This article by Margarita Wilson appeared in our Info Edmonton Magazine – March/April 2022.
Unique and Romantic Edmonton Outings…
Looking to spice up date night? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or shaking up your weekday routine, you and your partner can enjoy an unforgettable experience with these unique Edmonton date night ideas.
Dinner Theatre
Dinner and a show is a tried-and-true classic, but why not enjoy both under one roof? Edmonton’s dinner theatres offer a wide variety of entertainment throughout the year, from classic musicals to revues celebrating your favourite musicians. Plus, multi-course meals and buffet dinners mean your taste buds will be treated, too. Edmonton’s dinner theatres include Jubilations Dinner Theatre Edmonton (West Edmonton Mall, 8882–170 St. jubilations.ca) and Mayfield Dinner Theatre (16615–109 Ave. mayfieldtheatre.ca)
Escape rooms
Good relationships require communication, problem-solving, and laughter—and so do escape rooms! These timed challenges are a great way to bond with your partner and enjoy fast-paced action for an exhilarating night out. Because of the timed nature of the rooms and their shorter duration, escape rooms can be a great add-on to dinner or other date night activities. Rooms range from lighthearted—like searching for pirate treasure at Escape Emporium (1103–95 St.)—to intense, like saving the planet from a fiery Armageddon at Escape Hour (Edmonton City Centre, 10025–102A Ave). You can even take a 3D trip to Wonderland at Confined Escape Rooms (10143–82 Ave)!
Surf Club
How’s this for a unique date idea? Take to the waves at the World Waterpark at the West Edmonton Mall! Newbies will have to take introductory surf lessons prior to joining the surf club, which can in itself be a fun date! After your lessons are complete,you can surf at the park year-round, rain or shine. It’s a great way to stay fit and have fun with your partner without all the planning of a beachside getaway. World Waterpark, West Edmonton Mall, 8882–170 St. wem.ca/surf.
Bowling
Bowling isn’t just a fun date—it’s also great exercise! Face off to see who’ll be the bowling champion, or team up against another couple or two on a double or triple date. For a classic bowling experience and vintage vibes, head to Plaza Bowling Co. (10418–118 Ave). Be sure to book your lanes in advance! For all sorts of fun in one spot, the Gateway Entertainment Centre (3414 Gateway Blvd) features bowling, billiards, an arcade, and laser tag.
Stargazing
Is there anything more romantic than looking up at the stars together? Get up close and personal with the cosmos at the University of Alberta’s Hesje Observatory (Township Rd 493A, Kingman, AB). You can book your visit to the dark sky preserve observatory (meaning no interference from pesky, unromantic light pollution), which includes a tour and use of the observatory’s two high-powered telescopes, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends by special request. Depending on the sky conditions, you can see everything from our fellow planets in the solar system to other galaxies, light-years away! When conditions are cloudy, there’s still an opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the night sky—catch a show at the Zeidler Dome at the TELUS World of Science— Edmonton (11211–142 St.) to travel through the far reaches of space without leaving your seat.
