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33 Unique Date Night Ideas in Pittsburgh

While the typical date might be dinner and a movie, you don’t have to look far to find unique date night ideas in Pittsburgh. This guide will get you started on a list of extraordinary things to do in Pittsburgh you may have missed or overlooked in your search for date night ideas. 

Whether this is a first date where you’re looking to make the perfect first impression or you want to knock the socks off the love of your life, these are among the top Pittsburgh date night ideas — though you can do plenty of these during the day, too.

1. Escape From Escape Room Pittsburgh

With several great options to choose from, Escape Room Pittsburgh offers plenty of potential as a great “let’s get to know each other better” kind of date night. The premise is simple — you get locked into a themed room with your date and have to use clues from your surroundings to make your escape. It can be an excellent evening for people who enjoy solving puzzles and playing games.

2. Go on a Tiki Cruise

While there are many exciting ways to view the city’s rivers, none offer the novelty of a Tiki Cruise of Pittsburgh. While you can take up to six people — making it a double or even triple date event — it can be a fun option for a couple and something the two of you will remember for years to come. The cruise itself takes two hours and gives you and your date an authentic island experience.

3. Build a Bear Together

While most people think of building bears as a child’s activity, it is the perfect date night experience. Whether you build matching bears or work to outdo the other, a trip to Build-A-Bear is a date night that can build memories you’ll cherish long after date night is over. As far as fun things to do in Pittsburgh go, this one is sure to score some points with anyone who is still a kid at heart.

4. Make It a Date at Pittsburgh Glass Center

One unique date idea in Pittsburgh is “Make-It-Now,” a category of glassblowing events at Pittsburgh Glass Center. The Make-It-Now Hot Date Night is a unique date night experience reserved for couples aged 21 and older and allows the two of you to sculpt, blow or fuse glass. While glass blowing is an art, beginners can do well at the activity. There are hors-d’oeuvres and drinks, along with live entertainment, afterward.

5. Give Your Date a Sweet Treat at the Milkshake Factory

Great for more than milkshakes, The Milkshake Factory is Pittsburgh’s premier destination for gourmet milkshakes. They offer handspun shakes, gourmet chocolates and a wide range of delightful ice cream and chocolate concoctions sure to please the chocolate lover in every couple. Enjoy a true soda fountain experience without going back in time with this fun date night outing.

6. Visit a Brewery

If you and your partner love sampling new beers and ciders, you can’t go wrong with a tour of Pittsburgh’s best breweries. Along the way, you’ll sip on delicious local brews in a few unique settings, including an old church. Here are a few ideas:

  • Cinderlands Warehouse: Located in Pittsburgh’s industrial Strip District, Cinderlands Warehouse features an expansive space that seats up to 350 customers and offers numerous games to make the experience even more fun. If you want some things to snack on with your beer, take a look at the menu for all kinds of appetizers, barbecue, pizza and other delicious bites.
  • Church Brew Works: A quintessential Pittsburgh experience, Church Brew Works offers various house-brewed beer options with traditional menu items, like pierogies and bratwurst, to match. This experience is all inside of an old church, giving you and your date something to marvel at as you enjoy the drinks and food.
  • Dancing Gnome Brewery: This brewery is known for its tasty pale ales, so it’s a great place to drink for anyone who prefers a lighter beer. Alongside the extensive list of brews, Dancing Gnome Brewery hosts different events and food trucks, so be sure to check out their calendar before going.

7. Dine Among the Trees

This one is located a bit outside of Pittsburgh, in Acme, Pennsylvania. Dine at the Tree Tops Restaurant for a unique dining experience tucked away in the trees. You can enjoy the view of the nearby trees from a table seat inside the restaurant or dine on the treehouse deck for a truly natural dining experience sheltered by the trees surrounding the restaurant. The views are outstanding, the food is first rate and the menu offers selections to meet a wide range of dietary needs.

8. Take Your Date to a Pirates Game

Although going to a baseball game isn’t always an extraordinary activity for couples to do, watching the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park is. Experiencing PNC Park on the North Shore with the backdrop of the city is nothing short of spectacular. Pair watching the Bucs play with Fireworks Night or Free Concert Night, and you have an even more unique baseball event as you “root, root for the home team.” To take it even further, consider booking the all-you-can-eat seats!

