City Guides

31 Date Ideas in Kansas City for 2025 That Bring the Fun Back

by: Ashley Reut

Last Updated on Jun 27th 2025

Dating in Kansas City has a reputation — and not always a flattering one. It’s been called “the worst city in America for dating” in local NPR segments (KCUR) and locals echo the frustration on Reddit threads and city guides. Singles in their 30s often say it’s tough to meet people organically.

But KC is nothing if not resourceful. In response, locals are leaning into creative ways to connect, like “Meet in the Middle” events at The Bird Comedy Theater, where comedy meets mingling. Between KC’s jazz roots, proud barbecue tradition and walkable art districts, locals still have plenty of ways to connect beyond the apps.

So if you’re looking for date ideas in Kansas City that don’t feel like a recycled dinner plan, start here.

Unique Date Ideas in Kansas City

1. Learn to Cook Together

cooking classes date idea in Kansas City — *Cooking side by side beats any dinner reservation (via Classpop!)*

Even if one of you is already a pro in the kitchen, from sushi rolling to Caribbean favorites, the cooking classes in Kansas City offer something for every taste.

Kansas City’s food scene goes way beyond barbecue, and cooking classes in Kansas City prove it. Taking a class together is a great way to explore new cuisines and connect in a hands-on way. You might learn how to hand-roll sushi, whip up Caribbean comfort food or finally master the secret to burnt ends.

Online cooking classes are another fun option that lets you stay in for the night without skipping the experience.

2. Eat BBQ

Bouquet of ribs — *A BBQ bouquet beats roses — Kansas City style (via Instagram)*

You can’t have a list of date ideas in Kansas City without having at least one item dedicated to BBQ. There are too many good spots to name, but some menu items definitely worth stopping for are the smoked wings at Q39 or the smoked meats from Char Bar. Add a side of mac and cheese and a cold beer and you've got an easy win for a date night.

3. Dine at Gram & Dun

For something cozy and intimate, Gram & Dun hits the mark. This Kansas City favorite has a wide-ranging menu, with everything from salads to tacos to Wagyu steak and stand-out desserts like blueberry lemon trifle and German chocolate cake. It’s especially perfect on cooler nights.

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4. Go to the Farmers Market

people shopping for produce at farmers market — *Exploring new flavors at the farmers market makes for easy weekend plans (via Canva)*

If you're near Overland Park, the Overland Park Farmers Market is packed with charm. From fresh flowers to baked goods, it's a casual way to spend a Sunday morning and support local makers.

5. Get Fresh Produce at City Market

Sometimes, all it takes to get you inspired in the kitchen is some fresh, in-season produce that is just begging to be made into a meal. Take your date to the City Market for one of the more laid-back date ideas in Kansas City that just might lead to a delicious home-cooked meal as a result.

6. Mix Up a Cocktail

cocktails at home — *Shaking things up with a mixology class — one of the coziest date ideas in Kansas City (via Canva)*

Skip the crowded bar and shake things up at home with online mixology classes or virtual wine tastings. These cozy date ideas in Kansas City give you something to sip and savor together without taking a step out of the house.

7. Act the Part

Take the stage — or just a class. Online acting classes are a surprisingly fun way to break the ice or shake up your routine. It’s a great way to let your guard down and have a good time. And it works just as well for first, second or even your hundredth date.

8. Have a Game Night

online games — *Game night in? Still counts as quality time (via Canva)*

Rainy night in? Grab a drink and snacks, and set up for an online trivia game or virtual game night. Game nights are low-pressure and fun, especially when shared with another couple. You can even enjoy virtual escape rooms or virtual scavenger hunts if you’re looking to up the ante.

9. Rage! KC

Let off steam together at Rage! KC, a date idea that turns stress relief into a full-on experience. Smash plates, printers, and more — all in a safe, controlled space. It’s messy, cathartic and oddly romantic.

10. View Contemporary Art

Head to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art for a dose of culture. It’s a great pre- or post-dinner stop for whatever date ideas in Kansas City you have in mind. The museum features a variety of media, allowing you and your date to take a relaxed stroll while taking in the stunning art exhibits.

