40 Fun Date Ideas in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Perfect Date

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A city skyline next to green and red trees and a body of water
There's no shortage of fun things to do on a date in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland has something for everyone, from families to friends and solo travelers. Notably, those in the city with their partner can discover various unique and romantic things to do together.

Fun date ideas in Cleveland, Ohio, range from exploring beautiful gardens and parks to dining at romantic restaurants and watching local sports teams play. If you live in the city with your loved one or are planning a trip together, keep reading for 40 things for couples to do in and around Cleveland!

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40 Fun Date Ideas in Cleveland, OH

  1. Best Date Ideas in Cleveland, Ohio
    1. Purchase local produce at West Side Market
    2. Learn new things at the Cleveland History Center
    3. Check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
    4. Taste local beers on a craft brewery tour
    5. Eat at the best Cleveland restaurants on a food tour
    6. Catch a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field
    7. Explore Little Italy
    8. Spot dinosaurs, fossils, and more at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
    9. Plan a trip to the Great Lakes Science Center
    10. Attend an event at the 78th Street Studios
    11. View artworks at The Cleveland Museum of Art
    12. Go to the International Women's Air & Space Museum
    13. Shop at Tower City Center
    14. Marvel at Mill Creek Falls
    15. Tackle an escape game at Perplexity Games Escape Room
  2. Romantic Things to Do in Cleveland for Couples
    1. Take a romantic walk around the Cleveland Botanical Garden
    2. Explore the Cleveland Cultural Gardens
    3. Admire the plants at the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
    4. Stay at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel
    5. Wander along the Cuyahoga River
    6. Unwind at Marengo Spa
  3. Cleveland Date Night Ideas
    1. See a show in Playhouse Square
    2. Play games at Superelectric Pinball Parlor
    3. Hang out at Tabletop Board Game Cafe
    4. Watch the Cleveland Cavaliers play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
    5. Get drinks at Griffin Cider House
    6. Experience the Cleveland Orchestra
    7. Dine at Blue Point Grille
    8. Spend the night at Music Box Supper Club
  4. Cute Date Ideas in Cleveland, Ohio
    1. Snap pictures with the Cleveland Script Sign at Edgewater Park
    2. Visit the A Christmas Story House
    3. Chat at a local coffee shop
    4. Cuddle cats at affoGATO Cat Café
  5. Things to Do Near Cleveland, Ohio, for Couples
    1. Spend the weekend in Columbus
    2. Appreciate the views from the Kalberer Emergent Tower
    3. Have a fun day out at Cedar Point Amusement Park
    4. Enjoy the fresh air at Lakewood Park
    5. Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
    6. Hike through the Chapin Forest Reservation
    7. Plan a trip to Pittsburgh

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Best Date Ideas in Cleveland, Ohio

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An old-fashioned brick building with two towers next to a road under a blue sky
West Side Market is a fun place to shop for local products with your date

Purchase local produce at West Side Market

West Side Market is the oldest public market in Cleveland and is a fun place to look around with your date during the day. Vendors at the market include those selling baked goods, fruit and veg, and ready-made dishes.

There are also some specialty vendors, like those specializing in popcorn, olives, or maple syrup! If you want to ensure you visit all the best stalls, join a West Side Market food tour.

🏨 Accommodations nearby West Side Market

Learn new things at the Cleveland History Center

If you and your partner want to learn more about the city of Cleveland, going to the Cleveland History Center is a must! You can see exhibits on the city's history from its founding to the present, with many historical and cultural events covered.

You can also see an array of Cleveland artifacts and memorabilia. To make admission easy, book Cleveland History Center tickets in advance.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Cleveland History Center

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Going to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is one of the fun date ideas in Cleveland, Ohio
Visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is one of the fun date ideas in Cleveland, Ohio

Check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

A fun Ohio fact is that the state is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Conveniently, this museum is located in Cleveland and is an exciting place to check out with your date.

The museum honors musical stars and features interesting exhibits and lots of memorabilia and other musical artifacts. You can avoid waiting in line by purchasing Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tickets before you arrive.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Taste local beers on a craft brewery tour

Going on a Cleveland craft brewery tour is a great idea for a daytime date! On the tour, you'll visit a few local breweries, where you can learn about the brewing process. You can also taste samples of each brewery's beers, and snacks are included.

🏨 Stay nearby 1111 Lakeside Ave E

Eat at the best Cleveland restaurants on a food tour

Another of the unique things to do together is going on a Cleveland food tour. This excursion takes you around the city to some of the best restaurants and breweries as well as the West Side Market.

