11 Fun Philly Date Ideas That Don’t Involve Drinking
All the best ways to have a romantic rendezvous — without the booze.
These 11 sober date ideas will help you connect, be active, and have fun. / Photograph courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront Corporation / Blue Cross RiverRink.
When it comes to planning a date night, the typical “Let’s just grab some drinks!” routine is so last year. I mean, who said you need alcohol to have a good time with bae? News flash: you don’t!
That’s why we’ve got you covered with these alcohol-free activities that’ll get you moving, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company — without the liquid confidence. And just in case you do still want to grab drinks, but are trying to be more intentional with intake, Philly’s restaurant and bar scene is evolving to include more non-alcoholic choices that are delicious and complex. That’s right: no more basic tonic and lime.
Dates to Get Active
Ice skate at Winterfest. Nothing will get your heart pumping and your date belly-laughing like falling over each other on the ice at Blue Cross RiverRink. Admission costs $5, and skate rentals are an additional $10. After, relax in the lodge or sip decadent hot chocolate by one of their fire pits.
Work out as a couple. The possibilities are endless! Grab your partner and join any of the group runs in the city, like Philadelphia Runner, which meets weeknights and on the weekend, or Chasing Trail, which meets every Sunday. You two are early birds? Get fit for free with November Project at 6:25 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Take ballroom or salsa dance class at Society Hill Dance Academy or Estilo Dance Studio, climb your way to the top at The Cliffs at Callowhill, or try partner acrobatics with Acro &.
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Get a little competitive. Want to bring some friendly competition into your date? We suggest attempting strikes at North Bowl or South Bowl, or perfecting your swing at Five Iron Golf’s indoor golf simulator.
“Eat Your Heart Out” Dates
Try a cooking class. Learn how to make an array of cuisines at Hudson Table in Northern Liberties. The hands-on cooking classes typically take place every day except Monday and Tuesday and last three hours, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to learn a new skill (bread baking! Pasta making! Perfecting fried chicken!) to use in your own kitchen long after the class ends. Classes fill up quickly, so plan ahead for this one.
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Enjoy a home-cooked meal, out. Want a mouth-watering dinner that you don’t have to cook yourself? Look no further than Her Place Supper Club. The dining experience is truly a gem: Chef Amanda Shulman live-cooks a multi-course meal in a 22-person setting. The menu rotates every two weeks (with dishes swapped or added based on seasonality and quality), and the atmosphere feels like getting fed by your grandma (aka always comforting) and being nourished by your closest friends. Plus, Her Place is BYO, with no pressure to leave the booze behind.
Indulge in the other kind of brew. Skip the brewery and grab coffee or tea instead. Càphê Roasters in Kensington and La Colombe (especially the Fishtown location) are great cafe options. (You should also check out all these other fabulous coffee shops in the area!)
Dates to Appreciate the Arts
Explore the Art Museum. Take your date to browse the collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum offers “pay what you wish” admission every Friday night from 5 to 8:45 p.m. and every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Create your own. In Philly, there are so many ways to create a piece of art. From candle pouring to pottery making and glass blowing (we suggest East Falls Glassworks — it’s the only public access glass studio in Philly!), you’re bound to tap into your creative side, especially with your S.O.
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Sing along to your favorite musicals. RENT, Waitress, and Dear Evan Hansen are all coming to Center City theaters this season. Buy tickets for the show of your choice and hit the town for a night of singing and dancing.
Relaxing Dates
Feel rejuvenated in a sauna. Okay, getting sweaty in a sauna might not sound like a typical date, but aren’t you supposed to be trying out something new? The Wellness Refinery in Old City and Formation Sauna + Wellness in Northern Liberties both offer sessions for two in super serene settings.
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Get out the knots with a massage. Truly, there is nothing more soothing than a dang good massage. Because there are so many bodywork havens in and around Philly, we suggest checking out our guide and choosing the place that works best for you and your boo!
