5 budget-friendly activities for a memorable Valentine’s Day date

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s crunch time for romantics who haven’t planned a date. 

Finding a date activity that doesn’t immediately send you into the three-digit cost territory can be challenging. Fret not, we’ve got you covered. 

Before you even start planning for your date, however, it’s important that you and your partner are on the same page regarding expectations. Although surprises are nice, open communication is key for a lovely evening together. 

Whether you’re an artsy couple who loves posting picture-perfect shots together on Instagram or a more chill and laid-back pair, here are five ideas for your V-day date.

The Botanic Gardens is a great alternative picnic spot to the highly popular and often crowded Marina Barrage. With similar lush greens, fresh air, and open expanse of space, it ticks all the boxes for a tranquil place for a picnic.

Picnics are great for a date because you can customise the menu to what both of you like, be it homemade snacks or something fresh you can pick up on the way.

To create a more romantic mood, decorate the space with flowers and electronic candles, and bring bite-sized food to feed your loved one by hand.

As with all outdoor date options, make sure to have a backup plan in case of wet weather, and check the forecast before heading out.

The Science Centre’s Friday stargazing sessions are suitable for those willing to celebrate Valentine’s a little closer to the weekend rather than on Feb 14 itself. 

Complete with a guide who can help you spot the stars through a telescope, this is a fun activity for couples interested in astronomy.

The Science Centre also offers a range of programmes on Feb 14, with free admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. The permanent exhibits are pretty Instagrammable too, with cool laser mazes and a showroom with endless mirrors. 

Stargazing tickets start from $17, with a few packages to choose from.

The Singapore River has enough date activities for a whole day. You can enjoy contemporary art at the Asian Civilisation Museum with free admission to permanent galleries, take an evening stroll along the banks and enjoy dinner at one of the cool restaurants nearby.

A true highlight of the day would be to float down the Singapore River and enjoy the breathtaking sunset and beautiful Singapore skyline together with your date on a rustic river cruise. Tickets are at $28 per adult.

If there are two things that put people in the mood for love, it’s got to be candlelight and the swell of music. 

Candlelight concerts have both and more: a string quartet, an intimate ambiance, the gorgeous architecture of CHIMES, all to the soft glow of candlelight as a backdrop.

Paying homage to some of culture’s most famous romances, Candlelight Concerts will primarily feature songs from the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack, along with popular songs from Elvis Presley.

Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to make your bookings early.

If you’re looking for a more casual time, the Esplanade offers a variety of musical performances, both indoors and at the outdoor theater, which offers a view of Singapore’s gorgeous city lights. 

Fitting the theme, a wind quintet will be playing classic love songs on Valentine’s Day evening for free at the concourse. 

Calling all night owls! What better way to spend the most romantic night of the year than spending it with wild animals at Singapore’s nocturnal zoo?

While an unorthodox choice, the Night Safari has elements for a unique date night: twilight, long trails for tranquil walks, and a calm atmosphere – sans the wild animals next door, that is. 

Animal-loving duos can get up close with wildlife in the new walk-in civet cat exhibit. And if you’re feeling a little apprehension towards the animals, you could always take the chance to hold your partner’s hand. 

Adult ticket prices to the Night Safari start from $38.50.