The weekend’s just around the corner. You and your partner can’t wait to hang out after a long work week, but that movie-and-dinner routine you have is getting a little boring.

The good news: There are more options for date nights now as Covid-19 measures are gradually eased and we work towards the new normal. The even better news: There are activities around Singapore that you may not have discovered, and will make for fun experiences and fond memories that you and bae can share.

We’ve compiled a list of experiences and unique date ideas to explore — responsibly, of course (don’t forget to follow safe management measures, okay?). Some activities cost little to nothing to do, while some are redeemable with SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (remember those? They’re valid until Dec 31, 2021).

Unique date ideas in Singapore to explore

#1: Visit the courts of hell at Haw Par Villa

Photos: Facebook/Singapore Tourism Board, Haw Par Villa
For the couple that loves cheap, we mean, free thrills, there’s the recently upgraded Haw Par Villa. Here, admission is free and eclectic sculptures about life in hell for the unvirtuous are aplenty. The sculptures have been freshly restored and the 10 Courts of Hell now come fitted with air-conditioned. Yup, a trip to the 8.5-hectare kooky attraction, which was built in 1937 and has undergone several changes throughout the years, is definitely in order. A new restaurant and the world’s first Hell Museum are also slated to open on Oct 28 — so you can have an, er, enhanced paktor experience.
Details: 262 Pasir Panjang Rd. Open daily 9am-10pm (last entry 9.30pm). Free admission. More info here.

#2: Rollerskate at this indoor skating rink that oozes disco vibes

Photos: Facebook/HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink

It’s so retro that it’s fun, has a party atmosphere with neon lights and groovy hits, and it used to be something that you only saw in movies… until now. Nestled in Pasir Ris, HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink is Singapore’s first indoor skating rink that's been gaining popularity for its fun vibes, themed nights and IG-worthiness (obviously). Both inline skates and the retro (and more stable) four-wheel rollerskates perfect for beginners are available here. Entry is $18 for adults (includes skate rentals) for a two-hour sesh. You’ll have to pre-book a slot, though — there’s a maximum capacity of 50 people per timeslot due to current Covid-19 restrictions, and only vaccinated individuals are allowed entry.
Details: Market Square @ Downtown East, E!Hub, Level 5, 1 Pasir Ris Close. Open daily 11am-9pm. More info here.

#3: Go for an immersive, stunning night walk at the zoo

Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Dazzle your date with a trip to the zoo, but not just any regular jaunt to see animals, okay? Visit Rainforest Lumina, the multi-sensory spectacle that brings the Singapore Zoo to life at night. The 1km-long night walk is a dazzling immersive multimedia light and sound show, and visitors can expect a digital thunderstorm conducted by Bob the otter, spectacular laser displays and a sea of lights at Shimmering Islands.
Details: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd. Tickets from $18 (SingapoRediscovers Vouchers accepted). Open Thur to Sun, eve of and public holidays and school holidays, 7.15pm-12am, from 8 Jul 2021 to 13 Feb 2022. More info here.

#4: Make art together at a splatter paint studio

Photo: Splat Paint House
You don’t need to be an art prodigy to have fun at this splatter paint studio, touted to be the only one on our sunny shores. In fact, you’re encouraged to make a mess at Splat Paint House — from the empty canvas to the walls of the studio — as you get down to creating your artwork with neon, glitter, metallic or regular paint. There’s a Date Time package ($115 for two people) that includes two starter packages, two special paints and one extra large canvas for you to create one fabulous joint masterpiece. If you can learn more about someone from their handwriting, imagine what you’ll discover from their, er, paint strokes.
Details: 207A Upper Thomson Road. Open Wed to Sun. More info here.

#5: Go throw an axe with bae

Photo: Axe Factor
This is as unconventional as it gets for unique date ideas. Yes, go hurl a few axes at, not your ex, but an axe target board at Axe Factor. Singapore’s first-ever axe throwing range, located at The Grandstand, lets you throw as many axes as you can in one to two hours (depending on the package you book). Some say it’s a great stress reliever; we say it’s a great way for a little friendly, flirty competition on a date. Safety precautions are taken here, of course, and there are axe-perts on standby to give you a tutorial before you get going. Prices start at $30 per person for a one-hour session.
Details: #01-32A/B & 34A/B The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd. Open Tue to Sun, 12pm-10pm. More info here.