9. Enjoy the City’s Growing Food Scene

The city of Pittsburgh is on its way to becoming a destination just for the food — Anthony Bourdain visited in 2017 for a reason! If you and your partner are enthusiastic foodies, you can’t go wrong with having a romantic lunch or dinner at one of Pittsburgh’s most renowned eateries.

Apteka was listed on the New York Times’s 2022 Restaurant List — go there for renowned Eastern European vegan plates. Bar Marco is an intimate spot in the Strip District for Italian-inspired dishes, and Everyday Noodles in Squirrel Hill is a Chinese noodle shop that prepares the food in front of a window for your viewing pleasure. These are only a few examples — the city is filled with dozens more eateries that are worthy of a visit.

10. Attend a Steelers Game

Whether they’re having an excellent season or one less than spectacular, there’s no experience quite like attending a Steelers game with your special someone. Even if your date isn’t a fan of the game, one in-stadium experience at Acrisure Stadium can transform them. There’s nothing quite like the intensity of a live Steelers game and the thrill stemming from watching in the stands. Additionally, the before-the-game tailgate parties are an experience themselves. If both you and your date are big fans, you can bond even more over the experience.

11. Be a Tourist With Just Ducky Tours

While the Tiki Tours mentioned above offer an excellent opportunity to explore the Pittsburgh rivers, the Just Ducky Tours allow you to see the city from the eyes of a tourist on land and water. Sometimes, if you live and work in the city, you can forget how magical it can be and how many things there are to see, do and explore in the area. Just Ducky Tours remind you of the things you can do and help you get more out of your time in the city throughout the year.

12. Visit a Unique Museum

Though Pittsburgh has its share of traditional museums, most notably the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, it also has some unusual museums. Here are some of the most interesting:

  • Bicycle Heaven is the world’s largest bicycle collection museum.
  • The Living Dead Museum celebrates zombies in pop culture and is located where “Dawn of the Dead” was filmed.
  • Pinball Perfection is the region’s largest pinball collection museum.
  • Randyland is an art museum featuring the work of local artist Randy Gilson and is one of the most colorful public art landmarks in America.
  • The Mattress Factory is well-regarded for its famous installation work and features temporary and permanent installations from artists around the world.

13. Explore the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

Be kids for a day and explore the magic and wonder of exotic land, sea and air animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. This adventure is not just for kids or even the young at heart. It can be a truly romantic experience for couples! There are special events throughout the year, which allow you to enjoy the zoo during the evening hours, making it a great date night activity. Other special events include Zoo Brew, Penguins Parade and Animal Instincts Valentine’s Day dinner.

14. Give Your Date the Stars

Get an up-close view of the stars by visiting the Allegheny Observatory. This research facility is closed to the public except through its tour program. The tours are free, but reservations are required. Tours are available on Thursday nights from April 1 through November 1. They start at 8 p.m. and last until approximately 10 p.m. The temperatures inside the observatory are the same as outside, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the evening weather.

15. Travel Back in Time to a 1920’s Speakeasy

The William Penn Speakeasy is located in the historic William Omni Penn Hotel and allows visitors to explore the finest prohibition-era entertainment available a century later. Treat yourselves to a “noir” experience with the plush scarlet seating and the tin ceiling to enhance the atmosphere.

Tour the Cathedral of Learning

16. Tour the Cathedral of Learning

Located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland, the Cathedral of Learning is a historic skyscraper listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find the internationally recognized Nationality Rooms, which are 31 rooms built to commemorate the various communities that came together to build Pittsburgh. The rooms pay homage to numerous nationalities, including everything from Irish to Japanese to Yugoslav. All of the rooms are used as Pitt classrooms.

Schedule a guided tour of the Nationality Rooms for an interesting, educational date.

