Fun and Budget-Friendly Date Nights in Colorado Springs
When you think of date night, dinner and a movie might come to mind. But some of the best memories are made when couples step outside their usual routine, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Research suggests that dates built around recreation, excitement, or simply shaking up their routine are especially powerful at boosting connection. Planning something a little different isn’t just a way to make date night more special or to stand out on a first date - it can help couples at any stage grow together and flourish long-term.
Here are some fun, affordable, and unique ways to spend quality time together on your next date in Colorado Springs.
Rent Public eBikes
We all know Paris as the City of Love. Is it a coincidence that in the city’s center, people now ride bikes more than they drive? Maybe there is something to pedaling side by side, exploring new streets, and discovering hidden gems around town as the sun sets.
It’s been said that driving a car is like watching a movie, but riding a bike is like actually being in the movie. What better way to turn date night into an adventure than by renting your own ebikes to explore town like a Parisian for just 25 cents a minute?
Unlock a public ebike at one of nearly 100 stations throughout downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs to start your night. Whether you’re riding for the scenery or to reach your next destination, the bike itself becomes a fun and unique part of the night. Explore the neighborhood, create your own route, or choose from our selection of self-guided themed rides to explore museums, breweries, local businesses, and more.
Every great memory starts with a shared experience. With a monthly pass, you can keep exploring the city together and ride to every spot on this list - making it effortless to turn each of these date night ideas into real adventures.
Trivia Night
With so many locally-owned restaurants, bars, and craft breweries hosting weekly trivia nights in Colorado Springs, chances are you can find a fun spot to test your knowledge almost every night of the week.
Trivia is a low-cost way to enjoy some friendly competition, learn about each others’ interests, and discover new favorite hangouts around town. Here are a few local trivia nights and the nearest PikeRide station you can park at to get you there:
Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM - Mash Mechanix (The Island @ Corona station)
Tuesdays at 7 PM - ICONS (Penrose Library station)
Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM - Goat Patch Brewing (Lincoln Center station)
Thursdays at 7 PM - OCC Brewing (W Colorado/23rd station)
Explore Art on the Street
Discover the public art that brings downtown Colorado Springs to life.
Since 1998, the Art on the Streets program has transformed the city with public art installations, from murals to sculptures, creating a year-round outdoor art gallery. This urban gallery is completely free to enjoy.
Explore each piece on a PikeRide or by foot, following our curated Art on the Streets route that includes descriptions of each piece of artwork around town. Plan a photoshoot at your favorite murals, make a game out of ranking your favorite pieces, or simply enjoy the art and a casual ride in good company.
Live Music at Hillside Gardens
Enjoy a relaxed evening together with live music at Hillside Gardens, a gorgeous outdoor venue tucked into the Hillside neighborhood near downtown Colorado Springs.
From May to October, Hillside Gardens hosts a Wednesday evening Summer Concert Series with live music, local food vendors, and a house drink with the purchase of a ticket for under $20.
PikeRide hosts a free bike valet at every summer concert, so you can enjoy a neighborhood ride together as you pedal to the event.
Even if you miss the Summer Concert Series, Hillside Gardens is still a fantastic spot for a morning coffee date from spring through fall.
Stroll through four acres of lush gardens, a wide selection of indoor greenery and annuals and perennials for the Colorado climate, and stop by the garden gift shop filled with unique treasures and gardening essentials.
Picnic at a Local Park
When is the last time you’ve slowed down and enjoyed a scenic picnic? Colorado Springs is full of community parks perfect for setting up a charcuterie spread and enjoying the sunset.
Add a twist to the classic picnic by biking to a local grocery store such as Bread and Butter to pick up your favorite snacks, or a local business to grab a meal to go, and scout out a perfect spot to enjoy your meal outdoors. Shooks Park, Manitou Springs Memorial Park, or Monument Valley Park all provide great open spaces to lay a picnic blanket down, while Fields Park, Bancroft Park, and Acacia Park are great options for an urban park complete with picnic tables. Just make sure to always lock and secure your PikeRide ebike to a rack or post when not in use.
Ride Through Garden of the Gods
Driving through the garden is one way to see the park, but most locals have yet to explore the stunning red rock formations on foot or by bike. Surprise your date with a scenic bike ride through Garden of the Gods to experience the park in a completely new way. This date idea is best in the summer and fall months when days are longer and nights are warmer, but you could ride through the park on a warmer morning throughout most of the year.
Pick up a couple ebikes at our Fields Park or The Dillon stations in Manitou Springs, and check the battery level to select bikes with 80% or more battery to ensure a smooth ride. Whether you’re pedaling leisurely along the trails or stopping to snap photos at the viewpoints, it’s an unforgettable and unique way to enjoy nature together.
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
Step back in time at the beloved Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs. From skeeball to air hockey and a plethora of vintage arcade games, you can challenge each other to friendly competition in a nostalgic atmosphere that’s sure to leave an impression.
Follow our curated ride route from downtown Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs, park your ebikes at the Cañon Ave/Lovers Ln station, and step inside the Penny Arcade for a unique date night before exploring the charming streets of Manitou Springs.
First Friday Art Walks
On the first Friday of every month, Colorado Springs comes alive with art, live music, special events, and community. Get 50% off a 24-Hour PikeRide pass every First Friday to hop around art galleries, browse local shops, and discover local artists throughout downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs.
First Friday is free and open to the public, and you can save on drinks and dinner with local deals from participating businesses. Hop on a public ebike, glide between galleries without stressing about parking, and stop whenever something catches your eye. Enter the code DOWNTOWNCS in the PikeRide app to get your discounted 30 for 30 Pass, providing unlimited 30 minute trips within 24 hours for just $15.
Attend a Group Ride
For couples looking to meet new friends, build community, or enjoy time together in a group setting, a group ride is a perfect date idea trying something new. Cruise through the city with other riders and spend some time outside when the weather is nice.
No bike? No problem - unlock a PikeRide at one of nearly 100 stations around town. There are many different group rides throughout Colorado Springs, with rides at every level from beginner to advanced. You can always check the PikeRide events calendar to find upcoming group rides, as well as a few other groups below:
The Wednesday Ride: A no-drop, social ride with a party pace that seeks to have a fun time and make the cycling community more approachable, more inclusive, and less elitist. PikeRide ebikes are available from where this ride takes off from the Lincoln Center, every Wednesday at 6 PM from March to October.
Pedal Party with UpaDowna: Join a weekly community ride for all levels as they ride off from four rotating locations across Colorado Springs every Thursday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. From June to October, you can reserve a PikeRide ebike and join the ride, make friends, and discover new local businesses around town.
Create Your Own Group Ride: Perfect for when seasonal group rides take a break, but the adventure doesn’t have to. Grab a few friends, or a few other couples, and make your own group ride! Whether you choose one of our self-guided routes or book a guided tour, you can explore together without worrying about schedules or crowds.
Trying new things together keeps date night exciting and memorable, and Colorado Springs is full of unique ways to connect. Unlock your ebikes, explore your favorite spots (or discover new ones), and turn every outing into an adventure.
Make the journey just as fun as a destination with a PikeRide membership to explore more, save more, and get 90 minutes of daily ride time with no unlcok fees. Choose between a Monthly (30 day), Seasonal (90 day), and Annual (365 day) membership for unlimited date nights, weekend exploration, and never-ending adventure.
Is there an anniversary, birthday, or special milestone coming up? Gift a PikeRide membership to give your partner the freedom to explore your city and ride side by side.