Creative and Fun Philly Date Night Ideas

Whether you are basking in the glow of a requited crush or are half of an old married pair, you undoubtedly occasionally struggle for quality date night ideas. No matter what stage of your relationship, regular dates will help you strengthen your connection and keep your pair bond strong. The obvious choice is dinner and a movie, but that can get boring. Whether it’s an anniversary, Valentine’s Day (it’s comingggggg), or merely a regular Saturday night, these date ideas will ensure that your night out is anything but ordinary. Philadelphia, and Center City in particular, are full of exciting and interesting places to take the one that you love.

Throw something

Old City’s The Clay Studio has carved out a niche for being a great date night destination. Creating your own earthenware decor hasn’t been this sexy since Ghost. The Studio offers dedicated Date Nights where couples can throw some pottery on the wheel, and either follow an instructor’s guidance or just go crazy with their own creation. Afterwards, the venue glazes, fires, and ships your artwork to your home. For February, Date Night events are kicked up a notch, with chocolate, champagne, and rose petals galore.

Get artsy on the cheap

On the first Sunday of the month, and on Wednesday nights, The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers “Pay What You Wish” admission. Depending on how thrifty you want to be, this could end up as cheap as a penny apiece for you and your sweetheart to gaze upon the works of some of history’s most amazing artists without forking over the normal ticket price. Check out pan-Asian, early Christian, and fashion pieces that will transport you into another time and place. Bonus selfies with the Rocky statue are obligatory!

Hit the ice

Sure, this isn’t an option in the dog days of summer, but right now is the perfect time for ice skating. Hand-in-hand with your loved one, this is a tremendously romantic activity – and, if one or both of you don’t know how to skate well, a funny one as well. Rothman Orthopedic Rink at Dilworth Park is fun and festive even after the holidays, with a hot cocoa stand and lighted gardens to peruse when you aren’t skating. Or get cozy at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the vast expanse of ice while enjoying yummy eats from some of the city’s hottest eateries.

Float together

(I’m resisting a strong urge to make a Pennywise reference here!)

For an otherworldly and one-of-a-kind date experience, experience sensory deprivation at Flotation Philadelphia for a tandem experience floating in ten inches of body-temperature water infused with HALF A TON of Epsom salts! Suspended in the mega-salinated water, your body floats effortlessly in the dark with nothing to see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. A normal session is ninety minutes long, and associated health benefits include stress relief and help recovering from addictions. Most participants report being very hungry afterwards, so combine your experience with dinner at one of the many amazing restos that Center City has to offer.

Take a walk on the wild side

The Velvet Lily is one of Philadelphia’s most notable, upscale adult toy shops. If you are looking to add a bit of spice to your bedroom situation, a private shopping session here ($300 for an hour, which goes towards your $500 minimum purchase) could light a serious spark. The store has gizmos and gadgets of all types, meant to service couples – or groups – of every sexual orientation / gender identity combination possible. The Lily also offers a wide selection of safe sex implements, and larger items like specialized furniture and home fixtures. The store also periodically offers seminars and demonstrations – an upcoming one is a gentle introduction to bondage for vanilla lovers. Shop ’til you drop, then plan the rest of the weekend in a big, cozy bed with your phones set to “do not disturb.”

This is, of course, just a sampler of the many unique date night ideas that Philadelphia has to offer. Even with the current chilly weather, there is much to justify stepping out into the winter chill. So the next time you are stumped for how to spend your Saturday night with your sweetie, think outside the box and explore the city.