Don’t let your bedtime get in the way of a good time – these late night date ideas for night owls are sure to be a hoot.
Let me begin by saying that the only thing you can usually find me doing between the hours of 8pm and 9pm is playing an online game of Catan Universe, taking off my makeup, and reading in bed, before it’s lights off and sleep.
Here we’re early risers (4.45am most days) and as I recently demonstrated when my furbaby Winston developed an allergy that had him scratching most of the night, anything that results in not getting enough sleep is a no-fail recipe for tears.
That being said, there are many reasons why people might either need or want to have a late night date.
Maybe you’re visiting a new place and want to make the most of every minute.
Maybe you work late hours and this is the best time for you to connect.
Maybe you love the night time vibe and find the energy fun and exciting.
So many reasons and luckily so many dates to match those reasons.
So for the night owls amongst us, here’s 30 late night date ideas for the next time you want fun after dark.
(These ideas are all for out of the house – for a late night date at home check out these at home date ideas. You could also consider these weeknight date ideas and quick date ideas).
- Attend a burlesque show: it’s the kind of vibe that comes into its own late at night
- Attend a late night concert: Check your local listings for concerts that start after 9pm
- Attend a late night improv show: There’s nothing like talented performers creat hingilarious scenes on the spot
- Catch a comedy show: Late night shows at comedy clubs often feature up-and-coming comedians. You might witness the next big thing!
- Do a dessert crawl: Visit different dessert spots around the city and indulge in sweet treats together
- Get down at a silent disco: Put your headphones on and dance like no-one’s listening
- Go bowling: Many bowling alleys are open late, making it the perfect late night activity
- Go to late night kirtan: Kirtan is a mantra meditation session that’s almost like a singalong
- Go to a late night museum exhibit: After-hours events allow you to enjoy exhibits in a quieter, more intimate setting. Ensure you check the times because their “late” might be 8pm
- Go on a scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to find or places to visit around the city after dark
- Have a late night beach date: Build a bonfire, roast marshmallows, and listen to the waves crash against the shore
- Late night movies: Catch a late night showing of a much-watch movie at your local cinema
- Late night picnic: Pack a basket full of your favorite snacks (or romantic picnic food if you want a meal) drinks, and a blanket, and enjoy a romantic picnic under the stars
- Play arcade games: Many arcades stay open late, making it a fun late night date idea
- Scare yourself silly at a haunted attraction. Here’s the best in California, Illinois and Texas
- Stay up all night then watch the sunrise. This one’s best left to the young ones and / or those with no next day responsibilities
- Take a ghost tour – Ghost tours that take you through haunted locations are so much spookier by night
- Take a late night bike ride: Ride through quiet streets – making sure to have those lights on. You don’t want a late night date to the emergency room
- Take a late night city tour – Nighttime tours that showcase the city’s history, architecture, and culture give you a unique perspective
- Take a moonlit boat ride: Rent a boat or book a tour and enjoy a romantic ride under the moonlight
- Take a walk: Funnily enough, this was the go-to “date” of my misspent youth (go 1980s date nights) where we would wander the streets for hours, taking in the sights and sounds under the cover of darkness while we shared about our lives. Luckily, it’s just as effective now, and just the thing if you’re after a dog-friendly date
- Try stargazing: Find a spot with little light pollution, lay out a blanket, and admire the stars together
- Try a yoga nidra session: mediation done lying down, snuggled into a blanket can’t be wrong
- Visit an amusement park: Check to see if your local amusement park has extended hours during the summer, so you can ride roller coasters well into the night
- Visit a planetarium: Learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies in a unique and interactive way
- Visit a night market: Soak up the food vendors, craft vendors, and live music
- Visit a late night food truck festival: Enjoy a variety of tasty treats from a range of food trucks
- Visit a rooftop bar: Even if, like me, you don’t drink alcohol, you can enjoy the stunning view from a rooftop bar while you sip your mocktail of choice
- Visit a zoo or wildlife sanctuary: A night tour gives you the opportunity to see nocturnal creatures in their element
- Watch a late night outdoor movie: A late night movie screenings during the summer months is a relaxing date idea
Experience the magic of the night with your special someone.
From exploring a city under the stars to attending a late night concert or trying out a new restaurant for dessert, there are endless possibilities for late night dates.
After all, the night is young, even if you’re not!
You might also like: Date ideas for couples.