35 Romantic Things to Do in Indianapolis for Couples

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

Located in the Midwestern state of Indiana, Indianapolis is a unique place to visit. It has an array of attractions that are perfect for all types of visitors, including those on a couples getaway.

Just a few romantic things to do in Indianapolis for couples include seeing an outdoor movie, getting drinks at one of many fun bars, and going to an Indianapolis Colts game. Whether you live in Indy or are visiting with your loved one, these 35 date ideas will give you lots of date night inspiration!

Heading to Indianapolis and planning last-minute?

When visiting Indianapolis, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Indianapolis

• Hyatt Regency Indianapolis at State Capitol (relax by the pool)
• Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel (rated highly)
• JW Marriott Indianapolis (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Indianapolis

• Top Shelf 14-Passenger Party Bus Rental (rated highly)
• Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour (rated highly)
• Indy Walking Tours (rated highly)
• Fountain Square Food Tour
• Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Indianapolis Sights & Stories

35 Fun Date Ideas in Indianapolis

Things to Do in Indianapolis on a Date

ctppix/Depositphotos.com

Cheer for the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium

A perfect date idea for sports fans is going to an Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium. You can go to a game between September and January in the regular season. Even if the weather isn't great, cheering on the Colts and enjoying the atmosphere will always be a good time!

🏨 Accommodations close to Lucas Oil Stadium

• Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel (relax by the pool)
• Hyatt Regency Indianapolis (highly acclaimed)

Stargaze at Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

Going to the Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is another of the fun dates in Indianapolis that's also very romantic. Located at Butler University, you and your date can look through telescopes to admire the starry night sky.

Play games or sing karaoke at Punch Bowl Social

An enjoyable spot for a date night is Punch Bowl Social. The bar not only serves food and drinks but also has bowling and games, including board games, ping pong, and foosball. If you don't like playing games, you can sing karaoke at Punch Bowl Social. This spot offers a fun night-out activity for all couples!

🏨 Accommodations close to Punch Bowl Social Indianapolis

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Indianapolis Dtn-Conv Ctr (chill out by the pool)
• JW Marriott Indianapolis (scored highly by guests)

f11photo/Depositphotos.com

Catch a show at the Indiana Repertory Theatre

One of the fun things to do in Indianapolis for couples that like arts and culture is seeing a show at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Various unique plays are hosted at the venue, and you're guaranteed to find a show you both want to see. During a visit, don't forget to admire the building's stunning architecture!

🏨 Accommodations near Indiana Repertory Theatre

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown (chill out by the pool)
• Hotel Indy, Indianapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (top-rated)

Visit the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home

An interesting historical and cultural attraction to visit together is the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, the poet lived in the residence between 1893 and 1916. Today, you can explore the home and learn more about the poet's life and career.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home & Visitor Center

• FRONTDESK Penn Street Tower Apts Downtown Indy (well-rated)
• FRONTDESK 707 North Apts Downtown Indy

Walk through woodlands at Fort Harrison State Park

If you both enjoy outdoor activities, be sure to plan a date at Fort Harrison State Park. The 1,700-acre park features woodland trails, lakes, and lots of wildlife. In the winter, you can also go sledding here, and you're welcome to bring your dog along on walks.

Shop at Indianapolis City Market

Exploring Indianapolis City Market is one of many fun and laid-back Indianapolis date ideas. Operating in the city since 1866, the market remains a popular attraction with tourists and locals. You and your date can check out a range of vendors at the market that sell delicious dishes, craft beer, freshly brewed coffee, and much more!

🏨 Accommodations close to Indianapolis City Market

• Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites (relax by the pool)
• Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown (well-rated)

jetcityimage2/Depositphotos.com

See a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an Indiana landmark, and watching a race at the venue is a unique experience to enjoy with your date. Various races are held throughout the year, including the Indianapolis 500. When visiting, you can also check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Treat your date to dessert at Gallery Pastry Shop

Lovers of sweet treats have to go to Gallery Pastry Shop. The bakery sells a variety of sweets, including croissants, mille-feuille, and crepes.

You can also order meals, like French toast with syrup and whipped cream, omelets, and salads. If you dine in with your date, you can make your meal extra special with a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa.

🏨 Accommodations near Gallery Pastry Bar

• Hyatt Regency Indianapolis at State Capitol (offers a pool)
• Conrad Indianapolis (5-star rating)

Spend the day outdoors at Eagle Creek Park

As one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, visiting Eagle Creek Park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Covering 3,900 acres, the park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and wildlife watching to boating. If you're more adventurous, you can also zipline through the forest at Eagle Creek Park.

