Coming up with fun date ideas can be difficult at any stage of a relationship. Whether it’s a first date, fifth date or your 10 year anniversary, thinking creatively can be the hardest part.
The best type of date is something that you can experience together, something memorable, to make a lasting impression. The value we place in experiences is priceless and far more meaningful than the overdone ‘dinner and a movie’.
We’ve done the hard work for you and teamed up with Banana Lab to devise 10 fun date ideas you may not have already thought of.
Try something unique
Experiencing something new and stepping out of your comfort zone is a great thing for a couple to do, as it’s a sure way to create fun memories together. Banana Lab offers thousands of experiences Australia-wide for all budgets, including workshops, wine tasting, even a Saturday horse ride and pub lunch tour.
That’s right, saddle up with Zephyr Horses in Byron Bay for a ride through the forest down to The Sun Bistro for a hearty pub feed and a beverage. You’ll get a chance to show off your riding skills, plus get a glimpse of Byron Bay’s stunning scenery as you go (cowboy hats not included).
Go on an urban wine tour
Wine tours usually involve weekend trips to vineyards, expensive hotel stays and a round of golf. If that’s not your thing, why not visit a winery without leaving the city? You can take a tour through the Urban Winery with the head winemaker and learn about the art of winemaking in just a few hours. Arriving at the tasting table, you’ll be met with a six-glass wine-flight set up, where the hosts will talk you through the six wines from three different wine regions of NSW.
Impress your date with your newly acquired wine knowledge as you explore the aroma, structure and palate-feel of each wine while enjoying a charcuterie and cheese platter. Plus, you’ll both get to take home a bottle of A.Retief wine to ensure the date was a memorable one.
Book a cheese making workshop
If your date is a lover of cheese and wine, then you certainly can’t go wrong with a Fresh Cheesemaking workshop from Melbourne outfit Artisans Bottega.
In this hands-on cheese course, the hosts will show you both how to make not only beautiful fresh curds, feta and halloumi but also Camembert and blue cheese, using ancient methods. And of course you will eat cheese and drink wine in true artisan style.
Serve cocktails at home
If you’re unable to leave the house or a little hesitant to hit your local nightspot, why not just spare yourself the guilt and have them delivered to your door? With restrictions forcing people to stay home, a number of crafty venues like Sydney-based Continental Deli are delivering cocktails specially-canned for couch consumption!
That’s right, you can order a Mar-tinny, Can-hattan, Cosmopolo-tin, or a tinned Negroni from the comfort of your couch. Not only will you be serving up your date something unexpected, you’ll be supporting the local hospitality industry during tough times – so it’s a win-win.
But if you feel like donning the vest and bowtie and embracing your inner-mixologist, grab the ingredients for your favourite cocktail and get to it. Just be sure to hold the shaker with two hands.
Try paddle boarding
Enough of restaurants, pubs and coffee dates. Why not ditch the safety of dry land, and try an activity that will not only get you away from the crowds, but give you both a LOL while you’re at it? But remember, it’s only funny when the other person gets wet.
If you go with an inflatable SUP board from Red Paddle Co, it will make it easier for you to get to the secret and hidden spots to explore, plus they are easier to carry. It’s a fun and easy way to explore, while still being able to chat and get to know more about one another.
Plan a surprise picnic
If you’re looking for fun date ideas that can be both casual and romantic, then a surprise picnic should be your go to. Sydney-based caterer the floury baker offers custom made picnics that are thoughtfully prepared for any special occasion you have in mind.
All picnics are pre packed in a rustic French basket accompanied with an organic throw so you can just sit back and let the day drift away.
Get your bounce on
Do you ever feel like taking a break from adulting? The good news is, if you live in Perth there are plenty of fun date ideas to be had if you’re a giant kid. Like trampolining.
You’ll not only surprise yourself and your date with how much courage you’ve got trying to land that somersault, you’ll be forced to prove your sense of humour while doing it.
Check out Just Jump in Wanneroo, Aerial Fun Trampoline World in Malaga or Bounce in Cannington.
Host a themed dinner by candlelight
Travelling to our favourite holiday destination overseas isn’t in the foreseeable future, so why not bring your favourite city to you. Whether it’s Paris, Casablanca or Venice, set the mood and step into the theme by serving up a taste of the city by candlelight.
You’ll earn bonus points for pairing your dish with wine from one of the country’s local vineyards, and tunes to ensure the ambience is just right! Quick tip: keep things simple by whipping up a pasta dish, and accompany with a nice bottle of Sangiovese from the international section at your local bottle shop.
Get creative with a paint and sip class
Did you know Vincent Van Gough failed at multiple jobs before becoming an artist? That means there’s still hope for you and date to discover your hidden talent. If you happen to be in Perth, why not surprise your date with a paint & sip class?
Cabernet & Canvas is all about getting creative, having fun and creating your next masterpiece with a glass of wine in hand. Their paint & sip classes are friendly and casual so anyone can join, no matter how good you think you are!
Go off-grid for the weekend
So this idea isn’t exactly a first date option, more like an anniversary or birthday celebration. But we thought it’s worth mentioning as a fun date idea that’s good for you, your date and the planet.
Whether you’re an outdoors person or not, going off-grid is a fun date idea that can reconnect you and your partner with nature and one another. Most of us would shudder at the thought of a digital-detox let alone find the time for an off-grid getaway, but with the way 2020 has unfolded, a weekend amongst the trees could be exactly what you need.
CABN has two off-grid, sustainable and eco-friendly tiny homes that are available for rent on secluded curated sites in the Adelaide Hills and Victoria with another eco-site planned for Queensland in 2020.
Read more: Off-Grid Getaways For A Weekend Among Nature
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