When it comes to date night ideas, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things lowkey; sometimes you just can’t beat a big bowl of popcorn, your favorite show on Netflix, and your special someone by your side. Every now and then, however, you and your partner may find yourselves wanting to break out of the “date night doldrums” by embarking on an adventure that is completely different and thrilling.
Luckily, the tri-state area offers plenty of exciting options whether you and your partner are just looking to step outside of your comfort zone for a day or you are both habitual thrillseekers. Here are some of our favorite date night ideas to get your adrenaline pumping:
Be “Kings” for a day.
If you and your date haven’t made a trip to Kings Island recently, now is the perfect time to plan a return visit. Grab a Fast Lane Pass and conquer all of the coasters as a couple—the more intimidating, the better! Take a Flight of Fear, shriek like a Banshee, or conquer The Beast … every ride is a perfect excuse to hold onto your special someone for dear life! With the park’s brand-new coaster Mystic Timbers debuting this season, you’re guaranteed to have a date night full of thrills and chills.
Take a leap of faith.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like jumping out of a plane 13,000 feet above the ground. Taking a leap of faith at Start Skydiving in Middletown makes a terrific out-of-the-box date night idea for even the most adventurous of thrillseekers—and is guaranteed to be a bonding experience that you and your special someone won’t soon forget! If the prospect of flying solo fills you with too much fear, the company also offers tandem skydiving with an expert for first-time divers. When all is said and done, you and your date can even opt to purchase a video of your jumps, so you’ll be able to relive your daring moment together forever.
Go up in the air.
Still want to take to the skies without the adrenaline rush of a skydive? A hot air balloon ride offers a slower-paced, incredibly romantic alternative. Bella Balloons in Lebanon gives you and your date the opportunity to take in some of Ohio’s scenic landscapes from high above—and you can even opt to take off during sunrise or sunset to make the scene more picturesque. Up the romance factor even further by springing for the “Bella Sweetheart Exclusive” package that includes a champagne toast, or book “The Bello Vino” and take off from the Valley Vineyard winery with a romantic dinner afterwards. Either way, your date is guaranteed to soar above and beyond the usual!
Get behind the wheel.
Kick your date night up a notch and fulfill your need for speed by embarking on the NASCAR Racing Experience at the Kentucky Motor Speedway! This is your chance to get in the driver’s seat of a real NASCAR racecar and test your mettle on one of the nation’s premier speedways. Even if you and your date aren’t NASCAR enthusiasts, you will both love training with a real crew chief and pushing yourselves—and the racecars—to the limit! Want the experience without the worry of driving yourself? Consider booking a Ride Along, where you can ride shotgun with a professional instructor for up to six laps. Plus, a fun “Race Keeper” feature in each car will take videos of your experience so that you and your special someone can relive all of the action as often as you’d like!
Head upstream.
Want to find out if you and your partner are truly in sync? Head to the river for a fun-filled canoeing or kayaking date! Green Acres Canoe & Kayak Rental is conveniently located on the Whitewater River just outside of downtown Cincinnati and offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and more to ensure that you and your date will be able to take part in whatever floats your boat. Make your experience an all-day affair by embarking on the full 8-mile adventure, or opt for the shorter 3-mile trip that takes approximately two hours to complete. You’ll have a blast getting back to nature with your special someone—just make sure the rapids don’t sweep you away!
Saddle up.
Whether you’re complete novices or experienced equestrians, horseback riding makes for both a fantastic adventure as well as an incredibly romantic date evening. Book a private lesson for you and your date at Winton Woods Riding Center, where you’ll be able to learn the basics of horsemanship and dressage while enjoying a scenic horse trail that stretches almost 3 miles. Alternatively, make your date night a full-on outdoor evening by booking the “Cabin and Horseback Riding Special” at Happy Trails Horseback Rides, where you will be able to take in beautiful scenery before staying the night in the heart of Hocking Hills.
Have the climb of your life.
If you want to get even more physical on your thrilling date, spend an afternoon at one of the many rock-climbing facilities in the tri-state. Venues such as RockQuest Climbing Center in Cincinnati and Climb Time in Blue Ash offer indoor roped climbing courses and private lessons to make sure you and your date are reaching the peak of your potential. If you want to test your skills even further, turn your weekend into a full-on climbing adventure at Red River Gorge; with over 50 climbing sites for both novice and experienced climbers, the Gorge is sure to take your date night to new heights!
No matter which of these thrilling options you choose, all are sure to give your next date night the extra dose of adrenaline it needs. Choose the adventure you and your special someone find the most appealing and get ready to have the time of your life!
