In the whirlwind of daily responsibilities and obligations, it’s easy for couples to overlook the importance of quality time together. But taking the time to go on dates is actually really important. Dates help couples strengthen their connection. It’s a special time away from work, chores, and family responsibilities. We know finding date ideas can be hard, which is why we want to help STL couples with this guide.
Dates allow partners to discover new things about each other and appreciate what makes their relationship unique. By setting aside this time for fun and relaxation, couples can recharge and feel happier.
Carving out time for regular date nights is crucial. But with so many things already on your to-do list, taking the time to plan a date can feel exhausting. To help make it easy for couples to connect, here are a few ideas to get you started on planning your next outing. Now that summer has arrived, days are longer, and the weather is warm, it’s the perfect time to explore some favorite date ideas in St. Louis.
A Missouri Therapist Shares Their Favorite Date Ideas in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, Missouri is a great city to explore with a special someone. With a variety of neighborhoods and attractions, there’s no shortage of date spots to choose from. Here are some of the best date spots in St. Louis:
The Missouri Botanical Garden
This 79-acre garden is a must-see for nature lovers. The garden is home to thousands of plants, including many rare and endangered species. In addition to the stunning botanical displays, the garden also features several sculptures, fountains, and even a tram tour.
During the summer, the garden hosts the Whitaker Music Festival, featuring live music performances on Wednesday evenings. The garden is a great spot for a romantic stroll and a quiet place to reconnect.
Forest Park
Forest Park is a 1,300-acre park in the heart of St. Louis. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the country and features a variety of attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Zoo. The park is also home to several lakes, hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas.
One of the most romantic spots in the park is the Jewel Box, a greenhouse with beautiful displays of flowers and plants. Don’t miss the Grand Basin, a favorite spot for snapping a selfie with the beautiful backdrop. Finally, summer brings in a new season at The Muny, the largest outdoor musical theater in the country.
The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country, and for good reason. The 630-foot Arch is a stunning sight, and the views from the top are even more breathtaking. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of the city and the Mississippi River.
The Arch is also home to several exhibits about the history of St. Louis and the Arch’s construction. While many long-time St. Louis residents have visited the Arch at some point, the recent renovations provide an exciting reason to plan a date and walk through the beautiful park grounds.
The City Museum
The City Museum is an interactive museum that’s unlike any other museum you’ve ever visited. The museum features several floors of mazes, tunnels, and slides, as well as several outdoor exhibits, including a Ferris wheel and a giant praying mantis. The museum is a great spot for a fun and adventurous date, and it’s perfect for couples who are young at heart.
St. Louis is known for its impressive parks and gardens. But there are also several lesser-known parks that are just as beautiful and offer unique experiences for couples. If you’re looking for something a little different, here are four of the best but underrated parks in St. Louis.
Tower Grove Park
Tower Grove Park is a 289-acre park located in the south-central part of St. Louis. With over 7,000 trees, eye-catching pavilions, and several fountains and statues, Tower Grove Park is stunning. Perfect date opportunities are Food Truck Fridays, featuring dozens of local food trucks and live music, or a stroll through the farmers markets on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Carondelet Park
Carondelet Park is a 180-acre park located in the southern part of St. Louis. Some highlights of the park include the historic Lyle House, tennis courts, and a recreation center. But the park’s biggest draw is Boathouse Lake, which is popular for fishing. The park also features several walking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas.
Lafayette Park
Lafayette Park is a 30-acre park located in the Lafayette Square neighborhood of St. Louis. The park features a beautiful lake, several fountains, and a gazebo. The Lafayette Park Bridge is one of the most scenic spots in St. Louis and it’s a popular choice for taking pictures. The park is also home to several events throughout the year, including a summer concert series.
Francis Park
Francis Park is a 60-acre park located in a beautiful neighborhood in the southwestern part of St. Louis. This is a great chance for a sports-themed date, with courts for tennis, racquetball, and pickleball. Francis Park is the venue for the annual Art in the Park, which offers art, music, and food in a beautiful setting around the park’s lily pond.
These parks are perfect destinations for dates, offering a chance to explore nature, be active, and see a new part of the city.
Museum of Illusions
Discover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. Our exhibits will teach you that nothing is ever quite as it seems, especially in the Museum of Illusions. Get ready to be mesmerized! From nature lovers to history buffs to adventure seekers, there’s no shortage of date spots for your next day or night out.
No matter what your interests are, St. Louis has something to offer for every couple.
Having regular date nights brings back the feelings of love and connection. Even with busy lives, spending quality time together reminds couples of how much they care for each other. Laughing, talking, and doing things together helps rekindle the spark in the relationship and makes the emotional bond between partners even stronger. Do you have additional date ideas? Reach out and let us know! We’d love to include your favorite date spots here, too.
Start Couples Therapy in St. Louis
Date ideas aren’t all we can help with! Our therapists at Marble Wellness help individuals and couples find tools to strengthen their relationships, whether they are newly dating or have been married for decades. If you’re ready to explore how counseling could benefit you and your partner, reach out to us today.
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Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
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St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of therapists have a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. Our therapists can also help new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
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Our Chicago team of therapists offer a wide range of mental health services to help our clients through the different challenges and hurdles in their life. In addition to anxiety, depression, grief, therapy for men, and maternal overwhelm, we are specialized in professional burnout, therapy for breakups, and love partnering with working moms.
