The Complete Guide on Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples

Looking for things to do in St. Louis for couples? This large city with a small-town, Midwestern appeal has plenty of activities to offer. Missourians are happy to talk your ear off about the latest Cardinals game over a heaping plate of meaty barbecued spare ribs. Though it has all the trimmings of a major city (postcard-perfect attractions and plenty of restaurants for romantic nights out), St. Louis also boasts plenty of other opportunities for fun couple activities. Think gorgeous gardens that feel like a respite from the concrete jungle, adult dance classes and luxurious spas for couples' massages.

In short, whatever your love language may be, there are plenty of choices to satisfy every taste. From the iconic Gateway Arch to spots that feel worlds away from a major metropolitan area, here are 19 things to do in St. Louis for couples.

In this article:

• Fun Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples
• Romantic Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples
• Unique Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples

Fun Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples

Photo: Josh Nezam

Perhaps you're searching for "couple's activities near me." Alternatively, you may be planning a romantic getaway in Missouri. Either way, you'll want to take advantage of all the city offers… and it offers a lot. You can learn a new skill like dancing or cooking, explore a botanical paradise, or escape the concrete jungle and take in animals who frequent actual jungles. Give these fun things to do in St. Louis, MO, a whirl.

Take a dance class

Whether you're looking to wow guests on your Big Day or simply want to learn something new together, Dance Pizazz offers some of the best adult dance classes in the St. Louis area. Couples can receive an intimate experience with one-on-one instruction from a professional instructor or get a more social experience in the many group classes. (You can choose from a variety of styles like ballroom, Latin and swing.) In a sprawling ballroom with TV-worthy lighting, this is the perfect place to pretend you and your date are main characters in a rom com… or at least auditioning for Dancing with the Stars.

6722 State Rte. N., St. Charles, MO 63131

Or a cooking class

Situated in the suburb of Chesterfield, Kitchen Social offers special couples cooking classes in the St. Louis area that are also perfect for first dates. (The hands-on nature of the class nix those awkward silences as you learn how to prepare the meal you can indulge in together.) All levels are welcome, and you don't need to be a former Top Chef contestant or even know the difference between an oven and an air fryer. It's about good times, great food and mixing up date night in delicious fashion.

124 Chesterfield Commons, East Road, Chesterfield, MO 63131

Explore the St. Louis Zoo

From bears to tigers and giraffes, the Saint Louis Zoo gives couples a chance to feel as if they've stepped into the wild. Spot Kali, also known as Culi, who was once an orphaned polar bear who now calls the sprawling 40,000-square-foot McDonnell Polar Bear Point home. You and your date can delight in the four distinct penguin species and two types of puffins in the chilly-but-heartwarming Penguin and Puffin Coast habitat. A sea lion show lets pairs learn about the animals together, while rare birds like the American Bald Eagle can help your love of nature take flight.

One Government Drive, St. Louis MO 63131

Go skating

When the weather outside gets frightful, one of the most delightfully romantic things to do in St. Louis for couples is to embrace the elements. Few things evoke warmer, cozier vibes than ice skating on a cold winter evening. Add in fire pits, festive lights and an indoor/outdoor cafe serving hot cocoa, and you've got yourself a date night that would make even the most straight-faced figure skating Olympics judge crack a smile. The 27,000-square-foot space, the largest outdoor skating rink in the US, is open every holiday and offers lessons for wobbly types looking to up their game.

400 Jefferson Drive, St. Louis, MO 63131

Head to Budweiser Brewery

Craft beer may be all the rage, but Budweiser has maintained its cultural icon status for almost 150 years. From the Clydesdale horses to the red cans that are a mainstay at football tailgates and summertime parties, you can peel back the curtain on it all at the Budweiser Brewery. The oldest and largest brewery of Anheuser-Busch always has something brewing. Guests can partake in beer and food pairing dinners, tour the Clydesdale stables and sample beer straight from the cellar. Tour guides provide information on the beer-making process and the history of the brand.

1200 Lynch St., St. Louis, MO 63131

Go to a game

The crown jewel of the appropriately-named Ballpark Village, Busch Stadium is home to the St. Louis Cardinals. The slower pace of baseball leaves room for leisurely conversations while splitting a gigantic popcorn and beer. Couples can also take in stunning vistas of the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River and the St. Louis skyline in between at-bats and innings. The relatively new stadium, built in 2006, seats more than 44,000 fans, so expect to make some new friends… and feel an especially electric atmosphere if the rival Cubs are in town.

700 Clark Ave., St. Louis MO 63131

Have an adult play date

The Magic House might normally be for kids, but their adult play date series is reserved specifically for guests 21 years and up. You can order food, drinks and have a blast with themed-experiences and museum exploration. There are only a few dates a year, so make sure to check out their calendar and save the date.

516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122

Romantic Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples

Photo: Kent Burgess

From meandering through gorgeous botanical gardens to indulging in a couples' massage, there are all kinds of romantic things to do in St. Louis. Whether you're planning activities around your Missouri proposal or just looking for something to do on the weekend, give these ideas a shot.

Explore gorgeous gardens

Missouri Botanic Garden, often called Shaw's Garden after founder and philanthropist Henry Shaw, opened in 1859. A National Historic Landmark, it's one of the oldest continuously-operating botanical gardens in the US. Step on the grounds, and you'll immediately understand why it's stood the test of time. The second-largest botanical garden in North America has lush greenery and poppy blooms at every turn. Spot everything from azaleas to fig and olive trees. From May through August, couples can attend Chihuly Nights at the gardens and witness the blooms during their gorgeous golden hour while sipping cocktails, listening to live music and seeing illuminated art that adds a good kind of drama to a date night.

