It can be easy to slip into a relationship rut. Responsibilities take over, and before you know it, you're visiting the same old places week after week. There's nothing wrong with tried-and-true, but exploring a new activity can add a bit of excitement to your relationship. Dayton, Ohio, has many great options for new adventures to try out with your special someone. Here are some of our favorites.
The Little City Cooking School
You can cook at home, grab takeout, have your dinner delivered, or you can go out to eat. Or, you can give a hands-on cooking class date night a try at the Little City Cooking School instead.
The Cooking School offers a variety of classes for any preference — filet, trout, pasta making, sushi, Asian, Italian, authentic Indian, and more. The length of each class varies, but Little City thoughtfully includes your dining experience in the lesson schedule. You can even bring your own wine and make use of the Cooking School's lounge until 10:30 p.m.
Class prices vary but run around $75 to $80. The Little City Cooking School is located at 70 Wisteria Drive in Oakwood, just three miles south of Dayton. Their phone number is 513-300-3105.
Urban Krag Climbing Center
If you dream of living on the edge, Karl Williamson, owner of Urban Krag Climbing Center, can help you accomplish that dream. Williamson's climbing center sits inside an abandoned church and holds Ohio's largest indoor climbing walls. The brick building contains 10,000 square feet of exciting climbing terrain and obstacles ranging from 28 to 56 feet high.
Visit this Oregon District business for a non-traditional date night experience. Rock climbing offers a physical and mental challenge, and climbing with a partner can release endorphins and help build trust.
Hours vary according to the time of year you would like to visit. You can pay for a day pass or a multiple-use pass. The center also has a range of memberships, and it provides equipment rentals for shoes, harnesses, helmets, and chalk bags. The center requires those with no belaying experience to take the Belay Certification class. This class will teach you how to tend the rope and spot your fellow climber.
The Urban Krag Climbing Center's address is 125 Clay Street in Dayton. The center's phone number is 937-224-5724.
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
Go out for a night of live theater at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. The Schuster Center includes two theatres — the 2,325-seat Mead Theatre and the Mathile Black-Box Theatre. The Mead Theatre's acoustics and sightlines make it the ideal location for all types of performances — symphonic, rock, opera, and Broadway.
The center's events calendar includes such shows as Disney's The Lion King, A Night of Symphonic Rock In-Theatre, and La Traviata: Essential Opera. Ticket prices vary, depending on the show. Be sure to check the website for show updates when making your date night plans.
The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is located at 1 West Second Street in Dayton. The phone number is 937-228-7591.
Visit the RiverScape
If you'd prefer to spend some time outdoors, consider taking an evening stroll or bike ride at the RiverScape. You can even pack a picnic dinner or take a frisbee along. Metered parking is available and free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash.
Check the website before heading out, as some amenities, such as bike and paddle rentals, are currently closed. The park's pavilion is located at 237 East Monument Avenue in Dayton, and the phone number for visitor services is 937-275-7275.
Dayton Dragons Baseball
Take your date out to a ballgame — to see the Dayton Dragons play. Watching Dayton's minor league baseball team play is always a good time. The Day Air Ballpark, formerly known as Fifth Third Field, has just under 7,000 seats and an LED scoreboard that stands seven stories tall.
Check the Dayton Dragons website for ticket updates. The Day Air Ballpark's address is 220 North Patterson Boulevard, and the phone number is 937-228-2287.
Dixie Twin Drive-In
Get ready to settle in to watch a movie on the big screen at the Dixie Twin Drive-In theater. Come hungry and visit the concession stand where you can load up on more than just the usual popcorn and soda. Dill pickles, french fries, cheese sticks, nachos, and soft pretzels are just a few of the additional items that round out this menu.
The Dixie Twin Drive-In has two screens and plays first-run feature movies. Enjoy two movies per screen each night. Movie showings start when it's dark. It is recommended that you bring a portable radio as some car radios are too quiet to hear the movie. Visit the website for movie information and updates.
Also, check out the Dixie Twin Drive-In's other events, such as live concerts and their Sunday “Paris” flea market that runs from April through October and from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can always find something fun and different to do with your date at the Dixie Twin Drive-In.
The Dixie Drive-In is located at 6201 North Dixie Drive in Dayton. The phone number is 937-890-5513.
The Dayton Art Institute
Spend your outing with your significant other admiring some excellent art. The Dayton Art Institute, founded in 1919, is a fine arts museum where you can enjoy permanent and special exhibitions that include American, Ancient American, Asian, and European fine and decorative art. The museum's collection includes more than 27,000 pieces.
The institute is currently open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Dayton Art Institute is located at 456 Belmonte Park North in Dayton. The phone number is 937-223-4278.
We hope you enjoyed this list from White Allen Chevrolet. Did we miss a great date-night spot that you love? If you have a favorite date night spot, let us know and we'll add it to our list.