I’m a happily-married Denver local with Denver date ideas for every preference and occasion! This guide features a variety of things to do in Denver — perfect for first dates, double-dates, special occasions, and casual nights out.
And if you’re looking for unique date ideas, Denver has plenty of options in that regard, too. Find out where you and your date can square dance, roller skate to throwback tunes, catch a drive-in movie, and more!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
39 Best Denver Date Ideas
Rockies Game
Cheer on the Rockies and get to know each other.
📍 Google Maps | Colorado Rockies Website | 💖 Best for: casual dates
Colorado Rockies games at Coors Field let you enjoy beautiful Colorado summer evenings! Assuming your date isn’t a die-hard fan who needs total silence to enjoy the game, it also gives you some time to chat and learn more about each other.
If it’s not baseball season, Denver has a total of six pro sports teams. You could catch football, hockey, soccer, basketball, or lacrosse with the Denver Outlaws!
Red Rocks Concert
Enjoy one of the most beautiful concert venues.
📍 Google Maps | Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre Website | 🎸 Best for: special occasions
Many musicians name Red Rocks as their favorite music venue! The scenery is beautiful, the bands are popular, and it’s one of the best date ideas in Denver. There are plenty of places in Morrison to grab a bite or a drink before the show to round out the evening.
Denver Food Tour
Sample flavorful cuisines in this experience made for foodie couples.
Denver Food Tour Website | 🍽️ Best for: creative dates
Whether new or long-time lovebirds, there’s one thing we can all bond over: food. Hands down, this top-rated Denver food tour is one of the best Denver date ideas!
Your local guide will introduce you to some of the best dishes in Denver. Sample pizza and housemade limoncello, then flaky, delicious empanadas with Malbec wine. Spicy green chile follows, and then a quick wall to Dairy Block for fry bread tacos and margs! The epic lunch ends with ice cream at Union Station.
For $75 a person, the quality and quantity of food make for a great value alone. But on top of that, your tour guide is an expert when it comes to Denver happenings.
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Share thoughts about this unusual art experience.
📍 Google Maps | Meow Wolf Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
Convergence Station’s interactive exhibits take you on a journey aboard an interdimensional train. They immerse visitors in a psychedelic, surreal world. Whether you find Meow Wolf enlightening or leave absolutely confused, you and your date will have plenty to discuss.
Meow Wolf is such a cool experience that it even made our list of the top things to do in the USA!
Linger
Taste globally inspired bites in a former mortuary.
📍 Google Maps | Linger Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
Dinner at Linger takes a classic date idea and turns it on its head. Set inside the former Olinger Mortuary, the décor is a mix of fancy and funereal. This top Denver restaurant doesn’t rely on gimmicks to attract customers, though. The food is well-known for being amazing, and the restaurant is a lively, fun place for a dinner date.
Elitch Gardens
Channel your childhood at this amusement park.
📍 Google Maps | Elitch Gardens Website | 💖 Best for: active dates
⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed until April 2024.
Elitch Gardens is open on summer evenings, and even later in October for Halloween Horror Nights. Take your date on a roller coaster, buy some funnel cake and other amusement park food, and watch the sun set over the mountains while you ride the Ferris Wheel.
EscapeWorks Denver
Test your relationship with an escape room.
📍 Google Maps | EscapeWorks Denver Website | 💖 Best for: new relationships, parents’ night out
Whether you’re in a long-time relationship or just getting to know your new partner, discover more about them in an escape room. Work together to solve puzzles and hopefully free yourselves before your time is up. This would also be a great double-date or group date activity!
Stranahan’s Guided Whiskey Tasting
Sample and learn about fine whiskey together.
📍 Google Maps | Stranahan’s Distillery Website | 🎉 Best for: special occasions
Discover how to properly taste whiskey and investigate which ones taste best to both of you with a guided tasting at a premier distillery! This would be a fun date for an anniversary or birthday, and you could end by purchasing a bottle to enjoy later.
Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar
Sip wine while attending a cooking or baking class in Centennial.
📍 Google Maps | Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar Website | 💖 Best for: special occasions
Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar is based in Centennial, one of the southern suburbs of Denver. This hidden gem hosts an assortment of cooking classes for all abilities. Lessons focus on ethnic cuisines, seasonal ingredients, and disciplines like grilling and baking.
Couples can expect an engaging, hands-on event hosted by a skilled instructor. Be sure to come hungry — you’ll enjoy many delicious bites along the way! The adjacent bar offers glasses of wine and craft cocktails to pair with your creation. Couples who enjoy cooking will absolutely love this experience.
Union Station
Enjoy a variety of activities in one spot.
📍 Google Maps | Union Station Website | 💖 Best for: casual dates
Grab a drink at the Terminal Bar and have dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision. Then, treat yourself and your date to dessert at Milkbox Ice Creamery inside Union Station. Sometimes there’s also live music in the Great Hall, and regardless, you can sit, chat, and people-watch.
If this is an anniversary or special occasion, you could even book a room at the Crawford Hotel for a romantic night at one of the fanciest hotels in Denver.
🛏️ Pro Tip: Check out Nate’s recommendations on Where to Stay in Denver for more romantic hotels!
Little Man Ice Cream
End the evening on a sweet note.
📍 Google Maps | Little Man Ice Cream Website | 💖 Best for: casual dates
Little Man Ice Cream is well-known in Denver and a great spot to end an evening. You can’t miss the giant milk jug building in the Lower Highlands. If you prefer indoor seating, there’s the The Little Man Ice Cream Factory on West Colfax.
There’s a good chance you’ll find a line for the ice cream, which gives you a chance to talk to your date a little more while you wait.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Tiptoe through the tulips at twilight.
📍 Google Maps | Denver Botanic Gardens Website | 🌼 Best for: anniversaries, creative dates
The Denver Botanic Gardens are a little bit romantic, a little bit active, and an all-around fun way to get to know your date! The gardens stay open until 8 pm on certain summer nights, and in winter, the Blossoms of Light display is a special holiday show.
Denver Art Museum
Experience art together.
📍 Google Maps | Denver Art Museum Website | 🎨 Best for: first dates
The Denver Art Museum is one of the top museums in Denver and a great choice for couples. It’s open until 9 pm on Tuesdays, making it one of those unique date ideas, not many people will think to plan! You and your date can stroll the galleries, talk about art, and end with a meal at a nearby cafe.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Take in a play, musical, or concert.
📍 Google Maps | DCPA Website | 🎶 Best for: special occasions
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is home to several theaters. Here, you can watch musicals, plays, ballet, orchestra performances, and much more!
If your date enjoys the performing arts, you’ll find plenty of options for Denver dates here. There are also many restaurants and downtown Denver bars nearby where you can grab a bite or a drink before or after the show.
The Clocktower Cabaret
Watch fun cabaret shows in an iconic Denver setting.
📍 Google Maps | The Clocktower Cabaret Website | 💖 Best for: first dates, special occasions
Downtown’s historic clocktower is one of the most notable structures of the Denver skyline. It’s home to a cabaret theater that has music, burlesque, comedy, and many other shows. There’s also a full bar and kitchen at the underground venue, so you can make it a full evening in one spot.
Craft Brewery Tour
Try several of Denver’s renowned craft breweries.
Craft Brewery Tour Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
If you can’t decide which brewery to visit on a date, try a few on a craft brewery tour! Sample a variety of beers at four of Denver’s best breweries, and learn more about the brewing process. You’ll both end the evening with a souvenir tasting glass as well.
Book your brewery tour here.
1Up Arcade Bar
Challenge your date to a Pac-Man showdown.
📍 Google Maps | 1Up Arcade Bar LoDo Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
1Up Arcade Bar is the perfect date idea for first dates in Denver. It has a variety of arcade games, from older games like Donkey Kong and Ghostbusters to newer releases. Grab a cocktail and enjoy an evening of gaming together.
Punch Bowl Social
Sip adult beverages and play games from your youth.
📍 Google Maps | Punch Bowl Social Website | 🎳 Best for: active dates
If you’re looking for date night ideas, Denver has not one, but two Punch Bowl Social locations! Find one downtown on Broadway, and the other in Stapleton.
You can spend an entire evening at Punch Bowl Social, starting with great food and craft cocktails. Continue on with bowling, arcade games, karaoke, or board games. The activities are just plain fun, and the atmosphere is loud and lively.
Drag Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
Join a raucous game and enjoy delicious diner food.
📍 Google Maps | Hamburger Mary’s Website | 🎉 Best for: special occasions
Hamburger Mary’s in City Park West has Drag Bingo every Wednesday night. If your date is on a different night, don’t worry — they’ve got events like Mary-Oke and Dinner With A Side of Drag planned for just about every night of the week.
