31+ Perfect Date Ideas in Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge, Ontario (2022)

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Whether you’re planning your very first date or you’re looking to spice things up after decades together, we could all use a little date night inspiration.

And that’s where we come in! We’ve done our research and have come up with this exciting list of the best date night (and date-day!) ideas and fun things to do as a couple for anyone in the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge regions.

Date in the Park

From busy indoor entertainment venues to quiet outdoor outings, to day trips to nearby hidden gems, we hope this list keeps you and your loved one busy for (at least) 31 exciting dates to come!

Fun Date Ideas

There’s no doubt that people are attracted to someone with a good sense of humor and a willingness to have fun. But sometimes we need a little help releasing that child inside of us.

Fret not, friends, with these fun and even adventurous date ideas you will have no problem letting loose and showing your partner your carefree side.

1. Bingemans

Bingemans is easily one of Kitchener-Waterloo’s best entertainment venues with tons of fun things to do with your date.

With a thrilling waterpark, epic bowling alley, mini golf courses, outdoor concert venue, escape room, Grand River water excursions, and so much more, Bingemans should be high on your list of places to go for a fun date night or even a full day out together.

If you’re living in the Tri Cities and haven’t checked out Bingemans this is a total must-do date idea in any season.

2. Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing is a great date idea in Kitchener Waterloo and Cambridge

If rock climbing is your thing, then you naturally want to make sure that you and your date can enjoy this awesome sport together.

In the Tri Cities you will find amazing rock climbing at Grand River Rocks Waterloo, Grand River Rocks Kitchener and The Core Climbing Gym in Cambridge.

Open during the day and into the evenings, these three gyms make the perfect place to impress your sweetheart with a fun and exhilarating activity together.

3. Escape Rooms

What could be more a more fitting way to test if you and your date have what it takes to spend your lives together than to race against the clock while uncovering puzzles to escape a locked room? Romantic and thrilling!

Consider putting your newfound infatuation – or your unfailing love – to the test at Adventure Rooms Kitchener, Escapeworx at Bingemans (Kitchener), or Breakout Escapes in Cambridge.

4. ibowl Family Fun Centre

ibowl Family Fun Centre in Cambridge is an epic date night spot for couples or groups just looking for a great time. With 5-pin and 10-pin bowling, Cosmic bowling and Cosmic mini golf and a full arcade, what’s not to love about a night at ibowl.

Bringing your kids along for your date night? Not to worry – you’ll be able to steal some moments to yourselves while the kids keep busy playing. That’s a win-win!

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5. Bad Axe Throwing Waterloo

Are you looking for a way to cheer up your date after a bad week? You’ll be scoring bonus points today when you bring them to Bad Axe Throwing.

Definitely one of most fun things to do in Waterloo, you’ll be able to get out your frustrations (hopefully not of each other…) by throwing axes – in a completely safe and friendly environment!

Honestly, who would not love to be cheered up this way after a long week in the office?

6. One Axe Pursuits

One Axe Pursuits (Elora) is your ultimate local outdoor adventure spot for any season! Just a short 30 minute drive from Kitchener-Waterloo or 45 minutes from Cambridge, One Axe Pursuits is located in the picturesque town of Elora.

Taking advantage of the fantastic natural features of the Elora Gorge, One Axe Pursuits offers ice climbing, rock climbing, mountaineering, ziplines, and urban & cliff rappelling. This big ticket adventure is definitely an experience of a lifetime and an unforgettable thrill for you and your date!

7. African Lion Safari

While you may not be able to afford a spontaneous trip to Africa for a real safari, you and your loved one will have (almost 😉) as good of a time staying local and heading to the African Lion Safari.

Open from May to October and located just outside of Cambridge, the African Lion Safari is a seriously fun way to feel like you’ve escaped to some place exotic!

8. St Jacob’s Market

St Jacob’s Market is an incredible way to step into the local culture of Kitchener-Waterloo’s Old Order Mennonite community. Your senses will be indulged as you browse the market for appetizing eats and farm-fresh goods!

