Some might think of Valentine’s Day as cliché, but whether or not you think it’s corny, it is an opportunity to show your special someone how much you care about them. And what better place than Wichita, the Heart of the Country?

If you’re looking for something outside of the stereotypical activities, Kansas’ largest city, Wichita, has plenty of ways to create your own unique experience any time of year. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re here to help you impress your sweetheart with offbeat date night ideas to keep the fun alive.

Enjoy Fun & Games

Battle it out on the pickleball court at Chicken N Pickle. The sprawling entertainment venue and restaurant concept offers indoor and outdoor fun with plenty of space to social distance, a delicious menu, and a huge drink selection. Additionally, they've set up a temporary ice rink where patrons can try their hand at curling, ice hockey or join an open skate.

For multi-player fun and delicious food, take your special someone to Dave & Buster's. With hundreds of arcade games and a full menu of food and drinks, you and your significant other will have the time of your lives.

Newly-opened Topgolf Wichita offers climate-controlled hitting bays for you and your date to take aim and swing at outfield targets. Plus, the entertainment venue has TVs throughout for a sports bar atmosphere. You can rent clubs or bring your own, so swing by Sticks 96 Golf to find clubs suited to your specific needs.

Blow off some steam at Let’s Smash, a smash house specifically designed for making as much of a mess as you want.

Get Creative

Experiment with your artsy side with several different cultural options in Wichita. From frolicking at the Wichita Art Museum or browsing a free gallery at Envision Art Gallery and Engagement Center, Mark Arts or Wichita State University’s Ulrich Museum, learn a new appreciation for others’ artistic abilities.

You can also foster your own creativity at places like CityArts or Paint the Towne, a paint and drink studio offering regular classes. Learn from a professional and leave with your own masterpiece. Browse the selection or blow your own art glass at Infinity Art Glass and Karg Art Glass. Create your own terrarium at GROW Giesen Plant Shop and capture the perfect picture together at The Selfie Spot on Douglas.

Or, zoom through downtown via Bike Share ICT or an electric scooter and pose together for selfies at Wichita’s many public art installations.

Hit the Bullseye

Maybe you’re ready to get a little rough and tumble on your date, if so, head to Blade & Timber, Axe to Grind , or Kiss My Axe! Throwing where the competition heats up with axe throwing for you and your love. Rent a lane for just the two of you, or make it a group date. Bring your own food, enjoy some cold beer, and have a blast at this unique bar in Wichita.

If firearms are more your style, take your sweetie to Range 54, where you both can get in some target practice. The climate-controlled range is perfect any time of year for fun, safe shooting experience. At Rainier Firearms Academy they hold Date Night Gun Fight date nights on a regular basis. Find all the best tactical gear at 5.11 Tactical.

Hunt for Hidden Treasures

Who doesn’t like a good bargain on old items? Antique shopping is a popular activity and can serve as a unique date option. Browse a curated collection of estate home furnishings from around the world at The Vault Collection. Find high-quality, vintage clothing at Dead Center Vintage. Head to Paramount Antique Mall or Generations Antiques & Artisans before your date to pick up the perfect gift for your significant other, or take them with you to hunt for hidden treasures. Make a game of it and look for the most valuable item at the lowest price.

While not antique, local retail shops in Wichita offer hours of fun shopping for handmade and handcrafted items. Find the perfect date night outfit at Aspen Boutique. Purchase pieces for your love nest at Uniquities Home. Get your hands on products to pamper your sweetie at Bungalow 26. Treat your date to exclusive Wichita items at Aida Stenholm, Hatman Jack’s, The Health Connection, The Loud Cicada, The Spice Merchant & Company, Lucinda’s , and The Workroom.

Climb Mountains

Learn to overcome challenges together at Bliss Climbing and Fitness, as the two of you scale a 38-foot top rope and lead climbing wall or 16-foot bouldering wall. Try your luck at novice or advanced routes. A day pass is $19 per person. 

After you’ve worked up a sweat, head to Delano for a refreshing smoothie at Fartleks and stay for dinner in the charming neighborhood.

Feel Like a Kid Again

Take your darling to a place of fun and games at Exploration Place, where you’ll be able to partake in hands-on educational museum exhibits. Stop by Design Build Fly, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at the airplane manufacturing industry, or check out their latest traveling exhibit.

Other area attractions like The Enchanted Mermaid, Botanica Wichita , and Sedgwick County Zoo are just as fun for adults as they are for kids. Go down memory lane at The Original Pizza Hut Museum. Additionally, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has Winter Animal Experiences to treat your date to one-of-a-kind animal encounters.

Catch a Ride

Hop on the brew wagon with your love and enjoy Wichita’s only Brew Wagon Tours for a custom ride to local breweries. You and your date will experience a three-hour tour, which includes transportation, a flight of beers at each stop, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewing process. Plus, the wagon is equipped with a cooler for any of your own brews you want to bring. Must be 21 years old with a valid ID to participate.

Eat Sweet Treats

What is Valentine’s Day without chocolate and other delicious sweets in the Heart of the Country? If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, make sure to stop by local shops Bakesale Treat Parlor, Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates (east, west , and downtown), and Nifty Nut House for a scrumptious selection of fine chocolates, fancy candies, gourmet nut mixes and more. At Cocoa Dolce, you and your date can create a custom box of chocolates or try some delicious dessert wines while having a relaxing day at Wichita’s only chocolate lounge. At the downtown location, watch as chocolate is being made. If photo ops are your thing, the Nifty Nut House is the perfect backdrop. Whether you pose together in front of the mural on the building’s façade or inside in the popular squirrel cutout, you’ll be making fun memories together.

Another fun and delightfully sweet option to try is the tableside s’mores at Wine Dive + Kitchen.

Have a romantic movie night at home planned? Swing by Kernel’s Popcorn Express or one of The Popcorner’s two locations (east and west) for dozens of unique popcorn varieties, decadent fudge, and other sweet treats to enjoy together. Or swing by one of three Andy’s Frozen Custard locations (College Hill, east, and west) to end the night with fresh frozen custard.

Dine Locally

If you are one for the more traditional date nights and still want to plan something sweet and romantic for your lover, Wichita has plenty of options for you as well. Check out our list of fine dining restaurants to find the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Many upscale restaurants also have cozy outdoor patios for romantic dining.

For a unique dining experience, surprise your date by renting a garden igloo at Nortons Brewing Co. The brewery also has several heaters in its large outdoor beer garden. Additionally, you can rent igloos at all three Ziggy’s Pizza locations (Clifton Square, northeast , and west).

Another cozy outdoor space to spend time together is Revolutsia, where you’ll find foods of all kinds and unique local shops. You and your date can try cheese and toast boards at Fleur De Vin and authentic German fare and imported beer from Prost. For dessert, treat your taste buds to Bundt cakes and cupcakes from Monica’s Bundt Cake. Order your food and snuggle up by Revolutsia’s fire pit to dine outdoors while staying warm next to the glow of the flames.

If you are more traditional, try these other date night ideas. If you really want to step up your Valentine’s Day game this year, make sure to check out Visit Wichita’s Great Wichita Valentine Getaway.