At each stop, you can try samples and will find some great new locations for a romantic lunch, dinner, or drinks date.

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A baseball stadium with a sign that says "Progressive Field" next to a road and trees
Seeing a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field is a fun idea for sports fans

Catch a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field

Whether you and your partner are big sports fans or just want something memorable to do during the day, going to a Cleveland Guardians game is a must! The Major League Baseball team plays at Progressive Field, and you can catch a game between April and October.

Explore Little Italy

Little Italy is an exciting neighborhood with lots of shops and eateries, and exploring the area together is one of the best date ideas in Cleveland, OH.

If you want to see all the best food spots, join a Little Italy food tour. As you go from stop to stop, you'll also learn more about the history of the neighborhood from your guide.

Spot dinosaurs, fossils, and more at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

You and your date can learn lots of new things by visiting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Exhibits feature dinosaur skeleton replicas, fossils, and more. Along with paleontology-based exhibits, you can learn about earth sciences and local ecosystems, and other STEM topics.

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A large white building with a sign that says "Great Lakes Science Center"
Great Lakes Science Center has many fascinating exhibits and a DOME theater

Plan a trip to the Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center is another interesting museum to visit together. This attraction has fascinating science exhibits, with many focusing on the natural environment of the Great Lakes region. After seeing the exhibits, you can watch films on science and environmental topics in the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater.

Attend an event at the 78th Street Studios

Couples that like arts and culture will be interested in attending an event at the 78th Street Studios. This entertainment venue hosts events like workshops, dance performances, and art tours. Art tours are held on the third Friday of the month and allow you to explore an art gallery showcasing works by local artists.

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A white stone museum with columns next to grass, a pond, trees, and cherry blossoms
The Cleveland Museum of Art has an impressive collection of around 45,000 artworks

View artworks at The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a must-visit attraction for art-loving couples. This Ohio landmark houses a collection of over 45,000 pieces. You can see everything from contemporary art to works that date back thousands of years.

While the museum generally closes in the early evening, it remains open until 9 PM twice a week, making it a top spot for a daytime or later evening date!

Go to the International Women's Air & Space Museum

If you're looking for more interesting museums to visit, plan a trip to the International Women's Air & Space Museum. This museum focuses on the achievements of women in the air and space industries. As you look around, you'll also see artifacts and real aircraft.

A large building with a tall tower in the middle under a blue sky with some clouds
Tower City Center has lots of shops and dining options as well as an indoor park

Shop at Tower City Center

If it's raining or you want to do something laid-back together, going to Tower City Center is a great idea. The entertainment complex features a range of shops, including independent shops and chain stores.

After shopping, you can grab a meal at one of the center's sit-down eateries or check out the indoor Skylight Park.

Marvel at Mill Creek Falls

Outdoor activity enthusiasts will definitely want to plan a date at Mill Creek Falls. The area can be reached in about 15 minutes when driving from downtown. You can then hike to Cuyahoga County's tallest waterfall to admire its beauty before continuing along the scenic hiking trail.

Tackle an escape game at Perplexity Games Escape Room

Perplexity Games Escape Room is one of the best date spots in Cleveland for a daytime or evening date. It's also a great place to go together on a rainy day.

At the venue, you can choose from various themed games, and you'll have an hour to solve puzzles and use clues to escape. Many games are suitable for two people, with games for four people also on offer if you're planning a double date.

Romantic Things to Do in Cleveland for Couples

A garden with greenery and a small water feature on a sunny day
The Cleveland Botanical Garden features scenic-themed gardens to wander around

Take a romantic walk around the Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is one of the most scenic places to go for a romantic walk in the city. As you wander around, you'll get to see a range of themed gardens, like a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a woodland area. Events are often held at the garden as well and you can pick up coffee at the Garden Cafe.

🏨 Stay nearby Cleveland Botanical Garden

Explore the Cleveland Cultural Gardens

At the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, you and your partner can explore 33 gardens that represent different cultural groups and nationalities. During your walk, you'll get to see beautiful flowers and plants as well as water features and sculptures. Additionally, there are many places to take cute photos together.

🏨 Places to stay near the Cleveland Cultural Gardens

A garden with many types of cacti
The desert garden is one of the pretty displays at the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse

Admire the plants at the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse

The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is another of the pretty botanical gardens to visit with your other half. Notably, the attraction has one of the largest orchid collections in the United States.

