10 Valentine’s Day date ideas (that aren’t just a drink and dinner)
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Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, it’s time to start sorting out those date idea plans.
If you want to do something more than just a drink and dinner, here are 10 ideas to keep you and your special someone entertained…
But this isn’t just for those in a relationship. Don’t look past the value of your girlfriends, so plan a little special something for the group to do too!
Just the two of you at Midnight Hotel
Wanting to get away from home for a night but not wanting to leave Canberra? Set the mood at Midnight Hotel with a romantic inner-city staycation for two with a focus on connection! Enjoy their exclusive connection kit featuring a deck of connection cards, a mini aromatherapy spa kit, and sweet and salty gourmet nibbles to fill the night with laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Start the evening with an intimate dinner at Braddon Merchant then head upstairs to enjoy your night (just make sure to hang a ‘Do not disturb’ sign first). In the morning, head back down to indulge in a leisurely breakfast at Braddon Merchant and reflect on last night’s activities…
Friday 14 February | 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Learn the most scandalous history lesson
If you’ve got some history buffs in your life (or you have a partner who’s supportive of your history obsession), this is the one for you! Running for only three days, She Shapes History Tours will reveal Canberra’s hidden romantic side in their Love in the Capital Tour! In just two hours learn about Canberra’s lesser-known history of love, passion and scandal and leave with a whole new perspective on love stories, juicy scandals, and the capital’s power couples…
Thursday 13, Friday 14, and Saturday 15 February | 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm | Book here.
Take your boo to Woo at the Zoo
Looking for something wildly romantic to do this Valentine’s Day with someone special? We have a suggestion that will inject some ‘Zoo-la-la’ into your date night.
Trust us when we say that your wildest Valentine’s date awaits at the National Zoo and Aquarium thanks to their special event, Woo at the Zoo. Taking place on 14 February from 5 pm, this special guided tour will be taking you through the fascinating (and often hilarious) world of animal courtship…so literally, how woo happens at the zoo. Read all about it here.
Friday 14 February | From 5 pm | Book here.
Enjoy a retro movie night!
Wanting to go to the movies to feel the love with someone special, but somewhere that feels more exciting than just the usual places? Elsie’s Film House is the perfect solution! This retro pop-up cinema is doing a special Valentine’s Day screening of the iconic movie Crazy, Stupid Love which is sure to have you feeling all the rom-com feels. A bonus is the discounted price of two tickets for $24 to celebrate the love!
Get there an hour early for social hour and enjoy $7 beers and $9 wines. Sounds like a cinematic night to me!
Friday 14 February | 6 pm – 8.20 pm | 180 London Circuit, Canberra | Book here
Feel the love through music
You’re sitting in an intimate classy venue lit by a sea of flickering candles as a four-piece string quartet serenades you and your loved one. Sounds like your kind of evening? Better get tickets to Fever’s love-themed Candlelight Concert then! With a program featuring songs like ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ by Elton John, ‘La Vie En Rose’ by Edith Piaf and ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri, you’ll be sure to be singing them all the way home.
Friday 14 February with sittings at 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm | James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, 30 Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Paint your Partner at Braddon
Think your partner could be the next Mona Lisa if they sat still long enough for you to paint them? Now they have no excuse! Paint Pinot in Braddon is holding a fun session where you’ll get the opportunity to test your artistic skill and paint a portrait of your loved one. And of course, you’ll do so while sipping a glass of something delicious and eating some yummy food.
No experience is required, with the talented team helping you unleash your inner Leonardo Da Vinci!
Friday 14 February | 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm | 27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Book here.
Watch a classic rom-com at the Sunset Cinema
I hate it when you’re not around (at the Sunset Cinema) and the fact that you didn’t call (to tell me you’d booked tickets to the Sunset Cinema). But mostly, I hate the way I don’t hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all (because I bought us tickets for the Sunset Cinema).
Any idea yet of what movie they’re showing for Valentine’s Day? In case you haven’t seen the cult classic that the quote above is from, I’ll clue you in – It’s 10 Things I Hate About You.
Pack a picnic and settle in for a night of laughs, and cute moments with the sounds of the Botanic Gardens adding to the vibe!
Friday 14 February | Gates open at 6.30 pm | Eucalypt Lawn, The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book your ticket here
Experience the rush of love (and the rush of winning)
Looking to spice up your relationship with some thrilling fun? Jump in a power-kart and experience insane power at the press of the pedal. Fly around the track weaving in and around other karts, as you compete against your partner for the top time! After proving you could be a professional F1 driver, check out their mini golf to prove you’re multi-talented.
This is also a great one if you’re looking for somewhere to go on a double (or more) date with your friends!
Friday 14 February | 10 am – 10 pm | 125 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | More information here
Picnic to your heart’s content
What’s more romantic than packing a cute picnic, and relaxing while overlooking Canberra’s beautiful scenery? If you’re not wanting to pack a whole meal, make it an afternoon tea picnic, or a dessert picnic!
Do some baking with your special someone in the morning, then pack it all up to enjoy later. We recommend some choc-chip cookies, delectable brownies, and of course strawberries and champagne (or sparkling mineral water).
If you’re wanting to celebrate Galentine’s Day, this is also a great way to get everyone involved! Canberra has many picnic places, so check out our bumper guide to find the perfect place.
Ice-skate for the perfect excuse to hold hands!
Is the weather too hot to hold hands with someone? Not in an ice-skating rink! While it may not be the most glamorous date, it’s a fun and light-hearted way to connect. As a bonus, if you’re feeling a little unsteady on your feet when you’re on the ice, it means your partner must skate next to you to keep you steady (extra laughs if you fall over together).
As Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, get your boogie on and enjoy Phillip Swim and Skate’s Friday Night Disco from 8.30 pm – 10.30 pm!
Friday 14 February | Sessions from 10 am – 10.30 pm | Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre, 1 Irving Street, Phillip | More information here
