27 Most Memorable Date Ideas in Milwaukee for 2024

Discover the perfect romantic atmosphere nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan and explore the best date ideas in Milwaukee.

You may be wondering, is Milwaukee a good place to date? What is a fun activity to do on a date? Whether you are planning simple second date ideas or elaborate anniversary date ideas, consider some of these fun, romantic experiences in mighty Milwaukee.

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• Foodie Date Ideas in Milwaukee
• Creative Date Ideas in Milwaukee
• Day Date Ideas in Milwaukee
• Night Date Ideas in Milwaukee
• Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Milwaukee

Foodie Date Ideas in Milwaukee

1. Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

Cooking classes in Milwaukee offer a delicious way to discover the city's culinary landscape. With the help of top-level chefs, you will learn how to create a gourmet menu to serve at your own dinner table.

You can even explore this flexible date idea in Milwaukee from the comfort of your own home through online cooking classes. So, whether you’re looking to venture outside of your kitchen or enjoy a night in, this Milwaukee date idea is the perfect option for the foodie at heart.

For date ideas in Wauwatosa or other neighboring cities, simply check out cooking classes in your area!

2. Walking Food Tour

If you’re on the hunt for a date night in Milwaukee tonight, consider a walking food tour! Food tours are a great way to explore the city first-hand while enjoying delicious treats and learning all there is to know about Milwaukee’s rich history.

3. Bus Food Tour

If walking isn’t quite your style, consider a bus food tour! A bus may sound like an odd environment for a date idea in Milwaukee, but trust that these bus tours have something for everyone.

From pizza party bus tours to churches and chocolates bus tours, you are sure to find the perfect experience for you and your love.

4. Tea for Two

A tea room provides a wonderful atmosphere for an elegant, sophisticated and intimate date idea in Milwaukee. Escape the regular bustle of the city and visit the Pfister Hotel for afternoon tea.

5. Charcuterie Night

Sometimes there isn’t enough time in the day to plan the ideal date night in Milwaukee.  That’s why it’s important to have an arsenal of last-minute date ideas at the ready and a charcuterie night is one of the easiest to pull off in a jiffy.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of charcuterie options in Wisconsin, otherwise known as the land of cheese. But don’t worry, if you’re dairy intolerant or simply not a cheese enthusiast, fill your board with whatever you’d like. There are no rules! 

6. The Kiltie Drive-In

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Milwaukee, consider stopping by The Kiltie Drive-In. This date idea in Milwaukee will appease all your sweet treat cravings. Opening later this summer, The Kiltie Drive-In is famous for their iconic custard and old-time flare.

Creative Date Ideas in Milwaukee

7. Paint and Sip

This date idea in Milwaukee will help you uncover the relaxing side of finding a new hobby. Inspiration and good drinks are in abundance at paint and sip in Milwaukee. With the help of local artists, you and your partner can work together to create a masterpiece to bring home.

You may even be looking for something out of town and if so, no problem! If you’re wondering, where can I go on a date in Madison, WI? Or if you’re looking for date ideas in Wauwatosa, don’t fret. You can easily explore paint and sip events around Milwaukee.

8. Learn New Dance Moves

Dance classes are a wonderful way to nurture creativity while fostering long-lasting health benefits. This date idea in Milwaukee is perfect for active couples seeking a new fitness adventure.

Check out Fred Astaire Dance Studios or head on over to Danceworks Milwaukee and explore a new way to get your blood pumping. There are also plenty of online dance classes you can enjoy from home!

9. Make Your Own Pottery

If you’re hoping to discover first date ideas in Milwaukee, consider pottery classes. First dates are always awkward, but a fun hands-on activity will help alleviate some of those first date jitters and there’s nothing quite as fun as learning to make something beautiful.

10. Visit Latino Arts

Find inspiration for your own creative endeavors and take a tour of the Latino Arts Museum while supporting a great cause.

Based in Milwaukee, this non-profit organization is devoted to providing Hispanic art and cultural programming to the greater community through visual and performing arts.

11. Make Scented Candles

Candle making is one of the most unique things to do in Milwaukee. If you and your love enjoy getting your hands dirty, this date idea in Milwaukee is the perfect fit.

Stop by Glassnote’s Candle Bar on Sundays and explore your creativity while building your own mimosas.

Day Date Ideas in Milwaukee

12. Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

With so many wonderful year-round events, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is a must-see Milwaukee treasure. This date idea in Milwaukee will make you feel as if you were in a sixteenth-century villa on the coast of Northern Italian.

Built in 1923, this historic site is the perfect location to make new, loving memories with your partner. It’s also an unbeatable location to add to your first date ideas list. 

