Cooler weather is here which means you may want to hunker down and enjoy some indoor entertainment.
Here are some out-of-the-box, interactive dates ideas in Durham to keep you from falling into the same old dinner and drinks routine.
(1) Try your hand at an Escape Room
Play detective at an escape room in Durham like NC Escape. Save 20% off weekend games with your Shop Durham card.
(2) Laugh it up at the Bulltown Comedy Series
Every time I go to Bulltown Comedy Series at Fullsteam I tell myself I need to come more often. It would make a great ice breaker to laugh together. Even when I’m not sure who the performer is, I have a good time. Admission is free, it’s on the third Tuesday of each month.
(3) Play retro video games
Quarter Horse, the arcade/bar hybrid in Downtown, features classic arcades and pinball machines.
(4) Watch a movie at Carolina Theatre
Yes, this historic theatre serves popcorn, wine and beer.
(5) Go on a Durham Distillery Tour
Durham Distillery tours are perfect for date nights to break the ice. You get to see how their award winning Conniption gins, cold distilled cucumber vodka, and decadent Damn Fine liqueurs are made plus you get to sample all of them.
Pro Tip: You can get 50% off distillery tours with your Shop Durham card!
(6) Throw Axes at Urban Axes
Durham’s first indoor axe-throwing facility lets you throw axes and drink beer. Pro Tip: If you’re struggling, use throw with both hands from over your head. There’s walk in hours or you can book a group.
(7) Get your yoga on together
There’s so many great yoga studios in Durham like Community Power Yoga, Global Breath, Yoga off East, or warm up with hot yoga at Arrichion. We love doing yoga with La Vita Yoga at Bull City Ciderworks on Sunday mornings. Bonus: your class includes a cider afterwards.
(8) Take your pups to Barley Labs
Are you both pup lovers? Make it a double date with your dogs. Barley Labs is Durham’s first and only dog-focused bar. BONUS: Get 10% off non-alcohol purchases on Wednesdays and Sundays with your Shop Durham card. You can get a couple of packs of their homemade dog treats to take home.
(9) Test your trivia skills at Durty Bull
Every other Monday at 7pm Durty Bull hosts Trivia Night at their brewery. Hey, you could even win a $30 Durty Bull gift card for your second date.
(10) Play board games at Bull City Ciderworks
Tired of the predictable “Let’s grab a drink” date invite? Mix it up at Bull City Ciderworks and challenge them to a board game along with some cider. Maybe skip the monopoly because that can get serious way too fast, amiright?
(11) Nerd out at the Museum of Life and Science
Hey, it’s not just for kids. Explore together and be sure to check out the butterfly house.
(12) Cozy up with some coffee
Visit a new coffee shop together and try something different. There’s a few spots you can grab free coffee or get a great deal with your Shop Durham card.
(13) Catch a holiday show at DPAC
DPAC has an amazing line up of Holiday shows this season including Elf the Musical, A Christmas Carol, and The Hip Hop Nutcracker.
(14) Take an adults arts & craft class
Check out Scrap Exchange in Lakewood for all kinds of creative classes. Or check out our round up of 8 Local Spots to Learn and Create Something New, featuring everything from sewing classes to music classes.
(15) Hunt for treasures at Once and Again Consignment
You can find endless treasures at this consignment shop off 15-501. There’s various booths filled with both antique and new items.
(16) Sip wine at the Wine Feed
Buy a bottle off the shelf or sip some wine paired with a cheese plate. They have plenty of free wine classes available and even a wine club you can sign up for.
(17) Listen to some Jazz at JB Jazz Club
Every Thursday night you can find jazz at the JB Duke Hotel. The series features John Brown, director of Duke’s Jazz Program, and other members of the John Brown Band of Musicians – as well as eats and drinks. The event itself is free, while eats and drinks are at an additional cost.
(18) Explore a museum
Here’s some to check out:
- Nasher Museum
- 21C Museum and History
- Durham Museum of History
Check out our guide to 5 Must-See Local Art Exhibits and Museums in Durham, NC here.
(19) Do a staycation at Unscripted
Ready for a weekend getaway together? Why not make it a staycation? Grab morning coffee in the lobby, drink whiskey at the bar at night, and visit great restaurants within walking distance. Get a small free coffee with your Shop Durham card.
(20) Check out a tuba museum, V & E Simonetti’s Historic Tuba Collection
Check out the number one tuba museum in Durham. Vincent Simonetti has been building this collection since 1965. The museum offers tours of 5 rooms packed with tubas dating back to the 1830’s. Cocoa Cinnamon is in walking distance, so grab a free churro with any drink from the menu using your Shop Durham card afterwards.
(21) Take a behind the scenes tour of DPAC
The second Monday of each month you have an opportunity to tour DPAC! Check out behind-the-scenes, where the stars prepare for show time, and even the view from the stage. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Learn more here
Also: 30 Date Ideas $25 and under in Durham
(22) Visit Duke Chapel
Duke Chapel is at the very center of the Duke University. You have to see its breathtaking beauty in person to truly appreciate it. It’s doors are open for you to visit 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walk over to the Brodhead Center afterwards for lunch or dinner. It’s food court style with tons of great options. Not just for students!
(23) Learn Something New Together at Levin Jewish Community Center
Classes are available at JCC for both members and guests like cooking classes, art workshops, and book clubs.
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