This article was created by Katy Mann of Indy with Kids in collaboration with Indy Maven for our monthly Guest Editor series.
It’s getting hot in Indianapolis, and I love all the offerings that summer brings to the city and even the suburbs. Bring the heat to your relationship and add these flirty and fun date nights (and days) to your calendar.
Via Unsplash
Paddle or Float
Level up this summer and look at Indiana from the waterways. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and a portable charcuterie snack, and paddle a kayak or canoe. Rentals are available at Frank’s Paddlesports Livery on the White River or the White River Canoe Company in Noblesville. What’s more romantic than lathering one another up with sunscreen?
Another more relaxed option that requires less paddling is a river tubing trip. Rent a tube at the White River Canoe Company, and they’ll provide transportation to the drop-off point. You’ll float carelessly down the river for a couple of hours (depending on river conditions).
Via Visit Indy
The Canal, Monument Circle & the Cultural Trail
With so many different neighborhoods, districts, and trails to explore, you could get lost in Downtown Indianapolis. Go on an adventure together and see what the city has to offer. Flip a coin to pick an activity, check out a walking tour, or get the new book “Indianapolis Scavenger” (disclosure: I wrote this book) to add a spicy challenge to your outing.
Above and beyond the public art, memorials, and monuments, the Indianapolis Canal has surrey bike rentals, singing gondoliers, and even giant swan paddle boats.
A stop at Monument Circle will surprise you with a summertime pop-up park with games, entertainment, activities, and cozy seating to share a cup of ice cream from the South Bend Chocolate Company or a sandwich from Small Batch Soups or Potbelly.
Stroll along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, rent a bike from the Pacers Bike Share, check out the trail as a duo, or join in on themed activities like Taco Walk, Roast Rides, sound baths, and more.
Crown Hill Cemetery
If panoramic views of the city skyline, historical icons, incredible stories, and secluded spaces are your thing, then a visit to Crown Hill Cemetery should be on your list. Bring a picnic and get comfortable with one another and some of Indianapolis’ oldest residents. Often, there are remarkable programs taking place at Crown Hill, including sunset walking tours. Crown Hill also offers topical self-guided tours, including a Tree Map, Bicentennial Tour, and Racing Legends Tour. You can also find a Crown Hill scavenger hunt in the aforementioned book, “Indianapolis Scavenger.”
Via Daniel’s Vineyard
Wine or Chocolate
The Circle City Industrial Complex is home to the Indianapolis chocolate factory, SoChatti. SoChatti’s tasting room is a delicious hit of an aphrodisiac, and their chocolate classes are a great partner activity. You’ll learn all about chocolate making in the Bean to Bag classes or take a wine and chocolate pairing class with a tour of the famed chocolate factory.
Find wine country right here near Indy. Daniel’s Vineyard is the place to be year-round – live music in the summer, tabletop bonfires in the spring and fall, heated domes in the winter, and wine all year long! If you don’t fear commitment, join their Cellar Club and keep coming back for something new.
Summertime Farms
Farmers bring new meaning to “friends with benefits,” and their contribution is beauty and bounty. You don’t have to wait for the Indiana State Fair to celebrate the fruits of the land, and you won’t have to drive far to go berry picking (raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are on deck) or to chase one another through fields of flowers.
Check out the urban farm, Driving Wind on Michigan Road, Dollies Flower Farm in Franklin, Spencer Farm in Noblesville, Beasley’s Orchard in Danville, and Tuttle Orchard in Greenfield.
Via Tibb’s Drive-In
Drive-in Movie Theater
Snuggle up in the back of your truck or bring some comfy chairs to the drive-in. Make it a one-time thing of a double feature at Tibbs Drive-In near downtown Indy, The Centerbrook Drive-In in Martinsville, or the Skyline Drive-In in Shelbyville. Since it doesn’t get dark until about 9 pm, this date goes ALL night and into the early morning hours.
Katy Mann is the founder of Indy with Kids. Follow her on Instagram @indywithkids.
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