6 Des Moines Date Night Ideas

Spending quality time with your significant other is one of the best ways to show them your appreciation, but sometimes you’re out of ideas on fun and romantic Des Moines date activities. Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines has put together some popular Des Moines date night ideas that you should try out if you haven’t already! From casual to fancy dates that can work in the winter and summertime, you will have some inspiration on what you can do next with your loved one near Des Moines and Waukee. 

1. Indulge at The Republic on Grand

Whether you want to reignite the fire or you want to treat your partner to a fancy date night, then the Des Moines date night restaurant you will want to bring them to is The Republic on Grand. Located on the sixth floor of the AC Hotel in the East Village, this lounge is classy and romantic. Sit inside or in the outdoor rooftop, and take in the night view of Downtown Des Moines with your significant other as you enjoy sips of handcrafted cocktails or champagne flights. The Republic on Grand is open til 9 p.m. on most days of the week, but if you want to unwind a bit later into the night, go on a Friday or Saturday night! 

2. Game Night at Ironside Axe Club or Operating Room

If fancy dates arent’ you and your partner’s thing, then you might want to consider a fun game night. Channel your inner Viking spirit at Ironside Axe Cub as you throw some axes and make new memories. Maybe you’ll even discover a new side to your partner! Prefer arcade games and pinball instead? Then, head to Operating Room, a bar arcade in West Glen Town Center, where you’ll find both modern and old school arcade games. Get competitive and win some prizes that you and your significant other can keep as memorabilia. 

3. Unwind at Secret Admirer 

Love chill dates, but you want one where you can relax completely without having to do anything? Take your significant other to Secret Admirer, a quaint and airy indoor bar, and it won’t be much of a secret that you’re the admirer who wants to spend more quality time with them. Grab your choice of alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage and end the night with your favorite person at this lowkey spot. If the weather’s nice, take advantage of the skyline facing patio that is inspired by gardens and parks! The patio makes a unique background for photos if you want something to remember the date by. 

4. Admire Some Performing Arts 

There’s nothing that scream your love and attention to detail quite like doing an activity that your significant other is interested in. If they love performing arts, consider taking them out to dinner and to enjoy some performing arts afterward. Whether it is seeing an award-winning play at Des Moines Playhouse or a concert at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place, you have plenty of options to choose from! 

5. Go Ice or Roller Skating

Move your body when you go ice or roller skating with your partner and enjoy some time together whether one of you is a pro at skating or both of you are new to skating! There are different locations that you can go to, including Skateland, Skate South, and Des Moines Roller Derby. Many locations have adults-only nights, so you can have a date night without any children present. If you or your partner is getting tired of staying indoors during the winter, ice skating is a nice activity to burn off some energy. 

6. Stay Cozy in a Date Night In 

You don’t have to go all out on every date, but you can still spend quality time together when you stay in. Grab your partner’s favorite takeout and watch TV, play video games, or even do skincare! Whatever shared activity you and your significant other love to do together, you can do that during the date. Keep the sparks going when you turn date night in into a weekly thing! 

Let Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines Be Your Des Moines Guide

We love to scope out different things to do in the West Des Moines and Johnston area, so if you ever need any ideas, brainstorm with us! We even have seasonal guides like for Halloween that includes family-friendly activities, so feel free to reach out and we will be happy to tell you more.