The Top Date Places in New York City

Meeting that special someone can be difficult enough, especially in New York City. But once you've met that special someone, you face another challenge: what to do you your dates. It's easy to pick a great restaurant or go see a movie or a show. But what if you want to do something that's not only fun, but also promotes bonding? Instead of sitting in a dark theatre or sitting with a table between you, trying to make conversation, try a few of these places for fun, interactive dates in Manhattan that will help you bond and have a great time, too.

1. The Cloisters. Located in the scenic Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, the Cloisters is the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art and Architecture division. The ambiance of the Cloisters makes it easy to forget that you're in a museum. Spend a day walking through the stone hallways, sitting in the gardens, or exploring the park surrounding the building, or attend one of their special programs, which include lectures by experts and music performances. Bring a picnic to eat in the park or grab a bite at the Trie Cafe in the museum. There is a recommended donation of $20 for each adult to get into the Cloisters, though the surrounding grounds of Fort Tryon Park are free. The donation will get you a pass to visit both the Cloisters and the main building of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the same day.

To get there: A train to 190th; M4 bus to Fort Tryon Park
Website: http://www.metmuseum.org/events/ev_cloisters.asp?HomePageLink=collections_cloisters_l

2. Chelsea Piers. One of the largest landmarks on the west side of Manhattan, Chelsea Piers offers enough activities to keep you busy until your Ruby Anniversary. Any sport you could imagine is housed in the massive complex. Practice your golf swings together at the Golf Club, or go ice skating in the Sky Rink, or a myriad other activities. Take a class together or just grab a bite at one of the eateries, such as The Lighthouse at Pier Sixty. Prices for activities vary widely, so check out their website for hours and prices beforehand.

To get there: N, R, F, 1, 9, C, E trains to 23rd street or 14th street; M23 or M14 buses west to Chelsea Piers
Website: www.chelseapiers.com

3. Make Studios. Let out your creative side at Make Studios, formerly Our Name is Mud. There are three stores in Manhattan, which offer the opportunity for patrons to paint pottery which are then fired at the store. Painting pottery is a great date anytime, but Make Studios have Adults Only time Thursdays and Fridays after 5pm. (The Greenwich Village location also has Adults Only night on Saturday after 5.) Prices vary and are based on which item is chosen to be painted. Note: The website for Make Studios is under construction and offers little information except locations, phone numbers, and hours for their stores.

To get there: Upper West Side Store is located on Amsterdam and 85th, near the 1,9, B, C; Upper East Side Store is located on 81st and Second Ave, near the 4, 6 trains; Greenwich Village Store located on Greenwich Ave. between 7th and 8th Aves, near the A, C, E trains.
Website: www.makemeaning.com

4. Museum of Sex. If you're looking for something a little more raunchy, try the Museum of Sex, located in downtown Manhattan. The museum, which looks at the history of pop culture and sex, displays pornography from throughout history. The real draw may be their special events, which include talks by (s)experts on various topics of interest to couples. Coming up: a talk on keeping passion alive in a long-term relationship. (And for a non-date activity, the museum offers monthly classes for women in burlesque.) Adult tickets are $14.50 each, though special events are often priced differently. Check the website for special activity prices.

To get there: N, R, 4 trains to 28th street
Website: www.museumofsex.com

By choosing a date that promotes interaction, you can make your date a memorable and successful one. Build a strong relationship or keep a relationship alive with these unique and fun date spots in New York.