Visit Indy

Swing dance at Fountain Square Theatre

Located within the Historic Fountain Square, Fountain Square Theatre is an ideal spot for an evening date. The venue hosts swing dance sessions on Fridays that are fun for all levels, from new dancers to professionals. Live music is also provided as you and your date learn to dance.

🏨 Places to stay near the Fountain Square Theatre

• Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
• Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

Listen to live music at The Jazz Kitchen

If you want to plan the best date night in Indianapolis, going to The Jazz Kitchen should be on your list of things to do. The venue hosts live music acts that you can enjoy while dining on dishes like grilled salmon, crab cakes, or various burgers. Some nights, The Jazz Kitchen also has Latin music acts.

See a movie at Tibbs Drive-In

Seeing a movie at Tibbs Drive-In is an Indianapolis date night idea that will appeal to most couples. The drive-in cinema shows a selection of popular films, including classic movies and newer releases.

There's also a snack shop on-site that sells cinema treats like candy and popcorn. Watching a movie under the stars with your loved one is definitely one of the more romantic things to do in the city!

Visit Indy

Look around the Eiteljorg Museum

A highly interesting attraction in Indianapolis is the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. You and your date can see exhibits on Native American and Western modern art at the museum. The museum is a fascinating place to learn more about art and culture.

🏨 Stay near the Eiteljorg Museum

• Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown-Convention Center (chill out by the pool)
• Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Downtown Medical District

Go Duckpin Bowling at Atomic Duckpin Bowl

Instead of taking your date to a standard bowling alley, check out Atomic Duckpin Bowl. This 50s-style bowling alley offers duckpin bowling (ten-pin bowling) and also has pool tables and a retro jukebox. You can order snacks and drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails as you play.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Atomic Bowl Duckpin

• SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Downtown
• Tru by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, in

Take your date ice skating

Ice skating is a fun date idea that you can enjoy year-round in Indianapolis. Skating rinks that offer public skating within the greater Indianapolis area include Perry Park and Indy Fuel Tank. Some rinks also offer lessons if you and your date are new to ice skating or want to improve your skills.

ctppix/Depositphotos.com

Learn about state history at the Indiana State Museum

Whether you and your date live in Indiana or are visiting, a trip to the Indiana State Museum is a fun activity that will teach you facts about the state. Topics covered at this Indianapolis landmark include history and significant events, plus art, science, and culture related to Indiana.

🏨 Accommodations near the Indiana State Museum

• Bottleworks Hotel (rated 4-stars)
• Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown Across From Circle Centre

Fly through the forest at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Ziplining at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is one of the most fun things for couples to do in Indianapolis, Indiana! Located in Eagle Creek Park, the zipline course features 40 obstacles and a 305-foot-long zipline. There are also platforms to jump between that reach 41 feet. From the course, you can admire views of the surrounding forest.

Wander through the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library

Another unique museum in Indianapolis to visit with your date is the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library. This museum is relatively new, having been founded in 2011, and has exhibits on the author's life and works. You can also learn a little more about literary history in the US.

🏨 Accommodations near the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library

• Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown
• The Westin Indianapolis (soak up the sun poolside)

View artworks at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

Art lovers won't want to miss planning a date at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields! Founded over 130 years ago, in 1883, the art gallery houses 54,000 works. Exhibits in the gallery include immersive exhibits and more traditional displays showcasing paintings, sculptures, fashion pieces, and much more.

Follow the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

A fun daytime date idea is following the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Covering 8.1 miles, the urban trail will take you and your partner past many landmarks. Places you'll pass include Monument Circle and The Athenaeum.

🏨 Accommodation in close proximity to The Indianapolis Cultural Trail

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Indianapolis Dtn-Conv Ctr Area

Eat delicious dishes on a Fountain Square food tour

Going on a three-hour Fountain Square food tour is the ideal way for you and your date to find the best eateries in the city. As you explore Fountain Square, you'll stop at various restaurants to try different cuisines, from American dishes to French, Greek, and Thai meals. You'll also get to visit some famous Indianapolis landmarks.

Visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a fascinating historical landmark to visit with your partner. The National Historic Landmark is the former home of President Benjamin Harrison and features exhibits on his life, career, and presidency. If your date likes US political history or you're looking for an interesting place to visit, going to this Indianapolis landmark is a must!

