From the Nightlife Guide —

It’s a dark, cool night — perfect for an evening show and a stroll along the riverfront or for some fun with Mother Nature.

Wichita, Kansas’ largest city, is home to plenty of attractions for any couple looking to explore, grow, learn and have fun.

Whether it is for the puppy love teenyboppers, blissfully happy newlyweds, or the long-running couple, there is always something to do.

The outdoorsy couple

There is no comparison to nature’s landscapes for this couple. The Sedgwick County Zoo with animals ranging from penguins to lions, or Wichita’s Botanica Gardens with colorful and lush flowers and trees, are perfect options for a date.

With ticket prices at $13.95 and $7, respectively, these are outings that won’t break the bank.

Dress cool and casual for this one. T-shirts or tank tops and shorts or capris paired with tennis shoes are a must. Ideal times would be in the spring and summer months when the weather is ideal for walking and exploring.

For lunch, make it easy and cheap by packing your own picnic. Get into the spirit of nature by including fruits and veggies for the natural feel.

The uptown couple

This pair prefers a more lavish outing. Bonefish Grill and the Wichita Art Museum are prime activities for this couple.

Visit the Wichita Art Museum for a tasteful and enlightened experience surrounded by art pieces from local and internationally renowned artists in different exhibits, such as glass sculptor Dale Chihuly.

Adult admission is just $7 each, and it is free on Saturday.

This date requires dressing up a bit. A dress and heels or flats for the lovely lady and slacks and a button down for the man suffice.

Afterward, catch some waves at the Bonefish Grill for dinner.

Decked out in dim, dark and beautifully trimmed and elegant silverware and décor, this restaurant is hard to pass up. Offering a variety of foods, primarily seafood, the bill will range between $40 to $60 for two.

The hipster, intellectual couple

A deep and meaningful date is a must for this smart and savvy match, and as proven, Wichita offers something for them, too.

The Exploration Place is Wichita’s epicenter for science and the arts, bridging them together with exhibits ranging from weather to the human body. It also includes an IMAX Planetarium dome where documentary movies about animals or the wonders of space are shown.

Ranging from $12.50 to $14.50, depending on packages, this is a winner. Dress however you wish for this one, and hit Starbucks when you’re done for coffee and conversation for $10 or less.