While dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant and a movie at the big box cineplex certainly make for a nice date night out, sometimes you’re looking for something different, especially when your relationship is still new and you’re getting to know one another.
There are plenty of unique activities in Pittsburgh to enjoy with your love for a fun date, from ropes courses to brewing your own beer. We’ve gathered a list of our favorite fun date ideas to enjoy around town.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful couple’s gift for your favorite couple, consider getting them a GiftYa personalized gift certificate to one of the venues below! It’s super easy to purchase a gift certificate to any venue anywhere, then text the gift to the recipient right on their phone. They can then link it to their debit account to spend, so no gift cards to remember to carry around!
Hip, Cozy Spot with Top Notch Sushi and Cocktails
Umamipgh.com | 412.224.2354
Lawrenceville | 202 38th Street
Tue-Thu 4:30pm-12am (Sushi ends at 10pm)
Fri-Sat 4:30pm-2am
Yes, it’s a dinner date, but Umami is more than just dinner and drinks. Regularly featuring some of the city’s smoothest DJs in a funky, in an authentic, funky atmosphere.
The menu features Japanese street food, sushi, and ramen to pair with unique sake, Japanese beers, and one of a kind cocktails.
It’s a great date night option in Pittsburgh’s hippest neighborhood for couples looking for a cool night out.
“...We grabbed a seat at the sushi bar which is really the best seat in the house as to watch all the creations coming off the grill! I drank away my cares with some ice cold sake & let my date pick small plates..." - Yelp Review
People flock to this adorable shop with handmade ice cream in unique flavors
Millieshomemade.com | 412.404.8853
Shadyside | 232 S Highland Avenue
Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Downtown | 246 Forbes Avenue
Sun-Thu 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Sharing an ice cream sundae or cone is a fun and playful activity for lovebirds on date night.
If you’re going to take your date for ice cream, Millie’s is by far the best place to impress them with their delicious and unique flavors.
Their Vietnamese Coffee flavor is a frequent favorite, try it in one of the ice cream sandwich made with warm brioche buns.
The update their handmade flavors regularly and always have a scrumptious vegan option on hand.
“...They have a great variety of flavors that change the the seasons. Some are a very different from your typical flavors but all very good. The ice cream is rich and there waffle cones are made fresh...It can also get busy inside as it's a popular date spot!” - Yelp Review
Catch Air While You Catch Feelings at this Mega-Trampoline Park
Urbanairtrampolinepark.com | (412) 218-0604
Cranberry | 351 American Way
Mon-Thu 4pm -8pm
Fri 12pm-11pm
Sat 10am-11pm
Sun 10am-7pm
Nothing more fun for date night than a playful physical activity to get your heart pumping.
This mega-jump park doesn't just have some trampolines to bounce on, there are climbing walls, a Sky Rider indoor coaster, a Ropes Course, and a Warrior Course.
Enjoy some friendly competition and pick up a game of bouncing dodgeball or have a slam dunk off. A good date ends with big smiles on your face, and you can’t bounce the night away without a huge grin!
“...I have been wanting to come here and my husband decided to do a date night here. It was extremely fun. We were all smiles the entire time.This. Place. Is. Awesome!!!!!!!! So much fun in one building." - Yelp Review
Explore the forest canopy via ziplines, suspended obstacles, and Tarzan swings
Goape.com | 1-800-971-8271
North Hills | 991 Tennis Court Road
By Appointment 10am-3pm
What better way to make sparks fly than a 3 hour tour of the treetops filled with adrenaline rushes.
Working together as a team to overcome physical obstacles and may be even some fear, will certainly bring you and your date closer together.
Be sure to reserve your tour online before going, rates are $49 per person.
“...We will definitely go to other Go Ape courses in the future. The girls working that day were super informative and helpful. Do not pass this up!!!” - Yelp Review
A classic date idea at a vintage bowling alley
Arsenalbowl.com | 412-683-5992
Lawrenceville | 4310 Butler Street
Mon, Wed-Thu 12pm - 12am
Tue 9:30am-12am
Fri 12pm-2am
Sat 11am-2am
Sun 11am-12am
Voted as Pittsburgh’s best Bowling Alley year after year, Arsenal Bowling Lanes will transport you back to a simpler time for a retro date.
Aside from quality vintage lanes to bowl, they feature fun themed nights and great DJs and live music on the lanes.
There’s plenty to do before or after nearby in hopping Lawrenceville!
“...This has the feel of an old school bowling alley, but they have a good bar and extra lanes in the back, definitely go exploring while you're waiting your turn!...” - Yelp Review
Rustic riding trails accessible to even newer riders
Rolling-hills-ranch.com | 412-221-9926
Bridgeville | 677 Hickory Grade Rd.