17. Rent a Lane at Keystone Shooting Center

You can rent a lane for target practice at Keystone Shooting Center as well as rent firearms and take classes to teach you and your partner the basics of firearm safety, care and more. Renting a lane or even enjoying virtual shooting at Keystone Shooting Center allows you and your partner opportunities to bond over a shared interest, introduce your partner to your interests, try something new together or even heat things up with a little competitive target shooting.

18. Elevate Your Adventure at ASCEND Climbing

ASCEND Climbing offers you and your date the opportunity to get active throughout your date. Whether your interests reside in bouldering, which is perfect for beginners just exploring rock climbing possibilities, or more advanced climbing skills and activities designed for experienced climbers, there’s something for everyone at this indoor climbing facility.

19. Enjoy an Event at Phipps Conservatory

While you, your date or both of you may have already been to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the historic landmark boasts a robust calendar of events throughout its 15 acres, 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Events include Tropical Sundays, the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show, interactive railroad exhibits and adult certification classes.

20. Spend Time in Point State Park

Located at the tip of the “Golden Triangle,” Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark and a great date location at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers. Bring a picnic lunch and plan for a day of adventure that may include biking, kayaking, fishing, strolling or kayaking. You can even bring along toys of your own for a nice game of Frisbee, catch and more. This is a date you and your partner may enjoy so much that you’ll want to experience it several times throughout the year.

21. Try Your Hands at Axe Throwing

If you’re looking for a great date night activity to allow you to stir up a friendly competition between the two of you, Lumberjaxes is a great idea. Beyond this, it’s fun for many couples to do something that isn’t dinner and a movie. Have a group of couples in mind? Plan a group axe throwing date!

22. Go on an Arcade Adventure

Arcade games are a lot of fun for people of all types. From old-school arcade games to modern classics, Victory Pointe Arcade delivers an authentic arcade experience designed to appeal to all. You and your date will find a wide range of game experiences, including pinball, driving games and video games to name a few. Plus, you can win fun prizes from your arcade game prowess. It’s a fun adventure to help you bond and go home with memorabilia to remember your night.

23. Take a Paddleboard Class

Who needs an ocean or lake when you have three rivers? Take a stand-up paddle boarding class at one of the many training organizations, including Stand Up Pittsburgh and Surf’s Up Adventures. This is a unique way to experience the city on the water, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

24. Attend 18+ Nights at Carnegie Science Center

Attending an 18+ Night at Carnegie Science Center allows you to explore some unique and adult-oriented themes, including party games and risky science experiments. These events are held throughout the year and appeal to a wide range of interests.

25. Ride Your Bikes on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

This 33-mile trail has segments on both banks of Pittsburgh’s rivers. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a winding, nonlinear trail with access to local area attractions, business districts and city neighborhoods. Along the trail, you’ll see educational interpretive signage calling out native wildlife, historical events and significant places. The trail is popular for recreation and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. Department of the Interior awarded it National Recreation Trail status in 2010.

26. Help Save the Birds at the National Aviary

What could be a more romantic date night experience than playing a small role in saving birds and protecting their habitats by visiting the National Aviary? Whether you’re both bird enthusiasts or you’re seeking another fun way to enjoy a unique date experience in and around Pittsburgh, the National Aviary is a great place to plan your adventure. There are various events planned daily as well as a calendar of unique events to explore so you can plan your trips according to the activities and adventures most appealing to you.

27. Ride the Duquesne Incline

If you like to explore history in action, you’re sure to love the Duquesne Incline, a century-old cable car offering a unique view of the city as you ride. While this is public transportation in Pittsburgh and not an amusement ride, you’ll find people from all walks of life, including students on field trips, adults commuting to and from work, and others just out for a day of shopping and adventure.

It’s unique to Pittsburgh, and a fun experience for those who have never tried an incline. There’s another incline to consider, as well — the Monongahela Incline. When you get to the top, talk a romantic stroll on Grandview Avenue on Mount Washington, where you can take in the spectacular views of downtown.

28. Go on a Sunset Dinner River Cruise

When the sun is dipping low in the sky, true magic happens on the water. Few places are better to explore this magic than on a sunset dinner cruise with the Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh. Enjoy delicious food, good wine and great music while the sun goes down on the river. If you’re 21 and over, you can consider wine tasting and moonlight dance cruises, as well. This is one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh at night.

