Whether it’s a special occasion or a chance for time without the kids, there are plenty of safe, fun ways to spend a date night (or a whole day) in Wichita. With so many things to do here in the largest city in Kansas, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down your choices. We’re here to help.
From casual outings to romantic getaways, here are six Wichita date night ideas – each in a different part of the city.
Westside Wanderlust
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a wetlands habitat at the Pracht Wetlands Park. As you stroll along the elevated boardwalks, be on the lookout for migratory birds, muskrats, frogs and many other wildlife species. The comfort awaiting you at Hampton Inn by Hilton Northwest is just steps away from the park. This modern hotel features spacious rooms and a firepit facing the wetlands park. In the morning, enjoy brunch (and a homemade pop tart) at Homegrown Wichita – West before heading out for wildlife encounters at either the Sedgwick County Zoo or Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Plan ahead and impress your date by booking an animal encounter or behind-the-scenes experience.
Eastside Rendezvous
Take a walk along the outdoor shops and restaurants at Bradley Fair. During the fall months, enjoy the changing colors of the leaves near Bradley Fair Lake. Or during the holidays, get swept away on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Wine and dine at Newport Grill, serving contemporary American, or YaYa’s Eurobistro, serving savory new European-American food – both in elegant settings with great outdoor seasonal spaces. Sample the sweets at Bakesale Treat Parlor and shop for matching electric bikes at Pedego Wichita. End the evening with a wine and chocolate pairing in the lounge at Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates before enjoying a quiet, relaxing lakeside stay at Hilton Garden Inn – Bradley Fair.
Farm-to-Table Treasures
Slow down and enjoy a local meal with your beloved. Walk hand in hand along the brick-lined streets of Wichita’s Old Town District and make your way to the intimate dining room at Public. They specialize in fresh, regionally sustainable ingredients in their hand-crafted dishes. Just north of Wichita is Grace Hill Winery, where you and your date can enjoy a tasting to sip on local wines and tour the vineyard, winery and cellar to see the journey from vine to wine. If you're looking for a romantic setting for breakfast or lunch the next day, make your way to First Mile Kitchen and savor seasonal cuisine from their live-fire hearth.
Riverwalk Romance
Book a stay along the Arkansas River at either the Hyatt Regency Wichita or the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, where right from the doors of your hotel you can walk together along the river. Another great option just a few blocks west of the river is Home2 Suites by Hilton Wichita Downtown Delano. From any of these locations, you can easily make your way to the magnificent suspension bridge over the Arkansas River to explore the Keeper of the Plains Plaza. If adventure is what you seek, rent a kayak from Boats & Bikes and see the Keeper and downtown Wichita like you’ve never seen them before! From there, make your way to the Delano District where you can find local shops including Bungalow 26 and Hatman Jack’s. Enjoy a couples massage and other therapeutic services at Bohemia Healing Spa before dinner and drinks on the patio at Monarch.
Downtown Date Night
Impress your date with a night at the state’s only AAA Four Diamond property: Ambassador Hotel Autograph Collection. Even if you don’t venture afield, the Ambassador offers a complete upscale getaway: make a reservation at Siena Tuscan Steakhouse for an exceptional dining experience and head to the subterranean, speakeasy-style Dockum for expertly handcrafted cocktails. It’s convenient to explore Downtown Wichita from the Ambassador, too. You’ll have easy access to public art, dining and entertainment, including live performances at Roxy’s Downtown, French Mediterranean cuisine at Cafe Bel Ami, local flavors at Tor Brewing or Jenny Dawn Cellars, handcrafted cocktails at Botanic at GROW Giesen Plant Shop or rowdy fun at Axe to Grind, Let’s Smash, Blade & Timber and Kiss My Axe! Throwing.
Old Town Tour
Check out several of Wichita’s craft breweries in a fun, safe outing aboard Brew Wagon Tours, Wichita’s only local brew bus tour. They’ll drive, so you both can imbibe while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the local craft scene. You’ll finish with time to enjoy dinner, so ask for pick-up and drop-off in Old Town. You’ll have plenty of options, from upscale cuisine in a casual setting at Larkspur Bistro & Bar to from-scratch bistro classics at The Kitchen or Sabor Latin Bar and Grille, all featuring excellent outdoor patios. Or opt for dinner and a show at Mosley Street Melodrama. While in the district, stroll through the brick-lined streets and stop in local shops Lucinda’s and Uniquities Home. Sample the many flavors and catch live music at Mort’s Martini & Cigar Bar or, if it better fits your style, head farther into the Douglas Design District to check out one of Wichita’s favorite dive bars, Lucky’s Everyday, or the immersive tiki bar Lava & Tonic. When you’re ready to call it a night, settle into a historic suite at Hotel at Old Town.
If these geography-based date nights don’t pique your interest, take a look at our themed date ideas. Or if you want to build your Wichita date night around a special event or Valentine's Day, check the calendar of events to see what’s happening during your specific dates.
