Seven first date ideas (that aren’t just a drink and dinner)
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A number of rom-coms were consulted for this list, purely to ensure that everything was accurate and adequately swoon-worthy.
Here are seven ideas that will have you leaving a lasting impression (and that are just a bit more fun than dinner and a drink).
Scoot around the Foreshore
We all know (and love) the orange and purple scooters littering the streets of Canberra. Well, now is the time to finally chuck on one of the helmets and test out your scootering abilities. If you or your date are new to Canberra it is a great way to get to see some more of the city—and for those of us who have been here a while, it is a great excuse to finally jump on a scooter and have some fun.
Hit up the Kingston Foreshore for the stunning water views—it’s the perfect excuse to grab a drink to warm back up after being out in the winter weather.
Par-tee for two
We’ve got a couple of options for mini golf in the city but the one that stands out is the jungle glow-in-the-dark mini golf out at the Power Kart Raceway in Griffith. Open later at night, it’s the perfect post-work date where you can let your skills shine (or show your goofy side with just how bad you are at mini golf—the higher your score the better right?).
Tucked inside the same building as an arcade, try your hand at winning your date a memento for the night or continue the friendly competition with a couple of laps behind the wheel on the racetrack.
Power Kart Raceway | 125 Canberra Ave, Griffith | powerkarts.com
Check out the art
Brush up your art knowledge and impress your date with some fun facts or see who can come up with the craziest meaning behind the abstract pieces at the National Art Gallery. It’s a date idea that’s not only free but filled with hours of entertainment as you roam the growing number of exhibitions on display.
If the sun is out to play, hit up the outdoor sculpture garden or grab a drink from the onsite café.
National Gallery Australia | Parkes Pl E, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Stride into conversation
For our active friends, why not test the waters of being that outdoorsy couple who conquer mountains? But much more subdued physical exertion around the lake in the form of the Bridge to Bridge walk. Only taking about an hour to walk (and being flat most of the way ), it’s the perfect mix of being outdoors without having to risk breaking a sweat and ruining your cute athleisure.
Want to break up the walk or keep the date going a bit longer? Stop by the newly renovated Walter café for a meal or cuppa. If you haven’t already checked it out read about it here.
Fall over head over ice-skates
Falling on your bum certainly isn’t the most attractive sight but it’s sure a fun and light hearted way to get to know someone on a first date. Bonus points if they know how to skate and can hold your hand on the rink to help you get around.
Get your groove on and line up your date to coincide with the Friday night discos at Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre—it’s the perfect chance to check out their dance moves and judge their taste in music.
Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre | 1 Irving St, Phillip | swimskate.com.au
Escape awkward lulls in conversation
Escape the boredom that can come with twirling the dregs of your drink around in your cup and book in for an Escape Room instead. It’s a great activity to test your teamwork abilities and celebrate or commiserate your outcome together.
Check out the Escape Room at Kingpin in the city for the bonus of having the arcade, bowling and karaoke all in the one place to give you a bunch of extra options (in case you don’t want the night to end just yet).
Kingpin Canberra | Canberra Centre, City | kingpinplay.com.au
Explore the National Botanic Gardens
You won’t believe that it is tucked right near the centre of the city, but the National Botanic Gardens are the perfect choice for a first date where you don’t want to blow the budget but still want to experience something beautiful. Get immersed in the fog of the rainforest or transported to the desert in their range of gardens.
If you’re going in the summer book into the Sunset Cinemas to up the romance level and snag a fun movie experience (cue the classic yawn to arm over their shoulder move).
Australian National Botanic Gardens | Clunies Ross St, Acton| anbg.gov
