We just moved to Tampa, Florida a year and a half ago, and we’ve been working on a list of unique Tampa date ideas to have in our back pocket for when we want something fun to do! The full list of date ideas is growing quickly—who knew there were so many unique things to do in Tampa! But for today, I’m sharing the ten things that we’re most excited to try! So without further ado, here are 10 unique Tampa date ideas for your next night out!

1. Make DIY candles at The Candle Pour

Looking for a Tampa date idea that allows you to take home a custom creation? Check out The Candle Pour in Hyde Park Village, where you and your partner can mix scents to pour your own custom candles!

Once your candles set, you can take them with you to fill your home with your favorite scents. And if you’re not a fan of candles, or can’t have flames where you live, they even have flameless options, like room sprays or wax melts!

Side note: I’ve tried making homemade candles before, and it’s harder than it sounds. You have to heat the wax to the right temperature, and then pour it without getting any air bubbles, both things I completely failed at 🙈 So this is probably the date idea I’m most excited about, because I know the staff will be able to walk me through it so I don’t end up with ugly candles again!

2. Play laser tag or archery tag at Laser Ops

Here’s a Tampa date idea that will make you feel like a kid again! Laser tag is SO fun as a date, and even better as a double date.

Laser Ops caught my eye when I was looking up laser tag places in Tampa, because they not only have laser tag, but also a game called “archery tag”! Chris and I went on a double date to Laser Ops with some friends, and we tried both the laser tag and archery tag. We loved both, but archery tag was our favorite because it was something we had never tried before!

After your games, you can also spend some time at the arcade, try some VR gaming, and eat comfort food like pizza or wings. They even have beer and wine options available, so you can make your throwback date feel a little more grown-up!

3. Take a walk by the river at Armature Works

This is one of our favorite places because it has pretty much everything from asian food to tacos and all the sweets you can imagine. There is fancy dining and quick serve meals you can grab. Right across is the University of Tampa. We love walking around the path next to the river and often Armature works has festivals for families too! We have seen a few boat parades, experienced food trucks and even music!

4. Learn to create blown glass art at Phoenix Glass Studio

Anyone else fascinated by watching Netflix’s Blown Away, or mesmerized by watching the glass artists work at Crystal Arts in Magic Kingdom? Creating blown glass art is something I never thought I’d have the opportunity to try myself… Until I found out that there are blown glass workshops right here in Tampa!

Select a project from their workshop options, such as ornaments, paper weights, and beer mugs, and they’ll walk you through how to make it yourself! They even offer a “Hot Glass Date” experience for two, where you can work as a team to create glass hearts and ornaments to take home!

5. Brunch at Oxford Exchange

Oxford Exchange is the perfect Tampa date idea because it has a wonderful atmosphere for couples to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The restaurant is located in a beautiful historic building and features an impressive collection of art and antiques, making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal. The menu offers a variety of dishes, from classic brunch favorites to innovative creations, so there’s something to please everyone’s palate. The staff is friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is always welcoming. So, if you’re looking for a special dining experience, Oxford Exchange is the perfect spot for a memorable brunch!

Looking for more Tampa date ideas?

We plan to share more lists of our favorite date spots in Tampa, especially as we go out and try more of them! What kinds of date ideas do you want to see next? Restaurants? Activities? Shows and events? Let us know in the comments, and follow us on Instagram to be the first to know when the next post goes live!