4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131

Get a couples' massage

With a pair of locations in the city, this spa chain boasts a client-first mindset and some of the best couple's massages in St. Louis. Busy pairs can likely find the time even during the workweek since it's open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Even better, massages actually last as long as they say they do, which means an hour rubdown will take 60 minutes without subtracting 10 to get comfortable. Couples packages built for two can serve as an indulgent way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or simply your love.

Benton Park: 1901 Arsenal, St. Louis, MO 63131

Maplewood: 7200 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63131

Check out the iconic Gateway Arch

If you're planning a trip to St. Louis, you'll want to stick this iconic attraction on your itinerary. The spot on nearly every postcard from the area is even more stunning in person. Named for St. Louis' reputation as the "Gateway to West," the behemoth 630-foot-tall stainless steel Gateway Arch is the largest in the world and makes the St. Louis skyline instantly recognizable. Take a tram ride to the top, where you can look out over 43,000 tons of concrete and steel, or take a seafaring adventure by booking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Couples can combine a trip to see the arch with a hand-in-hand stroll through the Gateway's national park, where the fresh air rivals the memorable vistas.

100 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63131

See a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Take dinner and a movie to the next level at Alamo Drafthouse, where you can order food, drinks and dessert right to your seat. It's a step up from another living room screening, with swivel tables, recliner chairs and 48 beers on tap.

3765 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110

Take in the Cathedral Basilica

One of the most popular attractions in the city, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis holds the distinction of the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of the city. Couples can attend a mass inside the cathedral, which was built between 1907 and 1914. But even those who don't experience a religious ritual will be awestruck with the mosaic collection that's considered one of the largest in the entire Western Hemisphere. It took more than eight decades and 41 million pieces of glass tesserae to create the mosaics, which were hand-constructed by local masons and artisans. Couples can also get a historical tour, where they'll learn about the construction of the cathedral and why it's become known as "the Rome of the West."

4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131

Visit Forest Park

Home to the zoo and the Steinberg Skating Rink, Forest Park is full of history and diverse ecosystems. The 1,326-acre park, known as "The Heart of St. Louis," played host to the 1904 Olympics. In addition to the numerous human-made attractions within its vast acreage, Forest Park's natural surroundings serve as a spot worth exploring (while holding hands, of course). Explore the urban landscape—including forests, lakes and streams—on the Dual Path, which was designed for couples hoping to stop and smell the fresh air or engage in vigorous exercise together. Roll out a blanket and have a picnic, or snuggle on a beach blanket as you lose yourselves in separate summer reads.

5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, MO 63131

Go for a paddleboat picnic

Speaking of Forest Park—you can rent a paddleboat at Forest Park's Boathouse and enjoy the park's waterways. Pack some snacks and have a little picnic mid-lake, away from the crowds. When it comes to things to do in St. Louis for couples, this is a romantic way to spend some quality time together in nature without having to travel too far.

6101 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110

Unique Things to Do in St. Louis for Couples

Photo: Michael DiFilippo

If you're looking to mix up your usual date night, there are plenty of unique things to do in St. Louis for couples. From interesting museums to gorgeous theaters, here are a few couples activities in St. Louis that surpass the usual dinner and a movie situation.

Explore the World Chess Hall of Fame

Whether you were a lifelong chess enthusiast or binge-watched The Queen's Gambit during lockdown, the World Chess Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind date spot designed to appeal to both expert chess players and novices. The Hall of Fame actually opened its first museum in the basement of the United States Chess Federation in 1988, but moved to St. Louis about a decade ago. These days, couples can peruse exhibits that celebrate the game's greatest players, historical matches and its place in cultural lure in the US and abroad.

4652 Maryland Ave. #1, St. Louis MO 63131

Experience the Saint Louis Art Museum

This three-story art museum draws about a half-million visitors each year and houses a versatile collection of art from around the world. Walk through the halls and rooms together, viewing paintings, sculptures, and ancient and contemporary works that span 5,000 years of human expression. A gorgeous sculpture garden marries landscape design with architecture and sculpture. It's a must-visit on a breezy, sunny afternoon (or any afternoon, really). Art-loving and curious pairs alike will enjoy programming, including lectures and less-formal artist conversations. Big-time bonus? Admission to the museum is free.

One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63131

Indulge yourselves at Kakao Chocolate

Sweet tooths flock to Kakao Chocolate for its scratch-made, small-batch local goodies like truffles and sea salt caramels. Turn date night into a party with other pairs, since groups of eight to 14 people can enjoy a chocolate-tasting party that's as sweet as it sounds. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about cocoa, including how it's made and its health benefits (seriously). Then, compare notes as you sample the shop's handmade treats (and drop some hints for a future gift). A trip to Akamai can also include its neighbors at artisan food brand Table to Table, with events that include chocolate and wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings.

7272 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO 63131

Visit the National Blues Museum

The perfect day date for couples who think every dinner needs a soundtrack, the National Blues Museum gives an entertaining history lesson on the genre. Relive performances of iconic and lesser-known blues musicians through photographs, artifacts and film, and learn more about how its quintessentially American sound affects today's sounds. Live music frequently happens in the Legends Room; there are also weekly blues and bluegrass jams at Sittin' on the Porch, a unique sonic way to break out of a date-night rut.

615 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63131

Get tickets to the Fabulous Fox Theater

Lovingly referred to by locals as "The Fabulous Fox," this theater transformed from a movie palace to a hub of the performing arts almost a century ago. Today; the theater brings Broadway plays like Wicked and Jesus Christ Superstar to the Midwest. Famed comedians like Steve Martin and Martin Short have also taken the stage. Couples can toast to good times and performances at the Curtain Call Lounge, the city's first champagne bar (wine and local beer are also available alongside zero-proof offerings). Elevated light bites like shrimp and grits and beef tenderloin serve as a considerable upgrade from buttered popcorn of yore.

527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131