Date night ideas for every type of Kansas Citian

Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to KCtoday.

Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 15+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.

Photo provided by the Kansas City Royals

For the ones who want a night out on the town

• Spark a thrilling date night by catching a game from one of Kansas City’s many pro sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, or KC Current. Pro tip: Check out our pro sports guide to get caught up before game day.
• Head to one of the City of Fountain’s music venues for a live show. For an intimate evening of jazz performances, check out The Blue Room. Or if you’re hoping to catch one of the big names, opt for a show at the T-Mobile Center.
• Plan a date at The Bird Comedy Theater and spend an evening cackling with your partner. Bonus: Walk a block to Kon Tiki for a tropical night cap + a bite at Conchita Tacos next door.
• Music-lovers and their lovers can sip natural wines and listen to vinyl albums inside XO HiFi’s swanky Japanese-inspired digs, before dancing the night away at chic West Bottoms lounge In The Lowest Ferns.

Photo courtesy of KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

• Hops around Brewer’s Alley in East Crossroads for a create-your-own-crawl experience at local distilleries, craft breweries, and cocktail bars — we recommend iTap or Brewery Emperial for the night owls.
• Taste history with a barbecue tour around iconic spots like Joe’s KC, Q39, Arthur Bryant’s, and Jack Stack before creating your own bracket to determine the best, once and for all.
• Book a table at Corvino Supper Club for live jazz and innovative small plates, followed by a few Cuba Libres and a game of shuffleboard at Jim’s Alley Bar.
• Heat things up with a reservation at KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, offering all-you-can-eat specials of tender meats you cook to perfection at the table.

Photo by @slmarcy

If you love the great outdoors

• Stroll the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium like two love birds — plus drop by this Saturday, Feb. 15 for Kiss & Tail, a skit comedy show where some of the region’s finest performers reenact the animal kingdom’s most unique mating rituals.
• Take a sunset walk through Loose Park’s nearly 100-year-old rose garden, winding your way through the 75-acre green space full of walking paths, teeming ponds, and tennis courts.
• Rent RideKC bikes and explore the Trolley Track Trail, stopping at McLain’s Market or Axiois French Bistro for a mid-trip bite.

Photo by Bar Rec KC

For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)

• Competitive couples can go head-to-head at Westport’s Bar Rec with its 50+ games and indoor cornhole, or opt for a Super Mario Bros showdown at Crossroads’ Up-Down.
• Score Tuesday ticket discounts at Screenland Armour and top off your movie night with visit to “90s nostalgia machine” Rewind Video downstairs.
• Fight zombies or fill orders in virtual reality while chowing down on real life nachos and beer at DoubleTap KC.
• Take date night to new heights with KC Wheel’s couples package, including two tickets to ride and a round of mini golf.

Photo by Funky Town KC

If you want an “old fashioned”-style date

• Snuggle up under the stars to watch your favorite flick at Boulevard Drive-In.
• Transport yourself to the past at speakeasy-style jazz bar Green Lady Lounge.
• Come dressed in your very best bell-bottoms for a sudsy midnight “Car Wash” at Funkytown, or groove to the music at disco dance floor June’s Night Club.
• Book a private tour at J. Rieger & Co., learning about KC’s prohibition history while sampling spirits — then, toast to your love in one of its chic bars.

If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town

• Shameless plug: Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it, you can take all the credit.
• Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around Kansas City with our events page (and check out this guide for our tips on navigating the page).

What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction.