The top 5 best places for OU students to go on a first date

Photo by Kylie Price

As the weather cools down, relationships between students are starting to heat up. Whether you are making new friends or starting to get romantic with someone, there is more to do than just hang out in Ottawa, Kan. Here is a list of the top five places to take your special someone on a date if you’re new to the area. 

1. The Nelson-Atkins Museum – Kansas City, Mo.

This museum is one of the best places to go on a first date if you like art, especially if you’re trying to impress your date. This museum has many exhibitions and collections for you to see, including an outdoor park full of sculptures, a variety of ancient art forms and so much more. With all of the different exhibits, you will have a lot to talk about, which will help avoid  that awkward silence that usually comes with a first date.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is located at 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, Mo. 64111. Checking their hours before you go is a good idea, as they vary from day-to-day. 

2. Draftcade – Kansas City, Mo. 

You can’t go wrong with retro video games and alcohol, if you’re of age. Get competitive with your date in Pop-a-Shot, Ski-Ball, Donkey Kong and many other games from the 1980’s at this classic arcade bar and restaurant. If you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at the arcade or walk to one of the many restaurants located in the Zona Rosa shopping center.
Draftcade is located at 7260 NW 87th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64153 and they are usually open in the evenings, except for weekends, when they open at 11:00 a.m. 

3. TopGolf – Overland Park, Kan.

If you’re looking for a place to test your date’s athletic skills, TopGolf might be the place to go. TopGolf is an indoor/outdoor driving range, where you can play different games and compete against your date to see who gets the most points. You can also order food and drinks while you’re there.
TopGolf is located at 10611 Nall Ave, Overland Park, Kan. 66207. They have different specials on different nights (college nights are on Wednesdays — $15 from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.) so you should check out their website to see what kind of deal you can get. 

4. Escape Rooms: Breakout KC or Breakout Lawrence – Kansas City, Mo., Leawood, Kan. and Lawrence, Kan.

Escape rooms require teamwork, allowing you to bond with your boo while trying to figure your way out of these challenging rooms. They have a variety of themes, such as the Civil War, Undercover, and The Gambler. Build up your brain and your chemistry at the same time, plus you get to have fun doing it.
Breakout KC River Market is located at 114 W 3rd St #102, Kansas City, Mo. 64105. This location offers six different escape room themes. 

Breakout KC Park Place is located at 11535 Ash St, Leawood, Kan. 66211. This location offers four different escape room themes.
Breakout Lawrence is located at 727 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, Kan. 66044. This location offers four different escape room themes. 

5. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant – Leawood, Kan. 

If you’re a sushi fan, then RA Sushi Bar is the place to go. It’s both romantic and reasonably priced, with amazing sushi and desserts. Enjoy a classic dinner date with modern decor or sit out on the patio and enjoy the weather. Either way, this place is sure to be a hit for you and your date.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is located at 11638 Ash St, Leawood, Kan. 66211.
 

We all know the struggle of trying to find something to do in Ottawa and sometimes even Lawrence, especially when you’re trying to impress someone. Don’t get stuck in a dead end of trying to find somewhere to go on a date and check out one of these places. You’ll be sure to enjoy it.