11. Plan a Staycation

couple getting massage at the spa — *Take some time out and make it a mini vacation (via Canva)*

The Elms Hotel and Spa, just outside Kansas City, feels like a European escape with its stunning furnishings and beautifully manicured grounds. Book a weekend away for a relaxing staycation, complete with mud baths, hot tubs and spa treatments. It’s a dreamy reset without the long drive.

Creative Date Ideas in Kansas City

12. Learn a New Skill Together

photography date — *Date ideas in Kansas City don't get much better than this (via Canva)*

Trying something new together makes for a solid date and an even better story. You’ll find plenty of local spots in Kansas City offering everything from dance to photography, or you can stay in and explore online dance classes or online photography classes. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about figuring it out (and laughing a lot) together. You might even find a new shared hobby.

13. Paint and Sip

Why not let your creativity flow with a paint and sip in Kansas City? A little paint, a little wine and a lot of laughter — what’s not to love? Whether online or at a local studio, it’s the kind of date that comes with a souvenir. Don’t love painting? Pottery or drawing classes offer a similar creative spark.

Bonus: The art you make serves as a fun keepsake from the date as well! If you want to stay in, check out online drawing classes for easy, creative date ideas in Kansas City that will be sure to relax you and let your creative juices flow.

14. Improve Your DIY Skills

flower date — *Create something beautiful together (via Canva)*

Take on a new project together with virtual flower arranging classes, woodworking or even glass blowing. These kinds of date ideas in Kansas City give you a great sense of satisfaction and something tangible to take home.

Day Date Ideas in Kansas City

15. Play Pickleball at Chicken 'n Pickle

Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity and after your first game, you’ll understand why. Chicken ‘n Pickle isn’t just a place to hit a few balls — it’s where Kansas City goes for casual competition and good vibes. With outdoor courts, a beer garden and plenty of local flavor, this date idea blends movement and laid-back fun. Even if you’ve never played pickleball, the crowd’s friendly, the paddles are light and post-game snacks make everyone feel like a winner.

16. Stop and Smell the Roses

What could be more romantic than strolling through the roses hand-in-hand? The rose garden in Loose Park features over 3,000 blooms and makes for a classic, afternoon outing. Bring a picnic or enjoy a leisurely stroll before dinner for one of the most romantic date ideas in Kansas City.

17. Take a Winery Tour

winery date idea in Kansas City — *For date ideas in Kansas City that feel like an escape, try a winery just outside town (via Canva)*

It’s not exactly Napa Valley, but K.C. is home to several beautiful, local wineries. Both KC Wine Co. and Albonee are two top choices with stunning views, live music and plenty of wine tasting opportunities. There are usually a few food trucks on rotation as well, so you can eat and sip while you soak up the beautiful weather and landscape.

18. Sea Life Kansas City

Step into a scene from Finding Nemo at Sea Life Kansas City. This perfect day date idea in Kansas City is surprisingly romantic and super colorful. You’ll experience over 1,000 underwater species and enjoy a date that’s equal parts relaxing and fascinating.

19. Bike K.C. Together

bike ride — *For laid-back date ideas in Kansas City, you can’t go wrong with a bike and a few brewery stops (via Canva)*

If you haven't got your own, grab a RideKC bike and tour the city on two wheels. It’s a great way to see more of your city, and you can build in stops at breweries, cafes or parks for a DIY food tour.

20. Go Chiefs!

Even if you’re not a football fan (or even a Chiefs fan), it’s hard to deny how fun a live sports game can be. Start with a tailgate celebration and end the day in the stadium at a Chiefs game for an enjoyable date idea that truly celebrates Kansas City pride. The crowd is electric and the team is pretty good — they won the Super Bowl in 2020 after all!

21. Go for Brunch at Raphael Hotel

Tucked inside Raphael Hotel, one of Kansas City’s most charming historic hotels, you can enjoy brunch at Chaz on the Plaza. The setting is upscale without being stuffy, and the weekend menu leans into local ingredients with just the right amount of flair. Think cinnamon beignets, short rib hash and live jazz that makes the whole thing feel like a scene from a movie.

