Some might think of Valentine’s Day as cliché, but whether or not you think it’s corny, it is an opportunity to show your special someone how much you care about them. If you’re looking for something outside of the stereotypical activity, Wichita has plenty of ways to create your own unique experience any time of year.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re here to help you impress your sweetheart with offbeat date night ideas to keep the fun alive.
Enjoy Fun & Games
Battle it out on the pickleball court at Chicken N Pickle. The sprawling entertainment venue and restaurant concept offer indoor and outdoor fun with plenty of space to social distance, a delicious menu, and a huge drink selection. Additionally, they've set up a temporary ice rink where patrons can try their hand at curling, ice hockey or join an open skate.
For multi-player fun and delicious food, take your special someone to Dave & Buster's. With hundreds of arcade games and a full menu of food and drinks, you and your significant other will have the time of your lives.
Topgolf Wichita offers climate-controlled hitting bays for you and your date to take aim and swing at outfield targets. Plus, the entertainment venue has TVs throughout for a sports bar atmosphere. You can rent clubs or bring your own, so swing by Sticks 96 Golf to find clubs suited to your specific needs. Want to remain indoors? Golf-In has two state of the art golf simulator bays where you can play a round of golf, hit balls on the driving range and more.
Spend hours playing more than 1,000 video games and 500 board games at Headshots Bar & Grill. Be on the lookout for their themed seasonal pop-up bars throughout the year. You can also find an amazing collection of retro arcade games at The Arcade in downtown Wichita.
Harness your creativity
Experiment with your artsy side with several different cultural options in Wichita. From frolicking at the Wichita Art Museum or browsing a free gallery at Envision Art Gallery and Engagement Center, Mark Arts or Wichita State University’s Ulrich Museum, learn a new appreciation for others’ artistic abilities.
You can also foster your own creativity at places like CityArts or Paint the Towne, a paint and drink studio offering regular classes. Learn from a professional and leave with your own masterpiece. Browse the selection or blow your own art glass at Infinity Art Glass and Karg Art Glass. Create your own terrarium at GROW Plant Bar or join a hands-on art class or culinary workshop at Mark Arts.
Hit the Bullseye
Maybe you’re ready to get a little rough and tumble on your date, if so, head to Blade & Timber or Axe to Grind where the competition heats up with axe throwing for you and your love. Rent a lane for just the two of you or make it a group date. Bring your own food, enjoy some cold beer and have a blast at this unique bar in Wichita.
If firearms are more your style, take your sweetie to Range 54, where you both can get in some target practice. The climate-controlled range is perfect any time of year for a fun, safe shooting experience.
Hunt for Hidden Treasures
Who doesn’t like a good bargain on old items? Antique shopping is a popular activity and can serve as a unique date option. Browse a curated collection of estate home furnishings from around the world at The Vault Collection. Find high-quality, vintage clothing at Dead Center Vintage. Head to Paramount Antique Mall or Generations Antiques & Artisans before your date to pick up the perfect gift for your significant other, or take them with you to hunt for hidden treasures. Make a game of it and look for the most valuable item at the lowest price.
While not antique, local retail shops in Wichita offer hours of fun shopping for handmade and handcrafted items. Find the perfect date night outfit at Aspen Boutique. Get your hands on products to pamper your sweetie at Bungalow 26. Treat your date to exclusive Wichita items at Hatman Jack’s, The Health Connection, The Spice Merchant & Company and The Workroom. Or enjoy handcrafted flavors at Old Town's Viva La Olive.
Feel Like a Kid Again
Take your darling to a place of fun and games at Exploration Place, where you’ll be able to partake in hands-on educational museum exhibits. Stop by Design Build Fly, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at the airplane manufacturing industry or check out their latest traveling exhibit.
Other area attractions like Botanica Wichita and Sedgwick County Zoo are just as fun for adults as they are for kids. Go down memory lane at The Original Pizza Hut Museum or Old Cowtown Museum. Additionally, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has Winter Animal Experiences to treat your date to one-of-a-kind animal encounters.
Get Moving
Learn to overcome challenges together at Bliss Climbing and Fitness, as the two of you scale a 38-foot top rope and lead climbing wall or 16-foot bouldering wall.
Get your heart rates up together at Boats & Bikes or with a Parkrun at Exploration Place. After you’ve worked up a sweat, head to Delano for a refreshing smoothie at Fartleks and stay for dinner in the charming neighborhood.
Explore nature at the Great Plains Nature Center, which includes Chisholm Creek Trail paths. Or seek out other Wichita trails, campsites and 140-plus parks and greenways covering more than 5,000 acres.
Hit your steps for the day by finding a variety of murals around Wichita, and visit your favorites with your own tour using this map of more than 100 murals that includes the mosaic mural “Personnages Oiseaux” by Joan Miró. You can also explore more of Wichita’s art scene by taking a tour of public art in the city.
If you are more traditional, try these other date night ideas or search our calendar for special events happening in Wichita in February and beyond. Romantic spots to enjoy a cocktail and breweries are in abundance in Wichita too.
