Best Rochester Date Ideas That AREN’T Dinner

Whether you're a new couple or you've been together for a while, dinner dates can get old pretty quick. Especially if you're early in your relationship and you're still getting to know each other, then those dinner dates can be awkward when you run out of things to say...

Dates where you get to actually do something together, something different, can freshen things up, plus, they're super fun! So I gathered a list of ideas for dates in Rochester, MN that AREN'T dinner.

These are all pretty laid-back, fun, and easy dates. You're doing something that will get the conversation going naturally.

Rochester, MN Date Ideas That Aren't Dinner

Coffee and a Walk

We have plenty of great local coffee shops, so pick one, grab a coffee, and head out to walk around town. Or sip your coffee and then pick a nearby walking path to wrap up your date.

ALSO READ: The Best Local Coffee Shops in Rochester According to Locals

See a Show or Live Music

There are different shows at the Mayo Civic Center all the time. There's also live music at bars around Rochester all the time. If there's a place you're thinking about going, take a peek at their social media to see if they have any live performers.

Game Night at a Brewery

All of the breweries in Rochester have shelves of games that you can pull out and play while enjoying a beer. It's a laid-back atmosphere with a fun activity. Win-win!

Old School Entertainment

This one is a specific business in town that would provide a really fun date. Old School Entertainment has axe-throwing and old-school arcade games. Go learn how to do axe throwing and then get a little competitive with their arcade games.

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Desserts-Only

Ok, yes, you'll end up at restaurants with this one, but it's a different twist. It's much shorter than dinner, plus, you could turn it into a game where you rate which ones you like the best!

Go Hiking

There are plenty of hiking trails around and near Rochester. Pick whichever one stands out to you and hit the trail to enjoy nature together.

Bookstore Browsing

If the two of you love books, this is perfect. We've got a couple of used bookstores, and I feel like those are way more fun to browse. Hit up Garden Party Books, Paperback Book Palace, or Diatom Books, and as you browse, share what you find with each other.

ALSO READ: New and Unique Bookshop Opens in Downtown Rochester