I’m a “City Girl” from Queens that loves to be outside, and one thing about me is I know how to have a good time. Recently relocating to Albany my love for adventure and new experiences have traveled with me, and my boyfriend and I’ve managed to rack up a healthy list of great spots to go on a date. I know that finding unique and fun places can be hard, but whether this is your first date or your 50th, trying something new can help you know your date on a deeper level. So no matter how long you’ve been dating here are 8 of the best fun date night ideas to do in Albany.
Ax Throwing
Albany has some unique spots that the average person wouldn’t even consider thinking of so let’s start outside of the box. Far Shot is an ax-throwing (yes ax throwing) venue that hosts events for a minimum of 2 people for only $25 an hour! Each session comes with ax throwing equipment, training, and games! Bring the friendly competition and the cameras because this is bound to be one for the memory books. My only warning is: if you’re drinking? For the safety of everyone do not add this to your itinerary!
Indoor Rock Climbing
For all those athletic A.I.R is Albany’s Indoor Rock Gym conveniently located just off Central Avenue near Westgate Plaza. The gym’s features were developed based on decades of outdoor climbing experience and offer a variety of technique-building opportunities. A.I.R. also has the nation’s only indoor caving system, complete with a 60-foot indoor zipline! With tickets selling for $13.50 each I say why not? Get a workout in, stay hydrated, wear deodorant and try your best. This location can provide the base for multiple conversation starters as well as the opportunity to celebrate achievements or laugh at missteps. Even if this is the first date or one of many you’re bound to have a good time.
Bowling
At East Green Bush Bowling Alley not only will you be able to enjoy a fun game in a casual environment but you’ll also have access to arcade games, food, and drinks. They have regular open bowling available, but I’d suggest going during cosmic bowling hours. With a laser light display, bowling lanes that glow in the dark, black lights, strobe, and runway lights accompanied by heart-pounding music for only $18 it’s an experience not to be missed! (Call for reservations and all other inquiries at 518-477-9306).
Ice Skating
This next suggestion is one I make with caution: Ice skating. Although ideally, this can be a romantic date there are many factors that can make this equally unromantic so only propose this idea if the following applies:
- both partners can at least stand up on the ice without falling all the time and also manage to move a little, at the least.
- both are equally inexperienced or experienced. I say this because as the person who can barely ice skate getting left behind while everyone zooms past you isn’t fun. Last but not least, if you aren’t embarrassed to fall in front of your partner.
If you checked yes to both of the above then The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink is a great place to go the cost of skating is free, skate rentals are $4, locker rentals 25¢, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink.
Rollerskating
If ice skating isn’t in the cards for you perhaps rollerskating is. At Rollarama Skating Center I’d like to highlight their Adult 21+ skate from 6:30 pm-9 pm every Tuesday priced at $10 for entrance and $4 for skate rentals. With amazing music, a diverse snack bar, and great vibes — just be sure that this isn’t your first time skating and you should have a great time.
Game Night
Opening its second location in Albany, NY Bard & Baker is a board game café at 1034 Madison Avenue in downtown Albany, NY! This location is an espresso bar & pastry shop offering an array of beverages such as Brewtus Roasting espresso drinks, Short & Stout Tea Lounge, bubble teas, tea lattes, and a rotating selection of pastries & baked goods baked fresh daily from their Troy location. From Tuesday – Thursday it’s $5.00 per person for all and from Friday – Sunday it’s $10.00 per person for adults, $5 for students & children 18 & under. This pricing is all-inclusive and lasts for the entire day! You can play as many games as you like, and even leave and come back later on in the day if you’d like as well.
Sip and Paint
With no creative or artistic skills needed a fun local date idea is going to Painting with a Twist. At their couples’ painting events, you can have everything you love about regular dates — like your favorite beverages and finger foods, plus all the fun that comes with trying something new. Stop by to relax, laugh, and sip your favorite BYOB* beverage. Don’t forget a snack to fuel your creativity! At most of their couples painting events, you and your other half will create a complementary set of paintings. Together, both your canvases become a beautiful masterpiece of your choice with a variety of blueprints to choose from in their events calendar. Find a paint night theme that makes your heart skip a beat, then sign up for your most creative and memorable date night yet!
Pottery
If you would classify yourself and/or your partner as creative or if you just want to be spontaneous The Pottery Palace is the perfect place for you. Conveniently located in Western Ave no appointment is needed, just walk in to curb your creative hunger. No experience is necessary, they have the guidance and the tools to help every age and artistic ability create their own unique project. The process is easy, just choose your piece; imagine your design; paint it however you like, and because you do need to return to pick it up, it provides the perfect reason for a second date.
For more date night ideas in Albany New York be sure to check out my TikTok 1ms.clean.
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