You And Your Partner Will Love These 13 Unique Date Ideas In New Jersey
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Kristen
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If dinner and a movie are getting old, or you’re looking for fun things to in New Jersey for couples, consider spicing things up a bit with one of these unique New Jersey date ideas. Whatever you enjoy, there is are date night ideas on this list that you and your partner will love.
Picture this: You're a private detective and you've managed to sneak into the speakeasy of the notorious mobster, Jimmy "Two Toes" Guarini. You have only an hour before he and his associates return, and you need to find evidence that will put him away for life. The circumstances are shady - can you solve the crime and make it out in time?
This is just one of many scenarios you can experience in an escape room. They're designed to test your critical thinking skills as you search for all sorts of clues and solve riddles. Truly immersive and loads of fun, escape rooms make for amazing date ideas in New Jersey. How well can you work together?
There are several escape rooms in New Jersey, find one that's close to where you live and make a plan!
This is just one of many scenarios you can experience in an escape room. They're designed to test your critical thinking skills as you search for all sorts of clues and solve riddles. Truly immersive and loads of fun, escape rooms make for amazing date ideas in New Jersey. How well can you work together?
There are several escape rooms in New Jersey, find one that's close to where you live and make a plan!
Dinner is nice, but a dinner cruise is extra-special. You can find fantastic scenic cruises that offer views of everything from Manhattan to the Jersey Shore. Many vessels offer brunch and lunch cruises and often host special sailings for special events like Valentine's Day. Popular choices in our state include River Lady Cruises in Toms River, Vista Yacht Cruises in Weehawken, Cornucopia Cruise Lines in Perth Amboy, and The River Belle in Point Pleasant Beach, Cape May Whale Watcher also offers a fantastic dinner cruise.
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A fun date night idea in New Jersey that almost anyone can enjoy, trail rides can be found all over New Jersey year-round. A great option for animal lovers, nature lovers, and adventurous types, this makes for an unforgettable date. Start your search for the perfect trail ride at Top View Riding Ranch in Blairstown, Legacy Riding Stables in Sayreville, or Miller Farms in Berlin.
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Wine tastings always make for a memorable thing to do in New Jersey for couples, but why not kick it up a notch? Double the fun with both wine and chocolates by stopping off at one of these sinfully delicious chocolate shops in New Jersey.
You can buy a block of classes or just try an introductory lesson. You and your date are guaranteed to get close, and dance lessons are definitely something different. If you're a coordinated couple or have a good sense of humor, check out MDN Latin Dance Studio in Belleville, Atrium Dance Studio in Pennsauken, or Anytime Dance Studio in Long Branch.
Creating something is always special, and even more fun when done with a date. From painting to pottery, there's a perfect place in New Jersey for you. Just Bead Yourself in Westfield is just one of many options for getting crafty on your date night. Around The Corner Art Center in Freehold (and Morganville) offers Canvas & Cocktail nights along with other events. A Time To Kiln in Red Bank offers both canvas and pottery painting, with the opportunity to take your projects home the very same day! Fire Me Up in Cranford allows visitors to paint pottery, fuse glass, and sculpt with clay.
The Clay Pot in Spotswood also hosts special events throughout the year, too. Glassworks Studio in Morristown is all about glass fusing and is a registered sustainable business. The Painted Grape in Hardyston offers wine and painting, crocheting, and wreath making. Bright Zebra Studio in Matawan provides a whole host of activities including painting, sewing, and even cooking classes. Last but not least, Hot Sand in Asbury Park offers walk-in glassblowing and workshops. This is only just a sample of the artistic options New Jersey has to offer.
The Clay Pot in Spotswood also hosts special events throughout the year, too. Glassworks Studio in Morristown is all about glass fusing and is a registered sustainable business. The Painted Grape in Hardyston offers wine and painting, crocheting, and wreath making. Bright Zebra Studio in Matawan provides a whole host of activities including painting, sewing, and even cooking classes. Last but not least, Hot Sand in Asbury Park offers walk-in glassblowing and workshops. This is only just a sample of the artistic options New Jersey has to offer.
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New Jersey is filled with history, but parts of our past still survive in the present... if you believe. There are many seasonal ghost tours to choose from, but several businesses offer this unique activity year-round. Paranormal Books & Curiosities in Asbury Park offers unique tours that make for great date night ideas. They also offer seances and a paranormal museum, which is currently being expanded. The Ghosts of Cape May Trolley tour is another option, but you can always take this haunted road trip in New Jersey to see some of the state's most haunted areas on your own. You can hold hands if you get scared!