St Jacob’s Market is actually Canada’s largest year-round market. It’s a must-do outing for anyone in the region and the perfect date idea for couples any time of the year.

9. Celebrate Oktoberfest

Couples Drinking Beer on a Patio

While Oktoberfest only happens once a year, if you’re planning a date in the month of October, attending this local tradition is a definite must! You’ll find all you need to know about what events are happening when at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest website. So raise a pint and bite into a thick pretzel this fall with your Liebling!



Romantic Things to Do

Of course, we can’t just have fun without throwing in a little romance here and there, can we? With these next romantic date ideas, you’ll have Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries covered for years to come.

10. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Who can’t argue that walking through a lush, indoor garden filled with exotic butterflies is just totally romantic? Well, we think so, as do the many happy couples who choose to get married each year at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

At the Butterfly Conservatory, you and your date will be enchanted by tropical plants, birds and butterflies while you stare lovingly into each other’s eyes next to a calming indoor waterfall…you get the point. Romantic!

On the other hand, if you’re totally into bugs and arthropods, you’ll have lots to talk about as you browse the insect rooms or sit down for a coffee in the Chrysalis Café.

The indoor garden also has plenty of benches located throughout, encouraging you to stop and enjoy the beauty around you. If you’re looking for a way to slow down and relax together, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a great option – in any season.

20. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon in sky

Take your love for a ride of a lifetime in a hot air balloon with Sundance Balloons. This date idea will definitely be your most memorable yet!

From May-October Sundance Balloons sets sail for sunrise and sunset flights in locations across Canada, including from Kitchener-Waterloo. Looking for a way to pop the big question? A hot air balloon ride at sunset could be just the idea you’re looking for.

12. Enjoy Live Entertainment

Dinner and a show – live performance style – is always a classic date idea and that’s why it makes this list. Instead of heading to the movies, consider a live theatre or concert at one of Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge’s many live theatres.

Not sure where to start? Check out what might be playing at St Jacob’s Country Playhouse or St Jacob’s Schoolhouse Theatre (St Jacob’s), Centre in the Square (Kitchener), The Registry Theatre (Kitchener), Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.

13. Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Southern Ontario has one of Canada’s premier grape-growing climates, with dozens of vineyards scattered all throughout the region, from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Lake Huron, to Windsor-Essex.

One of the closest vineyards offering on-site wine tasting is Cox Creek Cellars, located just outside of Guelph. For a fun alternative to dinner and drinks, consider booking an afternoon of wine tasting together!

14. Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa

Nothing says “romance” quite like a visit to Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa in Cambridge. With an award winning spa, fine dining experience, and exquisite hotel accommodations, Langdon Hall will get you both relaxed and in the mood.

The Langdon Hall Spa is ranked within Canada’s top 25 spas, and offers massages, baths, body wraps, and many more luxury spa services.

15. Elora Mill Hotel & Spa

Elora Mill Hotel and Spa
Elora Mill Hotel & Spa May 2019 by Peter K Burian is licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0

If you find yourself craving a luxury getaway close to home, consider making the short drive away to the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa for an absolutely charming date night or weekend away.

Situated on the cliffs of the Elora Gorge, guests will be delighted with panoramic views of the Grand River below while enjoying absolutely phenomenal treatment in everything this venue has to offer.

Dining in winter? Experience dinner in a unique way by renting one of their luxury snow globes!

16. Create a “European” Tour

London, Cambridge, Brussels, Florence, Sparta, Vienna, Zurich, Dublin, Stratford, Paris…and the list goes on! If you’ve never noticed, there’s a ton of European influence in the southwestern Ontario region, so why not have some fun with it and create your own “European” tour of these small towns and cities!

Many of these small towns boast cute tea houses or European restaurants, historic inns and even monuments and architecture characteristic of their European twin, which makes for a fun way to inspire your itinerary!

17. Day trip to Paris, Ontario

If you don’t have time for the full “European” tour but are still up for a day trip to one of these great Ontario small towns, then we highly recommend a romantic outing to Paris, Ontario.

