Whether it’s a special occasion or a chance for time without the kids, there are plenty of safe, fun ways to spend a date night (or a whole weekend) in Wichita, the Heart of the Country. With so many things to do in the largest city in Kansas, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down your choices. We’re here to help.

From casual outings to romantic getaways, take a look at these eight Wichita date night ideas.

People dine and drink inside igloos on the patio at Nortons

Dine and sip local

For a unique dining experience, surprise your date by renting a garden igloo at Nortons Brewing Co. The brewery also has several heaters in its large outdoor beer garden. Additionally, you can rent igloos at all three Ziggy’s Pizza locations (Clifton Squarenortheast and west). Couples who love craft beer will find plenty of local breweries to explore in Wichita.

If ambience is a must, enjoy tapas and more than 300 varieties of tequila at Itzcali Tapas & Tequila. It has an inviting patio and is bursting with bright colors and décor to make the perfect selfie backdrop. Impress your sweetie with international cuisine at Georges French Bistro or Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria

A cozy outdoor space to spend time together can be found at Revolutsia, where you’ll find unique food and local shops. Enjoy authentic German fare and imported beer from Prost. Order your food and snuggle up by Revolutsia’s fire pit to dine outdoors while staying warm next to the glow of the flames. Afterwards, swing by the adjacent Ze German Markt or Blush Bookstore, where you can find a wide selection of romantic books, candles and more.

or more options, check out our list of upscale restaurants to find the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Wichita has lots of options for craft beer and cocktails as well.

Keeper on Parade at Pracht Wetlands Park

Westside wanderlist

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a wetlands habitat at the Pracht Wetlands Park. As you stroll along the elevated boardwalks, be on the lookout for migratory birds, muskrats, frogs and many other wildlife species. The comfort awaiting you at Hampton Inn by Hilton Northwest is just steps away. This modern hotel features spacious rooms and a firepit facing the wetlands park.

In the morning, enjoy brunch and an HG Tart at Homegrown Wichita – West before heading out for wildlife encounters at either the Sedgwick County Zoo or Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Plan ahead and impress your date by booking an animal encounter or behind-the-scenes experience. For dinner, cozy up at Bella Vita Bistro or 6S Steakhouse.

A woman shops for treats at the Nifty Nuthouse

Savor sweet treats

What is Valentine’s Day without chocolate and other delicious sweets? If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, make sure to stop by local shops Bakesale Treat Parlor, Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates (eastwest and downtown) and Nifty Nut House for a scrumptious selection of fine chocolates, fancy candies, gourmet nut mixes and more. At Cocoa Dolce, you and your date can create a custom box of chocolates or try some delicious dessert wines while having a relaxing day at Wichita’s only chocolate lounge. At the downtown location, watch as chocolate is being made.

If photo ops are your thing, the Nifty Nut House is the perfect backdrop. Whether you pose together in front of the mural on the building’s façade or inside in the popular squirrel cutout, you’ll be making fun memories together. Another fun and a delightfully sweet option to try is the tableside s’mores at Wine Dive + Kitchen.

Have a romantic movie night at home planned? Swing by Kernel’s Popcorn Express or one of The Popcorner’s two locations (east and west) for dozens of unique popcorn varieties, decadent fudge and other sweet treats to enjoy together. Or swing by Papa’s General Store or one of three Andy’s Frozen Custard locations (College Hilleast and west) to end the night with fresh frozen custard.

Coffee for two at Cocoa Dolce

Eastside rendezvous

Take a walk along the scenic lake, outdoor shops and restaurants at Bradley Fair. Wine and dine at Newport Grill, serving contemporary American, or YaYa’s Eurobistro, serving savory new European-American food – both in elegant settings with great outdoor seasonal spaces. Sample the sweets at Bakesale Treat Parlor and shop for matching electric bikes at Pedego Wichita.

Take an art class or culinary workshop together at Mark Arts and let your creative juices flow. Afterwards, stroll the varying free exhibits. End the evening with a wine and chocolate pairing in the lounge at Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates before enjoying a quiet, relaxing lakeside stay at Hilton Garden Inn – Bradley Fair.

