7 Non-Cliché Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for 2023
Last year, Valentine’s Day may have looked a *leetle* bit different — especially as all the potential Valentine’s Day date ideas were, for the most part, restricted to the home. But come the new year, with the world opened up and at our feet, and the list of things to do for Valentine’s Day 2023 is almost endless (but don’t worry, this article won’t go that far).
It might be that you don’t want to do the at-home thing — you’re just itching to go out and do something. Maybe you’ve got the kids at home (and you’ve called in the grandparents to lend a hand) and you only have a few hours to spare. Or perhaps you want to do something you already know the both of you love but want to put a little Valentine’s Day spin on it.
So hit play on that Valentine’s Day playlist to get you in the mood (no, not that one) and get your typing fingers at the ready — you’re about to lock this year’s Valentine’s Day date idea in.
An Outdoor Picnic
Okay, we confess, an idea or two on this list of things to do for Valentine’s Day in 2023 may be a bit cliché — but what better day than Valentine’s Day to get a little corny?
If your backyard isn’t up to scratch (if you have one at all), look up local (public) outdoor spaces in your area, preferably one with a table. Not only will this mean more ease and comfort when it comes to eating (fewer spills likely, especially if you’re bringing a *romantic* bottle of wine with you), but it also reduces the chance of sitting amongst curious creepy crawlies (or dogs looking for free cheese and crackers).
You can style up the tabletop — whether you take a tip from our summer tablescaping trend guide, or go a minimalist look with a flax tablecloth, and a hint of the classic Valentine’s Day colours through red or peach-coloured napkins. Slice up some strawberries, bring a bunch of cherries, heart-shaped chocolates, if you really want to lean into it.
And for those of you looking for Valentine’s Day date ideas in Sydney — good thing we have a list of some of the best picnic spots in town, just for you.
Game Night
If you ever answered to dating app question: “What are you competitive about?” with the go-to answer of, “Everything” — well, this Valentine’s Day date idea is for you.
You can hold a game night at home with whatever board or card games you may have on hand — there’s a gift idea for you, if you’re unsure of what to buy your significant other — or you can go out for a game night.
This could be your local arcade, Timezone or bowling alley — or something that might get that heart rate up a bit more, like laser tag or an escape room.
Staycation
If you can’t stretch the budget (or the grandparents' time babysitting) enough for a romantic getaway, might we suggest a staycation? This is a particularly great Valentine’s Day date idea if you’re in Melbourne — where boutique and romantic hotels are a dime a dozen.
A special, one-off treat, you get to indulge in that fantastic hotel-bed feeling, wear robes and slippers that haven’t been touched by day-to-day wear — and best of all, order room service in said robe and slippers.
And, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just nice to get away from your own space, and have a fancy break from your regular routine.
Get Out to a Gallery
Okay, so walking around looking at paintings from centuries gone by might not be *everyone’s* cup of tea — but good thing galleries just seem to be getting cooler, and more interactive every day now.
Set to swoon in Sydney? Your Valentine’s Day date idea could involve the Frida Kahlo immersive exhibition, which could see you doing everything from drinking spicy margaritas to crafting matching flower crowns.
You could head over to the new (well, improved) Sydney Modern, and count how many times you see a piece of art and say, “Pfft, I could do that.”
See a Show
While Netflix & chilling may be a classic (and for good reason, let’s be honest), make a night of it and go to an actual theatre.
This could be your local movie cinema chain, for a new release and a bucket of overpriced popcorn — call it a one-off treat.
Maybe it’s a boutique cinema, that holds special Valentine’s Day events; revel in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or cry over the Titanic…and then debate as to whether the door was big enough for the two of them. Open-air cinemas are always a treat — just check the weather forecast.
And with our talented creatives scattered across the country, you know you’re in for a treat if you book tickets to a musical, play or concert. It’s an excuse to dress up, too.
Head to an Amusement Park
A Valentine’s day date idea for Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Perth, Glenelg and more — get your thrills with a day or night out at an amusement park.
You’ve got a bevy to choose from, with Luna Park(s), Dream World, Movie World, Jamberoo, Adventure World and the Beachouse.
There’s everything from carousels for those who are a bit more cautious, to dodgem cars for competitive couples, and giant rollercoasters for the adrenaline junkies.
Go Big
Literally. Celebrate your big love, with a visit to a classic Aussie ‘big’ tourist attraction - whether a one-day road trip, or as part of a long weekend.
Take your partner to see the Big Banana — not a euphemism, it’s in Coffs Harbour. In fruit-themed attractions, there’s the Big Mango in Queensland, as well as the Big Pineapple.
There’s a Big Lobster down in South Australia, and of course, in sticking to our true-blue Aussie roots, there’s a Big Bogan in Nyngan, NSW.
A bit off the cuff, but it’s sure to be a V-day no one will ever forget.