This charming town is known for its picturesque waterfront patios, glowing Penman’s dam (it’s lit up at night), unique boutique shopping, and perfect paddling opportunities on the Grand River.

If you’re cozying in for the night, consider staying in one of the themed rooms at the historic Arlington Hotel.

18. See a Show at Stratford’s Avon Theatre

Another picturesque and romantic “European” small town in southwestern Ontario is the popular Shakespeare-inspired town of Stratford. With countless references to its big sister in the UK, Canada’s Stratford is home to the fabulous Stratford Festival where live theatre is at its finest.

Canada’s Stratford also boasts a delicious chocolate trail, being the birthplace of Rheo Thompson Chocolates and home to a few other delicious chocolatiers.

Top off your day with a fine dining experience in one of Stratford’s classy restaurants and you’ve got yourself a perfectly romantic day out with your sweetheart!

19. Steal a Kiss at the Kissing Bridge

West Montrose Covered Bridge Creative Commons
West Montrose Covered Bridge by Mustang Joe is licensed under CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication

West Montrose Covered Bridge, is a unique and unsuspecting choice for a romantic outing, but hear us out on this one. As Ontario’s last covered bridge, this Provincial Historic Site attracts visitors from around the world wanting to catch a glimpse – or a kiss – on this century old structure!

The bridge spans almost 200 feet across the Grand River, and history has it that couples riding in horse and buggies would take the opportunity to kiss while being hidden by the covered bridge.

The West Montrose Covered Bridge is also picture perfect and totally insta-worthy.

20. Visit a Museum

Couple in a museum

If you’re a history buff you will totally get that walking hand-in-hand through time at one of the Region of Waterloo Museums is one of the most romantic things to do.

There are many popular sites to choose from (both indoor and partially outdoor), including the Ken Seiling Waterloo Regional Museum, Doon Heritage Village, Schneider Haus National Historic Site and the McDougall Cottage Historic Site.



Outdoor Date Ideas

When we spend most of our days indoors, having a few handy outdoor date ideas can be super helpful. In any season, southwestern Ontario has a ton of amazing activities to offer couples who want to engage that sense of adventure and find something new and exciting to do outside.

These outdoor date ideas are some of our top recommendations for romantic things to do in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

21. Picnic in the Park

Picnic in park

When all else fails, a good old picnic in the park is always a good choice for an outdoor date. Instead of being distracted by a movie, live show or busy city sites around you, you and your partner have each other’s undivided attention.

If you’re not sure where to head, consider starting with Victoria Park in Kitchener, Riverside Park in Cambridge, or any one of the fantastic nature trails and conservation areas across the Tri Cities.

Pick up some fresh bread, deli meats and cheeses, a bottle of non-alcoholic (you’re in public!) bubbly at the grocery store and you’ve got yourself a beautiful picnic out.

Want to head a bit further off the beaten path? Consider renting bicycles or bringing your own and making it a full day out.

22. Outdoor Walking Tour

For a twist on your usual neighbourhood stroll, consider setting out on a free Outdoor Walking Tour. Download your PDF guides to different areas of Kitchener for a self-guided walking tour of the city’s historical areas, downtown core, Mount Hope Cemetery, and even a Public Art Tour.

If you prefer a more organized and structured walking tour, consider booking a Stroll Walking Tour through Waterloo and experience the city’s history come to life.

23. Elora Quarry

It may not be a trip to a tropical beach, but spending the day sunbathing and swimming at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area will be just as fun! Beach vibes are totally alive here in this gorgeous swim hole lined with sheer 40 foot high cliffs and surrounding forest.

The Elora Quarry is your closest “beach” to Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and attracts a busy crowd during its open season (June-Labour Day). This is an outdoor date idea that’s sure to delight your sweetie and leave you both in a balmy summer mood!

24. Elora Gorge

Not to be confused with the Elora Quarry, the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is your ultimate scenic destination within a short drive from the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge region.

The Elora Gorge is really the Grand River at its finest, where steep limestone cliffs have made way for the gushing river below.