Stem Ciders
Try hard cider at this RiNo staple.
📍 Google Maps | Stem Ciders Website | 🍎 Best for: first dates
Stem Ciders has a variety of delicious hard ciders in unique flavors like lavender, pear, and salted cucumber. They also offer beer, wine, and snacks. The taproom has places to sit and play boardgames, along with special events like music and trivia nights.
Top Golf
Perfect your swing at this fun driving range.
📍 Google Maps | Top Golf Website | 🏌 Best for: casual dates
Top Golf is one of those low-pressure date ideas. It’s a driving range with a bowling alley feel. Plenty of drinks and food are available in between swings and the place has a party atmosphere that keeps your date light-hearted.
Denver Cruiser Ride
Try a blissful bike ride through town.
📍 Google Maps | Denver Cruiser Ride Website | 🚲 Best for: active dates
Each week, a group of Denver bike riders gets together for a cycle through the city. You and your date can ride together, then bike to grab a post-ride cocktail or some dessert.
If you’re visiting as a tourist, consider taking a bicycle tour of downtown Denver! You’ll pass several city highlights on this scenic 9-mile route.
Upstairs Circus
Craft with a cocktail in hand.
📍 Google Maps | Upstairs Circus Website | 💖 Best for: new relationships
If you want to try date night classes together, this DIY workshop-plus-bar will get your creative juices flowing! Upstairs Circus has specialty cocktails, wine, and beer to set the mood. Then, you and your partner can collaborate on DIY projects including jewelry making, crafting leather goods, and more.
Skate Night at Tracks
Skate to classic tunes at Denver’s favorite LGBTQIA+ club.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 💖 Best for: active dates
Denver’s best-known LGBTQIA+ nightclub, Tracks, hosts monthly skate nights. Here, you and your date can jam out to old school songs like “Ghostbusters” and “YMCA.” Even if you don’t go for skate night, Tracks has other fun things to do, like dancing, drinks, and tons of special events.
Grizzly Rose
Line dance with your love.
📍 Google Maps | Grizzly Rose Website | 🤠 Best for: active dates
A night at the Grizzly Rose can be as crazy or low-key as you want it to be! You can learn to line dance, try the mechanical bull, take in a live show, or grab a drink and people-watch with your date.
Drive-In Movie
Be entertained at one of the rare remaining theaters.
📍 Google Maps | 88 Drive-In Theatre Website | 💖 Best for: creative dates
There are still a few drive-in movie theaters left in Denver… but not many! Drive-ins are great retro date ideas that make for a relaxing night. Head to the 88 Drive-In where you’ll get two showings for one low price, plus reasonably priced snacks and drinks.
Santa Fe Art District
Admire art, eat, and drink — all in one place.
📍 Google Maps | Art District on Santa Fe Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
First Fridays along the Santa Fe Art District are fun date ideas that include plenty of art, of course. But there are also food trucks, places for drinks, restaurants, and often live music.
You and your date can wander galleries and discuss the art, followed by a great meal, all with a fun outdoor atmosphere. If you can’t make it there for the Friday art walk once a month, the area is fun any time.
Inventing Room Dessert Shop
Learn about the science of sweets… and sample a few!
📍 Google Maps | Inventing Room Dessert Shop Website | 💖 Best for: new relationships, parents’ night out, creative dates
Book reservations at the Inventing Room Dessert Shop. It’s part sweet shop, part science demonstration, and a truly unique night out!
Learn about cooking chemistry and sample a few of Denver’s best desserts along the way. You’ll try glow in the dark cotton candy, and finish the night with a delicious sundae that’s been supercharged with liquid nitrogen.
Millers And Rossi
Enjoy a cocktail at this secret speakeasy.
📍 Google Maps | Millers And Rossi Website | 🍸 Best for: first dates, anniversaries
This RiNo cocktail bar and art gallery is a great place to grab a drink with a date! Investigate the art gallery before stepping through the secret entrance and into the dimly lit bar in the back.
You’ll find more art, plus excellent cocktails. Their Manhattan is my favorite. The smoked glass the bartender pours your drink in makes it something special.
K1 Speed Go Karting
Head here if you’ve got the need for speed.
📍 Google Maps | K1 Speed Go Karting Website | 💖 Best for: active dates
Channel your inner child with a fun date driving go karts! K1 Speed in Littleton has go kart racing, plus a lounge with food and drinks for in between races.
