How to Plan a Fresh Fun Date in Minneapolis

Get inspired with 18 of the most fun and unique date ideas in Minneapolis, MN.

Whether romantic, cheap, adventurous, low-key, or cultural, you will never run out of new ideas with this list of how to impress your date.

What is there to do on a date in Minneapolis?

What is there to do on a date in Minneapolis

Whether it’s a big first date, a much anticipated third date, a “we’re no longer able to keep a count” date, couples are always looking for the next fun thing to do together.

If you live in Minneapolis, the city has no shortage of fun places to go and things to do, regardless of the season!

Many options the city offers will leave both of you thrilled with the experience and not come anywhere close to breaking the bank.

If you are having a hard time finding “the one”, then try out a dating app! This big city offers hundreds, if not thousands, of people looking for love.

Check out this article on the best dating apps to find love!

What can couples do on a date in Minneapolis?

What can couples do on a date in Minneapolis

Maybe you’re a fan of fast-paced adventure or rather, a couple that prefers a more romantic and slow-paced setting.

In Minneapolis, you will find options to suit your preference everywhere that you turn. If you look at Reddit Minneapolis, some of the most popular topics include: “Where should I take a girl on a date in Minnesota, where can I take my girlfriend on a date, and where can I take my boyfriend on a date”, proving that other couples are looking for ways to shake up their routine.

Even if you’ve lived in Minneapolis your whole life, you might not be aware of the vast variety of fun-filled attractions and cheap date ideas that the Twin Cities has to offer that will help you woo your significant other.

Here is the ultimate list of date ideas for couples or friends to do in Minneapolis:
1. Romantic Date Ideas In Minneapolis
2. Fun Date Ideas In Minneapolis
3. Cheap Date Ideas In Minneapolis
4. Adventurous and Outdoor Date Ideas In Minneapolis
5. Day Date Ideas In Minneapolis
6. Arts And Culture Date Ideas In Minneapolis

Romantic Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Romantic Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Nice Ride Minnesota

If you’re an active couple, take advantage of the weather from April to November and hop on a Nice Ride bike. You and your partner can pedal your way around Minneapolis and take advantage of several scenic routes.

At less than $10 for the day, this option gives both newbies and life-long city dwellers the ability to explore the city from a new perspective.

Minnehaha Falls

If the season isn’t quite right for exploring the city by bike, bring your date to an adventure that will impress no matter the season.

Minnehaha Falls is certainly beautiful all year long, but in the winter, when it’s frozen over, its beauty is especially stunning.

Whether you want to climb up to the top or gaze in awe at it from the bottom, the view will surely spark romance.

Vali-Hi Drive In

For some romance that is nostalgic of a simpler era in time, bring your date by the Vali-Hi Drive In. This option is a great movie night date idea.

Bring a picnic and get there early enough before the movie starts at sunset to enjoy some time relaxing. Then snuggle in together and enjoy the movie.

With most nights showing two or three feature movies, you’ll no doubt appreciate the quality time spent together.

Fun Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Fun Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Bad Axe Throwing

Let’s face it, nothing’s more fun than taking out some stress and frustration after a long day at work or a seemingly dragging week. Known as “the world’s largest ax throwing company” Bad Axe Throwing, will certainly leave you both with a smile on your face and an unforgettable experience.

Mystic Lake Casino

Nothing’s more fun than winning some cold hard cash. Take your date to try their luck at the Mystic Lake Casino.

At this one location, you can have fun playing slots, see a show, and grab dinner and drinks. You’ll practically be guaranteed another date!

Up-Down

If the risk of gambling is not quite up your alley, but you still love the hi-energy fun of some good competition, head on over to Up-Down. Up-Down is a throwback arcade bar that will have you feeling like a kid again, but this time with drinks included!

Here you can play more than 50 arcade games from the 80s and 90s and all of the games cost only 25 cents!

Cheap Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Cheap Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Go For a Hike

Nothing brings couples together than some time spent out in nature. Living in Minneapolis provides some of the greatest access to outdoor beauty that you can find in an urban environment.

Visit one of the many regional or state parks in the area for a great cheap date! Pack a picnic and make a day of your adventure.

Maple Grove Town Green

The Town Green Maple Grove provides opportunities for you and your date to experience FREE outdoor concerts and other entertainment experiences during the summer months.

Bring your blanket and relax on the lawn together and then head out afterward for some drinks.

Como Zoo

Only requesting a voluntary donation ($4 for an adult), the Como Zoo is a fun and inexpensive way for you and your date to experience a vast array of exotic and endangered animals and beautiful gardens in a historic and iconic setting.

What a great way to spend the day with someone special without having to break the bank!

Adventurous and Outdoor Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Adventurous Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Vertical Endeavors

Rock climbing is one of those adventures that appeal to many but is not always accessible.

If you and your date are hankering to test your climbing skills, head over to Vertical Endeavors. Here you can test your strength and skill at one of three different bouldering areas, with something for everyone from seasoned climbers to first-timers.

Since it’s indoors, you can visit this hotspot all year long.

Ice Skating

Somehow the idea of slowly gliding across the ice together always seems romantic and in the middle of the cold winter, there seems like no better outdoor activity.

Take your date over to WellsFargo WinterSkate where even if you’ve never skated before, you’ll be having a blast in no time.

Stone Arch Bridge

One of the most romantic outdoor things you can do in Minneapolis is to take a stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge, so convince your date to put on their walking shoes and give it a try.

When you’re crossing the bridge you can see both the river below and the skyline of the city. You’ll want to make sure that you stop along the way to snap some selfies to remember the fun experience.

In June, the bridge even hosts a festival and includes over 250 artists and musicians.

Day Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Day-Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Minnesota Zoo

Who can say no to a walk through fun and colorful animals on a beautiful day? A walk through the Minnesota Zoo provides the perfect opportunity for some fun interaction, discussion, and great exercise.

From penguins to turtles and tigers, there will surely be something to pique your interest and of course, take some great photos!

Springbrook Nature Center

The Springbrook Nature Center offers 3 miles of trails and floating boardwalks.

During your visit, you can look for various birds and other wildlife. Or check out their programs and special events to make the most of your afternoon.

Color Me Mine

Spend the afternoon sharing your creativity or making each other a unique gift. At Color Me Mine, you can paint your own pottery of your choosing in the studio, or even choose a kit to bring back home.

Take advantage of one of their themed sessions or special events to plan a day that will surely be full of fun.

Arts and Culture Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Arts and Culture Date Ideas in Minneapolis

Walker Art Center

As the first public art gallery in the upper Midwest, the Walker Art Center will surely satisfy your creative and cultural cravings.

Considered one of the top 5 galleries in the country, this destination will have you coming back over and over again.

In the summer months, a sculpture garden provides an additional area to get to know each other better.

The Guthrie

The Guthrie Theater makes classic theater accessible to everyone. Here you can experience both classic and new performances on one of their 3 stages and leave feeling satisfied and ready to take your discussion further over drinks or dinner.

Your date will also enjoy taking a tour or maybe even checking out one of the classes offered.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

If your date appreciates fine art or fashion, a visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art should fit the bill.

A visit here is always free and on the third Thursday of the month, you will find special events that focus on local talent, like concerts and fashion shows.

We hope that you enjoyed these ideas for these fun date ideas in Minneapolis! No doubt you will find something perfect for planning your next big date.

Do you have a fun date idea that you didn’t see here? Post it in the comments as we’d love to hear the places you’re exploring!

Safe Travels!

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