Consider booking the favourite activity of water tubing down the Grand River for a super memorable visit to the Gorge, or stick to the spectacular trails for a low-key date out. The Conservation Area is open from May to October and definitely gets busy (so book ahead).

25. Adventure with Grand River Rafting Company

Couple on stand-up paddle boards

Surprise your significant other with an organized paddling trip on the Grand River with Grand River Rafting Company!

If you and your partner are up for the challenge, head out on the water in a canoe, kayak, SUP, two-person yak, or tube for the perfect summer outdoor date idea that will make memories that last a lifetime.

The Grand River Rafting Company has an excellent reputation and offers tours out of nearby Brantford and Paris.

26. Snyder’s Family Farm

Snyder’s Family Farm is truly a good time for people of all ages, which is why it’s made our list of perfect date options in the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge area.

In addition to having a great kids play area (perfect for couples bringing their kids for date day), Snyder’s Family Farm has campfire pits for rent, a fall corn maze, haunted ‘Fear Farm’, pumpkin patch, fresh-cut Christmas trees for sale seasonally, and their on-site restaurant and gift store.

Synder’s Family Farm is a great day trip out for couples or families looking for a wholesome and fun date in every season.



Winter Date Ideas

We cannot escape it. It’s cold, it’s dark, it’s sometimes even dreary…you guessed it. It’s winter.

But what if winter didn’t have to be so bleak? What if date night could be just as fun from December-March as it is in those warm summer months?!

Look no further, friends. With these amazing winter date ideas you have what you need to make winter dates just as memorable.

27. Chicopee Ski Hill & Tube Park

Skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing at Chicopee Ski Hill & Chicopee Tube Park are your absolute must-do winter date activities and truly some of the most fun things to do in Waterloo and Kitchener.

Create amazing winter memories each year together by letting loose and enjoying the cold months (no point trying to avoid them) at your very own Chicopee.

28. December at the Christkindl Market

Take your date out for one of the best things to do in Kitchener and Waterloo during Christmas by heading to the Christkindl Market!

Shop local artisans and specialty items, taste fresh German cuisine, take a seasonal walking tour, watch live performances, and find your romance under the glowing lights of the nighttime market. You will definitely feel that love is in the air with this winter date idea.

29. Outdoor Ice Rinks

Outdoor Ice Skating

Strap on your skates and take your love hand in hand for a romantic skate on one of the Tri Cities’ public outdoor ice rinks.

Head to Victoria Park in Kitchener, the Waterloo Public Square, or any of the outdoor public ice rinks in Waterloo, outdoor public ice rinks in Kitchener, or outdoor public ice rinks in Cambridge, for a delightful date in the crisp winter air.

Finish your night off with some hot cocoa or warm apple cider at a local café and you’ve got yourself a winning winter date night in our books.

30. Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

We’ve paired these two winter sports together because both sports often use the same trails and involve a similar level of physical activity.

Cross-country (or Nordic) skiing and snowshoeing can be done in a few designated places in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge (though you could easily forge your own paths in any park or trail.

Popular spots for both sports include Laurel Creek Conservation Area in Waterloo and Shade’s Mills Conservation Area in Cambridge.

Check out the Grand River Conservation Authority’s website for additional locations outside of the Tri Cities as well as for updates on trail conditions!

31. Tobogganing

If you want to show your date that you can let loose and have some good old, down-to-earth fun, then dig out that old sled and hit the hills for an afternoon of tobogganing!

This cheap and easy way to enjoy Ontario’s winters will show your special someone that you are someone they can have fun with for a lifetime. Create amazing memories together doing something so simple, free, and fun…because life is too short not to!

Our Wrap Up: 31+ Perfect Date Ideas in Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge

We hope this list of 31 perfect date ideas for Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge will keep you having date nights for years to come.

So next time it’s your turn to plan a special date night or afternoon on the town, you will know where to find the best and most fun, adventurous, wild, romantic, indoor, outdoor and even winter date ideas for you and your sweetheart to enjoy!

Consider taking a road trip for your next date and check out our post on 31 Fun & Romantic Date Ideas in London, Ontario.