The best indoor date ideas in Singapore

ICYMI: Atlas has recently been ranked number four in the World's 50 Best Bars 2020 list. And if you plan to splurge on boo, this grand art deco-inspired bar – complete with magnificent champagne-hued tapestries, intricate gold and bronze balconies and, of course, a massive gin tower standing imposingly over the space – is a definite must-visit. It houses the world's largest collection of gins, with over 1,000 bottles on its shelves, and an impressive champagne cellar to boot. The cocktails are just as impressive, get the Atlas Martini ($24), a spine-tingling blend of gin, Ambrato vermouth, orange bitters, champagne vinegar, and pomelo, or one of its other expertly crafted concoctions.

Good news: live performances are set to return on stage this November, and local theatre company Wild Rice has a lineup of plays returning to the stage at Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre. From now until November 22, catch a live show of An Actress Prepares, a play that charts theatre maven Siti Khalijah Zainal's journey in the performing arts scene. Other November and December highlights include the humorous and heart-breaking Mine, and the darkly funny psychological thriller with a conscience Café.

Cheese out like Tom and Summer in 500 Days of Summer at this record store in Joo Chiat. The brainchild of DJ collective Matteblacc, Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee is more than meets the eye. Besides offering stacks of records for music aficionados to browse through, the laidback store also invites customers to enjoy a cuppa specialty joe and craft beers while copping merch and accessories from your favourite artists, bands, and cult streetwear brands. This is also a great opportunity to check out its new sweet digs while sharing your favourite music with your date over some drinks. 

Whether you're jumping on the Tik Tok trend-wagon, or revisiting your favourite pastime, HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink in Pasir Ris offers state-of-the-art experiences on both inline and roller skates – think disco lighting and thumping music. It's a fun way to get your groove on with bae sans the intimidation of nightclubs and ice skating rinks. Don't worry about falling flat on your face. If you're both new to the game, there are inline skating athletes and certified instructors to guide you through your glide.

Give your day dates a twist with an activity that allows you to show off your muscles, marksmanship and X-factor (or rather, axe factor). Pull a mini axe, send it whirling down the lane, and hope it hits a bullseye with a satisfying ‘thunk’. You score points based on where you bury the axe on the target board, and the bullseye is the moneymaker. This raging new sport not only makes great target practice (which may come in handy if there’s ever a zombie apocalypse) but it’s also a great way to blow off some steam with your boo.

This whimsical playground in Clarke Quay transforms the traditional putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes. Take a swing at the different mini golf courses that pay homage to a range of pop culture references – think Game of Thrones, The Simpsons, and Pac-Man. The more you hole the putt, the more likely you'll discover a model of Marina bay Sands being attacked by Godzilla too. After a competitive (or not) game with your partner, swing by the resto for a menu of food and drinks that are as colourful as the place itself.

This majestic dome is home to the tallest indoor waterfall which stands at 40-metres-tall, and you can admire it in all its magnificent glory for free – even if the hourly light and sound show at the HSBC Rain Vortex remains temporarily suspended. For a fee, there are over 280 dining options with some open around the clock – think dining for two at ungodly hours, or catching the latest blockbuster at Shaw Theatres. Alternatively, head up to the Canopy Park for a romantic walk and an aerial view of Jewel.

While it's all romantic to admire the stunning lotus-shaped building and the city skyline in unison, nothing beats marveling at interactive works that marry art, science, culture and technology. Feast your eyes on a kaleidoscope of immersive digital art installations by award-winning Japanese art collective teamLab at the permanent exhibition Future World. Highlights include Transcending Boundaries, where couples can meander through the digitally-rendered garden featuring waterfalls that log in accordance with the laws of physics, butterflies that fly away upon touch, cherry blossoms that scatter like they would in the wind and more – how romantic.

Nothing like floral fragrances and picturesque views. Stop and smell the roses as you take a romantic stroll through the majestic, gargantuan gardens surrounded by exotic foliage. Check out the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome for rotating displays of colourful blooms, and the OCBC Skyway for panoramic vistas of the Gardens. Take it from us, it's even more romantic at sunset when the Garden Rhapsody light show comes on from 7pm.

Surround yourselves with the wonders of aquatic life at the dreamy S.E.A Aquarium. Not only is the vibrant sea life here a great conversation starter, but it's also tons of fun when you're trying to spot as many species as you can. What's even romantic is the Ocean Suites where both of you can spend the night with the fishes in a room that overlooks the aquarium.

Bond over reading, and we don’t mean each other’s Facebook posts. Re-kindle the love for the written word at The Moon, a whimsical space that brings you into the library of your favourite chronicles with a wide variety of genres. With its warm lighting, wood furniture and comfy plush cushions sprawled across the reading room on the third floor, The Moon makes a chill spot for an afternoon read together with a cup of coffee in hand, of course.

With I, Tonya reviving our love for triple lutz jumps, ice skating has become popular again. While we’re pretty sure you won’t be attempting any axel jumps or toe loops on the first go, it’s a great way to kid around with your bae. And if you’re shy about initiating that first hug or handhold, the slippery ice comes in handy.

You don’t need to be an athlete to throw a bowling ball, you just need some aim – and not mind wearing ugly (some call them trendy) bowling shoes. What’s great as well is it’s a cheap date and can take place in funky settings with disco lighting and thumping K-pop music. Another plus: strength is no guarantee so anyone could emerge the victor.

Work off the work week stress together with an indoor jumping session at Bounce Singapore. You’ll be surprised how relaxed you’ll feel after horsing around on trampolines for an hour. Just remember rule number one: no one gets hurt and you’ll be right.

Rather than buying each other mugs for sleepover coffee mornings, make one together à la Ghost. Throw mud on the wheel and test your skills at pinching and blunging at Goodman Ceramic Studio where trial classes are held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. If what you fashion turns out usable, get it bisque fired and collected in a month. If you need it glazed, they’ll do it for an extra $10.