The Entertainment Guide
7 Spring Date Ideas That Aren’t Dinner or Drinks
Looking for spring date ideas? Discover seven fun, unique and affordable date ideas in Australia and New Zealand, from mini golf to scenic day trips.
Longer days, warmer weather and flowers in bloom make spring the perfect excuse to plan something a little different with your favourite person. And while a dinner reservation or drinks at your local will always have its place, sometimes the best dates are the ones that get you out of your usual routine.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, looking for cheap date ideas that won't blow the budget, or simply want to try something new together, there are plenty of ways to make the most of spring across Australia and New Zealand.
From friendly competition on the mini golf course to a scenic drive with a spontaneous stop or two, here are seven spring date ideas worth adding to your calendar.
Better yet? With Entertainment, you can discover member offers on experiences and activities that make planning your next date even more rewarding.
1. Challenge Each Other to a Mini Golf Showdown
A little friendly competition can make for a seriously fun date. Mini golf is a great way to break out of your usual routine, whether you're both naturally competitive or just there for the laughs.
Make a day of it by choosing an outdoor course, enjoying the spring sunshine and finishing with an ice cream or a coffee nearby. Keep score, introduce a playful wager for the winner or let the loser choose your next date.
Where to try it: Look for outdoor mini golf courses around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other major cities, or discover a course to explore on your next weekend away.
Make it an Entertainment Member date: Check the Entertainment App for available mini golf, family entertainment or local activity offers before you book. Depending on the participating venue and offer terms, you could save on your next round.
🔍 Search ‘mini golf’ or ‘putt putt’ in the Entertainment App.
2. Pack a Picnic Somewhere Beautiful
Sometimes the simplest dates are the most memorable. Pack a picnic basket, find a beautiful spot and enjoy a slower afternoon together.
Spring is ideal for spreading out a picnic rug beneath a shady tree, overlooking the water or surrounded by colourful gardens. Bring your favourite snacks, a few treats, a playlist and a deck of cards to keep things interesting.
For a little extra romance, plan your picnic around golden hour and stay to watch the sunset.
Where to try it: Explore the gardens and harbour-side parks of Sydney, find a leafy reserve or waterfront spot in Melbourne, or head to Brisbane's riverside parklands. In New Zealand, botanical gardens and coastal lookouts also make lovely picnic destinations.
Make it a budget-friendly date: Shop for picnic supplies using discounted eGift Cards available through Entertainment, where participating retailers and offers are available. You can also turn the outing into a progressive picnic, picking up a few favourite treats along the way.
🔍 Check out the ‘gift cards’ tab in the Entertainment App.
💳 Woolworths Supermarket eGift Card
3. Get Up Close with Wildlife
Swap the usual date-night setting for something a little more adventurous with a wildlife experience. Whether you're watching kangaroos, meeting curious native animals or exploring an aquarium, it's a chance to learn something new and create memories together.
Animal encounters, wildlife parks and aquariums can also make a great option when the weather isn't quite cooperating with your outdoor plans.
Where to try it: Discover wildlife experiences within easy reach of your city, from animal sanctuaries and wildlife parks in Australia to nature and wildlife attractions across New Zealand.
Make it an Entertainment Member date: Explore the App for available offers on participating attractions and experiences. Check the details before you visit, as inclusions and savings vary by venue.
🔍 Search ‘wildlife’ or ‘zoo’ in the Entertainment App.
4. Take Your Competitive Streak to the Bowling Alley
Who says bowling is just for group outings? A bowling date is an easy way to add some fun to your weekend, especially if you're after an activity that doesn't depend on the weather.
Book a lane, choose your bowling names and see who can claim bragging rights. If you're feeling particularly competitive, make it a best-of-three challenge or add a fun prize for the winner.
For an extended date, look for venues with arcade games or other activities so you can keep the competition going after the final frame.
Where to try it: Find a local bowling alley in your city or look for an entertainment complex where you can combine bowling with arcade games and other activities.
Make it an Entertainment Member date: Before booking, check the Entertainment App for eligible bowling or entertainment venue offers. A member offer can help you enjoy more of the experience without stretching your date budget.
🔍 Search ‘bowling’ in the Entertainment App or check out one of the offers below.