A day (or night) at the racetrack can be so much fun! You can take in the show, place your bets, enjoy special contests and events, and even enjoy fine dining.
Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford offers multiple dining options, from the buffet at Pink to the spectacular Victory Terrace. You'll also find a sports bar, outdoor dining, a food court, and a private restaurant (Trotters) for members and horsemen only. Monmouth Park in Oceanport offers the Salvator Bar & Grill and an outdoor dining terrace. Freehold Raceway in Freehold offers the Renaissance Room, open for lunch and dinner with great views of the track.
Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford offers multiple dining options, from the buffet at Pink to the spectacular Victory Terrace. You'll also find a sports bar, outdoor dining, a food court, and a private restaurant (Trotters) for members and horsemen only. Monmouth Park in Oceanport offers the Salvator Bar & Grill and an outdoor dining terrace. Freehold Raceway in Freehold offers the Renaissance Room, open for lunch and dinner with great views of the track.
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Everyone goes ice skating in the winter, but what about snow tubing? It provides just the right amount of thrill and can be done almost anywhere. Campgaw Ski Area in Mahwah (pictured) and Mountain Creek in Vernon are great places to start, but you can always head to a local hill for some fun. Afterward, warm up by the fire or with a hot cup of coffee.
They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but I say, everyone loves good food. Crank up your cooking skills at Hudson Table in Hoboken.
You're never too old, or young, for a little pinball. For a fun twist on the classic arcade date, consider a vintage arcade. You can find the Silverball Museum Arcade in Asbury Park and YESTERcades with locations in Red Bank and Somerville. All offer games dating back decades. Winner chooses dinner!
New Jersey has loads of natural beauty to appreciate. Take a hike, go on an eco-cruise, bird watch, take a nature walk, and so much more. Great places to enjoy New Jersey's nature include Duke Farms in Hillsborough (pictured),
The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, Tenafly Nature Center in Tenafly, Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst, the Cape May Bird Observatory in Cape May, and Wharton State Forest in Hammonton.
Delaware River Railroad Excursions is based out of Phillipsburg and offers a wide variety of themed and scenic train rides that are such a unique and memorable thing to do in New Jersey for couples. Offerings vary by season but include winery train rides, the mine train, pumpkin picking rides, Ren Faire rides, and more.
What do you think? Are these great options for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or your anniversary? They could also be great first dates… Have you been on any of these dates? What was your experience? Which are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts and favorite unique date ideas in New Jersey in the comments.
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More to Explore
Things to do in New Jersey
What are the best day trips in New Jersey?
If you're looking for the best day trips in New Jersey, look no further:
- Road trips can be such fun date ideas for New Jersey residents.
- There are plenty of New Jersey State Parks and nature preserves for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy, especially if you’re wanting to hit some of New Jersey’s most beautiful hiking trails.
- If you prefer to stick to the small towns in New Jersey, consider spending a day strolling around one of the most unique towns in New Jersey, Haddonfield. Hope you like dinosaurs, because this town has a very unique relationship with them!
What are the most unique things to do in New Jersey?
Check out a few of the most unique things to do in New Jersey:
- If you’re a thrill seeker, then you have to check out iFLY, a unique spot where you can experience indoor skydiving in New Jersey.
- If you prefer to have your feet on the ground, you can always check out one of the many unique museums in New Jersey, like Insectropolis, a museum that’s dedicated entirely to bugs! Not just bugs, though. You’ll also come across a few reptiles, like Brian the giant iguana, who is always happy to see new visitors stroll through.
Are there any waterfront restaurants in New Jersey?
One of the most popular things to do in New Jersey for couples is to enjoy a meal together. Sure, you could always visit your favorite local eatery, but for a truly memorable dining experience, check out some of the most incredible waterfront restaurants in New Jersey:
- No matter what time of year you visit, the views surrounding Rat’s Restaurant in Hamilton Township are sure to dazzle you.
- For a more laid-back and casual dinner, you can’t go wrong with The Black River Barn in Randolph. This local favorite makes for a super fun date night idea for music lovers, as they frequently host karaoke, live musical performances, and more.