15 Summer Date Night Ideas in Toledo!!

Date Night!! The two words every couple looks forward to, especially those with kids. It means a night away from the kiddos, reconnecting with your spouse, and remembering why you fell in love in the first place. It is easy to get caught up in the responsibilities of adulthood & parenthood. That is why it is so important that you step away from it all for a few hours and have some fun, remember the fun, that thing you did before you had a job, mortgage, kids, you know before you had major responsibilities!?

Here are some FUN Date Night destinations you and your significant other are certain to enjoy:

1. Escape Game Experience  (Fallen Timbers, Maumee) and/or Trapped Toledo (Toledo)- Locked in a room with a group of friends or strangers; you must use your wits and the group’s collective knowledge to find hidden clues, solve daunting puzzles and overcome challenges to escape before time runs out. ​Are you ready?

2. Murder Mystery Dinners at Spaghetti Wharehouse–Audience participation in a live-action comic mystery! Enjoy the live performance with a complete package of a 3-course dinner, soft drinks, gratuity & tax included. The cash bar opens at 6:00.  The show starts at 6:30. All safety guidelines and practices are in place! Meal includes salad, fresh bread, choice of one entree, dessert, and soft drinks. Choice of one entree from 15 Layer Lasagna, Fettucine Alfredo, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Manicotti with Sauce.

3.  Dine alfresco on the BEST Patio in Toledo! Who doesn’t enjoy sitting out on a patio? Let’s be honest, when you are in direct sun with no breeze it can become uncomfortable quickly. The Docs downtown have a comfortable breeze coming off of the water, epic view, and shade!

The Docks in downtown Toledo have some of the best food & drinks, what do you have a taste for? Italian, Seafood, or Mexican cuisine? The Docks have all three but only one holds an epic view. El Vaquero at The Docks in downtown Toledo is literally the only restaurant that has a second-floor/story patio with a view of downtown Toledo, that also provides shade and a cool breeze off the water. That’s right, I said, second floor/story patio, it’s new and it’s perfection! They offer the BEST Happy Hour drinks, and they will even make you sugar-free if that’s what you please…checkout out that skinny girl Margarita, full of taste and totally guilt-free!

4.  Sandpiper–   The Sandpiper is a 100 Passenger cruise vessel located on the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio, and offers fun events throughout the summer and fall. Here are a few fun date night events they offer but be certain to check out their website for more!

Musical Dinner Cruise, Sunset & City Lights Cruise -This is a breathtaking experience! Cruise up the Maumee River and view stately homes, yacht clubs, and wildlife. Catch a sunset around Walbridge Park & return downtown after dark and experience the city lights shimmering on the water. Snacks included.

Cigar Cruises on the Sandpiper Check out the new developments along the riverfront and enjoy a 2-hour smoke on the river. Bring your own cigars! If you wish bring your own picnic or order a Marco’s Pizza delivered to the boat and bring your own beverages too!

5.  Toledo Museum of Art- enjoy an ever-changing combination of events for adults and families including free tours, activities, live music, glassblowing demonstrations, wine tastings, and more. Click here to view the calendar.

6. Art Loop– The Art Loop is presented in partnership with the arts and cultural institutions, organizations, and businesses of greater downtown Toledo and connects and highlights our city’s creative community and the unique culture of our downtown neighborhoods. 

7.  Jazz in the Garden at Toledo Botanical Gardens– Bring a blanket or chair and relax to smooth jazz nestled in the beauty of the Garden. A barbeque vendor will be on the grounds for food purchases, and bakery goods for sale on the grounds, & guests may bring food, wine, and beer. Cost: $10 for general admission & $5 for Metropark Members. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm. 

8. FREE Concerts on Saturday Evenings–FREE concerts at Ottawa Park Amphitheatre. Unwind on a warm Saturday evening as you enjoy great music performed by various local artists.  Each show features a fun musical theme…blues, British invasion, classic rock, etc. and admission is FREE!

9. Romantic Restaurants in Toledo– Enjoy a drink and the view at The Heights or one of the other 7 romantic restaurants. Each features a great summer menu! 

10.  Rainy Day Idea!– Escape Rooms, Arcade, & Lazar tag fun!! Click here for more info 

11. Attend a Festival/Event- Black Swamp Festival

12. Cleland’s-Archery range, Pistol range, lots of various events going on, be sure to check out the website for more info.

13. Ritter Planetarium– Located on the main campus of the University of Toledo, the Ritter Planetarium is your gateway to the Universe.  Outfitted with a state-of-the-art digital projector and 5.1 surround sound, the Ritter Planetarium is capable of transporting you through space and time to view the wonders of the Universe.   Click here for more info.

14. Mud Hens Game– Why not enjoy a good old-fashioned game of baseball? Let’s Go HENS!! Click here for schedule and ticket info

15. Sundance Kid Drive-In! Spend an evening under the stars at Sundance Kid Drive-In. The nostalgic 50’s 50-style drive-in, located across from Pearson Park in Oregon, features Digital Cinema projection and FM Stereo Sound. Two movies play on two screens April through October. Their concession stand has all your favorite treats prepared fresh daily. For times and showings

16. Music Under the Stars – FREE outdoor concert at the zoo!

Enjoy summer evenings, sitting in the historic Amphitheatre, listening to live music while surrounded by family, friends, and…the entire animal kingdom!

We are excited to highlight the many musical talents found in popular bands throughout our region and for this long-standing Toledo tradition to return!

FREE concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. on select Sundays…Click here for more details

Here are a few suggestions to make your date night more economical:

• Whenever possible have family or friends watch your kiddos, perhaps even consider starting or being part of a babysitting co-op. 
• Save up! Set aside a decided amount of money each week, say, $10 dollars, and at the end of the month, you have $40 for your date night. Date Night can happen no matter what your budget is, it may mean sacrificing your lattés or convenience store purchases, but it is worth it!
• Inquire about possible coupons and deals; some places have deals on certain days

Enjoy your time out, put your phones away, give each other your undivided attention, and most important, HAVE FUN!!