19 Ideas For a Last-Minute Date in Cleveland

Walk Around University Circle

University Circle, Cleveland

Start with a meal at L’Albatros (on the patio if the weather’s right) or some ramen at Otani Noodle. Walk around Wade Oval and the pond behind the Cleveland Museum of Art. Grab some coffee at The Coffee House. And finish your evening with some ice cream at Piccadilly. It’s the perfect date.

Photo via @UptownCle/Instagram

Ice Cream at Mitchell’s

1867 West 25th St., Cleveland

What’s better in the Summer than cooling off with some of our favorite local ice cream? Who are we kidding, we eat it year round. With newly renovated locations in Solon and Beachwood, and other locations in Ohio City, Rocky River, Westlake, Avon, University Circle, Strongsville and South Park Mall, there’s a Mitchell’s close to you. Yummmmm.

Photo via @MitchellsIceCream/Instagram

Take a Ride on Lolly the Trolley

1101 Winslow Ave., Cleveland

A nod and a smile will get you and your partner a free ride on RTA's free trolley around downtown. Ride it before dinner to get a look at all of the city’s holiday lights and displays. Or, for a longer ride and an official tour, you can book it just a few hours before the tour begins.

Photo via @MusicForever229/Instagram

The Terminal Tower Observation Deck

848 Public Square, Cleveland

Tours run every half hour on Saturday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., and offer a perspective unlike any other in Cleveland -- it may also give you a little perspective on your love life, all for only five dollars. The Terminal Tower frequently holds special events so follow their Twitter, @TowerLightsCLE for updates.

Photo via @We_Love_The_Tower/Instagram

Check Out MOCA

11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

Now is the time to try to become more cultured, or it's a great time to impress a date by pretending you're more cultured. Either way, the Museum of Contemporary Art always has new exhibits on display. The best part: it's free to get in.

Photo via @UptownCle/Instagram

Hike the Cleveland Metroparks

All Over Town

All year long, there’s something going on at the Metroparks. But if it’s last minute and too late to sign up for something like a rope’s course or kayaking, there’s always just plain old hiking. Some even let dogs join in on the fun seeing Northeast Ohio from totally new heights.

Photo via @CleveMetroparks/Instagram

Live Music and a Hot Dog at Happy Dog

Multiple Locations

Happy Dog is the perfect place for a last-minute date plus, the food is reasonable and most weekend nights there’s live music and shows are cheap or free. Both locations, the westside Happy Dog in Gordon Square and the eastside one in the Euclid Tavern at University Circle, offer the perfect spot for dinner and entertainment.

Photo via @HappyDogCleveland/Instagram

Third Friday at 78th Street Studios

1300 West 78th St., Cleveland

If it happens to be the third Friday of the month, and you’re looking for something to do at the last minute, why not see some art, grab a drink and maybe even buy something for that spot above the mantle? 78th Street Studios is the perfect night out.

Photo via @JudyTakacs/Instagram

Karaoke at Tina’s

5400 Herman Ave., Cleveland

There's no better date than embarrassing yourself with some karaoke. And Tina’s Nite Club in the Detroit Shoreway is a quintessential Cleveland dive bar with the most fun karaoke in town. Karaoke is for paying customers only, but the drinks are more than reasonable.

Photo via @XOXOGarbageGirl/Instagram

Visit the Zoo

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland

Whether it’s the middle of the summer and all the animals are roaming outside or it’s a chilly winter day and only the Rainforest is open, there’s always something to see at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. So, instead of heading to your usual local watering hole or tavern, go see some animals.

Photo via @Tamarin_Monkeys/Instagram