This is a local’s guide to the 27+ most unique and fun Boston date ideas in 2024. I include romantic Boston date landmarks, foodie dates, adventurous dates, and seasonal dates. Whether it’s your 1st date or 50th date, this list has got you covered!
Last Updated: July 17th, 2024
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Fun & Unique Date Ideas Boston
Drink & Game at a Barcade
First on the fun date ideas Boston list is to visit a Boston barcade (bar + arcade)! There are a few around the city, A4cade and VERSUS being the most prominent. Versus is conveniently located Downtown. You pay a $5 cover fee for unlimited gameplay. They have classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Frogger, Space Invaders, and more. You can also play pinball, video game consoles, and physical games.
The bar menu includes fun cocktails, beers, wines, and bar bites.
Depending on the day of the week, Versus hosts fun events. For instance, they have Super Smash Bros. Tournament on Sundays and Free Play (no cover!) on Fridays.
A4cade, the other barcade, is located in Cambridge.
Further Reading: 17+ Best Fun Restaurants & Bars in Boston
Have a Friendly (?) Board Game Night
An alternative gaming option is a board game cafe. Knight Moves in Brookline has 2,000+ board games (yes, you read that right) to choose from, so you’ll be spoiled with options. The cover fee to enter is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and includes unlimited gameplay from open to close. You can also leave and come back without paying again on the same day.
Sip & Paint
Tap into your creative side at Muse PaintBar! They offer group painting classes. You’ll need to book your class on the Muse website to choose which painting you want to make. Also, don’t worry if you’re not the best painter. The classes are open to all experience levels and the instructors will guide you through every step of the way.
Once you arrive at your class, your tools and seat will already all be set up. All you’ll need to do is start painting! During your painting session, you’re able to purchase wine and other snacks to keep your creative juices flowing.
See a Boston Museum
Admire some art at one of Boston’s many museums. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has an eclectic art collection of 7,500+ sculptures, paintings, furniture, etc. There’s also a beautiful courtyard in the center of the museum, complete with greenery, statues, and archways. It’s the perfect place to take your couples’ Instagram pictures.
Another great option for a museum date in Boston is the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is huge, with 500,000+ art pieces in the collection from around the world. My favorite is the Mummy exhibit. You’ll easily need 2+ hours to get through all 100+ exhibits.
Check out the MFA website for discounts and free days.
Ride Blue Bikes on the Esplanade
Another great date idea in Boston is to rent electric bikes on the Charles River Esplanade. There’s a dedicated bike path that extends through the entire 3-mile esplanade. It’s a fun way to enjoy the city views while also being active. Another great biking location includes the Reservoir in Brookline.
Blue bikes are $2.95 for the first 30 minutes and $4 for every additional 30 minutes after.
Especially if you’re new to Boston, you can take a 2.5 Hour City View Bike Tour to see the city from a unique perspective.
Picnic
A picnic is the perfect date idea on warmer days. My favorite location to picnic is the Charles River Esplanade. The public park is huge! it has 3 miles of green space, docks, and trees that are perfect for hammocking. It extends from Newton to Beacon Hill. It’s a must for any date ideas in Boston.
For a quick and accessible bite, pick up Dirty Water Dough. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Esplanade and their buffalo chicken pizza is incredible!
Another great picnic location is the Arnold Arboretum.
SoWa Market
Sowa in South Boston is one of Boston’s biggest and most popular open markets. You’ll find regional and local vendors with handmade clothing, home items, produce, and baked sweets. There’s also another section of the market filled with local food trucks. I particularly like grabbing a coffee and donut at the Blackbird Donuts truck.
The open market is open on Sundays between May and October, but the vintage market is open year-round. The difference is the vintage market is focused on antique goods stores and artist galleries.
Further Reading: 25+ Best Boston Summer Activities
Arts & Crafts at Craftzone
Craftzone Studio is a newer addition to the Boston area. You’ll find unique crafting options not found elsewhere such as fluid art, and the ability to design your own phone cases, graduation caps, and tote bags.
A cool crafting option for couples is to make a cartoon bouquet of flowers. You get to design a bouquet with small stuffed animals, fake flowers, and other decor. The prices are a bit steep here (the bouquet is $90+ per person), but I think it’s worth the experience!
Pottery Painting
Another option for cute date ideas in Boston is to do pottery painting! The Clayroom in Brookline allows you to throw and paint your own pottery. They have private pottery-throwing classes for up to two people (so perfect for couples), where you get to learn the basics of the pottery wheel.
Don’t want to throw? You’re also able to paint something from their wide selection of pre-made pottery. Once you finish your painting, they’ll fire and glaze the piece. Then, you’ll be able to take it home in 5 days.
