35 Fun Date Ideas in St. Louis, MO for 2025

Whether you are new to the dating scene or with a long-term partner, discovering unique date ideas in St. Louis is a great way to spark your relationship. However, learning about these ideas takes some time and a little research. 

Are you looking for an easier path toward finding new date ideas? Would you like to try a new venue or discover how to keep dates interesting even when working with a tight budget? We have compiled a list of some of the most exciting places and things to do in St. Louis. Continue reading and plan your next date idea in St. Louis. 

Jump to Section 

• Foodie Date Ideas in St. Louis
• Date Night Ideas in St. Louis
• Dinner Date Ideas in St. Louis
• Cheap and Free Things To Do in St. Louis for Couples
• Day Date Ideas in St. Louis
• First Date Ideas in St. Louis
• Indoor Date Ideas in St. Louis
• Romantic Date Ideas in St. Louis

Foodie Date Ideas in St. Louis

1. Cooking Class

For a fun date night idea in St. Louis, enjoy a customizable culinary experience. Cooking classes in St. Louis are fun, educational and interactive. With a five-star chef as your guide, cooking classes near you provide a unique opportunity to bond, encourage conversation and impress that special someone. Whether you are planning a first date or searching for something new to try as a long-time couple, this one is worth considering.  

2. Private Chef Meal

If a more intimate date idea in St. Louis is more your style, consider hiring one of the many private chefs in St. Louis. These are experienced professionals who prepare gourmet meals. They do all the shopping, handle all the prep, prepare the meals in your home and even manage clean-up duties. Private chefs near you can prepare meals based on regional favorites, international cuisine or special dietary restrictions and guidelines.  

3. Tour Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate

Touring Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is a unique date idea in St. Louis. Each tour promises an enchanting and indulgent experience that sweetens any romantic evening. The intoxicating aroma of cocoa wafts through the air as you and your partner explore the fascinating process of transforming raw ingredients into heavenly treats. 

The guided tour provides insight into the rich history of chocolate, its cultural significance and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each delectable creation. Visiting here is a delightful way to create lasting memories on a romantic date night in St. Louis.

4. Try the City’s Best Donuts 

How about a date idea in St. Louis that will please your sweet tooth? Pay a visit to Donut King for a delightful and whimsical experience that leaves a lasting impression. Located in the heart of the city, Donut King offers a charming ambiance adorned with colorful and playful décor. 

The setting is perfect for a carefree, casual and enjoyable evening. You and your partner will have a great time as you peruse the diverse array of freshly baked donuts in unique shapes and with fun toppings. 

Date Night Ideas in St. Louis

5. Sip and Swirl Wine Virtually 

Virtual wine tastings are on the list of unique date night ideas in St. Louis for couples who are busy or simply want a night at home. They bring the refined experience of wine tasting right to your living room educationally and interactively. 

Wine tastings include options for sampling different varietals and learning more about the wine regions. Each class is guided by a professional sommelier who gives you and your date a unique and educational date idea in St. Louis. 

6. Swing Dance With Your Love 

The West Coast Swing Dance Club is one of the largest swing dance clubs in the United States. Spending an evening there is a fun and active date idea in St. Louis. Options are available for beginner to advanced dancers, and there are even classes online if you want to prepare before your big night out. 

7. Paint and Sip 

Get creative with this date idea in St. Louis. Paint your masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette while you sip your favorite beverage. No art experience is necessary. Simply pick up a paintbrush, follow the step-by-step instructions and join in on one of the most fun things to do in St. Louis for couples. 

8. Watch a Cardinals Game 

Major League Baseball fans will have a great time at a Cardinals game under the lights. Take to the stands and root for the home team as they take one of their biggest rivals. This exciting date idea in St. Louis will score you major points with that sports-loving special someone. 

Dinner Date Ideas in St. Louis 

9. Set the Mood at Sidney Street Café

Romance is in the air at Sidney Street Café. Choose this date idea in St. Louis and find yourself in a spot that sets the mood for romance. The establishment features intimate booths, soft lighting and beautiful exposed brick. Chef Kevin Nashan offers a menu inspired by his Hispanic heritage, French training and passion for Midwestern and Southern ingredients.

10. Enjoy the View From the Loading Dock

When planning a romantic date night, there is nothing quite like a scenic spot to set the mood. The Loading Dock offers perhaps one of St. Louis’ most romantic views. The restaurant provides guests with a casual atmosphere and awe-inspiring views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Outdoor dining, seasonal ice skating and live music are all available, making for a fun and casual night out and date idea in St. Louis. 

