When date night rolls around, it can be easy to get sucked into your traditional dinner-and-a-movie routine, or to splurge on an experience in an attempt to make the evening more memorable. But believe it or not, you don’t have to break the bank for a fun night out around here.
In Omaha, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded with incredible cuisine, a buzzing coffee scene, and culturally rich sights that are as entertaining as they are affordable. We’ve rounded up 19 potential dates under $20 that are bound to impress your sweetheart while giving your wallet some relief.
Have a Stirring Conversation over a Cup of Coffee (or Tea)
Coffee shops are the perfect setting for a date in our opinion. Local shops are full with activity during the day (which makes for fun people watching), and the cozy booths and windowside tables invite you to stay awhile with your sweetheart. Order your soul-warming bevvie of choice, grab a pastry to share, and settle in for a romantic afternoon. Here are 20 of the best coffee and tea shops in the Omaha area.
Marvel at the Joslyn Art Museum
Admission to the Joslyn Art Museum is free, which makes it a popular choice to those looking to have an exciting day out on a budget. The museum features more than 11,000 pieces of art representing artists from all over the world. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon perusing the collections.
Catch a Free Movie Under the Stars
On select weekends from May to October, Sumtur Amphitheatre hosts a free movie series under the stars. Roll out a blanket with your date and enjoy the latest flick (but don’t forget the snacks).
Go on a Lunch Date
Photos courtesy of the Kitchen Table
For some reason, romantic activities are much cheaper during the day than they are at night! Lunch, for instance, allows you to try out some of Omaha’s best restaurants without the hefty price tag. You’ll still get to try some incredible food, and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city with your dearly beloved. Here are the 14 best lunch spots in Omaha to get you started.
Venture Across Bob the Bridge
If you live in Omaha and Council Bluffs, you’ve likely used the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (more commonly known as Bob the Bridge) to venture across the river. This local landmark connects Iowa and Nebraska with 3,000 beautiful feet of concrete and metal, and with spectacular views of both cities, is a perfect destination for a romantic twilight stroll.
Explore Omaha’s Old Market
You don’t have to break the bank to explore Omaha’s Old Market! There are plenty of things to do in the area, like perusing art galleries, shopping local markets, wandering down the picturesque Gene Leahy Mall and visiting ice cream shops. Our complete guide to Omaha’s Old Market can help you decide what to see first.
Hit up a Local Brewery
In Omaha, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a number of incredible craft breweries. Take your date to a personal favorite to sip a seasonal brew, or go on a self-guided tour through the city. Here are the best craft breweries in the Omaha area.
Grey Plume and Picnic
Omaha’s Grey Plume offers chef-driven, seasonal and locally sourced cuisine, and is one of our favorite destinations for a meal out. The restaurant is also attached to a market, which boasts artisanal cheeses, breads and other provisions — all perfect provisions for a picnic. Stop by and get some supplies, and enjoy your selection in a local park.
Trivia Night
Nothing heats up date night quite like a bit of friendly competition! Work together at a local trivia night, where you’ll be asked to recall facts about history, pop culture, literature, science and more in a fun pub setting. Trivia takes place almost every night of the week in local pubs, breweries and restaurants, and is free as long as you purchase a meal or beverage. Here are 19 trivia nights in the Omaha area worth trying.
Settle in For a Cheap Meal
If you thought it was impossible to be well-fed for under $20 in Omaha, think again. Some of our area’s best restaurants serve up delicious meals for well under $10. Grab some provisions for a romantic picnic in the park, or settle in at a table for date night at a discount.
Stop and Smell the Roses at the Lauritzen Gardens
Photo courtesy of the Lauritzen Gardens
Escape to an urban oasis at the Lauritzen Gardens, a carefully curated collection of beautiful flowers and greenery. Admission is just $10 a person, and allows you to peruse the gardens at your leisure. During the summer months, guests can experience the gardens at twilight during the extended hours.
Play Disc Golf at Hummel Park
The disc golf course at Hummel Park is open year-round, and provides a perfect opportunity to engage in some friendly competition with your date! Whoever wins gets to pick the next date activity.
Work out Together
Trying a new fitness class or workout routine is a great way to expand your comfort zone and get those endorphins flowing. Whether it’s yoga or CrossFit, share a workout you’re passionate about with your significant other (or venture into new territory together)! Here are 20 of the best gyms in the Omaha area.
Take a Romantic Cruise on a Heartland Gondola
You don’t have to go all the way to Venice for a romantic gondola ride! Embark on a 15-20 minute cruise to the south part of the Conagra Lagoon with the Heartland Gondolas. The price is a steal at just $10 per couple, so you’ll still have $10 left over for coffee or a casual picnic in the park.
Go to a Public Show at the Planetarium
There’s nothing quite as romantic as gazing up at the stars with your significant other! Head to the Mallory Kountze Planetarium on the first Friday or Saturday of the Month, where you’ll be able to enjoy a public show for just $4 a person. Follow along with a staff astronomer as they highlight star patterns, share interesting mythology and point out planets visible in our night sky.
Ice Skating at Moylan Iceplex
Every Saturday Night, the Moylan Iceplex transforms from an ice rink into a dance party! Glide across the ice as a local DJ spins popular tunes (and takes requests). Admission is just $10 per person.
Take a Class or Enjoy a Night Out with the Omaha Jitterbugs
Dancers of all levels are welcome to come join in the fun with the Omaha Jitterbugs! Our pick is the Jitterbugs Night Out, which occurs every Friday night. Here you can hop, glide and twirl your way across the dance floor to live music for just $5 per person, or $10 on nights when the venue is hosting live music. The night always begins with a dance lesson starting at 8 pm, so even if it’s your first time, you’ll have some moves to show off! Open dancing begins at 9 pm and lasts until midnight.
Grab Ice Cream
When a full sit-down dinner is a little much for the occasion, opt for an ice cream date instead. The charming local ice cream shops in Omaha and Council Bluffs churn out sweet, flavorful creations that are worth returning for again and again. Grab a cone and enjoy it over a conversation by the window, or take it to a local park instead.
Explore a Haunted Location
Nebraska is home to a number of ghosts both friendly and sinister! Grab your date and embark on a tour of Nebraska’s most haunted locations, if you dare.
Have fun on your date!
Need more ideas for your next night out? We have plenty. Check out the Top 13 Date Ideas in Omaha, or Omaha’s Best Date Night Restaurants for some romantic inspiration.