The Best Date Ideas in Boston

Head through the fake freezer door in Central Square to Roxy's Arcade, where pinball, Big Buck Hunter, Mortal Kombat and Guitar Hero fill the room. The cocktails take their names from games, including the Rainbow Road.

Evenings are 21+. Doors open at 5pm Monday through Friday, and Saturday starts at noon for all ages before the 21+ night begins at 5pm. The arcade is closed Sundays.

Take a glassblowing or flameworking class together at NOCA Glass School in North Cambridge. Classes welcome all levels, with beginner options that include making small figurines.

Sign up online for each class and book ahead, since listed fall classes showed as sold out. Participants must be 14 or older.

Spend a few hours climbing at Rock Spot Climbing in South Boston, with about 11,000 square feet of bouldering terrain and 20 to 30 top-rope walls. Staff give new climbers an orientation before they start.

Buy admission online ahead of time, allowing up to 48 hours to process, or purchase it for immediate use. Sign a waiver before you climb; the gym is steps from the T.

Take a guided bean-to-bar factory tour at Taza Chocolate in Somerville, ending with a tasting. The factory store has windows onto the production floor and offers free samples.

Chocolate is not made on weekends, and machines may not be running at every tour slot. The factory store is closed Mondays.

Take a 60-minute guided tour through Fenway Park, covering the team's history, the ballpark and its players. You do not need a game ticket to see the stadium this way.

Tours depart every hour on the hour, every day of the year, whatever the weather. Bring a small bag, since bags are limited to 12x12x6 inches and everyone goes through security screening.

Play nine indoor holes at Puttshack Seaport, where the balls keep score and each hole comes with interactive challenges. A round for two takes about 30 minutes, with food and craft cocktails available if you want to stay longer.

Walk-ins are not guaranteed on nights and weekends, so book a time first. It is 21+ after 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

Board an Odyssey dinner cruise at Rowes Wharf for a three-course meal around Boston Harbor, with live music and a DJ after dinner. Head onto the deck for sunset or city lights; the Premier Dinner Cruise runs year-round.

There is a cash bar onboard. Boarding begins before departure, and late arrivals may miss the boat.

Catch live jazz at Scullers Jazz Club inside the DoubleTree Suites on Soldiers Field Road. A dinner-and-show option adds a meal, and upcoming performances include Ann Hampton Callaway on October 17 and pianist Benny Green on October 31.

Parking is free for dinner-and-show guests.

Stop for a cocktail at The Wig Shop, a speakeasy-style bar in Downtown Crossing where the drinks come with hair-themed names. The Absinthe Ritual is designed for two or more people if you want to make a longer night of it.

The bar is open 5pm to 2am every night, 21+ with ID, first come, first served. Parties of two to six can reserve, and tables open one week ahead.

Wander through 281 acres and 15,000 plants at Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, a free park open daily from sunrise to sunset. Stops include Hemlock Hill, Leventritt Vine Garden, Rhododendron Dell and the Bonsai Collection, with fall bringing another reason to walk the grounds.

The Visitor Center is open 10am to 4pm daily.