7 unique date ideas in Hillsboro & beyond

When you think of dating, you may think about the excitement of a first date, when you’re just getting to know each other and the possibilities are endless. But really, a date can be any chance you have to carve out time with another person—be that a new relationship, a couple who’s been married for years, or even best friends who find themselves drifting apart. 

But what makes a good date? If you’re tired of the same old bars and coffee shops, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for something new to you, we’ve done the research to find seven local spots that fall a little outside the norm.

Get dressed up for a steampunk-inspired tea

For a fun and fanciful experience, come to high tea at the world’s first and only steampunk tearoom, located in Beaverton. The award-winning Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium features a gilded Victorian style with a number of steam- or gear-powered devices, like the 30-foot dirigible floating above the parlor and an incredible 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea-themed bathroom. While dressing up is encouraged, it’s not necessary—but it could add a touch of playful whimsy to your date!

Get interactive at Tomorrow Theater

Located on Division Street in SE Portland, Tomorrow Theater is a multimedia space operated by the Portland Art Museum’s Center for an Untold Tomorrow. The building itself has a storied history; starting as a vaudeville house in 1924, it’s also been an arthouse theater, a Spanish-language theater, and even an X-rated adult theater. Under the guidance of the PAM CUT team, it now features loads of delightful interactive experiences—like a viewing of The Prestige with a live magic show or Almost Famous with a psychedelic postcard-making session. “Easily one of the coolest theater experiences I’ve ever participated in,” says one Redditor.

Pet baby cows at Schoch Dairy & Creamery

Love cheese? How about a date to Schoch Dairy to meet the herd and pick up some organic goodies for dinner? The first Schoch Dairy dates back to Switzerland in the mid-1800s; in 1955, the family came to the United States and ended up in Helvetia, a picturesque farming community outside of Portland. Featured by various local news outlets for their commitment to “bringing old-fashioned milk back to life,” the farm is a popular outing for locals, with one Google reviewer describing it as “a simple, laid-back experience that we absolutely love.”

Shop local at a farmers market

Hailed by several Redditors as “a really cute date idea,” farmers markets give you plenty to see and talk about, all in a low-pressure public space. A visit to your local market is a great way to support your community and discover new delights, and there are many in the Portland area, including year-round markets, seasonal markets, holiday markets, and night markets. For a first date, consider a smaller market like the one at Reed’s Crossing Park. A newer market that started in mid-2024, it’s not as well-known as its downtown counterpart, which means it tends to be less crowded and more chill.

Cozy up for a movie in the park

Pack a picnic and enjoy a movie under the stars during a beautiful PNW summer. Generally running in July and August, the area has multiple free movie series like Hillsboro’s Pix in the Park and Portland’s Movies in the Park. These feature a mix of films, from ‘80s classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to modern hits like Top Gun: Maverick. And, since each movie plays in a different park, there’s bound to be something close to home. If you live here in Reed’s Crossing, you’ll enjoy Friday Flix in the Park, organized by the Reed’s Crossing HOA exclusively for residents of the community!

Become a pinball wizard at Next Level Pinball Museum

For a retro outing, why not challenge your date to a pinball showdown? One of the largest arcades in the world—recently voted "World's Favorite Pinball Arcade" three years in a row—Hillsboro’s Next Level Pinball Museum hosts over 600 games on free play for a flat-rate admission, which lasts an entire day. With both vintage and modern pinball and arcade games, the building houses thousands of vintage toys and collectibles, signed movie memorabilia, and other artifacts—perfect for pop-culture aficionados!

Get crafty at Lovejoy Workshop

Perfect for DIY-ers, Lovejoy Workshop offers a great opportunity to spend time together while indulging your artistic side. Located right across TV Highway from Reed’s Crossing and described by one Redditor as “super fun if you’re the crafty type,” this local spot is beloved for its craft workshops and plant bar. Get creative, learn how to do something new, and support local business all at the same time—that’s what we call a win-win-win!

Hungry for more of our favorites? See where to eat, our favorite fall activities, day trips under 100 miles, and Hillsboro’s most photogenic spots.