18 Adventurous Date Nights to Plan Now

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With school activities, homework and household chores, it’s hard to find time for a date night. So hard in fact, that many parents call drinking a glass of wine while watching the news together a “date.” Well, no more. Whether you’re looking to take your dinner and a movie routine to the next level or want something completely different, we’ve put together 18 unique date night experiences to try now. Call the sitter and keep reading!





photo: Flatstick Pub


Flatstick Pub




Random fact: a "flatstick" is slang for a golf putter. At Flatstick + Pub, couples can combine one of America’s favorite activities with a bar. Each Flatstick Pub location has a similar look and feel highlighting the art of local artist, Ryan ‘Henry’ Ward. But each offers a unique and completely different experience. Whether in Kirkland or Seattle, expect to find a highly creative nine-hole course with various “water hazards” and obstacles to avoid like beer kegs or whimsical creatures. 

Date night bonus: Flatstick Pub is also home to the original Duffleboard, a tabletop version of mini golf. This twist on the game was created by the owners of the pub and requires a special handheld putter. This game is just as simple and can be played by people of all skill levels. Score!

Good to know: All three Flatstick locations offer beer, wine, cider and soft drinks and will most certainly offer a good time. However, if you'd like to enjoy a meal with your game, the South Lake Union location is the best choice as it features a restaurant overseen by Ethan Stowell Restaurants featuring brick oven pizzas and pub classics such as chicken wings, jalapeño poppers and fried mushrooms.

15 Lake St. Suite 100
Kirkland, WA 98033
425-242-1618
Online: flatstickpub.com/kirkland

240 2nd Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-682-0608
Online: flatstickpub.com/pioneer-square

609 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-258-4989
Online: flatstickpub.com/south-lake-union

Hours and prices vary by location.







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photo: Pattison's West


Pattison's West




Remember when roller skating was cool? It still is at Pattison's West, only now you can hang out with the cool kids during Adult Skate Nights. If it has been a while since you last laced up a pair skates, you'll be surprised to see how much things have changed.

Boasting as being one of the highest regarded skating rinks in America, Pattison’s West features a state-of-the-art music sound system, LED lighting and a super smooth maplewood rotunda skate floor. (We're not exactly sure what that is, but it sounds impressive!) The first Saturday of every night is set aside for Sip & Skate Nights featuring what Pattison's calls an adult variety of music and adult beverages"(beer and wine) giving a new meaning to "snack bar." The rink also offers Adult Rhythm Skate Nights on Sundays and Wednesdays featuring R&B, Fund, House and Hip Hop music.

34222 Pacific Hwy S.
Federal Way, WA  98003
253-838-7442
Online: pattisonswest.com/sip-n-skate

Sip and Skate Hours: 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Adult Skate Hours: Wed., 8:15 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 8:15 p.m.-11:30 p.m.









photo: Ocean 5


Ocean5




Have a fun date night and help protect sea life at the same time; that is the goal of Ocean5. Named after the five great oceans of the earth, this entertainment hub goes above and beyond bringing sustainable practices to the entertainment industry, including decorating with carpets made from recycled fishing nets and using locally sourced and reused building materials. However, they know that having fun is just as important.

Laser Tag is a really big deal here. Ocean5 features a two-story laser tag arena that can accommodate up to 40 people per game! (Not that you would bring 38 people on your date night, but it's nice to know that you could.) They offer both regular 10 Pin Bowling as well as Duckpin where everything is the same but smaller. Psst! Fans of the sport think it's twice the fun. The game room here also features over 50 classic games and after 10 p.m., it’s adults only. Score! 

Good to know: Ocean5 offers special events like Paint & Sip nights, rock 'n' roll bingo, concerts, football Sundays, Wine Down Wednesdays, comedy nights and more. Also located on the Ocean5 premises is Table 47, a restaurant, bar, coffee lounge combo featuring over 40 beers and wine on tap as well as specialty cocktails. The food is special, too. Diners can expect to find pulled pork sliders, crispy Brussels sprouts, flatbreads, burgers, Chimichurri steak, baja shrimp tacos and more on the robust menu. 