Puff Pass & Paint
Experience a 420-friendly painting class.
🌐 Puff Pass & Paint Website | 🎨 Best for: special occasions, double dates
You may have heard of sip and paint classes with wine and instructions on how to paint your own masterpiece. Puff and paint is the same concept, but with cannabis!
You do have to have a bit of an adventurous spirit for this one — you won’t get the class location or all the details until you’ve registered. But its one of the most unique and fun ideas for 420-friendly couples.
The Mayan Theatre
Watch a modern movie in a historic theater.
📍 Google Maps | Mayan Theatre Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
Built in 1930, The Mayan has gorgeous architecture and a beautiful neon sign that lights up at night. Inside, you’ll find current movies, along with older offerings and special events. The theater also has a bar, so you and your date can grab a drink before the show.
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Take to the (indoor) skies.
📍 Google Maps | iFly Website | 💖 Best for: active dates
For a really unique date, try indoor skydiving! iFly in Lone Tree promises an adrenaline-packed date that you and your partner will remember for a long time after.
Axe Throwing
Practice your aim on a unique date.
📍 Google Maps | Axe Whooping Website | 💖 Best for: unusual first dates
Axe throwing is growing in popularity, but it’s still one of the more unusual date ideas out there! Practice tossing an axe with your crush, then visit the beer bar when you’re finished to quench your thirst. Axes and alcohol — what could go wrong?
The Fillmore
Catch a cool concert.
📍 Google Maps | The Fillmore Website | 🎶 Best for: special occasions, anniversaries
The Fillmore Auditorium is one of the more intimate venues in Denver. It hosts everything from up-and-coming bands to seasoned performers. Grab tickets to a band you both love.
The Fillmore has food and drink available inside, but there are plenty of options in Capitol Hill, one of Denver’s best neighborhoods.
Comedy Works Downtown
Laugh it up together.
📍 Google Maps | Comedy Works Website | 💖 Best for: first dates
You don’t have to be funny the entire date — outsource to a comedian for a while! Comedy Works Denver is one of the most popular comedy clubs in Colorado’s capital city.
It hosts hilarious stand-up comedians, some of which are the biggest names in comedy. Spend the evening guffawing, and enjoy cocktails, appetizers, or dessert while you’re there.
Holey Moley Golf Club (formerly Urban Putt Mini Golf)
Drink and putt-putt.
📍 Google Maps | Website | ⛳ Best for: first dates
Urban Putt takes mini golf from kitschy to trendy and has tasty food, cocktails, beer, and wine as well, making it one of those really fun date ideas in Denver.
You may have to wait a while to get on the course. It’s first-come, first served for the mini golf, but you can eat and drink while you wait.
Lakeside Amusement Park
Check out Denver’s first amusement park.
📍 Google Maps | Lakeside Amusement Park Website | 🎢 Best for: active dates
One of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., Lakeside opened in 1908. Ride the train around the lake to enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains, and check out some of the other rides.
Lakeside often gets overshadowed by the flashier Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. But it’s a great spot for people who appreciate vintage Denver attractions.
FAQs About Planning a Date in Denver
What is there to do in Denver on a date night?
There is plenty to do in Denver on a date night. See one of the city’s six sports teams play a game, or watch a movie in the historic Mayan Theatre. You can also check out a trendy restaurant, or visit the Denver Art Museum or Botanic Gardens.
How do you make a date night special?
You can make a date night special by breaking out of the usual “dinner and a movie” date routine. Axe-throwing and go-kart racing are a couple of unique date ideas in Denver! Maybe wander through an art museum or botanic garden.
However, the best date ideas happen when you consider your partner. What are their interests and talents? What do they enjoy doing? If you can plan a date based on something you know they’ll love, they’ll not only have a blast, but they’ll also know that you’re paying attention to them.
What are some cheap date night ideas in Denver?
Some cheap date night ideas in Denver include watching live music at Union Station, or playing inexpensive games at 1Up Arcade Bar. You can also do just drinks or just dessert to keep costs down. Little Man Ice Cream makes for a delicious trip, and you and your date can stroll the LoHi area afterward.
***
Hopefully, this guide has given you a bunch of Denver date ideas! For even more options, check out our article on the top coffee shops in Denver — perfect for a casual morning out.
