There are times when a glass of wine, chef-crafted meal and ambient lighting are exactly what you and your significant other need. But sometimes, the itch of a friendly competition or the thrill of a new experience comes calling.

Mix up your next date night with these Baton Rouge spots guaranteed to bring the fun, competition or something a little different to your special evening.

Court to Table

Ditch the heels and opt for your favorite sneakers to play ball—pickleball, that is. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this is a date-night spot sure to keep you moving. Choose from six indoor pickleball courts and five covered outdoor courts for fun in all weather. No skills? No problem. Book a private lesson for you and your honey, or make it a double date night by booking a group pickleball lesson. Reward all of your hard work with tacos, smashburgers or a seasonal plate and wash it all down with one of the 36 beers on tap.

Red Stick Spice Co. Cooking Classes

Go foraging for mushrooms, learn how to eat with the seasons, or become better hosts with Red Stick Spice Co.’s cooking classes. With a variety of options that appeal to palates of all levels of refinement and to those interested in activity, there is sure to be one you and your partner will enjoy. Many of the classes are structured as “divide and conquer,” which means each group cooks a different item on the menu. Like team building, but for your relationship. And way tastier.

Boru Ramen, Sweet Society and Tiger Clawzzz

What’s better than a plush toy from your sweetheart? All of the fun you can have trying to win them for each other, of course. With dozens of claw machines and unique prizes, the Tiger Clawzzz “clawcade” is part of the multi-experience destination in the former Copeland’s New Orleans location on Essen. In the same building, Boru Ramen offers authentic Japanese cuisine, and Sweet Society is stocked with cold treats and boasts the state’s first build-your-own boba bar—perfect for a mid-day date.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 225 Magazine (@225batonrouge)

Hayride Scandal

For those who consider sitting, sipping and easy listening the ideal kind of fun, Hayride Scandal offers plush seating vignettes and smooth jazz nearly every day of the week. Who says date nights are a weekend-only affair? Spend a Jazz Thursday cozied up in one of the nooks at this eclectic bar with a craft cocktail in hand while listening to the riveting sounds of live musicians on the piano, drums, organ, trumpets and more.

Red Stick Social

Bowling has long been a fun date night activity. Have all of the fun of a little competition with the luxury of seasonal signature cocktails, a dance floor and lounge seating at Red Stick Social. And if Thursday evening outings are up your alley, add Red Stick Shuck, which features a fresh oyster bar alongside bowling, to your calendar.

Golf Haven

This one is for the golfers who don’t take any days off. Incorporate practice into your next date night and beat the heat at this fully indoor golf simulator boutique. With a variety of games to play and plenty of comfortable seating areas, this is an action-packed date night spot for couples and makes a double date night any golfer will gladly attend.

Red Stick Speed Dating

If a date night sounds great, but you’re missing, well, a date, have no fear. Red Stick Speed Dating offers several date night sessions at locations across Greater Baton Rouge. The ticketed events offer a fun and easy way to meet other local singles, with a variety of age groups represented at each event.