening.
Dave and Busters - This play land for grownups located at 325 N. Columbus Blvd. is open seven days a week. You can even play until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. A restaurant, two separate bars, and Dave and Buster's Midway games offer an entire evening's entertainment for a couple. Play video games, experience virtual reality on one of their many simulators, shoot billiards or try one of their many other offerings.
Art After 5 - On Friday nights the Philadelphia Art Museum (Benjamin Franklin Parkway & 26th Street) stays open late until 8:45pm and the beautiful Great Stair Hall becomes what the museum calls an "intimate cabaret" with jazz performances, cocktails, appetizers and desserts. The music is included with the price of admission while food and beverages are additional.
Shop Together in the AM, Cook Together in the PM - Plan a gourmet meal together, shop for quality, fresh ingredients together at the Philadelphia 9th Street Italian Market (opens daily at 9am) or the Reading Terminal Market on 12th & Arch Streets (opens at 8am, closed Sundays), and then prepare the meal together later that evening at home. This is a fun alternative for those with young children who want a date night, but don't have an available babysitter. You can shop with the kids in the morning, feed them an early dinner in the evening, and then make your meal together after they have gone to bed. Remember to include a good bottle of wine, a six pack of your favorite beer, or a special cocktail to enjoy while cooking together and with your meal.
