10 Date Ideas to Try Around CU Boulder

It can be hard to things to do for date nights when you're in college. These are some cute ideas around CU Boulder that will impress your date!

Finding the perfect spot for a date is, at times, rather difficult. Finding the perfect spot for a date while away at school is even more difficult. But it doesn’t always have to be! Keep reading for 10 top date ideas to try around CU Boulder!

1. Watch the sunset or stargaze at Chautauqua or Flagstaff.

In the summer time and early fall, nothing is more relaxing than an evening drive up to Flagstaff (or hike to Chautauqua if you’re feeling ambitious). This idea is extremely romantic and practically free! For love-struck college students on a budget, these things are pretty important. If you drive to the top of Flagstaff, there are several turn offs from the main road where you can park and walk a few feet until you see the Boulder valley and beyond.

2. Bike ride around Boulder Creek.

There are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Boulder, it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. The Boulder Creek bike path is perfect for a cute date because the path is not very strenuous but goes on long enough to take up an hour or so of time. There are plenty of river side rocks to stop and take a flirtatious water break while you both dip your feet in the stream.

3. Restaurant hop on Pearl Street.

This idea is perfect for a 3rd date or anniversary. By now, you probably like the person enough where you know you aren’t planning on bailing within the first five minuets. Still, you want to put in effort by impressing them! It is so much fun to write up an itinerary of places you have always wanted to try. First, start off with a place to grab drinks and an appetizer, find somewhere for a main dish, then finally finish off the evening with dessert!

Bonus points if you dress up and look classy!

4. Grab a drink at unique coffee shops around Boulder.

There are so many cool and hip coffee shops around Boulder! This idea is pretty much self explanatory. If unsure of where to go, try Innisfree Poetry Café on University Hill.

5. Go see live music at the Laughing Goat.

Tuesday though Sunday night, the Laughing Goat has live music every evening starting around 8 PM. At such a relaxed venue, it gives you an opportunity to sit back, relax, and really get to know someone.

6. Find a hiking trail and bring along a hammock.

Hammocking makes a wonderful excuse to cuddle with your date! If you have issues breaking the ice and know that nothing is more awkward then sitting on a bench and having to reach your arm around your date, than bringing along a double-nest hammock is the perfect solution. They force you to be close without it being awkward. Plus, being in Boulder, there are no shortage of beautiful outdoor areas to explore.

7. Go ice skating at the Rec.

CU Boulder students get a huge discount on ice skate rentals. On the rec center’s website a schedule of open skating times can be found. Ice skating makes a fun date because you don’t have to take yourselves too seriously. Sometimes being a little clumsy is a good thing and flirty! It is a great way to break the ice… hopefully not literally.

8. Look around booths at the Boulder Farmers Market.

During late spring, early fall, and summer months the Boulder Farmers Market offers locally grown herbs and flowerd, freshly baked bread, honey, and various local products. Even if you don’t buy anything, it is fun to look around and people watching can spark conversation.

9. Learn to Swing Dance.

The CU Boulder swing dance club meets every Friday during the school year and offer free lessons that start an hour before the open dance session. With your partner, you can learn the Charleston or how to Lindy Swing! It is a free activity right on campus. It is open to the entire Boulder community and talent levels range all the way from beginners to competitive experts.

10. See a show!

There are tons of opportunities to see performances in Boulder. If you’re into pop, hip-hop, indie, or rap, the Fox Theater always has new artists coming to perform. If you prefer musicals or plays, CU Presents works with students and professionals to bring a large variety of shows to Macky Auditorium.