Explore the Mass Ave Arts District

Known locally as just Mass Ave, the Mass Ave Arts District covers five blocks and features a variety of attractions. Things for you and your date to do on Mass Ave include seeing theater productions, visiting art galleries, and browsing independent boutiques. You'll also find an array of one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants.

Visit Indy

Hang out at White River State Park

White River State Park is a 267-acre park that sits next to the White River in downtown Indianapolis. It's a scenic place to go for a walk with your date, chat on the grass, or have a picnic. You'll also find a variety of attractions in and around the park, including the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana State Museum.

Enjoy a show at White Rabbit Cabaret

White Rabbit Cabaret is a unique place to take your date on a night out. The vintage-style venue hosts dance performances as well as concerts and comedy shows. No matter what you see, a night at this trendy venue will surely be memorable!

🏨 Places to stay near White Rabbit Cabaret

• Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn
• The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel

Sit outside with drinks at the Garden Terrace

The Garden Terrace at Newfields is the perfect place to enjoy drinks and a meal with your date on a nice day. Formerly called The Beer Garden, this scenic bar and eatery is surrounded by beautiful gardens and serves light snacks and delicious drinks.

You and your date can choose from craft beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages, such as Japanese iced tea. Snacks like pretzels or fruit skewers are also on the menu.

Visit Indy

Sip cocktails at Plat 99

Located within the Alexander Hotel, getting drinks at Plat 99 is one of the most sophisticated and romantic things to do in Indianapolis, IN. The bar has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible views of the city.

As you take in these vistas, you can order drinks like an Old Fashioned with local bourbon or Indiana craft beer flights. Plat 99 also has a fantastic happy hour if you're going for drinks in the late afternoon.

Grab a beer at St. Joseph Brewery

St. Joseph Brewery is a unique place to take your date for a drink in Indianapolis. Located inside an old church, this bar not only serves excellent local brews but also has a beautiful interior.

You can order from an extensive beer menu, and flights are available too. A variety of bar snacks and full meals are also on offer.

Have a coffee date

Hanging out at a coffee shop is always a fun idea, whether it's your first date or you've been a couple for a long time. Coat Check Coffee is a great spot to visit in Indy when planning a coffee date.

The shop serves a variety of coffee drinks, plus tea and ginger beer. You and your date can accompany your beverage with a pastry or breakfast sandwich.

Things to Do Near Indianapolis on a Date

Visit Cincinnati

Cincinnati is located about an hour and a half from Indianapolis. It's another fun place to visit for the day or a weekend.

You can find an array of things to do in Cincinnati with your partner, from visiting landmarks to shopping at farmers markets and checking out cool bars. If you stay overnight, there are also many fun things to do at night in Cincinnati, including going on a ghost tour, bowling, or dancing at nightclubs.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Cincinnati

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown (well-regarded)
• Hyatt Regency Cincinnati (4-star)

Race each other at Speedway Indoor Karting

Another fun and relaxed Indy date idea is going go-karting at Speedway Indoor Karting. After racing each other, you can also try the venue's golf simulator, and there is a bowling alley next door to the race track. You can reach the track in about 15 minutes when driving from downtown Indianapolis.

Road trip to Chicago

While there are lots of things to do together in Indianapolis, sometimes it's fun to plan a couples getaway! Located just under three hours from Indianapolis, Chicago is a perfect place to drive to for a day or overnight trip.

Once you arrive, you'll find many romantic things to do in Chicago, and if you stay overnight, you'll discover that there's no shortage of things to do at night in Chicago either.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Chicago

• The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North (relax by the pool)
• CitizenM Chicago Downtown (highly rated)

Canoe on the White River

Canoeing on the White River is a relaxing way to spend some time in nature with your partner. You can go on canoe tours with the White River Canoe Company, and kayak and tubing sessions are also available. Once on the river, you can unwind and enjoy your surroundings.

RobertoGalan/Depositphotos.com

Plan a trip to Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming city located just an hour away from Indianapolis. It's a great destination to drive to for a day out or an overnight trip. Things to do in Lafayette include visiting historical landmarks, seeing wildlife at Wolf Park, and wine tasting at local wineries.

In Conclusion

There are many romantic things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana, plus many more unique and one-of-a-kind date ideas. From fun bars to cheering for sports teams and exploring the great outdoors, all couples can find something fun to do in Indianapolis!

Give us feedback about this article

More visual stories related to this article:

• 35 Romantic Things to Do in Indianapolis for Couples Visual Story
• 35 Fun Places to Visit in Indianapolis With Your Partner
• 35 Fun Activities in Indianapolis to Enjoy With Your Partner