How2Day: Fun Date Ideas in Baltimore, Maryland

Make a fun date in Baltimore Joseph Sohm-Visions of America/Photodisc/Getty Images

A date doesn't have to mean a meal in a restaurant, trip to the movie theatre or drinks in a bar. Baltimore offers many options for inexpensive dates that are a little bit different and a lot of fun. Break the ice on a first date or inject some fun into a long-term relationship on a date night---or afternoon, or day---with a difference.

Take your date to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for a fun day out, or visit in the evening on Fridays when the attraction is open until 8 p.m. The National Aquarium provides plenty of talking points to fill any awkward silences on a first date, and many hand-holding opportunities once you've gotten to know each other better. The aquarium boasts more than 16,400 animals and hundreds of exhibits, including a jellyfish display, feeding times, tropical fish and Australian wildlife. The National Aquarium's Immersion Theater gets you and your date closer to the action, and you can take an Immersion Tour with expert guides if you want your date to be educational as well as fun. Once you've had your fill of the water, stroll next-door to Harborplace with its eclectic shops, restaurants and bars.

For a fun date that'll have you laughing and getting active together, visit the Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena for a public skating session. You won't have time to feel nervous as you concentrate on staying upright, plus there's always the chance that you'll have to grab hold of each other as you glide or slide around the rink. The Ice Arena holds skating sessions in the mornings, afternoons and until 10.30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The rink also hosts seasonal special events and activities through the holidays. Admission is $4 and skate rental is $2 per person.

For a fun date mixing food and music, take a stroll around Lexington Market. The traditional market makes an interesting destination for a date, giving you plenty to talk about, lots of food to taste and some inspiration for future romantic meals together. Lexington Market is open from Monday to Saturday, 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stalls include fresh produce, delis, fresh fish, bakeries, candy stalls and international cuisine offering dishes from around the world. Enjoy live music as you look around---bands play on the Arcade Stage at lunchtime. If you visit mid-October you're in time for the Annual Chocolate Festival offering Baltimore's finest truffles, fudge, cookies, pies and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Take your date to the Top of the World for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, skyline, harbor and surroundings and a fun take on romance. Top of the World is set on the World Trade Center's 27th floor. Whether you're a life-long Baltimore resident or a recent visitor, the Top of the World will give you new views of the city and offer conversation starters to discuss everything the area has to offer. On Friday and Saturday Top of the World is open until 7p.m., on other evenings it closes at 6 p.m.

How2Day