In this story:
- 1. First date: Keep it casual with a paint and sip class
- 2. Early dating: Find out what they’re into
- 3. Third date: Shake things up with cocktails
- 4. New relationship: Try something neither of you knows
- 5. Getting serious: Make something meaningful
- 6. Settling in together: Enjoy a cosy date at home
- 7. Long-term couple: Learn a new hobby
- 8. Anniversary: Go all out
- Make your next Melbourne date one to remember
Looking for fun date ideas in Melbourne? You’re in luck. Whether you’re planning a first date, getting to know someone new or celebrating years together, Melbourne is packed with creative workshops, delicious experiences and fun ways to spend time together.
From easy-going first-date activities to making a milestone feel extra special, we’ve rounded up 10 date ideas for every stage of dating. Pick the one that fits your relationship right now, make a plan and get ready for a date worth talking about.
1. First date: Keep it casual with a paint and sip class
Skip the interview-style coffee date and give yourselves something fun to do together. A paint and sip class is an easy-going way to break the ice, with a canvas, creative prompts and a drink or two to keep things flowing.
Paint your own masterpiece, have a laugh over your artistic choices and let the conversation happen naturally while you work. No artistic experience required and no pressure to create the next Mona Lisa, either.
Best for: First dates that are relaxed, playful and easy to chat through.
Tried and tested by:
“Lily was an amazing teacher! She had the great music mix and was so helpful in teaching some cool paint techniques! It was all so good! We loved it for our first date! Thank you!” - George D.
2. Early dating: Find out what they’re into
Once you’ve survived the first date, it’s time to get a little more adventurous.
Try a ceramic painting class and create your own piece together. You’ll choose your colours and designs, giving you a chance to see whether your creative tastes are similar or completely opposite (that’s okay too!). It’s a fun way to learn a little more about each other and create conversation while you paint.
Plus, you’ll have something you’ve made to take home at the end, giving you a little memento from those early days of dating.
3. Third date: Shake things up with cocktails
By date number three, you’ve probably covered the basics. Where are you from? What do you do? What do you do for fun? Now it’s time to see how you work together.
A cocktail making class in Melbourne gives you plenty to do while you get to know each other better. You’ll mix, muddle and shake your way through cocktails, compare flavours and have a few laughs along the way.
By the end, you’ll have made something delicious together and hopefully discovered you make a pretty good team, too.
4. New relationship: Try something neither of you knows
There’s something fun about being beginners together. Neither person gets to pretend they’re an expert, so you can laugh through the mistakes and figure things out as you go.
A glassblowing workshop is one option if you want to try something completely different. You’ll learn how the craft works and create your own glass piece with guidance from an experienced maker.
It’s a date that gives you plenty to talk about afterwards, especially when you compare your finished creations.
5. Getting serious: Make something meaningful
If the relationship is starting to feel a little more serious, choose a date where you can create something personal.
In a ring making class, you’ll learn how to design and make your own ring, learning new techniques as you go. You’ll have plenty of time to chat, help each other with the creative process and end up with a piece you can actually wear.
It’s a thoughtful way to mark this stage of your relationship, without needing to organise an elaborate surprise.
6. Settling in together: Enjoy a cosy date at home
Once you’re comfortable together, not every date needs to involve going out. Sometimes the best plans are the ones where you can slow down, get creative and enjoy each other’s company at home.
Try an at-home creative experience, like a terrarium making kit or a craft activity you can tackle together. Put on some music, make a drink and see what you can create side by side.
It’s a simple way to turn an ordinary night in into something that feels a little more special.
Freshly moved in and want to soak up each other's company? Find indoor date activities for cosy homebodies.
7. Long-term couple: Learn a new hobby
Been together long enough that you’ve exhausted the usual dinner-and-movie combination? Take up a new hobby together.
Try pottery, tufting, candle making, mosaic art or another hands-on creative workshop. You don’t have to become lifelong crafting enthusiasts, although finding a new shared hobby is a pretty good outcome.
The point is to do something neither of you normally does and see where it takes you.
8. Anniversary: Go all out
An anniversary deserves more than deciding where to order takeaway.
Make a proper day of it with a longer workshop or a more involved experience. A cooking class can turn into lunch or dinner, while a creative workshop gives you a keepsake from the day.
For something especially memorable, try a blacksmithing class and learn how to work with metal under the guidance of a professional. It’s hands-on, unusual and certainly not your average anniversary activity.
Tried and tested by:
“We had the pleasure of having Nick as our teacher for a knife making class today, and it turned out to be the perfect first wedding anniversary gift for us both! Nick’s wealth of knowledge and admirable passion for his craft were evident throughout the day. His teaching skills are second to none, and his friendly demeanour put us at ease from the moment we walked through the door.
As someone who had never lifted a hammer before, I felt incredibly proud to walk away with something I had hand-crafted myself. This experience has sparked a new hobby and interest for us, and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Nick, for making our special day even more memorable!” - Daisy-Jane K.
Make your next Melbourne date one to remember
Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or you’ve been together for years, there are plenty of things to do on a date in Melbourne that give you a reason to get out and try something different.
From pottery and perfume making to cooking, you can find hands-on experiences led by local artists, makers and chefs that make the perfect date for two. Pick something that sounds fun, show up together and see what happens.
3 years in business
Runs regularly
Pascoe Vale South
1 to 8 guests
$80 - $110
