Cheap (But Fun!) Date Night Ideas in Tampa, FL
Sultry, sunny Tampa has plenty of beaches and gorgeous restaurants. But if you and your date are looking for a little inspiration for somewhere fun to go that won’t break the bank, check out our list of cheap but fun date night spots that you and your sweetie are sure to love.
Lowry Parcade & Tavern
1213 W Waters Ave Tampa, FL 33604
(813) 915-9180
Having fun at an old school arcade is easy with coin-operated video and arcade games, a full bar and bar snacks to choose from. Lowry Parcade is a casual but fun date night that won’t break the bank that is perfect for a relaxed day or evening out. Local food truck 8 Bits & Bites is on hand to provide extra dining options and on some nights, Lowry Parcade offers live music here as well.
Laser Ops Extreme Gaming Arcade
6283 W Waters Ave Tampa, FL 33634
(813) 743-4100
This massive arcade and laser tag spot is perfect for a high-energy date night. Choose from one of the 50+ arcade games or pair up in a spirited game of laser tag, archery tag or bazooka ball for a date night to remember. Virtual Reality games are also available and you can snack on a Chicken Pesto Pizza or some Loaded Nachos along with a drink from the bar to round out an inexpensive but really fun date night.
Cirque Du Soleil Volta
Under The Big Top Tampa Greyhound Track 8300 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
This live performance is done under a big top with performers just inches away. Expect a high-energy show with twists, turns and amazing acrobatic feats throughout the show, along with the heart-pumping musical accompaniment. A visit to the snack bar for a giant pretzel, Nathan’s hotdogs or even a glass of wine won’t break the bank at Cirque Du Soleil Volta’s for a fun, unique date night idea.
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
1207 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 999-8700
Perched atop the Epicurean Hotel’s rooftop, EDGE gives stunning views of downtown Tampa and the bay. Guests here looking for a fun but inexpensive date night can soak in the gorgeous ocean breezes seated on a comfortable couch under strings of twinkling lights. Snag a Formaggi E Salumi charcuterie tray to share and a tasty cocktail like the house favorite Edge Daquiri for a memorable date night.
Reboot
248 Scotland St Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 474-7171
A trip over Old Tampa Bay to Dunedin leads to a date night destination called Reboot with indoor and outdoor gaming areas. This virtual reality arcade bar is full of neon lights, beautiful bar space and seating as well as more arcade and VR game options than most places. Unusual for an arcade, Reboot offers sake as well as 14 rotating craft beers along with a select menu of Asian-inspired food choices like Pho Noodles and Fried Kimchi Chicken Sandwiches at the Coattails Kitchen. An arcade made with gamers in mind, Reboot offers handheld consoles like Xbox One and Nintendo Switch to use as well as nostalgic pinball machines.
Fairgrounds St. Pete
800 28th St S St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 379-4033
For a totally different twist on date night, Fairgrounds at St Pete is a great spot to try that is just over Tampa Bay and situated a block from the water. This immersive art and technology museum is a feast for the eyes and is sure to guarantee a surprising and exciting night out. Engaging artwork and exhibits from dozens of acclaimed artists are a part of the Fairgrounds and guests here walk through the three-dimensional displays enjoying the unique experience. Perfect for taking photos or just wandering through, Fairgrounds is sure to be a perfect choice for a cheap but fun night out near Tampa.
Side Splitters Comedy Club
12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 960-1197
A date night at Side Splitters is great for plenty of laughs as this spot snags big name and local comic headliners regularly. Reserve a table and order some Nachman’s Smoked Fish dip to share while you listen to excellent comedy on an inexpensive but really fun date.
Tampa Improv
1600 E 8th Ave Ste C112 Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 864-4000
Located in a beautiful two-level theater, the Tampa Improv is a fun spot for a date night but be ready to join the show with some of the comedians. Order an Improv Long Island or a Rubber Chicken cocktail to get in the mood for laughs, but do know that they seat four to a table so this is a great spot for a double date night.
Drip Ybor
1910 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL 33605
(201) 926-8880
A place to Do Really Inspired Projects, or DRIP, is perfect for a crafty and relaxing date night that won’t break the bank. Either sign up for a themed workshop to explore pottery making or other crafts or just pop in for a painting. Visit during a special event and Drip may offer drinks, snacks or even live music accompaniment at this funky and fun date night destination.
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