16 Romantic Date Ideas for an Evening in Columbus

Columbus couples, let’s—ordering takeout for the 7th time this month while half-watching something you’ve already seen isn’t exactly… sizzling. If your idea of romance has drifted into ‘meh’ territory, it’s time to bring the magic back.

This blog post isn’t just a list. It’s your go-to guide for dates that make you fall in love all over again (even if it’s just with a candle you poured yourself). Whether you’re into cozy, bougie, adventurous, or just something different—Columbus has your next unforgettable night ready.

Columbus Date Night Ideas: Start with a Private Chef at Home

Let’s kick things off with the most underrated flex of all time: a private chef in your kitchen. With CookinGenie, you pick the menu, and a personal chef comes over, cooks it all fresh in your home, and does the dishes.

You don’t have to do anything except light a candle and press play on your playlist. It’s a fancy dinner with no lines and no pants required (unless you want them). It’s best for anniversaries, birthdays, or just blowing your partner’s mind on a random Thursday.

Make Your Next Date Night Unforgettable!

Discover top romantic date ideas in Columbus. Whether dining in or exploring, find the perfect plan for every couple! Discover Your Perfect Date

Cute Date Ideas in Columbus, Ohio: Kayaking the Olentangy River

Feeling outdoorsy? Grab a tandem kayak and float down the Olentangy like the power couple you are. Paddle past trees, bridges, and geese who run the river. It’s peaceful and surprisingly romantic, providing just enough teamwork moments to keep things interesting—without the stress of assembling IKEA furniture.

Low-Key Competitive? This Date Night in Columbus, Ohio, Is for You

Columbus is cute, sure. But it’s also haunted. If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts and late-night ghost TikToks, this one’s a winner.

Join a spooky scavenger hunt downtown and explore the city’s eeriest spots together. Solve puzzles, hear ghost stories, and hold each other extra close when things get a little too real.

Date Night Columbus Ohio: Topgolf with a Side of Love

Even if you can’t hit the ball straight to save your life, Topgolf still delivers a 10/10 time. You get drinks, laughs, and an excuse to roast each other’s swings in the most loving way possible. Plus, if you win? Eternal bragging rights.

Fancy Feels and Romantic Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

Sometimes, you want to feel fancy. The Refectory is where that happens. French cuisine, candlelit tables, and live classical music = straight-up romance. This is the place you go when you want to dress up, clink wine glasses, and feel like characters in an old-school love story.

Fun Columbus Date Ideas: Glass Blowing at Glass Axis

Yes, you can blow molten glass together. It’s hot (literally) and intense (in the best way), and you end up with something you made together. This activity is adorable, different, and 100% cooler than just going to the movies again.

Smell the Love: Sweet and Fun Date Ideas Columbus, Ohio Style

Love smells like… bergamot and vanilla? You decide. At Penn & Beech, you build your signature scent, pour your candle, and take home a date-night souvenir you can light up later. It’s calm, cute, and filled with flirty ‘What scent are you picking?’ Energy.

Dates in Columbus, Ohio for Foodies

If you both love trying new food but hate making decisions (because WHY are there always too many options), Columbus Food Adventures has your back.

Join a walking food tour and eat through the city—neighborhood by neighborhood, bite by bite. Less pressure, more snacks, and someone else plans everything for you.

Solve the Mystery Together

Dinner, drama, and plot twists. Welcome to The Dinner Detective, where the person next to you might be part of the show. You’ll eat, investigate, and laugh through a whole evening of whodunnit chaos.

Couples’ Massage and Spa Day

Nothing says “I love you” like a hot stone on your spine and aromatherapy. Book a side-by-side massage, soak in a steam room, and float home in blissful silence. It’s low-key romantic and high-key necessary.

Shadowbox Live: Music + Sketch Comedy

For the couple who loves a little weird with their wine, Shadowbox Live is all about good times. It’s like SNL but local, live, and hilarious. Think bold performances, original music, and big laughs. 

Staycation at Le Méridien, The Joseph 

Need a reset but don’t want to leave the city? Check into The Joseph in Short North for room service, plush robes, and major main-character energy. Perfect for lazy lovers who still want luxe vibes. 

Wine & Design Nights 

Sip, swirl, and paint your heart out. These nights are for couples who don’t take themselves too seriously but want to get creative. Also, you get to keep your (possibly questionable) artwork. 

16-Bit Bar + Arcade 

Old-school games, cocktails, and much “Loser buys the next round” energy. If you’re into nostalgia, this is the vibe. Go for the Donkey Kong; stay for the Mario Kart trash talk. 

Drive-In Movie Night at South Drive-In 

Old-school romance never goes out of style. Snuggle in the car, share snacks and catch a double feature under the stars. Low effort, big feels. 

Scioto Mile Twilight Walk 

When you just want to stroll, talk, and watch the sunset reflect off the river, pack a drink, wear comfy shoes, and soak in the city skyline. It’s free, it’s sweet, and it’s kind of perfect. 

Your Columbus Date Night Just Leveled Up 

You don’t have to fly across the country or spend half your paycheck to plan a date night that hits hard. Whether you’re blowing glass, chasing ghosts, or eating a 5-star meal at home—Columbus delivers in the romance department. And if you want to knock it out of the park? 

Skip the stress. Book a private chef at CookinGenie.com and create the most personalized, intimate, chef-cooked date night Columbus has ever seen. 

Because the best date nights ideas in Columbus, Ohio, don’t start with a reservation; they start with you, your favorite person, and a little extra effort to make it count.