You want an unforgettable dating experience with the one you love, but you don’t have the budget for it?
Due to the dreaded GST increase, frequent dates can cost Singaporeans a fortune. Because almost everything costs money, my partner and I tend not to go on too many dates. But wouldn’t it be great to be able to go out whenever and wherever you like without having to worry about finances?
Check out these 18 FREE dating ideas if you’re looking for something other than staying home and watching TV!
1. Take a museum & gallery tour!
Surely you’ve heard of the National Museum of Singapore, but have you heard of the JCU Museum of Video and Computer Games?
A multitude of exhibitions is available around Singapore that cater to a variety of interests, including the Republic of Singapore Air Force museum (Top Gun fans, I’m talking to you!), the Singapore Sports Museum, the National Design Centre, and many others. What’s even better? All Singapore citizens are entitled to free admission, so these make great free date ideas!
2. Whip up a meal at home
Why not experiment with leftover ingredients and make your very own dish with your significant other instead of letting them expire in the fridge? *Hint: Add some spice to make it tastier!
Google can be used to find beginner-friendly recipes that mostly require pantry staples.
3. Picnic @ Parks & Gardens
Done cooking? In various picturesque picnic spots, you can eat Dabao, a home-cooked meal.
Enjoy your delicious meal together under the shade of a tree at popular locations like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, and Japanese Cemetery Park (think Japanese Sakura vibes) – how romantic!
4. Take a farm tour
One of Singapore’s hidden gems is Lim Chu Kang, where you can find several animal farms.
Hay Dairies, Singapore’s only goat farm, produces goat’s milk in two flavors – original and chocolate. Visit the farm for free (Mon-Sun, except Tue) and watch the milking process between 9 and 10.30am.
In light of the fact that you’ve already made the journey, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to visit Jurong Frog Farm. During weekends and public holidays, you can meet the creatures up close and personal for free.
5. Go hiking
Are you aware that our sunny island has over 35 hiking trails? Couples who are always looking for ways to stay active might find this a great free date idea. No matter what your fitness level is, you’re sure to find a trek that suits your needs.
6. Join workout classes
A free date idea you can consider is joining workout classes together if you prefer some structure to your exercise routine. Decathlon and the Health Promotion Board offer a variety of free classes for different age groups and fitness levels.
7. Visit Singapore’s playgrounds
These outdoor parks are certainly not your average playgrounds! If you’re a Westie, head over to Jurong Lake Gardens for a flying fox journey and trampolines built right into the floor.
Coastal Playgrove offers gigantic slides and a Vertical Challenge where you can scale nets as you slide.
You can also enjoy the huge Admiralty Park Playground with 26 slides if you live in the North.
8. Rejuvenate at Sembawang Hot spring
Sembawang Hot Spring Park offers foot baths, a hot spring water collection, and even egg cooking! The natural hot spring is a unique date idea that is free to all.
9. Play sports together
Get fit by playing badminton and table tennis at any ActiveSG court! Despite the fact that you’ll need to pay a fee for the booking, Singapore Citizens actually have credits worth S$100 in their ActiveSG accounts, so you won’t have to pay anything (until you’ve used it all up).
For most of these activities, you’ll need to bring your own equipment, but some ActiveSG facilities do lend table tennis rackets for free.
10. Spend a day at Changi Airport
This is one free date idea you don’t want to miss! Changi Airport offers a lot to do without spending a cent.
Take the Skytrain through Jewel to get a bird’s eye view of the lush vegetation, watch planes take off at viewing galleries (and wish you were there), or go window shopping at Don Don Donki — the sheer size of our world-famous airport means you won’t run out of things to do.
11. Catch movie screenings
What’s more at Changi Airport? There are numerous locations around the island where you can watch free movies – Terminal 3 is just one of them. Singapore has been home to the Be My Kaki bus since 2016, a roving movie concept. Sentosa’s Movies By The Beach is also running until March 2023, but keep an eye out for future dates.
12. Enjoy night shows
If you’re more of a night owl, explore Sentosa and Gardens By The Bay instead. Each night from 7.30 to 9.30pm (until 10.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) at Siloso Beach, Magical Shores is an interactive light and sound display.
Every day at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, you can enjoy the famous Garden Rhapsody at Gardens By The Bay’s Supertree Grove.
13. Sentosa
There are now four giant sculptures on display at Sentosa’s Palawan Beach, inviting you and your date to discover the Explorers of Sentosa. Click here for more information on the “Where the Wild Things Are” sculpture.
14. Fly kites at Marina Barrage
Our eyes are drawn to the beautiful shapes and colors of the colorful kites flying in the sky. It is something most of us only see fly, never getting to experience it ourselves. Show off your kite flying skills on this date and make it a memorable one.
15. Enjoy free concerts
Get a taste of the local arts and culture scene at the Esplanade, where free performances are held every evening on the Concourse and Outdoor Theatre.
16. Read in Libraries
A super relaxing date idea would be to visit the public library together and read some light books together. Consider borrowing the same thought-provoking book, then discuss it in depth later on – guaranteed to bring you closer together. Libraries in Orchard, Vivocity, Esplanade, and Tampines are some of the nicest ones in Singapore.
With so many free date ideas, your partner will be spoilt for choice when asking “what should we do today? ”
Also read: Valentine’s Day Gifts on Shopee that won’t blow your Budget – click here.
(Credits: Pexels)