Within the greenhouse and surrounding outdoor gardens, you can also see a variety of other colorful flowers as well as trees and plants, like cacti.

Stay at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel

Booking a room at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel is one of the most romantic things to do in Cleveland, Ohio, for those visiting the city together.

The hotel has stylish rooms that offer city views and many amenities, like a chic bar and restaurant where you can have a dinner date. The hotel is also pet-friendly if traveling with a pet plus one!

A boardwalk lined with trees next to a river and a city skyline under a purple sky
Walking along the Cuyahoga River is a romantic thing to do during the day or evening

Wander along the Cuyahoga River

The Cuyahoga River runs through downtown, and walking along the waterway is highly romantic, whether you do so during the day, at sunset, or in the evening. As you stroll along, you can also admire the Cleveland skyline and the pretty plants and trees that line the river walkway.

Unwind at Marengo Spa

Located in the stylish The Arcade at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Marengo Spa is the ideal place to relax with your date while enjoying some spa treatments. Spa menu options include various massages, facials, and manicures. After your treatments, you can visit the Hyatt Regency bar for drinks.

Cleveland Date Night Ideas

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A sign that says "Playhouse Square" on a building at dusk
At Playhouse Square, you can see a performance like a play or ballet

See a show in Playhouse Square

Known as Cleveland's theater district, Playhouse Square is the ideal place to go in the evening to watch a show. Things to see include musicals, plays, ballets, and other dance performances.

If you want to learn more about the district, you could also go on a downtown walking tour during the day which will take you around Playhouse Square.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Playhouse Square

Play games at Superelectric Pinball Parlor

Superelectric Pinball Parlor is a fun and laid-back date night spot that's located in the Gordon Square Arts District area and features a range of retro pinball machines. Along with enjoying the games, you can order cocktails or beer as well as unique shots and snacks like fries.

Hang out at Tabletop Board Game Cafe

Going to Tabletop Board Game Cafe is another of the fun and quirky date night ideas in Cleveland, Ohio. At the cafe, you can choose from many board games to play, with lots of unique games as well as more well-known ones. While playing, you can enjoy sandwiches or flatbread pizzas, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are also available.

🏨 Places to stay near the Tabletop Board Game Cafe

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A glass building with a sign that says "Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse"
You can watch the Cleveland Cavaliers play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Watch the Cleveland Cavaliers play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Sports-loving couples won't want to miss catching a Cleveland Cavaliers game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The NBA team plays between October and April in the regular season, with the majority of the games in the evening. Even if you and your date aren't big basketball fans, cheering the team on will be a good time!

Get drinks at Griffin Cider House

If you want to plan one of the most fun date nights in Cleveland, going to the Griffin Cider House is a must! This British-style pub serves a vast selection of beers and ciders, with something for all tastes. There's also a gin bar, serving a variety of gin cocktails as well as classic gin and tonics.

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A stone building with columns next to green grass and cherry blossom trees
Seeing the Cleveland Orchestra perform at Severance Hall is highly memorable

Experience the Cleveland Orchestra

Arts and culture enthusiasts will definitely want to plan to see the Cleveland Orchestra with your partner. Founded in 1918, the orchestra is one of the US' "Big Five" orchestras, and you can see them perform at Severance Hall.

There are quite a few bars and restaurants around the venue as well if you want to get dinner and drinks before or after the performance.

Dine at Blue Point Grille

Blue Point Grille is one of the best Cleveland date night restaurants and is well worth booking a table at. You and your date can dine on dishes like truffle burrata salad, seafood towers, and wild mushroom gnocchi. To finish your meal, decadent desserts are available, and there's an extensive wine and cocktail list as well.

Spend the night at Music Box Supper Club

Music Box Supper Club is a great live music and dining venue that's a memorable place to spend the evening with your other half. At the venue, you can see performances by various musicians while enjoying a meal and drinks.

Cute Date Ideas in Cleveland, Ohio

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A white sign that says "Cleveland" on the grass next to a city skyline
Taking photos with the Cleveland Script Sign is a must for couples visiting the city

Snap pictures with the Cleveland Script Sign at Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park is another excellent outdoor area to explore together. The 147-acre park sits on Lake Erie on the edge of downtown and has grassy areas, trails, and even beaches to enjoy in the summer.

While walking around, you'll also come across the Cleveland Script Sign that you can take some couples photos next to.