22. Visit LEGOLAND

Yes, it’s for kids — but also for kids at heart. LEGOLAND Discovery Center brings out your playful side, with themed rides and exhibits that are surprisingly fun for grown-ups. And the best part about date ideas like this is that they’ll have you feeling like a kid again. Maybe even splurge a little on a LEGO set for adults.

Late Night Date Ideas in Kansas City

23. Go to Green Lady Lounge

Kansas City’s jazz heritage lives on at the Green Lady Lounge. With live performances nightly and a vintage vibe, it’s the perfect place for late-night date ideas in Kansas City. You’ll find a different live jazz performance every night of the week, so you can come back again and again and enjoy the music while you sip cocktails.

24. See a Show at Midland Theater

The Midland Theater is a totally classic date idea in Kansas City that leaves plenty of room for your individual taste. It’s a beautiful setting and an easy go-to for an entertaining night out. Check the schedule and find a production you’ll both enjoy.

25. Hit Up Holladay Distillery

couple tasting bourbon at distillery — *Tour, taste and toast at Holladay Distillery — just outside KC (via Canva)*

Just outside the city, Holladay Distillery is known for its bourbon. We recommend touring the facility and learning a little something about the distilling process before sitting down for a flight or the best Old Fashioned you’ve ever had.

26. K.C. Bar Hop

Downtown turns electric after dark, and a casual K.C. bar hop lets you soak it all in. Start with a cocktail at Tom’s Town or lift a pint at Knuckleheads, then let the night take you wherever feels right — maybe that’s riding the mechanical bull at PBR Big Sky or belting out 2000s hits at Offkey Karaoke. After a Chiefs win, the energy’s even wilder, so lean in and make a night of it.

27. Top Golf

You don’t need to know a nine iron from a driver to have fun at Top Golf. Just grab a bay, order some snacks and see who can hit the farthest — or at least the funniest. It works well for couples or even double date ideas. With covered spots and heaters, it works in any season. Certain seasons and times of the day can be busier than others, so it’s best to make reservations ahead of time.

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Kansas City

28. Go Hiking at Cave Spring Park

couple hiking — *Quiet trails and historic charm make Cave Spring Park an underrated weekend date spot (via Canva)*

Cave Spring Park is full of quiet charm, with wooded trails, small caves, creeks and even a few historic cabins. The roughly four-mile loop sits on land once owned by Harry S. Truman’s grandfather, so it's also a historical experience and it’s a peaceful and completely free date idea in Kansas City.

29. Sip on Something at Oddly Correct

The coffee shop date is an old classic, but it never fails and for good reason. Enjoy a lazy Saturday with your lover at Oddly Correct. Soak up the quirky ambiance with some tasty takes on classic coffee drinks. Check out the bourbon vanilla or brown sugar hazelnut latte for a twist on your morning cup.

30. Have a Picnic in the Park

K.C. is home to a fair number of gorgeous outdoor parks and green spaces, and they make for the perfect cheap date idea right in Kansas City. The WWII Memorial Lawn is a beautiful place for remembrance that also features an incredible view of the city skyline from the lush grass. Pack up your favorite meal from home and a blanket to snuggle up on and you’ve got yourself a date idea worth remembering.

31. Walk Around Powell Gardens

Head over to the Powell Botanical Garden for a beautiful date idea right in Kansas City. With over 930 acres, there’s no shortage of beautiful landscaping to enjoy. It’s a scenic escape from city life and an easy way to enjoy some quiet time together. Whether you’re locals or visiting for a getaway weekend, there are tons of date ideas in and around Kansas City that will help the two of you bond.

Even if Kansas City hasn’t always made dating easy, there’s no shortage of ways to make it meaningful. From late-night jazz clubs to art strolls and rooftop cocktails, these date ideas in Kansas City offer more than just something to do — they’re a chance to slow down, spark joy and explore your city in fresh ways.

So, whether you're planning a second date or a spontaneous Tuesday night, pick one idea and go. Sometimes all it takes is a change of pace — and a little Kansas City charm — to make it feel like the first time again.

For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!