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When date night strikes, it can be difficult to think of a unique activity beyond your typical fancy dinner or movie theater experience. Thankfully, Vancouver, Washington is filled with a variety of date night options, from escape rooms to historic theaters and laser tag to rock climbing. Bookmark this list of date ideas in Vancouver to switch up your routine!

See an Indie Film at the Kiggins Theatre

When the Kiggins Theatre opened on April 24, 1936, Frank Newman, President of Evergreen Amusements, declared it was “one of the most modern and luxurious theaters in the Pacific Northwest.” It has since survived closures, devastating fires, and other hardships, yet ended up on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Today, catch an independent or classic film at this historic theater with a rich history. Check out what’s currently playing at the Kiggins!

Play Laser Tag or Black Light Mini Golf at Laser Blasters

Nestled in the Vancouver Mall, Laser Blasters is a new laser tag arena complete with a black light mini golf course. This action-packed destination provides the perfect excuse to act like kids again! Experience the best of both worlds with the $14 combo, good for one game of laser tag and one game of mini golf.

Take a Cooking Class at Class Cooking

Photo Courtesy of Class Cooking

Refine your culinary skills at Class Cooking, a cooking school from Chef Kim Mahan, a Portland native with years of training and exploration in the culinary field, complemented by a background in fine arts, psychology and education. Kim’s small-group gourmet cooking classes offer hands-on learning experience in a fun environment. Peruse the list of upcoming classes to book this interactive (and tasty!) date night experience.

Make Beautiful Things at Beautiful Things Arts & Crafts

Unleash your creative side at Beautiful Things, an art center with a variety of crafty offerings. Whether you enjoy painting, scrapbooking, sculpting, building frames or jewelry making, there’s something for you to make at Beautiful Things. In fact, if you can imagine it, you can probably make it here. Choose your craft, select a date and time, and enjoy a night of creativity and fun!

Take a Stroll Along The Waterfront

Have you been to The Waterfront yet? If not, now’s your chance to explore this new and exciting addition to Vancouver. Situated along the Columbia River just south of downtown, this state-of-the-art mixed-use development features various parks, apartments and condos, offices, a boutique hotel, restaurants, shops and more! Spend an afternoon or evening exploring all that The Waterfront has to offer — plus, take in incredible river views all the while.

Visit a Winery

Photo Courtesy of Burnt Bridge Cellars

While you can easily access Willamette Valley wineries across the Oregon border, there are a number of exceptional wineries situated in Southwest Washington. Burnt Bridge Cellars is a centrally located urban winery crafting compelling wines in small lots using grapes from Washington’s best vineyards. English Estate Winery is Vancouver’s oldest winery and is situated just east of downtown in a historic 1915 red barn. It is here that they crush, ferment and finish all their wines available for tasting. And finally, Cellar 55 Tasting Room is a unique, cooperative winery tasting room featuring two boutique wineries from Walla Walla and Eastern Washington.

All three wineries and tasting rooms are located relatively close to the heart of Vancouver. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous (and feel like venturing into Oregon!), check out one of these must-visit wineries in the region.

Escape From the NW Escape Experience

There’s nothing quite like solving a mystery together to bring you and your significant other closer together. NW Escape Experience offers a variety of escape rooms varying in theme, including the thrilling Kill Room, the mysterious Operation: DB Cooper, or the comedic Hangover Hotel. Use clues to help solve puzzles, which may reveal the way out. Quick — you only have 60 minutes to escape!

Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Cinetopia

Take your average “dinner and a movie” date night to new luxurious heights with a night at Cinetopia, an upscale movie theater with on-site food, a full-service bar, and plush reclining seats. There are two Cinetopia locations in Vancouver — one in East Vancouver and the other at the Vancouver Mall.

Eat Brunch at Eatery at the Grant House

Photo Courtesy of Eatery at the Grant House

Dine in a historic setting at Eatery at the Grant House, the oldest dwelling in Officer’s Row. The restaurant is situated in the elegant Ulysses S. Grant House built in 1849. This exceptional farm-to-table restaurants serves brunch, lunch and dinner, and can also host private events and provide off-site catering services. The brunch menu includes a simple selection of sweet pastries, egg-centric dishes, toast, salads and one of their signature items — the egg and pimento cheese biscuit sandwich with house-made sausage, bacon and seasoned potatoes. Looking for more brunch options in the area? Check out these egg-ceptional brunch spots in Vancouver.

See a Play at Magenta Theater

There’s always something happening at Magenta Theater. This popular performing arts theater hosts a variety of shows throughout each season. Quality performances include comedies, mysteries, dramas and musicals. Plus, Magenta encourages creativity through its improv team, promotes education through classes, and hosts a variety of local performers. Check out what’s coming up at Magenta Theater to plan your next date night show!

Go Rock Climbing at The Source Climbing Center

Test your climbing skills (or challenge your fear of heights!) at The Source Climbing Center. This indoor rock climbing center offers a range of courses varying in difficulty, providing options for novices and beginners to experts with years of experience. If you’ve never been to The Source, complete a releasebefore you arrive to save some time at check-in. Otherwise, enjoy an active and challenging date night experience at The Source!

Visit the Vancouver Farmers’ Market

Photo Courtesy of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market

If your date falls on the weekend during the spring, summer or fall, you’re in luck! The Vancouver Farmers’ Market is an excellent community market that takes place between mid-March and late October from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The market hosts over 250 vendors selling a variety of produce, baked goods, flowers and plants, homemade clothing and accessories, and more. The Vancouver Farmers’ Market has grown over the years, and is now considered the second largest in the state of Washington!

Happy Date Night!

What date night activities are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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