From fine dining to late-night donuts and everything in between, here are some of my favorite date night ideas in Iowa City to enjoy before baby.

Let’s be honest, once baby arrives, date nights can feel like a distant memory. So why not soak up this sweet, pre-baby chapter with a few memorable evenings out? Whether you’re savoring your last few months before sleepless nights or celebrating a babymoon close to home, Iowa City has no shortage of fun and romantic ways to connect before your little one makes their big debut.

Romantic Date Night Ideas in Iowa City

Enjoy a Fine Dining Experience at Orchard Green

Looking for something a little fancy? Treat yourselves to a delicious meal at Orchard Green. According to their website:

“Orchard Green invites you to premier fine dining in Iowa City, with gourmet classics and innovative American-Mediterranean cuisine created by Owner/Executive Chef Bryan Herzic… The elegant ambience of the dining room is complemented by a casual and intimate downstairs lounge.”

Translation? Perfect lighting, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a great excuse to wear that dress you’ve been saving for something special.

Satisfy Those Late-Night Cravings

Pregnant and craving something sweet at 11 PM? You’re in luck. Iowa City has not one, but two late-night dessert spots worth hitting up.

• Hurts Donut is open 24 hours. If you’re craving something sweet and out of the box then a Hurts Donut will hit the spot every time!
  
• Insomnia Cookies stays open past midnight and delivers warm, gooey cookies that hit just right. Midnight cookie run = date night win.

Visit a Museum for a Low-Key Stroll

If you prefer a slower pace (and maybe some air conditioning), Iowa City’s museums are surprisingly romantic.

• Stanley Museum of Art is beautiful and calming…perfect for wandering and conversation.
  
• The Visual Arts Building on campus offers modern architecture and unexpected creativity.
  
• Want a bit of history? Visit The Old Capitol Museum and get a glimpse of Iowa’s political past.
  

Fun + Quirky Date Night Ideas

Bowling and Games at Spare Me Bowl & Arcade

Located inside The Chauncey, Spare Me is a fun combo of bowling, arcade games, and cocktails (or mocktails for the mom to be). It’s casual, lighthearted, and great if you want to let your competitive sides shine.

Brush & Barrel: Paint, Splatter & Play

Feeling artsy? Head to Brush and Barrel for a walk-in pottery painting or splatter paint session. It’s open most weekends from 12–5 PM and offers a fun way to do something creative together. Bonus: you get to take home a handmade keepsake from your pre-baby adventures.

Late Night Date Night Ideas in Iowa City

Unwind at Tavern Blue

This spot has everything: mini golf, darts, foosball, table games, tasty food, and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Heads up – it becomes 21+ after 9 PM, so enjoy some grown-up time while you can.

Catch a Movie at FilmScene

For movie lovers, FilmScene at The Chauncey or The Red Mall is a must. From indie flicks to outdoor summer showings at Chauncey Swan Park, it’s one of the coziest and coolest places to wind down your evening.

Try an Escape Room Adventure

Want to lock yourselves in a room together before baby arrives (on purpose)? Head to Cryptic Escape and test your teamwork. It’s a fun, slightly nerdy, and totally entertaining date night experience.

Bonus Idea: Book a Maternity Photo Session

Okay, I might be a little biased…but one of the most meaningful things you can do together is document this special season with a maternity photo session. It’s the perfect way to slow down, connect, and celebrate your growing family before the sleepless nights begin. And trust me, those photos will become some of your most cherished memories.

No matter what you choose, these date night ideas in Iowa City are a great way to hit pause, soak in the love, and make the most of your time together before baby arrives. Whether you’re into fine dining, arcade games, or just cookies at midnight—there’s something here for every kind of couple.

Need help choosing outfits for your maternity session or booking your shoot? Let’s chat!