5268 Point Fosdick Dr.
Gig Harbor, WA  98335
253-857-7529
Online: o5social.com

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 3 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 9 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.









photo: Lawless Forge


Lawless Forge




The only thing hotter than molten steel is smashing that metal into lifetime memories. Wait, isn’t that also called blacksmithing? For date night? Sure! This is all about playing with fire and gigantic tools (the kind of thing your six-year-old dreams about) and making stuff like horseshoe knives, bottle openers and garden art. Or use your creativity and immortalize your beloved in iron. Impress guests with a medieval cheeseboard and knife, or bust out chop sticks and wasabi bowls that look like props from Game of Thrones. Anything’s possible. If you can think it, you can forge it. No phones, no computers. Just fire, hammers and gloved hands. And anvils, don’t forget the anvils.

What started one weekend with friends forging knives from railroad spikes (as one does) became an inspiring bonding activity for Seattle creatives and couples who want to build something everlasting. (Metaphor alert!) Lawless Forge transports participants to an old-world blacksmith shop...except with electricity and indoor plumbing. Picture the village smithy now with his crystal ball: “They want to pay? To be a blacksmith?!” Oh yes. Yes we do. Pass the tongs!

Lawless Forge
3600 E. Marginal Way S., Studio 8
Seattle, WA 98134
814-441-1909
Online: lawlessforge.com

Hours: Mon.-Sun., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (by appointment only)










photo: Vertex Arena



Vertex Arena




The goal of Vertex Arena is to connect people through the power of play and provide experiences that are both engaging and healthy by actually encouraging people to move around. They say that people who come here get a chance to “express their true inner eccentric through jump and movement, connect with their fellow man through lighthearted competition and relax with a shareable food experience.” You can’t beat that!

Vertex Arena is also a place to feel like a kid again with a variety of trampolines, Nerf guns, bows and arrow, dodge ball a ninja course and virtual reality chamber. Who wouldn’t want to freefall into a pool of foam squares, play a game of basketball while bouncing off of a trampoline, play a game of tag with Nerf products or balance on an obstacle course?

Good to know: Recharge at the Sideline Restaurant & Bar featuring freshly made thin crust pizzas, sliders, sandwiches, fish & chips, chicken wings and more, plus a list of beverages that range from Jones Soda to craft cocktails.

10700 231st Way N.E.
Redmond, WA 98053
425-728-7298
Online: vertexarena.com

Hours: Mon.-Tues. 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; Wed., noon-9 p.m.; Thurs. 3 p.m.-9 p.m,; Fri., noon-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.









photo: Pacific Science Center


PacSci at Night




Science can be sexy at “PacSci at Night,” the special collection of Pacific Science Center events aimed at the 21+ crowd. Here you can try virtual reality, enjoy a craft beer before watching the latest IMAX feature film release and check out all of the fun exhibits you wanted to see the last time you were visiting with your children but didn't want to look foolish.

Good to know: Special events are planned each month at PSC, including happy hours, Brewology mixers, "Science in the City” talks, Laser Dome shows and the 4th Dimension virtual reality experience. A variety of parties are also held throughout the year, including their larger-than-large New Year's Eve party. Purchase a PacSci Fusion membership which will give you the biggest bang for your buck. It's a great deal, but doesn’t include babysitting.

200 2nd Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-443-2001
Online: pacificsciencecenter.org/night









photo: Gallaghers’ Where-U-Brew


Gallaghers’ Where-U-Brew




Beer. Seattle makes it, everyone drinks it, the world is a better place. But what if we could somehow unlock the code to this elusive elixir and procure the formula to the divine drink from the beerluminati? Gallagher’s Where-U-Brew is the place to turn ale-centric aspirations into liquid delights. Call ahead of time to reserve a kettle. The first consultation takes two hours—perfect for date night. Brainstorm with the friendly Gallagher’s staff and specify a blend. Then, name check your favorite, is it a mellow amber, crisp pilsner, dark ale or dry-hopped IPA? Gallagher’s will help translate your mouth's wishes into an action plan.

Two weeks of fermentation later: boom, bottling! Be there to lovingly pour every ounce into every bottle, taking full ownership of your alcoholic ambrosia. A full batch provides 135 bottles of farm fresh brew to accompany visitors home—more than enough to last a week or three! So the next time the kids are buggin’ let them know, for date night, Mommy and Daddy made a secret home brew. And now we’re gonna drink it. 