29. Visit Iconic Movie and TV Show Locations

Over the years, Pittsburgh has slowly become a go-to place for shooting movies, whether they be indie student films or Hollywood blockbusters. If you and your date are movie lovers, why not check out some of Pittsburgh’s most iconic filming locations? Below are a few popular movies and TV shows that were filmed in Pittsburgh and where you can visit some of their filming spots:

  • “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”: Based on the book written by Pittsburgh native Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” features an iconic scene through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, which transitions to a stunning view of the city.
  • “The Silence of the Lambs”: Arguably the most famous horror movie of all time, the iconic holding cell scene in “The Silence of the Lambs” was filmed at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum. Sometimes, around the film’s original release date and Halloween, the museum shows a screening of the movie in the ballroom where the scene took place.
  • “The Dark Knight Rises”: The sequel to “The Dark Knight,” starring Christian Bale, was partly filmed in Pittsburgh at the Steelers’ home field, now known as Acrisure Stadium. Bane, played by Tom Hardy, destroys the field during a game between two fictional teams.
  • “The Fault in Our Stars”: Both a box-office phenomenon and a top-selling book, “The Fault in Our Stars” filmed its support group scenes, including the famous eulogy scene, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Lebanon.
  • “Fences”: Given that August Wilson is a Pittsburgh native, it makes sense that the film adaptation of his play, “Fences,” was filmed in his very own Hill District. There, you can visit the playwright’s childhood home.
  • “Adventureland”: Fans of the indie comedy and romance, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, will love to spend a day at Kennywood Amusement Park, which is where most of it was filmed.
  • “Night of the Living Dead”: If you and your date are up for a short road trip, head to Evans City, which is 30 miles north of Pittsburgh and is where the original “Night of the Living Dead” was filmed. Be sure to stop by Evans City Cemetery, where many of the scenes were shot.
  • “Mindhunter”: If you enjoyed David Fincher’s Netflix series, “Mindhunter,” you can explore a few of the TV show’s filming locations in and around the city. See Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, where several scenes were filmed, and Oaks Theater, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, to see where Debbie and Holden go on a date themselves.

These are just some ideas for planning a movie tour date in Pittsburgh — feel free to do your own research and tack on a few extra stops for your favorite flicks.

30. See a Penguins Game

From October through April, the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice as part of the NHL’s regular season. Head down to PPG Paints Arena to see famous hockey players take the ice. Beyond the action of the game, the arena offers tons of food and drink options, so it’s easy to turn any game into a memorable date night.

31. Attend a Steel City Roller Derby Match

Roller derby is gaining popularity across the country, and the Steel City is the perfect place to watch it. Take your date to a Steel City Roller Derby match and see for yourself why this is becoming such an exciting pastime for spectators. If you like what you see, you might even want to try your hand at it and eventually join a league together!

2. Go Roller Skating

Even if it’s been years since either of you stood on wheels, roller skating or blading is a great date idea. You can have a lot of fun rediscovering a long-lost love of roller skating or developing a newfound love for life on four wheels. Neville Roller Drome offers weekly opportunities for adult-only skating to make it a fun date night.

33. Take a Couples’ Cooking Class

Learn why food is the key to the heart with cooking classes at Crate. Crate offers advanced notice of upcoming cooking classes, so you can pick the classes most enticing to you, your taste buds and your culinary interests. You must register for classes in advance, as many classes sell out ahead of time.

Add Keystone Shooting Center to Your List of Date Night Activities

Add Keystone Shooting Center to Your List of Date Night Activities

As you can see, you have many options available to consider for unique date night ideas in Pittsburgh. We hope these have created an interest in stirring up romance and fun in your relationship, and we invite you to reserve your range time at Keystone Shooting Center to see what kind of date night excitement you can find with this adventure. Contact us online today to learn about your options, or call us at (412) 357-8000.

 

By far the best indoor range I have ever been to. Beats everything else in Pittsburgh by a longshot!
(Pun intended)

David M.

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