As a mom of a four-year-old and almost two-year-old, grabbing a bite to eat (in silence) or watching a movie (without having to pause or miss half of the plot) sound like ideal date ideas.
While we do love going out to eat or sitting down for a post-bedtime movie, my husband and I will occasionally partake in more adventurous dates. Here are some of our favorite unique dates that journey outside the realm of “dinner and a movie.”
READ: Guide to Date Night Restaurants in South Central PA
Urban Churn (Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, & Carlisle)
Okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking… “Excuse me – this is an ice cream place? Doesn’t that technically fall under ‘dining’?” Yes and no! It’s definitely a dining option, but diners can also get a little adventurous with all of the unique flavors Urban Churn has to offer. While they sell the classic chocolate and vanilla options, you can also opt for rotating seasonal concoctions, such as Mango Lassi, Coconut Easter Egg, and Sauerkraut. It’s always a “treat” to stop by Urban Churn for a quick rendezvous or an add-on to a previous date activity. If you do decide to stop at one of their three locations, I recommend Honey Lemon Lavender. Yum!
The Coliseum (Camp Hill)
An older establishment, the Coliseum is near and dear to my heart, as it was a place my husband and I frequented in our early dating years. He fondly remembers this as THE date – the one where he knew he was falling in love with me (cue the waterworks!). There is a lower area sports bar, restaurant, and then arcade on the upstairs. While we’ve never eaten there, we enjoyed the various classic arcade games. They even offer a small bowling alley and billiards. The Coliseum is a jack-of-all-trades if you’re looking for something in the area a bit more low-key than nearby Dave & Buster’s.
Do You Even Escape? (Camp Hill)
We went to Do You Even Escape? on a double date for a friend’s birthday a few months ago. As a small group of four, we completed the smaller escape room, which proved to be more challenging than anticipated! We found the staff to be friendly and helpful, and the theme of the puzzle to be enjoyable – an arctic expedition. The building has other rooms to accommodate larger groups that vary in difficulty.
Midtown Scholar (Harrisburg)
For those who could spend an entire day walking around Barnes & Noble or your favorite public library, Midtown Scholar is right up your alley! Imagine a seemingly endless maze of books of all genres in a cozy warehouse-type building. There’s even a coffee shop inside, and a whole kids’ section if the entire family comes along. Midtown Scholar is a Harrisburg treasure that is definitely worth a visit (or two or more!).
MeltSpa by Hershey (Hershey)
Located in the heart of Hershey, MeltSpa is delightful! While it may not automatically seem like a date idea, it’s definitely a nice way to break up the stress of the week or unwind if you and your partner (or close friend) need a quick escape. It’s a full-service spa and salon offering deliciously themed packages. My favorite massage/spa experience here included a chocolate-ginger scented massage oil and a cocoa body scrub. Along with the pristine facilities, fluffy robes, and complimentary Hershey’s Kisses and hot cocoa, it’s the best place for you and your partner to unwind.
The Salty Turtle Float Center (Lancaster)
Keeping in theme with the relaxation/adventure idea, floatation therapy is another unique option! Again, while it’s a more solitary activity, it can help to relax and refresh you and your partner to end the date or continue on to a romantic evening. Essentially, you suspend your body in a saltwater pool with little-to-no lighting and soothing music for an hour. It simulates the experience of zero gravity and, in some powerful way, leaves you feeling at peace. I will caution that, the first time my husband and I did this, it took me a while to relax and not be so anxious because my body wasn’t used to it. However, the next time we went, I knew what to expect and it was super peaceful.
Breakdown Rage Room (Hanover)
Feeling refreshed from those previous suggestions? Now, let’s completely flip the script! I understand not everyone is big into the spa experience, but maybe you want another way to let off steam as a team. I stand by this place as being one of the most fun and stress-relieving dates my husband and I have done as parents. Breakdown Rage Room supplies you all the supplies and safety equipment you need to simply… break stuff. That’s right! You pay in 30-minute increments and for the amount of stuff you want to break. We had a blast using sledgehammers, metal baseball bats, hammers, hockey sticks, etc. to destroy to our hearts’ content.
K1 Speed Harrisburg, formerly Autobahn Indoor Speedway (Lemoyne)
If you enjoy a need for speed, this date is surely for you! Located just outside of Harrisburg, K1 Speed is an indoor go-kart facility. Spend the evening racing your partner and friends through a fast track. You’ll even get a printout of your times so you can brag about PRs and take a final picture on the podium of the fastest in the group.
iFly Indoor Skydiving (Gaithersburg, MD)
Sadly, this location is not in South Central PA, but it’s 100% worth the drive for any thrill-seeker. It’s seriously so fun I just had to include it! The two nearest centers are in Baltimore and Gaithersburg (a bit outside of DC). Indoor skydiving allows you to experience that free-fall feeling without having to jump out of a plane. An instructor will train you, and you will learn simple hand and leg movements to direct your body for an optimal flight. Your body is elevated by a high-powered fan, and your instructor guides you through the whole thing. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind date that you will talk about for years to come.
I hope this inspired you with some fresh adventures to try with your spouse/partner. It can be so easy to get into a rut of going to your favorite date night spots. While we all love a good dinner and a movie, I’d encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and make a lasting memory this year with one of these unique date night experiences!
