Five date ideas that aren’t dinner and a movie

Add some spice to your relationship – and your Valentine’s Day – with these date ideas with a difference.

Relationship Expert Dr Nikki Goldstein
Relationship and Intimacy Expert Dr Nikki Goldstein

If you fancy overhauling your usual date night for something a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of activities to add a bit more spice to your routine.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a dinner date, but sometimes it’s time to break the mould and try some new experiences.

“We can get bored with stereotypical date ideas,” relationship expert and author of Single But Dating, Dr Nikki Goldstein, says.

“It might be a different version of the same date over and over again. This isn’t going to be bringing the best out in someone and might even influence them to the point where they fall into usual behaviour patterns.”

Nikki adds it’s important to have excitement in a relationship in and outside of the bedroom.

“Doing the same date, even though it’s nice to have date night, might not have such a positive impact if boredom is at play,” she says.

It’s also important for singles to come up with creative ideas for dates when they’re in the early courtship stages.

“Being unique with date ideas is a great way to show a bit of who you really are,” Nikki says.

“Coming up with something different can show someone what excites you, what interests you and give them a taste of what being in a relationship with you might be like.”

So instead of dinner at your favourite restaurant followed by a trip to the cinema, why not try one of these:

Go to an open mic night

If you’ve always adored being in the limelight, then seek out an open mic night to show-off your skills. Just make sure you have a few jokes up your sleeve or some silly tales to share with the audience.

The Sit Down Comedy Club in Queensland hosts events across the state, so there are plenty of opportunities to get up on stage and test out your comedic chops.

Learn hip hop together

Work up a sweat and get up close and personal with your date at a hip-hop dance class.

Doing a dance class together means you’ll not only get some exercise, you’ll also get a chance to have a laugh and boost your endorphins. It doesn’t matter if you’re not sure what you’re doing, that’s half the fun!

Drop-in hip-hop dance classes are held at various locations around the country.

We recommend The Space, in Melbourne; Mega Jam, in Brisbane; and the Sydney Dance Company.

Zoo Twilight concerts

Pay a visit to the zoo and get to hear some live music at the Melbourne Zoo Twilights.

Until March 10, there are several live acts performing such as The Preatures and Kate Miller-Heidke.

Take your own picnic to enjoy the music outdoors after having a stroll around the zoo. Proceeds from ticket sales also go towards helping save the eastern barred bandicoot from extinction.

Other zoos also offering twilight events during summer include Sydney’s Taronga Zoo and Adelaide Zoo. You can even stay the night, with several zoos offering overnight packages.

Camp out in the backyard

Enjoying a night together doesn’t have to mean travelling. For a cheap and simple date, dig the picnic blanket out of the cupboard and head to the grocery store to stock up on some picnic snacks.

Once you’ve got a picnic platter and some chilled drinks on hand, make it a little cosier with some blankets and pillows.

You can even download the Night Sky app to learn what stars you’re gazing at.

Hit the driving range

Visiting an outdoor driving range is a fun, outdoors date that will keep you both on your toes.

It’s not particularly strenuous, and if it’s a first date you’ll even have the opportunity to get a bit closer and show your partner how to practise their swing.

Take turns perfecting your swing, and enjoy a drink and some banter in a relaxed setting.

The Albert Park Driving Range, in Melbourne, is a handy city location, while the North Adelaide Golf Course Driving Range also offers memberships if you fancy visiting more than once.

Single But Dating by Dr Nikki Goldstein, published by Nothing But The Truth Publications (RRP $27.99)


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