Further Reading: 25+ Best Boston Indoor Activities
Stargaze at the Coit Observatory
Did you know that you can go stargazing for free at the Coit Observatory at Boston University? Every Wednesday (weather permitting), they have an open night that’s open to the public. You’ll be able to stargaze on their rooftop through binoculars and telescopes throughout the night. Definitely one of the coolest date ideas in Boston on this list.
Although admission is free, you still need to reserve tickets in advance since space is limited. Get tickets and learn other important information on the Coit Conservatory website.
Lawn on D
Lawn on D is an open lawn that has an array of activities like concessions, live music, lawn games, and pickleball courts you can reserve. You’ve also likely seen the park all over Instagram with its light-up circular swings.
The lawn is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink with your partner!
See a Sports Game
Boston is a huge sports city, so you’ll be spoiled with exciting sporting options. During baseball season, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The season runs between March 30th and October 1st. Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, I think that the fun atmosphere still makes it worth it. Grab a Fenway Frank Hot Dog and beer, and enjoy!
Other games are the Celtics or Bruins at the TD Garden.
All year round, you can also take a 1 Hour Guided Tour of Fenway Park, which covers the stadium and Red Sox’s history, artifacts, and other insider access.
Axe-Throwing
For an unconventional first date idea, try axe-throwing! It’s the perfect way to have an interactive date with your partner while also learning a cool skill. Revolution Axe Throwing in Everett is a bar with plenty of axe-throwing lanes. They have a large selection of craft beers, cocktails, ciders, and wines. They also have some non-alcoholic options.
Another popular axe-throwing spot is Urban Axes in Somerville.
Tufting at Tutuland
Another unconventional place for date ideas Boston is to tuft your own rug at Tutuland in Boston’s Allston neighborhood. Tufting is using yarn and fabric to make rugs, including tracing, gluing, backing, and trimming. You can bring in your own design (or choose from theirs), and they’ll guide you through the process. Best of all, you can bring your rug home the same day!
Other crafts available at Tutuland include pouring art and designing your own phone case and other items with decoden art.
Have a Spa Day
Take a break from the bustle of the city and have yourself a spa day. For a luxurious couples deal, head to the Mandarin Oriental in the Back Bay. You can book the “Couples Experience”, where you and your partner can get massages simultaneously. You have the option of getting it for 1 hour 20 minutes ($600 on weekdays and $660 on weekends), or 1 hour 50 minutes ($780 on weekdays and $860 on weekends).
Go-Karting
For thrill-seekers, get out of the city and head to Supercharged. It’s the world’s largest multi-level indoor racetrack! Compete against your partner and others on two unique tracks in the 80,000 sqft facility.
Supercharged also has a “ninja wipeout”, arcade, trampolines, and bumper cars. Although it’s a bit out of the way for a date ideas Boston list, I think the abundance of activities makes it worth the trip.
Hike the Blue Hills
Another fun Boston date option outside the city is Blue Hills in Milton for hiking. There are a variety of trails suited for all experience levels. My favorite hike is the skyline loop trail. The hike is marked by a blue line and extends about 5 miles. The moderately difficult hike takes a little over 2 hours to complete. There’s a steep incline at the beginning and end, but the remainder of the hike isn’t too bad. The top of the hike has a watchtower with views of Boston’s skyline in the distance.
Easier trails include the Ponkapoag Pond Trail and Houghton’s Pond Trail. These are perfect for a leisurely, romantic stroll. You can also picnic at Houghton Pond’s recreational area.
Foodie Date Ideas Boston
Eat Omakase
Next on the date ideas in Boston list are my favorite food-related dates! First is eating at an omakase restaurant. The Japanese phrase omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you”, and it’s a series of dishes that are selected by the chef.
A top-rated omakase spot is No Relation in the South End. You’re served 14 courses of inventive sushi iterations throughout the night, each with a beautiful presentation. The experience is about $150 per person. The eatery only has 9 seats, so book ahead!
The intimate setting and carefully curated dishes make this a perfect option for an anniversary dinner date.
Other great omakase spots include Umami Omakase in North Cambridge, O Ya in Boston’s Leather District, and Omori Izakaya in Brookline.
Drink at a Speakeasy
An adventurous option for date ideas Boston is heading to a speakeasy! There are a few of these hidden bars throughout the city – Offsuit, Next Door, and Hecate are some of the best. My favorite is Offsuit. The bar is located in an alleyway and is VERY easy to miss. It took me around 15 minutes to find it my first time. Hint: It’s located at 5 Utica Street, just behind Pazza on Porter. To get in, you’ll need to call the phone number posted on the door.
The bar itself is dimly lit and cozy. All of their inventive cocktails are delicious, and they have a rotating small bites menu.