Visit the A Christmas Story House

One of the cute Cleveland winter date ideas to plan is going to the A Christmas Story House. The 19th-century Victorian property in Greater Cleveland was used in the 1983 movie A Christmas Story and is a popular attraction with those that like the film.

Visitors can look around the home, spotting areas seen in the movie. There's also museum-style exhibits relating to the film, and you can even book a room to stay overnight!

☂️ See A Christmas Story House on a tour

Chat at a local coffee shop

Chatting over coffee is one of many cute date ideas in Cleveland, OH, and there are many coffee shops to visit in the city. 27 Club Coffee is a highly recommended spot, serving a variety of hot and cold coffees.

You can also get smoothies or even opt for a cocktail. Sweet and savory snacks are available to accompany your food as well. Other cafes to check out include Milk and Honey and Phoenix Coffee Co.

🏨 Accommodations close to 27 Club Coffee

Cuddle cats at affoGATO Cat Café

One of the cutest places to visit in Cleveland is affoGATO Cat Café. At this cafe, you can grab drinks before heading into the main cafe to play with adorable cats. The cats are also up for adoption if you and your partner are looking to add a kitty to your family!

🏨 Places to stay near affoGATO Cat Cafe

Things to Do Near Cleveland, Ohio, for Couples

A city skyline next to a river and grass with a path through it on a bright day
Columbus is two hours from Cleveland, making it a fun weekend getaway destination

Spend the weekend in Columbus

Although there are many romantic things to do in Cleveland, OH, taking a couples trip somewhere new is a fun date idea as well! One of the best places to visit is Columbus, another unique Ohio city. You can reach the area in about two hours when driving from Cleveland.

Romantic things to do in Columbus include strolling around the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, exploring the shops at the German Village, and sipping cocktails at The Bottle Shop.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Columbus

Appreciate the views from the Kalberer Emergent Tower

Located about 30 minutes outside of Downtown Cleveland, the Kalberer Emergent Tower is a 120-foot tower that offers stunning views over the forest that surrounds it. On a clear day, you can even see Lake Erie. If possible, head up to the viewing deck just before sunset to enjoy the vistas as the sun goes down.

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A view over a colorful amusement park next to the water on a clear day
Cedar Point Amusement Park has numerous attractions to enjoy together

Have a fun day out at Cedar Point Amusement Park

Spending a day enjoying the rides at Cedar Point Amusement Park is a fun date idea that will appeal to many couples. At the 364-acre park, you'll find roller coasters and other rides for all thrill levels.

There's also a scenic boardwalk to wander along, offering views of Lake Erie, lots of food and drink vendors, and a water park that opens in the summer and has poolside cabanas.

Enjoy the fresh air at Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park is located around 15 minutes outside Cleveland and sits next to Lake Erie. The park is the ideal place to go together on a nice day. Once you arrive, you can follow trails, wander along the Lakefront Promenade, and sit and chat on the Lakewood Solstice Steps.

A lake surrounded by green, red, and orange fall trees
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a scenic place to go for a walk in all seasons

Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a well-known national park located about 30 minutes from central Cleveland. It's the ideal place to hike or bike while spotting lots of wildlife. In the winter, you can also go snowshoeing, sledding, or cross-country skiing.

Hike through the Chapin Forest Reservation

Chapin Forest Reservation is another of the great outdoor areas to explore near Cleveland. You can get to the park in approximately 30 minutes when driving from downtown and will find around six miles of trails to hike.

The trails are also ideal for biking, and you can enjoy the Chapin Forest Reservation in all seasons, with snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing popular in the winter.

A view of a red incline next to a city skyline and a river with yellow bridges
Pittsburgh is another fun weekend trip location that's near Cleveland

Plan a trip to Pittsburgh

If you're looking for another nearby weekend getaway destination, Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania is an excellent option. The Steel City is about two and a half hours from Cleveland when driving.

Fun things to do in Pittsburgh range from visiting Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens to catching a Pittsburgh Penguins or Steelers game. There are also many romantic things to do in Pittsburgh, like stargazing at Allegheny Observatory or wandering around the beautiful Schenley Park.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Pittsburgh

In Conclusion

Whether you're looking for first date ideas in Cleveland, Ohio, or want to find some new date activities to enjoy with your long-term partner, this list should have given you lots of ideas. Now all that's left to do is organize a fun date and make memories together!

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Written by Alli Sewell

allisewell FORMER WRITER Currently based in Canada, Alli has also lived and worked in the UK and Brazil and traveled in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She loves finding the best photo-ops and food and drink locations wherever she goes.

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