It's a Friday night in New York City and you need to make plans. You've done drinks, dinner, even a movie but now you want to switch it up. Maybe it's a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, maybe you want to spend your Valentine's Day doing something fun, something that not every single coworker will have done as well. Here is our list of the top date nights around NYC. We're constantly adding to this page, so check back soon for more ideas!
There are tons of ways you can make these date ideas a full day's affair but for now we're just covering some fun stops around the city - all perfect for fun date or night out.
Start reading or jump to one of date ideas in NYC here.
DATE IDEAS NYC
#1 | DISCOASIS in Central Park
It's something out of every 5th graders dreams - a roller rink, with a disco ball AND a DJ.... conveniently located right in Central Park. The Wollman Rink, NYC best destination for Holiday Ice Skating, has been converted into a roller rink this summer. You can see the flashing light and Donna Summer's hits from a block away. I had a blast and in my opinion its a must go to.
You can read more and buy tickets here.
Previously, Discoasis has not been super affordable, however with the summer season coming to an end, tickets have dropped!
I got a Labor Day buy one, get one free special, however tickets for NY ID or library card holders are now just $12 on weekdays, $17 on weekends. Plus a $20 skate rental.
You can pick an hour long time slot during the daytime session (10-4:30) or skate the night away (my recommendation) from 7:30-10
There are locker rentals also available for $7. And please note, vapes are not allowed through security at all - so leave it at home.
You and your date can skate in circles to your heart content with a mix of old school hits and the DJ's faves from Beyonce's new album. Discoasis also has a number of professional skater who mix in with the crowd and do special performances around 9:00. It's a super fun night, full of great music, falls (of course) and sore legs the next day :)
DATE IDEAS NYC
#2 | SWINGERS Mini Golf
In keeping with the activities as dates vibes, our next stop for a fun date is Swingers Crazy Mini Golf. Located in Nomad at 29th and Broadway.
Buy your tickets on their site here for $26 a person. Weekend tends to book up so try to plan ahead instead of buying day of.
I'll start off by saying the venue is REALLY well done. They've clearly spent a lot of money on the physical space and down to details in the bathroom is all part of the theme.
You'll enter and get your tee time with likely some waiting time to enjoy in their bar areas. There is also food from Miznon Pita, Tacos Fonda, Sauce Pizzeria and Mah Ze Dihr to enjoy before or after. Drinks are about what you'll pay at most NYC bars these days - $16-$18.
When your tee time comes up, it's time to get started.
Enjoy making your way through the course, you'll be given a book and pencil to keep track of your score. Make a hole in one? And you'll get a free drink.
DATE IDEAS NYC
#3 | Hall des Lumieres
Need a date idea for a rainy date? Look no further than the light based art exhibits at Hall des Lumieres. Featuring a main exhibit and rotating 8 week long exhibits, the hall has something for everyone. Based in the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank in the Financial District of Manhattan, it's a beautiful background for these unique exhibits.
Currently on display Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion and Destination Cosmos. I would suggest buying tickets in advance online, the price is $30. You will need to select your date and time block. We attended the Destination Cosmos exhibit as you can see in the pictures.
The exhibit takes place over two large rooms. All rooms show the SAME video/light effects so there is no reason to stay up in the main room for the entire show.
The large architectural room you will enter in has several vantage points, smaller nooks off to the side, the main section which has benches (you can also sit on the floor) and a mezzanine you can get a bit more of a 360 view. In the lower section, as I mentioned, you will see the same show. I actually preferred it down here - it was much less busy with people and it felt more expansive and immersive.
The exhibit runs for an hour on loop, so don't worry about getting here right on time. You can stay as long as you like and the same content will play over and over again. Overall its a fun, interesting experience, it wasn't super informative if you're interested in space but it was an enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Extend this date idea by checking out one of my favorite restaurants, located just a few blocks away. Khe-Yo is a Laotian / South East Asia restaurant cooking food a bit different from all the other Asian food I've had.
We tried and would recommend the:
Bell & Evans Chicken Laap
Berkshire Pork Spring Rolls
Crispy Brussels Sprout Leaves
Pork Curry Noodle
Khe-Yo seems to be popular, so plan ahead and book a reservations early on Resy. They also seem to have some spots open for walk ins if you're lucky!
DATE IDEAS NYC
#4 | Bathhouse: Williamsburg, Brooklyn or Flatiron, Manhattan
If you're in need of somewhere special to go for an anniversary or birthday, look no further than Bathhouse. The original is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn but they have just recently opened a second location in Flatiron. I've been to similar spas in the past (ie: Spa Castle) but this one really has a different feel. First off, its super nice, clean and well done. It has a very relaxing, other worldly feel to it and its really set up for you to spend A LOT of time there.
The cheapest way to enjoy Bathhouse is by booking one of their Day Passes. The price for these varies based on the day of the week and time you want to go. For the most inexpensive slot at just $45, book yourself an early bird pass Monday through Friday. These passes start before 11am, after and prices go up to $55. On weekends, a day pass will run you $70. Book your appointment here and book it early. Bathhouse is super popular due to a lot of publicity on Instagram so definitely plan ahead.
If you want to splurge a bit more, try one of their service treatments. The most popular seem to be their massage and body scrubs, but they also offer packages. Learn more here.
Once you're booked, all you need to know is that swimming suits are required and it's suggested that you bring a water bottle. Phones are not allowed in the baths, but if you like to read, books seemed to be popular.
At check in, you'll be given a bracelet that can be connected to your credit card for any purchases and that will lock/unlock your locker. Towels and sandals will be provided. The locker room also offers everything you will need to shower afterward, with face wash/lotion, hair driers and mouthwash.
Once you're ready to start the relaxation, head down stairs to enjoy their various pools.
They offer 3 pools at different temperatures, 2 saunas and a steam room. If your timing matches up be sure to attend the Aufguss located in the tropical sauna. It's a music and scent based therapy included with your day pass. Enjoy the sudden wafts of essentials oils and relax into the music.
If you're in need of a snack, head back up stairs again to enjoy drinks and food at the cafe. I found the prices here to be super reasonable - so don't miss it. The ambience is again super relaxing and you can go up in your towel and/or swimming suit.
Your pass allows you to spend as much time at the Bathhouse as you like. So relax to your heart's content, going in and out of the rooms and pools, cold to hot, hot to mild. Whenever you've hit your max, shower and dress back upstairs before checking out and tipping for any services.
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