Further Reading: 17+ Best Boston Fun Restaurants
Visit a Distillery
Boston has plenty of distilleries and beer gardens to enjoy a well-made cocktail. One of my favorites is Bully Boy Distillers in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. The distillery is located in an industrial part of town, making it easy to miss.
Once inside, you can get a distillery tour or take a seat in their Tasting Room. The bar area is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect romantic date spot. The menu includes a rotating collection of cocktails using Bully Boy’s spirits.
In the summer, Bully Boy opens their Cocktail Garden. It’s a relaxed outdoor drinking area that would be great for a double date. The summer menu has refreshing drinks like frozen cocktails and alcoholic freeze-pops!
Go on a Food Tour
Become a tourist in your own city by going on a guided food tour! Here are some popular tours:
- Boston North End Pizza Tour
- North End Food Experience (Meat, Pizza, & Cheese)
- Boston’s North End: Secret Food Tour
- Boston Underground Donut Tour
See a Movie at the Coolidge Corner Theater
The Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline is a true gem of the neighborhood. Open since 1933, the theater has an old-school, Art-Deco look not found elsewhere these days. You can view everything from cult classics to quirky indie films for about $16 per ticket. They also have midnight films on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s one of the best Boston date ideas for film fanatics!
Check out the Coolidge Corner Theater website for their full movie schedule and to purchase tickets.
Seasonal Date Ideas Boston
Kennedy Rose Garden
The next few Boston date ideas are perfect for Boston’s spring and summer. First, admire the roses at the Keheller Rose Garden. The charming park has roses (obviously), decorated bushes, and other sculptures. It’s a lowkey, small section of the Back Bay Fens.
Another hidden garden is the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden tucked away in the North End’s Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.
At both parks, the best viewing time is between May to July.
Berry or Apple Picking
Another fun Boston seasonal date idea is to go berry/fruit picking! Popular orchard options include Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough and Tougas Family Farm in Northborough.
Parlee is located 40 minutes North of Boston and opens for its 35th season this mid-June. You pick your own berries and pay by the pound/container. Berry options include strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and peaches/nectarines. You can also pick flowers, which would be fun to make into bouquets.
Since the farm is scattered with so many colorful fruits and flora, it’s the perfect place for a couples’ photoshoot.
More berry-picking farms are found on the tiny beans website. In the autumn, you’ll be able to also go apple-picking at most of these places.
Have a Beach Day
There are plenty of beautiful beaches just a short drive away from the city. Some of the best nearby beaches include Nahant Beach just North of the city, and Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. Or, just take a day trip down to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard.
If you’re without a car, Revere Beach is accessible by the Blue Line and Wollaston Beach is accessible by the Red Line. I really wouldn’t recommend getting on the sand or in the water there, though.
Further Reading: 21 Best Day Trips from Boston
Kayak along the Charles
Take in Boston’s skyline as you sail along the Charles River. In the summer, you’re able to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes in the Boston area through Paddle Boston.
You’ll be able to paddle by historic landmarks like the Back Bay’s brownstones, Fenway’s Citgo sign, and MIT. The company also hosts guided tours like its Moonlight Canoe tour and its sea-kayaking tour for the adventure-seekers out there.
Go to a Zoo
While it may seem childish to some, I think that going to a zoo where you can interact with the wildlife is one of the most fun date ideas in Boston! This summer I visited the Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center in Bolton, MA to do a 15-minute “meet and greet” with their capybaras! They also have other wild animal private tours and “encounters” with sloths, deers, and owls.
Franklin Park Zoo is another zoo to check out, conveniently located in Boston.
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating in Boston’s Frog Pond is the perfect winter Boston date idea. Ice skating for one is $8 for anyone over 58 inches and free for anyone under that. Skate rentals are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
The rink is relatively small and fills up during the weekends, so try to go on a weekday!
Check out Snowport
Last on the list of date ideas Boston is Snowport. Located in Boston’s Seaport, Snowport is a fun Holiday Market every winter. You can shop local, eat snacks like hot chocolate and crepes, go curling, get a Christmas tree, and more. With over 120 vendors, you can easily spend a whole evening here.
More Date Ideas Boston
- Bowling & Pool at Lucky Strike located in Fenway and Assembly Row in Malden, MA.
- Take a cooking class.
- Have a staycation at a local Boston hotel.
Wrapping Up: Date Ideas Boston
That concludes my date ideas Boston list! I hope you found this list helpful. Once you complete all of these Boston date ideas, check out my other Boston posts:
- 11 Best Ramen in Boston
- Boston Food Bucket List
- Little Italy in Boston Guide
- Boston’s Best Southern Food
- Boston’s Best 13 Sandwiches
- The Best Breakfast in Boston: 27 Must-Try Spots
- 17 Best Theater District Restaurants Right Now
- One Day in Boston: Full Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you have other Boston date ideas that didn’t make the list, feel free to send me a message!
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