11. Elevate Your Date Night at Commonwealth 

Commonwealth offers an elevated take on classic comfort foods. An evening here is a fun date idea in St. Louis for more selective palates or dates who prefer a homecooked meal. The restaurant maintains an authentic St. Louis architectural feel with art deco interior design. 

12. Keep it Casual at the Fox and Hounds

Hidden inside The Chesire Hotel, the Fox and Hounds Tavern is an intimate tavern perfect for a date idea in St. Louis. It is considered by many to be a hidden gem with cozy seating, an inviting stone fireplace and small-plate menu items. Order several and plan to share. If you are an adventurous couple, try a yard of ale. It is an authentic Fox and Hounds tradition! 

Cheap and Free Things To Do in St. Louis for Couples

13. Bike Ride Grant’s Trail 

Get your workout in with this date idea in St. Louis. Grab your bikes and head toward the Ulysses S. Grant Trail for 9.7 miles of cycling fun. The trail is considered easy to navigate and appropriate for all skill levels. It will take about three hours to complete. Grant’s Trail is flat, and you will see beautiful wildflowers while you bike. 

14. Marvel at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a beautiful church that holds a place in history. Couples can plan this St. Louis date idea to explore its architecture or attend a mass inside the cathedral. The mosaic collection is worth seeing and is considered one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Historical tours are available where you can learn about the construction of the Rome of the West.

15. Gaze at the Stars 

Located off Meadowfern Drive, Crestwood Park is a hidden gem and the perfect spot to gaze at the stars. Couples will find lots of open space to lay out a blanket, look upwards and enjoy the view. Throughout the year, the St. Louis Astronomical Society hosts free star-gazing parties where you can join others and enjoy a social St. Louis date idea. 

16. Walk and Browse Saint Charles 

Whether your love enjoys sightseeing and taking pictures of historic buildings or browsing stores for the latest fashion trends, a walk through the streets of Saint Charles is a casual St. Louis date idea that will inspire conversation. A self-guided tour of historic Main Street is available. The St. Charles Trolley runs a 30-minute loop through the streets for those who prefer to avoid walking. Hop aboard and have fun exploring!

17. Picnic on Art Hill 

Art Hill is one of Forest Park's most scenic spots and a beautiful place to picnic. Plan your next St. Louis date idea by packing a basket, grabbing a blanket and heading to the park. An interactive map is available to help you find the path to Art Hill. Enjoy the stroll to this particular spot hand-in-hand with that special someone. 

Day Date Ideas in St. Louis

18. Putt and Drive at Top Golf

Aim for the outdoor fields and enjoy a round of golf while you are safely indoors at Topgolf. You and your date can practice your golf game while enjoying this unique St. Louis date idea. A full bar and restaurant are available as well. 

19. Tour the St. Louis Art Museum 

Art enthusiasts will love this St. Louis date idea. Discover over 30,000 works of art, including contemporary and classic pieces, at the St. Louis Art Museum. The many exhibits include sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs. General admission is always free, and on Fridays, ticketed exhibits are also free of charge. 

20. Check Out Anheuser-Busch Brewery 

The Anheuser-Bush Brewery is more than just a place where beer is brewed. It is home to the Clydesdale carts and memorabilia. It is also a landmark historical spot in St. Louis. Plan a free one-hour tour for an insightful St. Louis date idea to educate you about the company, the city and much more. For beer enthusiasts, there is an option to sample some brews along the way. 

21. Get Wild at the Zoo 

The St. Louis Zoo is a wild place to view animal exhibits, see aquatic friends and enjoy many other attractions. Visiting here is one of the most fun date ideas in St. Louis. The zoo is adventurous, educational and ecologically minded. Guests can enjoy the grounds using a day pass or opt for an annual membership, making this a St. Louis date idea that you and your partner can enjoy again and again.  

22.  Visit the Butterflies 

A visit to Sofia M. Sachs Butterfly House is your opportunity to release a butterfly or enjoy a romantic breakfast amongst the butterflies. Consider adopting a butterfly as part of this St. Louis date idea for a long-lasting memory after your visit. The conservatory has as many as 80 species and almost 2,000 butterflies. This is one of the most convenient St. Louis summer date ideas as they offer extended hours that time of year. 

First Date Ideas in St. Louis

23. Head to the Top of the Gateway Arch

Embark on a romantic journey to the top of the Gateway Arch for this iconic St. Louis date idea. When you reach the top, you will enjoy some of the most stunning views of Gateway City. The journey is also educational as couples learn about the arch’s construction and the World’s Fair Ferris wheel.

