Put an end to the traditional movie and dinner dates by indulging in quirky, fun and adventurous activities for that all-important first date in Cleveland. The following list offers a diverse range of places to see and eat, that offer a real chance for people to get to know each other.
Visit Cleveland’s popular Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art, 11400 Euclid Ave., 216-658-6940
Cleveland’s Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the more popular museums the city has to offer. Daily admission is free, so you and that special person can enjoy and afternoon of gallery sightings that are sure to impress and delight you.
Photo via @hover679/InstagramA Tarot Reading Experience
Readings By Lilly, 534 E 200th St., 216-486-2610
Lilly offers tarot reading sessions to couples interested in connecting on a deeper level. Indulge in a psychic reading class with your date and experience a whole new world on your first date.
Photo via Seandavis/FlickrIce Skating at Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink
Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink, 3 Public sq., 216-503-8103
It is the perfect time of year to go ice skating in one of downtown’s finest seasonal attractions. The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink is always throwing fun events that first-daters are sure to enjoy.
Photo via @michael_stolar27/InstagramMeditate at Selfspace Meditation Studio1
Murray Hill Galleries, 2026 Murray Hill Rd., Shaker Heights, 216-522-0006
A meditation session is the perfect way to get rid of those first date jitters, and have a relaxing, calm time. Selfspace studio offers a variety of meditation class for individuals who are looking for a more mindful experience.
Photo via holisticgeek/FlickrGlamGore Monthly Drag Shows
Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588
Every month, Anhedonia Delight presents legendary drag shows at the Grog Shop, including a cast of performers you and your date will find entertaining.
Photo via @anhedoniadelight/InstagramYoga at a Brewery
Bottoms Up Yoga & Brew, 440-678-7444
Yoga paired with a cool refreshing beer? Sign us up. Bottoms Up Yoga & Brewery offers various community craft classes at brewery locations. The experience is sure to guarantee first-daters the convenience of fitness with social benefits.
Photo via @kitdoesyoga/InstagramMake em laugh Monday’s at the Grog Shop
Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588
Make Em Laugh Mondays is the Grog Shop’s longest running comedy show. Hosted by John Burton, with music by DJ Stroke, you are sure to have a laughable experience at one of Cleveland’s well known bars for just $5.
Photo via _sidneyod/InstagramPaint, Sip and Party in South Euclid
4452 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, 216-450-9151
Enjoy an artistic date sipping on wine and painting a picture to take home, at Urban Paint and Sip. The studio offers date-night specific classes where you and your date can feel relaxed and comfortable.
Photo via YelpInc/FlickrCatch a game at Progressive Field
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487
No matter if the Indians win or lose, getting to know your date at Progressive Field has never been easier, thanks to standing-room tickets in the outfield.
Photo via @Clevelandstrikers/InstagramTake a cooking class at Gathering’s Kitchen
Gathering’s Kitchen, 17004 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2285
Indulge in a cooking experience at Gathering’s Kitchen and break the cycle of the typical dinner and movie first date. You’ll get to create a delicious meal with a team of chefs, then sit down with your date and enjoy the meal you prepared together.
Photo via @liz328/InstagramGet your first tattoo together at a Get Inked Party
Christie’s of Cleveland, 1180 Main Ave.,
Fri, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. – Saturday, Feb. 22, 11:30 p.m.
Tattoo Convention weekend is just around the corner, and in that vein Ms. Cali Jane is inviting all tattoo lovers to her get inked contest at Christie’s to show off their best ink and get some new ink.
Photo via Blinkofaneye/FlickrGo bike riding at the Emerald Necklace Trail
Cuyahoga County
The Emerald Necklace Trail is known to be one of Cuyahoga County’s most beautiful Metroparks, and it also offers an enjoyable and easy biking experience … during most seasons that aren’t winter. Either way, it’s never a bad idea to get outdoors with a first date.
Photo via clareh-p/FlickrVisit Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600
Cleveland’s Botanical Garden offers an urban experience of fabulous gardens and exotic glasshouses. First-daters can enjoy a fun, but soothing experience taking in the fresh air and indulging in lighthearted conversation.
Photo from Scene archivesExplore the Westside Market
West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., 216-664-3387
West Side Market is the oldest indoor and outdoor market space in Cleveland, featuring hundreds of vendors to purchase all kinds of poultry, sweets, fruits, teas, and coffees from. Explore the market with your date while sampling pasta and wine.
Photo via leah.organa/InstagramKaraoke Night at Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social Cleveland, 1086 W 11th St., 216-239-1508
Punch Bowl Social hosts weekly karaoke night events where you and your date can break out of your shell and live that rock star dream. The venue is also decked out with multiple bars and other gaming experiences.
Photo via Bennbeck/FlickrSample Desserts at Presti’s Bakery
12101 Mayfield Rd., 216-421-3060
The Presti Family is well known for their delicious pastries and dessert lovers are sure to have a good time sampling a variety of options at Presti’s Bakery. There’s nothing wrong with making that first date a little sweet.
Photo via etveres/InstagramEmbroidery at Pins and Needles
7300 Pearl Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440-243-6400
5937 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights, 440-446-1484
24201 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 440-734-8330
Pins and needles is dedicated to teaching people how to sew at their embroidery classes. Experience an arts and crafts first date at one of their locations widespread through Northeast Ohio.
Photo via rexandsharkey/FlickrVisit Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is filled with lots of intriguing sea creatures from all around the world. Couples are sure to enjoy a fun-filled first date complete with unique views of water life.
Photo via jakemohan/FlickrWine tasting in Little Italy
12414 Mayfield Rd., 216-231-9463
Little Italy Wines is a great place to sample and purchase wine and beers. The venue offers weekly wine tastings where you can even purchase jewelry and other gifts for your date.
Photo via UweTheSailor/FlickrPet some animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-661-6500
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers you and your date the opportunity to walk and talk while observing adorable furry creatures.
Photo via clevelandleah/Instagram