Moonlight Rides Sat at 8:30pm Jun- Oct
If you’re looking for the perfect combo of romantic and unique, head to Rolling Hills Ranch for their Moonlight Rides.
Explore the moonlit trails on an hour and a half ride, followed by hayride to a campsite where you’ll enjoy a catered meal by the campfire.
The rides run on Saturday evenings from June through October, reservations begin in April (book early they sell out fast!) The experience will cost $60 per person.
“...Our ride lasted a little over an hour, which took us through a few individual trails that were illuminated by tiki torches and the stars. After returning, you take a hayride to the fire and dinner...Everyone stayed in their individual groups (whether it be 4+ or just couples) which let you maintain some bit of privacy and intimacy...” - Yelp Review
With 15 acres and 23 stunning indoor and outdoor gardens
Phipps.conservatory.org | 412.622.6914
Oakland | One Schenley Park
Mon-Thu, Sun-Sun 9:30am-5pm
Fri 9:30am-10pm
Flowers are a common romantic gesture, but rather than a bouquet, try exploring the diverse range of flora on display at Phipps Conservatory for a unique date night.
They feature stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive art exhibits, a renowned orchid and bonsai collection, butterfly house and an immersive Tropical forest, all housed in one of the largest collections of green buildings.
The cafe is also renowned offering more than your standard museum fare, including alcohol! Admission is $17.95 for adults.
“...We only spent a couple hours there, but we easily could have spent the whole day if we have time...If you're thinking about going here, do it! It's definitely worth the admission fee!” - Yelp Review
Decadent desserts featuring organic ingredients open late for an after dinner treat
Thebutterwoodbakeconsortium.com | 412.781.0218
Lawrenceville | 5222 Butler Street
Wed- Fri 12pm-11pm
Sat 10am-11pm
Sun 10am- 9pm
Beyond the amazing treats they offer made with organic ingredients, including delicious options you’d never guess were vegan or gluten free, the atmosphere of this bake shop make for the perfect date night filled with sweet treats and thoughtful conversation.
The shop is perfectly curated with a Victorian parlor vibe, transporting you to a time when courtship was revered.
Located in Upper Lawrenceville there are plenty of cute shops and restaurants sprouting up in the neighboring blocks for a fun filled evening in Pittsburgh’s hippest neighborhood.
“...tucked away and easy to miss, the Butterwood Bake Consortium offers deliciously succulent and thick slices of cake with an assortment of creative and fresh tasting flavors. the prices are high ($6+ for a slice) but you're getting a huge slice easily shared by two that is rich and decadent without weighing you down...” - Yelp Review
Serving tropical bites and drinks in the American Tiki Tradition, with a modern flair
Hiddenharborpgh.com | 412.422.5040
Squirrel Hill | 1708 Shady Avenue
Tue-Sat 5pm-1am
If you plan to grab drinks with your date, ditch the standard bars you can find all over town and visit this unique gem for a one of a kind cocktail experience.
Bust out your Hawaiian shirts and prepare to be transported in a Tiki Time Machine! Hidden Harbors is tucked away on Shady Avenue, brimming with classic tiki decor with modern touches.
The food and cocktails pay homage to the American tiki tradition, with cocktails that are truly a work of art, not to mention delicious. Consistently voted for the best cocktails in the ‘Burgh, they also made the list of Best Tiki Bars in the Country!
“...There are a TON of drink selections, each with a beach theme. The drinks don't disappoint - neither does the atmosphere. I definitely recommend stopping in here if you get a chance!” - Yelp Review
A retro themed arcade with everything from pool and video games to duckpin bowling
Gamesnatsite | 412.481.2002
Southside | 2010 Josephine Street
Thu 4pm-12am
Fri 4pm-1am
Sat 12pm-1am
Sun 12pm-8pm
You’ll feel like you’re entering an early 80s arcade, for a truly retro date night.
When you battle it out with your date to see who reigns supreme or just let them win, you can compete in air hockey, old school arcade games, foosball, pool, ping pong and more!
If you’re feeling nostalgic for a date straight from you high school years this is the spot for you!
“...For under ten bucks you can play old skool video games, pinball, air hockey, shoot pool and a bunch of other fun games...And as an extra bonus, it's BYOB!...” - Yelp Review
Pittsburgh has no shortage of fun date activities! So whether you’re a married couple looking for a unique date idea, new sweethearts on your first date, or looking for a thoughtful couples gift, there’s plenty of romantic activities to be had around Pittsburgh.