A man and woman talk at the bar inside Public

Farm-to-table treasures 

Slow down and enjoy a local meal with your beloved. Walk hand in hand along the brick-lined streets of Wichita’s Old Town District and make your way to the intimate dining room at Public. They specialize in fresh, regionally sustainable ingredients in their hand-crafted dishes.

Just north of Wichita is Grace Hill Winery, where you and your date can enjoy a tasting to sip on local wines and tour the vineyard, winery and cellar to see the journey from vine to wine. After sampling wine, indulge in a fine dining experience for two at Elderslie Farm. You’ll taste the freshness in every bite. When back in the city, find their locally made cheese and other products at Everyday by Elderslie.

If you're looking for a romantic setting where music plays from vinyl records, make your way to First Mile Kitchen and savor seasonal cuisine from their live-fire hearth.

A couple embraces at the base of the Keeper of the Plains at night with the fire pots lit

Riverwalk Romance

Book a stay along the Arkansas River at either the Hyatt Regency Wichita or the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, where right from the doors of your hotel you can walk together along the river. Another great option just a couple blocks west of the river is Home2 Suites by Hilton Wichita Downtown Delano. From any of these locations, you can easily make your way to the magnificent suspension bridge over the Arkansas River to explore the Keeper of the Plains Plaza.

If adventure is what you seek, rent a kayak from Boats & Bikes and see the Keeper and downtown Wichita like you’ve never seen them before! From there, make your way to the Delano District where you can find local shops including Bungalow 26Hatman Jack’s and Sweet ‘n Saucy. Enjoy a couples massage and other therapeutic services at Bohemia Healing Spa before dinner and drinks on the patio at Monarch.

offbeat date ideas_blade timber

Downtown Date Night

Impress your date with a night at the state’s only AAA Four Diamond property: Ambassador Hotel Autograph Collection. Even if you don’t venture afield, the Ambassador offers a complete upscale getaway: make a reservation at Siena Tuscan Steakhouse for an exceptional dining experience and head to the subterranean, speakeasy-style Dockum for expertly handcrafted cocktails.

It’s convenient to explore Downtown Wichita from the Ambassador, too. You’ll have easy access to public art, dining and entertainment, including live performances at Roxy’s Downtown, espresso beverages at Espresso To Go Go and Paradise Donuts, French Mediterranean cuisine at Cafe Bel Ami, local flavors at Simply Sangria, Sweet Allie B’s Limestone Beer Co., Tor Brewing or White Crow Cider Company, handcrafted cocktails at Botanic at GROW Giesen Plant Shop or rowdy fun at Axe to Grind and Blade & Timber. And if you need a late-night bite, Insomnia Cookies has you covered!

Larkspur Couple Wine Patio

Old Town Tour

Listen to the relaxing sounds of jazz in the Old Town District's newest establishment, Walker's Jazz Lounge. In addition to great music, they specialize in charcuterie boards and handcrafted cocktails. Or check out a couple of Wichita’s craft breweries in and around Old Town such as River City Brewing Co. or Central Standard Brewing

Old Town boasts a wide variety of dining options, from upscale cuisine in a casual setting at Larkspur Bistro & Bar to from-scratch bistro classics at The Kitchen, each featuring excellent outdoor patios. The Kitchen also offers hands-on cooking classes that are perfectly suited for Valentine's Day.

Or opt for dinner and a show at Mosley Street Melodrama. While in the district, stroll through the brick-lined streets and stop in local shops Lucinda’sUniquities Home and Viva La Olive. Sample the many flavors and catch live music at Mort’s Martini & Cigar Bar or, if it better fits your style, head farther into the Douglas Design District to check out one of Wichita’s favorite dive bars, Lucky’s Everyday, or the immersive tiki bar Lava & Tonic. When you’re ready to call it a night, settle in to a historic suite at Hotel at Old Town.

If these options don’t pique your interest, take a look at our themed date ideas. Or if you want to build your Wichita date night around a special event, check the calendar of events to see what’s happening during your specific dates. Plus, many hotels in Wichita offer special Valentine's Day packages that include accommodations, dining experiences and other romantic amenities.