Gallaghers’ Where-U-Brew
180 W Dayton St., Ste 105
Edmonds, WA 98020
425-776-4209
Online: whereubrew.com

Hours: Tues.-Fri., 2 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays.









photo: Bowlero


Bowlero/Garage Billiards & Bowl




Bowling has changed a lot since Fred and Barney’s bowling league days. And Bowerlo has helped to change the recreational sport’s image with the exception of those shoes. Today, these centers feature the latest technology in bowling but with a retro feel. It’s hip without being silly. The lounge areas and sports bars feature oversized shareables and signature cocktails. And the Lynnwood and Tukwila locations features 40 lanes and arcade games for the kid in you. The Garage Billiards & Bowl location is slightly smaller with just 20 lanes, but also features 25 pool tables, outdoor seating and a fire pit. 

Bowlero Lynnwood
1222 164th St. S.W.
Lynnwood, WA  98087
425-743-4422
Online: bowlero.com/location/bowlero-lynnwood

Bowlero South Seattle
100 Andover Pkwy. W.
Tukwila, WA 98188
206-340-2263
Online: bowlero.com/location/bowlero-south-seattle

Garage Billiards & Bowl
1130 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
206-322-2296
Online: bowlero.com/location/garage

Hours and prices vary by location.









The Field Trip Society




We experience pangs of envy when the kids go off to the Seattle Aquarium and MoPOP and MOHAI. They get to spend the entire day learning and exploring and wondering. Why do kids get to have all the fun? Enter Field Trip Society, experiential event planners who produce academic excursions for adults. Their motto is “Semper Quaerens” (Always Searching) and that translates to a mind-boggling array of potential outings for curious couples who love to learn. Want to acquire the knowledge of how to make pies, or the history of caviar, or how to forage for mushrooms, or fly fish, or star gaze? Field Trip Society has you covered. No permission slip required!

The Field Trip Society locates passionate experts who are excited to convey their know-how to eager acolytes. Small class sizes and informal classrooms make it fun for everyone. Frequent venues include pubs and restaurants, because if you’re going to learn to macrame, wood-fired pizza and a glass of Syrah couldn’t hurt.

Field Trip Society
206-739-7267
Online: fieldtripsociety.com









photo: Salsa N’ Seattle


Salsa N’ Seattle




Nothing that can be enjoyed in public is more intimate or sensual than dance. Join Victor and Julia on a sexy, global dance tour while wooing your mate like you’re still freshmen on the Ave. Salsa is the inspiration for this studio but if that doesn’t convince, choose from Bachata, Bollywood, Hip Hop, Kizomba, Mixxedfit and more. Salsa classes run as a four-week series; couples can join on the first or second class of any series and the first class at the studio is always free!

Impress your mate with your knowledge of Bachata or Kizomba. Bachata is an African/European rhythm that originated in the Dominican Republic. It accents salsa moves and creates a whole new vibe without being intimidating. Kizomba—and who doesn’t want to say Kizomba—was created in Angola, part traditional Angolan semba and part zouk music from the French Caribbean. It is both a dance and music style and encourages close partner connection. Cue sparks flying!

Good to know: Julia and Victor, from St. Petersburg and Mexico City, are charming and welcoming, and have been teaching salsa since they opened. They invite guests to have fun, meet interesting people and learn from the most talented instructors teaching dance! When you step into their studio, prepare to enter a world of global dance culture and international mystery…right here in Seattle.

Salsa N’ Seattle
2000 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98144
206-785-3309
Online: salsanseattle.com









photo: Mox Boarding House


Mox Boarding House




If you're a game player–any type of game player–you’ve got to visit Mox Boarding House. It’s a perfect venue that can accommodate any type of date whether it’s just you and your significant other, a double date or even (sigh) a date night out with the kids. No really. This place features every kind of board or role-playing game you can imagine. Simply check them out from their library for free while dining in their full-service restaurant or enjoying drinks in the bar or a simple dessert for two. And if you fall in love with the game, you can purchase it in their retail store. Just remember, the one who wins the game has to put everything back in the box like you found it.

5105 Leary Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA 98107
206-523-9605
Online: moxboardinghouse.com/seattle

13310 Bel-Red Rd.
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-326-3050
Online: moxboardinghouse.com/bellevue

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-midnight 









photo: Dusty Strings


Dusty Strings




Always wanted to play drums, bass or drumandbass? Dusty Strings is where souls soar on the wings of music. Grab your partner and find your mutual melody. Dusty Strings gives group and private lessons for the musically inclined or curious. Choose from autoharp, banjo, bass, bodhran, bones, bouzouki, button accordion, concertina, dobro, fiddle and violin, flute, guitar, hammered dulcimer, harmonica, harp, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, pennywhistle, piano, songwriting, ukulele and voice and singing (move over karaoke!). Whew!

