Sometimes life can get in the way of actually dating. If you and your significant other have been together for a long time, there’s a tendency to cruise and not continue pursuing the other. But if you’re in love, there will always be things to discover about them. My encouragement to any and all couples is this: never stop dating. Time flies, and months can go by without intentional time together. So this blog post is purposed to provide ideas for a fun date night!

Do you ever run out of date ideas with your babe? Here are 15 ideas for fun dates I’ve collected as a Tuscaloosa, AL wedding photographer, ranging from free to fancy!

1. Test your skills at PopStroke

PopStroke isn’t your typical mini-golf experience. You’re buying an all-day pass with access to their 2 mini-golf courses, outdoor gaming center, ice cream parlor and entertainment center! They’re open from 10am to midnight and serve lunch and dinner.

2. Visit the Farmer’s Market

On Saturday mornings, the Tuscaloosa River Market transforms into the cutest farmers market, perfect for enjoying an early-morning stroll and supporting local T-town businesses! The markets occur every week, year-round, from 7AM to 12PM. Follow it up with brunch at Another Broken Egg and a stroll along the Riverwalk!

3. Dinner, bowling & arcade games at Bowlero

Bowling is such a classic date-night activity that I just had to put it on the list. Do you really know each other if you haven’t witnessed the other wearing those embarrassing bowling shoes? I’m just saying…

4. Attend “Art Night” at the Kentuck Arts Center

The Kentuck Arts Center hosts a monthly, free event called “Art Night” where they showcase different Alabama artists and their art! The night also often includes an additional artsy craft you can take part in, like painting or ceramics, for a separate fee.

5. Dinner at DePalma’s & a walk around Downtown

Start with the breadsticks, then the shells florentine, and finish with the white chocolate bread pudding. You’re welcome.

6. Picnic at the Lake Tuscaloosa Dam

Pick up lunch from your favourite restaurant and travel just a few minutes outside Northport to the Lake Tuscaloosa Dam! It’s the perfect scenic spot for an afternoon picnic.

7. Visit the Museum of Natural History

You can be a student for four years and never realize that nestled in the heart of campus is the Alabama Museum of Natural History! Sitting right off the Quad, the museum is completely free and open to the public.

8. Hiking around Lake Nicol

Lake Nicol is a popular outdoor destination for Tuscaloosa natives. There are hiking trails, benches and grills, and in the summer the lake is warm enough to swim in!

9. Visit Moundville

Moundville is a historical archaeological park located around 30 minutes south of the University. Learn about the incredible Native American heritage that’s still preserved to this day! The museum is open from 9am to 5pm and admission is $8 for adults.

10. Ice cream at The Baked Bear

The Baked Bear is perhaps the best ice cream spot in T-town. With a wide, ever-changing selection of cookies, you build your own ice cream sandwich that is to die for!

As a Tuscaloosa, AL wedding photographer, I’m always hearing about new ideas for fun date nights from my couples! Keep up-to-date with all my new findings on my blog!