GROUPON GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY

Fun Date Ideas in NYC for Unforgettable Experiences

by Our Editors | 20 September 2022

It probably shouldn’t be the case, but the fact is that there’s a ton of pressure in coming up with fun, creative date ideas. Where to go? What to do? How to tell mom it’s not cool if tag along? Well, with our list of fun date ideas in NYC, you’ll have plenty of new, unique options for you and your SO.

Recreate THE Most Romantic Movie Scene of All Time

Who could ever forget that famous, romantic pottery-wheel scene in Naked Gun 2 ½: The Smell of Fear? Jokes aside, there are few date ideas as cute, or as creative, or that are as good for bonding as a pottery class. At Zelda’s Art World in Brooklyn, they can also fire and glaze your piece, so you’ll have a special, custom keepsake to treasure together.

Pottery Class Deals in New York City

Fuggeddabout Being Bored at the Museum

Save The Met for when the fam visits. For a unique date idea, go carousing with infamous mob bosses, Prohibition-era gangsters, and serial bank robbers at the Museum of the American Gangster in the East Village. Just finding the museum can feel a bit conspiratorial, as it’s housed in a old speakeasy on St. Mark’s Place, behind a black metal gate and up a flight of stairs.

Museum Deals in New York City

Listen to the Only True American Art Form

There’s a sophistication to the scene at a jazz club that’s missing at other live music venues. Maybe it’s the passion of the artists on stage, or the sharp-dressed clientele, or the dark, intimate setting. No matter the reason, for a cool date idea, don't miss one of the more legendary clubs in Manhattan, Live Jazz at Birdland in Midtown. It’s where Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, Coltrane, Monk, Dizzy, Miles and more once called home.

Jazz Club Deals in New York City

DIY a Romantic Candlelit Dinner

This date is a two-fer. Date number one is a candle-making workshop (you can’t go wrong with Candle Maker by Yaymaker at multiple locations), where you craft custom candles from wax, scented oils, and other decorative elements. The second date: when you light the candle for a special home-cooked meal.

Classes & Hobbies Deals in New York City

Arts, Theater & Shows Deals in New York City

Go Where the Magic Happens

Does magic really exist? Not sure, but you tell us where that rabbit came from. And why is there suddenly a gold coin under my tongue? Call us suckers, but we LOVE a good magic show. And what relationship couldn’t use a lil bit of magic? Most shows will feature headliners performing on stage, with magicians roaming the tables in between to dazzle with sleights of hand and other illusions. In New York City, you can’t go wrong with the talented tricksters at Times Square Magic.

Theater & Show Deals in New York City

Throw Axes at Things

Things meaning targets—specifically, special wooden targets, complete with bullseyes. It’s like darts, but for recovering lumberjacks. In a 75-minute axe-throwing session at Mad Axe in Brooklyn, this active, competitive date idea will have you working up a nice natural lather in no time. Do you go no holds barred? Do you let your partner win? So many difficult decisions.

Sports & Outdoor Activity Deals in New York City

Get Your Portrait Taken

Sure, plenty of couples get engagement photos. And family portraits for holiday cards is super common. But what about the in-between? May we make the case for a spontaneous session with a professional photography? There's no better fall date idea. And we recommend getting out of selfie mode with Espejo Photography, who take candid and posed shots at locations like Gantry State Plaza Park, Astoria Park, South Street Seaport and Battery Park.

Photographer Deals in New York City

Pamper Yourselves with a Couples Massage

For a very bold first date idea or a much needed break from a stable of kids and an airplane hangar’s worth of responsibilities, there is no beating the recharge and revitalization of a massage. It’s the perfect chance to unplug and unwind together. Our customers love ZZ Day Spa in Koreatown, where they pair the smooth, flowing strokes of a Swedish massage with a glass of wine.

Couples Massage Deals in New York City

Couples Massage Deals in NYC

Split a Popcorn at an Old-School Moviehouse

There’s something great about movies that aren’t supporting the launch of an entire product line. Don’t get us wrong, there’s a place for superhero sagas. Then there’s Cinema Village in the West Village, famous for filling up its three screens with a mix of independent films, cult classics, and the occasional major release.

Movie Deals in New York City

Want something else?

Check our recommendations:

Area 53: Explore Area 53 with 3-hour passes & party packages. Paintball, rope courses and more await!
The SPA Club: Spa Pass Admission for One - Valid Any Day
Complete Playground: Two-Hour Open Play Pass for One Child and Adult or Two Children and Adults