24. Ride the Wheel 

After you take in the view from the Arch, plan another scenic St. Louis date idea and ride the St. Louis Wheel with your partner. It is a 200-foot-high observation wheel with enclosed gondolas where you can sit in a climate-controlled setting, snap pictures and take in the view. The wheel operates year-round, and riding it is one of the most memorable and fun date ideas in St. Louis.

25. See a Show at Fabulous Fox Theater 

The exquisite Fabulous Fox Theatre opened for the first time in 1929 and reopened in 1982. Attending a show here is the ideal St. Louis date idea for fans of live theatre, with the venue offering everything from Broadway shows to local comedians to touring musicians. Check the schedule and book a backstage tour for an incredibly memorable St. Louis date idea.

26. Spook Yourself Touring Lemp Mansion 

The Lemp Mansion is considered by many to be a spooky place to visit. It even makes the list of 10 Unusual Attractions to Visit in the Midwest. For a St. Louis date idea that appeals to fans of the paranormal, book a ghost tour or a spirits tour at this unique establishment. Fearless couples can book overnight accommodations in one of the four available guest rooms. 

Indoor Date Ideas in St. Louis

27. Learn About Mixology Virtually 

Online mixology classes are great for when you want to stay home with your other half. Each class introduces you to new drink recipes and provides ideas for mixing up classic cocktails. You and your date will also learn essential stirring and shaking techniques that help you mix drinks like a pro. This date idea in St. Louis also provides options for those who prefer to skip the alcohol and enjoy a mocktail instead. 

28. Explore the World Chess Hall of Fame

Do you enjoy games? Are you fascinated by history? Chess is one of the world's oldest games, and learning about it is a fun way to spend the day. Choose a visit to the World Chess Hall of Fame as a unique date idea in St. Louis that provides an opportunity to explore the fascinating game of chess and strategies players use worldwide. Be sure to snap a picture of the world’s most significant chess piece. Standing 20 feet tall, it was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2018. 

29. Throw Some Pottery 

Sign up for a single workshop for a fabulous date idea in St. Louis where you can make beautiful pottery together. South Broadway Art Project is the place to go. The venue offers fun clay date nights where you will learn wheel throwing and other pottery basics. Mug-making and pottery painting workshops are also available.

30. Blow Some Glass 

Heat things up with this date idea in St. Louis that keeps things fun and crafty. A night at Third Degree Glass Factory is a great way to learn an exciting skill and make a beautiful keepsake for you or your date. Reserve a spot in one of their glass-blowing classes, or if you are searching for more romantic date ideas, consider a private session for you and your date.

Romantic Date Ideas in St. Louis

31. Spend the Night at the Last Hotel 

The Last Hotel holds historical significance and architectural richness. This beautiful establishment sits in Downtown St. Louis inside the building that was once the International Shoe Company. Rooms are elegantly appointed, and the rooftop bar offers exquisite views. Visit the hotel for an extraordinary date idea in St. Louis or an overnight stay that will bring the romance back to any relationship.

32. Make Candles at Candle Fusion 

The Candle Fusion Studio offers an extraordinary experience for the senses. This date idea in St. Louis is ideal for couples who enjoy working together, learning a new skill or indulging in the warmth and scents of candles. Here, you can blend signature scents and pour custom soy candles. Walk-ins are always welcome, making this a tremendous spur-of-the-moment date idea in St. Louis.

33. Ice Skate at Steinberg Ice Skating 

Enjoy soft snow, sweet hot cocoa and a beautiful winter wonderland at the largest outdoor skating rink in the midwest, Steinberg Skating Rink. It is nestled in historic Forest Park, and an admission ticket is good for an entire day of skating.

Skate rentals and snacks are available on-site, making this a St. Louis date idea where you can stay and play all afternoon. In the summer, the ice rink turns into a roller rink, meaning you can skate with your other half in all seasons.

34. Catch a Movie at Tivoli Theatre

The charming and historic Tivoli Theatre is a fun place to enjoy a flick and a bucket of popcorn while you experience a classic date idea in St. Louis. The theaters here are smaller and more intimate than many modern venues, making a visit to Tivoli Theatre a romantic first date idea.

35. Smell the Flowers at Missouri Botanical Garden

Spend some time enjoying nature for your next date idea in St. Louis. Stroll through the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden and enjoy a romantic walk with plenty of time to stop and smell the flowers. A garden visit is ideal for a special occasion or a romantic proposal!

From food establishments to parks, museums, zoos and more, there are many great places to visit and exciting things to do in the Gateway City. Review your options with that special someone or plan a surprise to impress your new mate. Either way, you will have a great time exploring St. Louis. 

For even more ways to explore St. Louis and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.