For the average Singaporean, going on frequent dates can end up costing a bomb (especially with the dreaded increase in GST). This is why my partner and I tend to hold back on going out on too many dates, because almost everything costs money.
However, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to go out together as and when you’d like without worrying about budgeting?
If you’re looking for a free date idea that’s not just staying home and putting on a Netflix show, here are 20 free date ideas for you to explore!
1. Go museum & gallery hopping
I’m sure you’ve heard of the National Museum of Singapore, but have you heard of the JCU Museum of Video and Computer Games?
Singapore has plenty of exhibitions around the island that cater to a multitude of interests, such as the Republic of Singapore Air Force museum (Top Gun fans, I’m talking about you!), Singapore Sports Museum, National Design Centre and many more. The best part? There is free admission for all Singapore citizens, so these make for great free date ideas!
2. Visit Singapore Science Centre
Hear me out: Singapore Science Centre isn’t just for kids. The educational yet interactive exhibitions are bound to pique your interest, and you might even learn a thing or two.
Brave strong winds together in a hurricane simulator, check out a poop exhibit, and face your fears in a phobia showcase — you’re bound to come out of these experiences with an even stronger bond.
Admission is free for Singapore citizens on weekdays (minus school and public holidays).
3. Whip up a meal at home
Instead of letting perishables expire in the fridge, why not experiment with leftover ingredients and create your very own dish with your significant other?
For the less adventurous, beginner-friendly recipes that mostly require only pantry staples can be found via a quick Google search.
4. Have a picnic
Done cooking? Dabao the home-cooked meal to eat at various picturesque picnic spots.
Imagine lazing around at popular locations like the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Japanese Cemetery Park (think Japanese Sakura vibes) and savouring your delicious meal together under the shade of a tree — how romantic!
5. Enjoy night shows
If you’re more of a night owl, explore night shows at Sentosa and Gardens By The Bay instead. Magical Shores at Siloso beach is an interactive light and sound display that happens every night from 7.30 to 9.30pm (until 10.30pm from Fri-Sun & PH), and it’s free for all.
You can also head down to Supertree Grove at Gardens By The Bay at 7.45 and 8.45pm to enjoy the famous Garden Rhapsody any day of the week.
6. Go hiking
Did you know that our sunny island has over 35 hiking trails? This might be one of the best free date ideas for couples who are constantly looking to stay active. From shorter treks to more challenging ones, choose your own adventure by embarking on whichever path suits your fitness levels.
7. Play free online games
For couples who prefer to spend quality time in the comfort of their own home, this free date idea may be better suited for you. Try out these games where you can either work together to accomplish missions or engage in friendly competition as you battle against each other!
8. Visit farms
Located off the beaten track, Lim Chu Kang is one area in Singapore where you can find several animal farms.
Singapore’s only goat farm, Hay Dairies, is known for its goat’s milk which comes in two flavours — original and chocolate. You can tour the farm for free (Mon-Sun, except Tue) and watch the milking process from 9-10.30am, so be sure to head down early.
Since you’ve already made the journey all the way there, you might as well pay Jurong Frog Farm a visit. Get up close and personal with the creatures for free when you visit during weekends and public holidays.
9. Spend a day at Changi Airport
This is one free date idea you can’t miss! There are a ton of things to do at Changi Airport without forking out a single cent.
Catch a movie at Terminal 3, watch planes take off at viewing galleries (and wish you were on one of them), take the Skytrain through Jewel to get a birds eye view of the lush vegetation, or even go window shopping at Don Don Donki — the sheer size of our world-famous airport means that you’ll hardly run out of things to do.
10. Catch movie screenings
Terminal 3 is not the only place to watch movies for free — you can catch different screenings at various locations around the island. Look out for Be My Kaki bus, a roving movie concept that’s been going around Singapore since 2016. Movies By The Beach in Sentosa is also currently ongoing until March 2023, but do keep an eye out for future dates.
11. Play sports together
Level up your fitness by playing games like badminton and table tennis at any ActiveSG court! While 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 (until you use it all up).
Although you’ll need to bring your own equipment for most of these activities, some ActiveSG facilities do offer table tennis rackets for you to borrow free of charge.
12. Join workout classes
If you prefer some sort of structure to your exercise routine, another free date idea you can consider is joining workout classes together. Health Promotion Board and Decathlon actually offer various free classes for different age groups and fitness levels, so sign up for one and work up a sweat together!
13. Roam around IKEA
Touted as the Swedish furniture store’s biggest outlet in Singapore, the Tampines IKEA branch is a great place to explore. Stroll through the different furniture departments and get some design inspo as you plan for your dream home with boo.
Both Courts Megastore and Giant Hypermarket are also just a stone’s throw away, so you can also do some window shopping there.
For a date closer to central Singapore, you can also head down to the IKEA branch at Alexandra instead.
14. Go fishing
Grab a rod and head down to designated fishing spots all around the island. You’ll need a one-time purchase of your own fishing rod (or just borrow one from a friend). Some people purchase worms as bait, but for a completely free version, opt to use whatever leftover chicken or shrimp you have!
15. Fly kites at Marina Barrage
I don’t know about you, but my parents love keeping those disposable wooden chopsticks around at home — those are perfect for this free date idea. Grab some chopsticks and a few sheets of paper to make your very own kites, then head down to Marina Barrage to test them out!
16. Enjoy free concerts
Take in the local arts and culture scene at the Esplanade, where you can find free performances every evening — these acts put on shows at the Concourse, and at the Outdoor Theatre on weekends and PH.
17. Volunteer
Want to impress your partner and do your part for the community? Sign up to volunteer together at non-profit organisations like Giving.sg and Willing Hearts, where you can help clean houses or prepare meals for the community.
Having lent a helping hand, you’re sure to leave with a sense of fulfilment (and your partner’s heart).
18. Visit Singapore’s playgrounds
Unleash your inner child at these outdoor parks that are certainly not your average playgrounds! Westies, head down to Jurong Lake Gardens to find trampolines built into the floor and even a flying fox experience.
East-siders, check out Coastal Playgrove for gigantic slides and take part in the Vertical Challenge as you scale the nets.
For those in the North, there’s also the huge Admiralty Park Playground that has a grand total of 26 slides!
19. Read at libraries
If you’re looking for a super chill free date idea, visit the nearest public library together and engage in some light reading. Opt to borrow the same thought-provoking book to read, then have some in-depth discussions later on — guaranteed to bring you closer to one another.
20. Rejuvenate at a hot spring
Soak your feet in the foot bath, collect hot spring water and even cook eggs at Sembawang Hot Spring Park! The natural hot spring is definitely one of the more unique date ideas that are completely free for all.
With so many free date ideas, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice the next time your partner asks “what should we do today?”
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