13. A Glimpse of the Milwaukee Pierhead Light House 

For date ideas in Milwaukee in winter, check out the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse. Built in 1872, its bright red exterior makes the tall structure hard to miss. Located at the mouth of the Milwaukee River, the frozen lake creates a beautiful backdrop for a winter photo op.

14. Cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers 

There’s something nostalgic about holding a bag of popcorn in one hand and a hot dog in the other as the crash of a baseball sends the crowd into a fanatic frenzy.

The American Family Field is the beloved home to the Milwaukee Brewers and its natural grass field and brick elegance make it a wonderful destination for birthday date ideas for the baseball lover.

15. Make the River Your Playground

For thrill seekers and adventure lovers, sometimes the monotony of being a land dweller gets in the way of a good date. You’re in luck!

This date idea in Milwaukee will have you splashing around in no time. Kayak on the Milwaukee River or paddle board on Lake Michigan.

Night Date Ideas in Milwaukee

16. Dine Outdoors

Sometimes it’s best to think simply when it comes to indoor date ideas in Milwaukee because no pressure is the name of the game.

A simple night out in a romantic outdoor space is sure to get the passion — and maybe the drinks — flowing. A quintessential Milwaukee favorite, At Random is the perfect destination for tender outdoor dining.

17. A Night Full of Brews

If you’re trying to think up indoor date ideas in Milwaukee, it’s a good idea to start with a classic: a night out at the brewery. Milwaukee is inundated with local breweries shaking up the scene in imaginative ways and the options are endless!

Check out The Beer Garden in the Deer District of Milwaukee, enjoy a stroll along the water with a beer in hand at the Lakefront Brewery or take a walking tour of Miller Valley, home to one of America’s favorite beers for over 155 years.

18. Ice Castles

If you’re planning a winter visit and are looking for date ideas in Milwaukee in winter, look no further. Explore ice caverns, race to the bottom of ice slides and squeeze through icy passages at Ice Castles as fairytales come to life before your very eyes.

This attraction is truly a wonder of Milwaukee and one you must add to your winter date ideas.

19. Music to Your Ears

The Bradley Symphony Center hosts one of the nation’s finest orchestras, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. If classical music and refined taste are what make your partner swoon, purchase tickets to see the symphony ASAP… it might just be one of the most fun things to do in Milwaukee at night.

20. The Milky Way Drive-In 

You might not think drive-in theaters exist much anymore, but this date idea in Milwaukee will make you feel like you’re in the drive-in heyday of the 1950s. The Milky Way Drive-In is a beloved relic of Milwaukee and a must-add to your summer date ideas.

21. Arcades 

If visiting an arcade isn’t on your list of indoor date ideas, you’re missing out. For fun things to do in Milwaukee at night, consider visiting some of Milwaukee’s greatest arcades! Up Down Milwaukee is a nostalgia-based arcade bar where you can drink and play the night away.

22. A Trip to Eagles Club 

How do you have a fun double date? That’s easy! Music is a surefire way to get you and your friends on your feet, dancing and laughing together. The Rave/Eagles Club hosts a variety of concerts all year long which makes it a great double date idea.

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Milwaukee 

23. Popcorn and a Show 

Dating doesn’t have to break the bank and if you’re looking for have a date night in Milwaukee tonight, consider a trip to the movies. For just $11 you can visit the Avalon Theater on Kinnickinnic Ave and pick from a plethora of classic and modern films.

For an even cheaper option, plan ahead and visit the Marcus Theater on Tuesdays for a $5 ticket special.

24. Check Out the Riverwalk

For a free date idea in Milwaukee, soak up the scenery and walk along the Milwaukee Riverfront which winds through the city. Imagine your future lives together as the Riverfront walk leads your through three historic waterfront neighborhoods. 

25. A Picnic at South Shore Park

A quiet, laid-back date is a great way to get to know someone new and a picnic is a classic first date idea. Milwaukee’s South Shore Park is a relaxing destination to lay out a blanket, snack on some goodies and talk with that one person you’re trying to get to know better. 

26. Milwaukee Public Museum

With just a bit of planning, you can take full advantage of this free date idea in Milwaukee. Museums can be expensive, but on the first Thursday of every month all visitors are granted free access to the permanent exhibits at the Milwaukee Public Museum

27. Visit a Farmers Market

Milwaukee is riddled with farmers markets no matter the season so if you’re looking for a great date night in Milwaukee tonight, get some goodies at the farmers market to cook together for a romantic dinner later in the evening. 

According to a study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Spending time with a romantic partner by going on dates is important for promoting closeness in established relationships.”

As this list proves, Milwaukee boasts a variety of romantic destinations and experiences to foster closeness between you and the one you love the most.

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