🎳 Strike Bowling and Laser Tag (NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA)
🎳 Go Bowling Cairns (NT)
🎳 Oz Ten Pin (VIC)
🎳 Launceston Lanes (TAS)
🎳 Super Bowl (WA)
🎳 Westgate Bowling (AKL, NZ)
🎳 Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (CHC, WLG NZ)
🎳 Tenpin 13th Ave (TRG, NZ)
5. Make a Movie Date Feel Special Again
A trip to the cinema might sound like a classic date, but a little extra planning can make it feel like a proper occasion.
Choose a film you wouldn't normally watch, book a session at a boutique cinema or make an afternoon of it with a walk through a nearby neighbourhood before the show. If the weather is warm, an outdoor cinema screening can be a particularly lovely way to spend a spring evening.
The best part? It's an easy date to organise when you're short on time but still want to do something together.
Where to try it: Look for outdoor cinema sessions, independent cinemas or special screenings in your city. Keep an eye out for seasonal programs and events as spring unfolds.
Make it an Entertainment Member date: Check for participating cinema offers in the Entertainment App before purchasing tickets. Depending on the available offer, you may be able to enjoy your movie date for less.
🔍 Search ‘cinema’ or ‘movie’ in the Entertainment App.
🍿 Event Cinemas, BCC Cinemas & Village Cinemas
6. Plan a Scenic Day Trip for Two
Turn a free weekend into a mini adventure with a scenic day trip. You don't need to book flights or organise an overnight stay to feel like you've escaped the everyday.
Choose a destination within driving distance, plan a few stops and leave enough room for spontaneous discoveries. You could explore a coastal town, visit a country market, take a short walking trail or stop at a lookout for those spring views.
The journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination, especially when you put together a playlist, pack a few road-trip snacks and take the scenic route.
Where to try it:
🚙 Sydney: Explore the coastline, discover a new beach town or head towards the Blue Mountains for scenic lookouts and walking trails.
🚙 Melbourne: Take a drive along the coast, explore the Mornington Peninsula or discover a country town beyond the city.
🚙 Brisbane: Head towards the Sunshine Coast hinterland, explore Tamborine Mountain or enjoy a coastal escape.
🚙 Perth: Take a scenic drive through the Swan Valley, discover the coastal beauty of Cottesloe and Fremantle, or head to the Perth Hills for walking trails and picturesque countryside.
🚙 Adelaide: Explore the Adelaide Hills, wander through the charming villages of Hahndorf and Stirling, or take a coastal drive towards McLaren Vale for beautiful scenery and cellar doors.
🚙 New Zealand: Plan a day around a lakeside walk, a coastal drive or a regional food and wine destination.
Make it an Entertainment Member date: Look for eligible offers on attractions, dining stops, accommodation or travel experiences in the Entertainment App. You could build a few member offers into your itinerary and make your day trip go further.
🔍 Try the Map View in the Entertainment App to see offers near you!
7. Put Your Problem-Solving Skills to the Test in an Escape Room
If you're looking for unique date ideas, an escape room is a great way to try something completely different. You'll need to work together, solve clues and beat the clock to make your escape.
Choose a theme that suits you both, whether that's a mystery, an adventure or something with a little more suspense. It's a fun way to discover how well you work as a team, and you'll have plenty to talk about afterwards.
Prefer something less intense? Look for puzzle-based experiences or interactive challenges that offer the same sense of adventure without the spooky atmosphere.
Where to try it: Search for escape rooms and immersive experiences near you, with plenty of options to explore across Australia and New Zealand.
Make it an Entertainment Member date: Check the Entertainment App for participating escape rooms or other activity offers in your area. If you find an eligible deal, you can turn a memorable experience into a more budget-friendly outing.
🔍 Search ‘Escape Room’ and/or check out the Attractions and Activities tab in the Entertainment App.
🗝️ Virtual Room: VR Escape Room Adventure
Make Your Next Date Go Further with Entertainment
A great date doesn't need to come with a big price tag. Whether you're planning a playful afternoon of mini golf, a spontaneous road trip or a new experience you've both been meaning to try, spring is the perfect time to get out and make more memories together.
With Entertainment, you can discover member offers across participating restaurants, attractions, activities and more, helping you make the most of the experiences you love.
So, skip the usual dinner-and-drinks routine and try something new this spring.
Find your next date in the Entertainment App 👉 Spring Date Ideas
Offers, participating venues and redemption conditions vary. Check the Entertainment App for current availability and applicable terms.
