This year, my husband and I made a New Year’s resolution to prioritize monthly date nights. Not just the occasional dinner squeezed in between busy schedules, but intentional time together. To keep it fun and fair, we decided to alternate who plans the date each month. That way it never feels like pressure, and let’s be honest, it adds a little friendly competition too.

I can already tell this is going to turn into a playful challenge of who can plan the most creative, fun, and out of the box date night. And honestly, I’m here for it.

What I want is more than dinner and a movie. I want experiences that help us reconnect, laugh, and talk about something other than kids, work, or what’s on next week’s calendar. Memorable moments. Shared experiences. The kind of dates you talk about long after they’re over.

So I turned to one of the most powerful think tanks I know: local parents who know the area inside and out. Huge shoutout to the Moms of Camarillo community for helping me crowdsource some truly great ideas. Every single one of these stays within the Ventura to Calabasas range, because apparently convincing my husband to drive more than 20 miles is its own kind of extreme sport.

If you’re looking for creative date night ideas near you this Valentine’s season, here’s a list worth bookmarking.

Creative Local Date Night Ideas (Ventura to Calabasas)

Axe Throwing

A little competitive, a little thrilling, and surprisingly fun. Check out The Mighty Axe in Oxnard or Thousand Oaks for a date that gets your adrenaline going and sparks plenty of laughs.

Escape Rooms

Perfect for teamwork and problem solving. Try The Ultimate Escape Room or Two Tree Escape Room in Ventura or Red Door Escape Room in Oxnard.

Wine Tasting with a View

Pack a picnic and enjoy wine tasting at the Getty Center or explore local tasting rooms like Four Brix Winery in Ventura or Sunland Vintage Winery in Thousand Oaks. Trade the busy tasting rooms for something cozier at Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room, or Casa Barranca Organic Winery. Great wine, slower pace, and plenty of space to actually talk.

Concerts & Live Music

From intimate venues to larger shows, spots like The Majestic Ventura Theater, The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, and Levity Live Oxnard offer concerts and comedy that make for an easy, fun night out. During the summertime, check out our listings of local concerts in the parks.

Activate at The Collection, Oxnard

Newly opened and perfect for couples who like games and movement. Think interactive challenges that get you laughing and working together.

Cooking Classes at Sur La Table

Sur La Table in Woodland Hills offers date night cooking classes that feel equal parts romantic and practical. Bonus points for learning something new together.

“D.A.T.E.” Night Game

Put a fun spin on planning with this modern M.A.S.H.-style game. D is Dinner, A is Activity, T is Treat, and E is Entertainment. Let fate decide your evening.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRQBP-AEmbS/

Indoor Rock Climbing

Challenge yourselves at Boulder Dash Gym in Ventura for an active and energizing date that ends with serious accomplishment vibes.

Pottery Making & Sip Nights

Get creative at The Clay Parlour in Ventura. Their “Sip & Spin” pottery nights are beginner friendly and let you bring your own drinks.

Arcade or Game Night

Channel your inner kid with a retro arcade night at Moby’s in Ventura or spend a quiet competitive evening playing board or card games at Zander's Game House in Camarillo.

Bowling

Classic for a reason. Bowlero Oxnard or Harley's Bowling in Camarillo make for an easy, low pressure date night.

Sunset Picnic by the Water

Pick up a pizza and a bottle of wine and head to Point Mugu to watch the sunset. One of the most romantic views around and completely low cost. Or pack a blanket, grab takeout or charcuterie, and catch sunset at Lake Piru. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and one of those dates that invites real conversation.

Miniature Golf

Let your playful side shine at Golf N Stuff in Ventura. Loser buys dessert.

Geocaching with a Picnic

Turn date night into a mini adventure. Grab a picnic, download a geocaching app, and explore hidden gems around Ventura County.

Scenic Dinner Train Ride
Step out of your routine with a nostalgic dinner train experience on the Fillmore & Western Railway. A leisurely ride through the valley paired with dinner feels romantic, relaxed, and totally different from a typical night out.

Kayaking or Paddle Boarding
If you’re looking for an active but still low-key date, rent kayaks or paddle boards at Lake Piru or the Ventura Harbor. It’s a fun way to do something outdoors together without it feeling like a workout.

Sound Bath or Wellness Experience for Two
For a date night that feels grounding and meaningful, try a couples sound bath or meditation experience through Sacred Sound of Ojai, Soul Body Ojai, or similar local studios. It’s unique, calming, and surprisingly connective.

Stargazing & Night Walk
Find a quiet spot away from city lights, bring dessert to share, and spend some time stargazing. Sometimes the simplest dates are the most memorable.

Small Town Stroll with a Treat
Wander through local antique shops and vintage stores in Fillmore, then end the date with coffee or dessert at Fillmore Pie Company. Casual, charming, and great for conversation. Or grab ice cream at Mr Softee or Rori's Creamery and walk through Old Town Camarillo. Simple, sweet, and perfect for reconnecting.

Scenic Drive Date
Windows down, playlist on, no rush to be anywhere. A scenic drive through Ojai, Piru, or down the 1 to Malibu can be the date itself. Add a spontaneous stop for snacks or sunset views and call it a win.

Rage Room

Had a long week? Smash it out together. Smash RX in Simi Valley is a unique way to blow off steam and do something totally different.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, planning a monthly date night, or just trying to break out of the routine, these local date night ideas prove you don’t have to go far to make meaningful memories. Sometimes the best dates are the ones that make you laugh, try something new, and remind you why you fell in love in the first place.

If you try one of these ideas, I’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite. And if you have another local gem I missed, send it my way. I’m always building my list.

When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!