Hold hands, take a deep breath and brave a group class. They are fun, welcoming and stress-free. In this safe group environment, couples bring their instruments and dive in, gaining confidence playing music together. Teachers might encourage an electronic tuner, picks, staff or TAB paper, a capo, music stand, foot stool, recording device or other items. No idea? No problem. Just call or email the friendly staff and tell them you are a musical noob and they will guide you.

Good to know: Private lessons provide the most individual attention. And they’re the best choice if you prefer learning two-on-one. Any place that advertises for hammered dulcimer makers is sure to be intriguing. The best part is choosing from a vast list of obscure instruments and giving them a try with someone you love. Isn’t being a couple all about making beautiful music together?

Dusty Strings
3406 Fremont Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-634-1662
Online: dustystrings.com









photo: Todd Gardiner


Jet City Improv




If your partner in crime’s sense of humor is part of your attraction, get in line for the Jet City Improv’s weekly Monday night Improv Dojo class, where comic artists (experienced and beginners) exercise their funny bones on stage with a bunch of strangers. Each week’s drop-in class (it caps at 18 performers) features a different teaching artist, all of whom work at Jet City, and a different topic to be explored. Past classes have included playing with courage, developing a character and storytelling boot camp. But no matter what class you land in, you’ll stretch the limits of your dramatic range by being both audience member and active participant in the evening’s plans.

Jet City Improv
5510 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-352-8291
Online: jetcityimprov.org/classes/dojo

Hours: Mon., 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.). View upcoming classes here.
Cost: $12/person; $36 punch cards available for four admissions 









photo: Truc Allen Media


Stone Gardens




Let’s face it: no matter how athletic and active you were before kids, having a Little or two at home makes workouts just a tad more, well, work. Why not grab your spandex and your sweetie and head to Stone Gardens’ Ballard or Bellevue location for an exciting evening helping each other balance, stretch and climb your way to the top? Dubbed “The Climbers’ Gym,” Stone Gardens offers 2.5 hour Climbing 101 classes three nights a week (Mon., Wed. & Fri. from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) and two afternoons on the weekends (Sat. and Sun. from 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m.), where you will learn the basics of rock climbing, including climbing safety checks and belaying (climber-speak for managing the climber’s rope).

The student-teacher ratio is always 4:1, absolutely no experience is necessary and all gear can be rented on site. Mamas, are you worried you may not have the upper body strength to climb successfully? You have no need to fret because we’re told climbing is less about muscle and more about balance and problem-solving, skills we moms have in spades! The best news is, all classes include a two-week membership that will allow you (and maybe your kids, next time) to come back and test out your mad climbing skillz. What better and fun way to get your sweat on with your significant other?

2839 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
206-781-9828
Online: stonegardens.com/seattle

15600 N.E. 8th St., Ste. C-1
Bellevue, WA 98008
425-644-2445
Online: stonegardens.com/bellevue

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: $55 (includes 2 week membership to both locations)










photo: Jessica P. via Yelp



Hot Stove Society




Let’s face it–cooking after having kids sometimes falls into the same ho-hum category as laundry, unloading the dishwasher and vacuuming Cheerios out of the minivan. Luckily, the wide (as in enormous) variety of jaw droppingly delicious cooking classes at Hot Stove Society will turn ho-hum into hot tamale in seconds! Founded by beloved Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas (who sometimes shows up to teach a class), Hot Stove offers the freshest, fun and most downright delicious cooking classes this side of Le Cordon Bleu, at a fraction of the price.

Classes such as Potsticker Love with Hsiao-Ching and Knife Skills will bring your cooking game up a notch, but we’re partial to the classes that let you snuggle up with an adult beverage (and your favorite adult) while you cook. Along with classes like Wine Press and Tom Douglas’ World Famous Triple Coconut Cream Pie, you really can’t go wrong planning the perfect date night with Hot Stove Society.

Good to know: Classes fill up quickly, so if you see a class that sounds interesting sign up now!

