14 Date Night Ideas in Rhode Island for Valentine’s or Any Occasion

Finding new things to do with your significant other the smallest state might seem challenging, but there are many great date night ideas in Rhode Island to choose from. Whether you’re looking to keep it casual or want to try something new, the beautiful Ocean State has plenty of hidden gems to transform an ordinary date into a fun adventure. 



Whether you are looking for ideas for your first date or ways to celebrate a special occasion, I’ve selected a list of 14 top locations for daytime and evening dates with the perfect setting to spend quality time with your special someone. From watching the sunset to taking a helicopter ride, Rhode Island has options for all types of couples.



Want to plan a romantic getaway or grab some dinner? Check out these  best date night restaurants in Rhode Island and  Rhode Island romantic getaways .



Date Night Ideas in Rhode Island



Excited to start exploring new date night ideas? Get a head start planning your next adventure with these top romantic activities.




Best day date:  Winery Tour and Tasting at Newport Vineyards



Best grand gesture:  Newport Helicopter Tour 



Best for nature lovers:  Sunset at Brenton Point State Park



Best for foodies:  Cooking Class at Johnson & Wales University 



Best night date:  R1 Axe Bar 








Get Creative at Paint and Sip 



Looking to get out of your comfort zone and test your creativity? Look no further than the creative capital.  Muse Paintbar  takes couples on an artistic adventure that helps unleash their inner artist. The paint bar has a collection of paintings, ranging in price point to suit your budget. Their bar and kitchen are fully stocked with a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as sweet and savory treats like gourmet popcorn and brownie bites. 



Open on both weekdays and weekends, you can choose the afternoon or evening painting session that works best with your schedule. Speaking from personal experience, I can assure you that instructors are supportive and focus class around having fun. You don’t need to be the next Picasso to join, make the most of your time and share a laugh or two if your painting takes an unexpected turn. 



To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Muse is offering Couple’s Art, a chance to combine artwork into a shared masterpiece. Take your date memories home with you to remember forever. Be sure to check out other painting bars across Rhode Island, like  Paint and Vino  in Pawtucket. 



Kill your Boredom at an Axe Bar 



Image courtesy of Marissa Barrett



Join the wild side at the  R1 Axe Bar  in Lincoln. Compete in a friendly competition testing your axe-throwing skills on wooden targets to score the highest points. Specialized axe coaches will guide you through the technique to help you hit a bullseye. Grab food and drinks as you release any built-up tension in this hands-on activity that’s sure to get your blood pumping. Drinks are on the loser! 



For an additional charge, challenge your partner to Go Kart racing, arcade games, and darts all available for your enjoyment. This date night acts as an icebreaker for newer couples and adds excitement for those looking to let loose and have fun. Share laughs, work together, and unleash your inner child.



Take Your Relationship to New Heights with a Helicopter Ride 



Want a thrilling experience like no other? Newport offers  Helicopter Tours that are sure to make a lasting impression on a first date or surprise a lifelong partner. With more than ten options to choose from, Newport’s highly-skilled pilots are ready to take you to explore some of the most breathtaking scenery. 



From overlooking the Newport Mansions to enjoying an aerial view of Providence, a Helicopter ride provides couples with a romantic opportunity to fly close together in the helicopter’s cabin. This quick and efficient date is an experience that many have yet to encounter. Not to mention the amazing Instagram-worthy photos that you can proudly share with your friends and family afterward.



Sail Away at La Gondola







Get a taste of Italy at  La Gondola  in Providence. This romantic experience is a perfect way to woo your partner, offering an escape from reality without the added travel expense. Open on both weekdays and weekends, La Gondola is available for morning, afternoon, and evening dates – but it is especially romantic during Waterfire! (Just remember to book a reservation well in advance for Waterfire dates.)



Enjoy complimentary homemade Italian biscuits and make use of the provided ice bucket and wine glasses to savor a beverage of your choice. Bring along food and snacks to turn your gondola ride into a romantic picnic. Listen to classic Italian songs by the gondoliers as you kick back and relax with a personalized experience. This  bucket list  activity is the perfect gesture of love, guaranteed to make your partner feel extra special during this unforgettable romantic rendezvous.  



Admire Fine Art at the RISD Museum







Explore ancient art pieces and learn more about different cultures at the  RISD Museum . Built in 1877, this museum has six levels which feature modern, contemporary, European, and Egyptian artwork. The museum partners with the Rhode Island School of Design to showcase student work as well. Check out their newest exhibits and after your visit, grab a bite to eat at Café Pearl. 



This date is great for art buffs and couples looking to expand their knowledge. Take your time walking through the museum and sharing your opinions on your favorite pieces. Take photos and have an open mind, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you uncover.



Skate Away at the Providence Rink



Image courtesy of Go Providence



Embrace the chilly weather and make your way to the  Providence Rink  for an ice skating date. Ice skating is great during the holiday season or colder months. This laid-back activity is for couples who are looking to have some fun. It’s not only entertaining but also beginner-friendly for those new to skating, giving the perfect excuse to hold each other’s hands. 



Impress your partner with tricks or grip to the side wall for support, ice skating creates a magical experience. If you happen to take a tumble, share a laugh, dust yourself off, and try again. Ice skating season runs from November to March, and a $2 discount on admission is available from 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. If ice skating isn’t your thing, try out the rinks Ice Bumper Cars for a unique alternative. 