2000 4th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
206-448-8600
Online: hotstovesociety.com

Hours: Classes take place on various days and times and rates vary. Click here for the list.









photo: Michael Doucett


Teatro ZinZanni




Admittedly, there are nights when finding the energy to participate in a class is too much for busy parents. For those nights, when you just want to watch someone else do the work (and who could blame you!), take in the latest and greatest Teatro ZinZanni production—a three-hour playful romp with plenty of whimsy, joy and LOL moments to last you until your next date night. During a Teatro ZinZanni experience, you and your better half get to enjoy the comedy, songs and aerial arts of this over the top, under the big top production that includes a decadent meal and wine flights, as well talented performers who might have you rethinking your day job. Our favorite part? The real-life couples who perform in the show. See if you can spot them from your seats! Three cheers for wishful thinking!

Teatro Zinzanni
14200 N.E. 145th St.
Woodinville WA 98072
Ticket office: 206-802-0015
Online: zinzanni.com/seattle









photo: Jeff Totey


Seattle Donut Boat Co.




Because picnics in the grass are so yesterday, impress your significant other with an experience he or she will never forget. The Seattle Donut Boat Company offers one of the most unique and easy ways to wine and dine across Lake Union. These boats are so easy to operate, no skipper is required (although we aren't going to lie, keeping the boat headed in a straight path can be a challenge) and while they make for a nice romantic afternoon out on the water, these little guys will actually seat up to six people quite comfortably. It's best to make a reservation ahead of time, so Chief Donut Officers John and Steve or one of their friendly crew can get you and your party aboard and sailing away within ten minutes.

Traveling at a top speed of four miles per hour, these donut boats operate with a super-quiet electric motor. Don't expect to get anywhere fast (it will take you about 45 minutes to get from the dock to Gas Works Park) and don't plan on docking anywhere. But that's not the point, is it? Whether you choose to go as a group or just the two of you, you'll sit quite comfortably with the padded seating and the wide umbrella on top that can be opened or shut depending on your preference. On chilly days, the Donut crew will even offer you a blanket or two before you go.

There really aren't any rules during your two-hour excursion. We recommend packing a picnic and taking along some tunes. Heck, bring the dog along if you'd like. And be sure to swing by the many houseboats. Just remember to keep a healthy distance away from the water planes coming and going on Lake Union. A weekday outing is the best as there is little boat traffic and the water is calm, but really, any time is a good time to take a donut boat ride.

Seattle Donut Boat Co.
1001 Fairview Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-719-1773
Online: seattledonutboat.com

Dates: Mid-March to end of September
Times: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1 p.m.-3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. (one hour Sunset Cruise)
Cost : $200 for two hours or $125 for a one-hour sunset cruise










photo: Vladimir G. via Yelp



Cycle Saloon




As if you needed yet another reason to drink beer, the folks at Cycle Saloon have found one for you. This crazy contraption seats 16 guests who peddle around the streets of Ballard on various pub crawls or brewery tours. It will surely make your kids jealous, but tough nuggets kiddos, mom and dad need their exercise!

Despite its name, riders don’t actually drink and drive (drinking on the bike is the same as drinking in public and carries all the same consequences under the law). But during this excursion, you don’t have worry about driving at all. That's because each oversized bike comes with its own driver. There are five pedaling seats on each side of the vehicle, a bench in the back that seats three non-pedaling guests and one standing spot in the middle for what they've deemed for the “dancer.” And guess what? You can bring any food and non-alcoholic beverages aboard as well.

Beginning and ending at 4425 Shilshole Ave. N.W., party tours run daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round; though the summer months are the busiest times. You can book individually or as a group. Just remember...all riders must at least 21 years of age and all peddlers need to be at least 5’3”.

And if that wasn’t enough, the company also operates the Cycle Saloon Pontoon which operates with the same principle on water taking you around South Lake Union. Although dubbed the "booze cruise,” the pontoon doesn’t make any stops for liquor during its 1.5 hour tour. Even so, you still must be 21 to hop aboard.

The Cycle Saloon
206-651-3995
Online: thecyclesaloon.com

Cost: Cycle Saloon is $30/person or $360-$400 for a full bike; Cycle Saloon Pontoon is $375-$425 for a full pontoon

—Jeffrey Totey, Natalie Compagno & Allison Sutcliffe

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#Valentine’sDay #CouplesClassesSeattle #ThingsToDo #IndoorFun #OutdoorFun
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