Test your Luck at Level 99



Image courtesy of Marissa Barrett



Searching for some unique Providence date night ideas? Join in welcoming the newest entertainment venue to the Providence Place Mall,  Level 99 . This one-of-a-kind drinking and dining experience has over fifty challenge rooms with physical and mental puzzles. Couples can play together racing against the clock to complete obstacle courses and solve riddles before time runs out. All rooms show their difficulty level before entering and can be accessed through a wristband. 



Having personally tackled some of the challenges, I can vouch for the high-energy atmosphere at Level 99. The immersive rooms kept my boyfriend and me entertained during our visit to the Natick location. It mimics stepping into a real-life video game, where time slips away. Plus it’s an excellent opportunity to work as a team. Get ready to put your brain and body in motion.



Pamper Yourself at the Bodhi Spa 







What’s better than a self-care day? The Newport and Providence  Bodhi Spa  offers couples a romantic setting to reset their bodies and minds. Couples can enjoy the water journey experience together as you move from heat to cold and back again in a relaxing setting. After the hydrotherapy, add on treatments such as massages or facials. The spa’s licensed estheticians and massage therapists will help you leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 



This date is designed for couples looking for a moment of peace and silence amidst life’s chaos.



Chef it up at a Cooking Class



Want to learn how to cook a delicious homemade meal? Join  Johnson & Wales University  Providence for an engaging three-hour recreational cooking class, to improve your culinary skills. Register online for your choice of a cooking or baking class, led by a professional Johnson and Wales chef, who will share tips and tricks to help you become a culinary pro. 



After class, join for a rewarding meal in the Johnson and Wales dining room, included in the experience. This collaborative date will leave you feeling accomplished. Take your newfound knowledge home with you and team up with your partner to prepare a meal together, or surprise them with a home-cooked dinner as a romantic gesture.



Tee up at Top Golf 







Visit the newly opened  Top Golf  in Cranston for a fun and interactive dining experience. Top Golf stands out from traditional golf courses by blending golf with entertainment, to create a laid-back social environment. Designed for new golfers, the facility allows you to set your own pace, eliminating any added pressures. 



Whether you’re leaning towards a more private and intimate date or opt for a double date with friends, Top Golf accommodates your needs, with bays holding up to six guests. Take a break to refuel with quick appetizers, craft cocktails, and hearty entrees. With more than 15 game selections, Top Golf is ideal for couples looking for friendly competition or casual fun while building a stronger connection. Plan your date on any Tuesday for half-off golfing.



Watch the Sunset at Brenton Point State Park



Image courtesy of Emma DaSilva



Grab a blanket and your partner to enjoy the beauty of nature at  Brenton Point State Park , the best spot to unwind and watch as the day comes to a close. Whether you choose to enjoy the view from the comfort of your car or venture off to find the secret beach beyond the rocks, the sunset creates a great space to have heartfelt conversations. 



Crack open some drinks, buy some pizza from a nearby pizzeria, and soak up the final moments of sunlight. This simple yet timeless date is a meaningful way to spend time with the one you love while appreciating the environment. The park is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry friend to join in the adventure.



Sip on Wine at the Newport Vineyards







Family-owned and operated for 25 years,  Newport Vineyards  is home to award-winning wine, beer, and tasty food. With more than 100 acres of farmland, Newport Vineyards offers a winery tour and tasting that serves as the perfect mix between a romantic and educational date. Discover the history of the vineyard as well as their onsite brewery, Taproot Brewing Co. 



Taste up to four different wines from a selection of 20 options, including reds, whites, rosés, and specialty blends. After picking your favorites, stop by the gift shop to purchase a bottle or two for both of you. Enjoy it for later or save it for future date nights, to remember your shared experience.



Wine lovers might also enjoy tasting a wider variety of wines at  PVD Wine Bar .



Tap in at Ragged Island Brewery 



Ditch the crowded bars and instead savor high-quality beer brewed locally in Portsmouth at Ragged Island Brewery. Set on 37 scenic acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, the farmhouse taproom offers the ideal setting for couples who share a love for beer. Sample a range of flavors, from light ales to dark stouts, and drink alongside your partner while enjoying live music. 



The brewery’s welcoming atmosphere allows for open conversations and creates a space for couples to meet others. Learn how the brewery came to be, take a stroll through the gorgeous greenhouse, and grab a bite to eat from the on-site food trucks. Return the following week to try the newest tap options, for another exciting tasting adventure.  If Ragged Island is too far, pick up a  Rhode Island Breweries Passport  and sip your way through the Ocean State’s nearly 40 craft breweries.



Laugh Away at Comedy Connection 



This East Providence comedy club is great for couples looking to laugh the night away.  Comedy Connection  hosts a variety of comedians, many of whom have made appearances on Netflix, HBO, and NBC specials. A comedy show is a safe choice for newer couples looking to break the ice and ease any first-date awkwardness. Grab some drinks and snacks like popcorn, chips, or candy and enjoy the show. 



After the show ends, share your favorite jokes on the car ride home. Couples with a good sense of humor can look back on the memorable moments they shared. Catch a performance from a comedian you’ve been eager to see or try out a new comic you’ve never heard before for an enjoyable time. Seats are first-come, first-serve, so arrive early if you’re looking to get a front-row spot. Thinking of getting late-night dinner or drinks? Check out the dining options on Federal Hill, just a 9-minute drive away.
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