While winter weather may provide the perfect opportunity to cosy up on the couch with someone you love and bring the sweaters out of hibernation, it can often feel repetitive when you’re brainstorming for a date night. There’s only so many times you can watch a movie at home while the lull of rain drizzling against the roof sends you to sleep before you find yourself itching for something more.

Wet weather may halt some outdoor date ideas for a few months, but there remains an abundance of crafty and fun ways to spice up the night with your loved one or get to know your new match. Let’s be real, Perth weather isn’t too harsh in winter anyway.

Winter Date Idea 1: Op shop challenge

Image: @vinnieswa

Make good use of the city’s masses of op shops packed full of hidden treasures by turning into a unique and memorable date idea. The concept is simple; each person has a set amount of time to find an outfit for the other to wear that evening. Take it to the next level by planning dinner or drinks post-shopping spree and take your new fit out on the town. Prepare for some odd looks and side-eye glances, but fashion is all about taking chances. Embrace your creativity and push limits to the max, or just choose something ridiculous for your date to wear — either way it’s a guaranteed night of fun.

Winter Date Idea 2: Get Crafty!

Image: @thepaintedteapot

Perth’s creative scene is bursting with vibrant and fulfilling activities around each corner, it’s just a matter of narrowing down what you want to try next. Painting pottery is a perfect way to spend any rainy day with a significant other and you’ll leave the date with a memento to always remind you of the time spent together. Take your pick from the mugs, plates, teapots and other ceramic knick-knacks at The Painted Teapot or Pears on Pottery and channel your inner painter as you fumble your way to a beautiful end product that will stay with you for years to come. Keep an eye out for events like late night painting that allow you to BYO.

WINTER DATE IDEA 3: Movie night

Get the snacks ready and settle in for a night of entertainment, because what better way is there to spend a rainy night than at the movies? Think a toasty drink, warm and buttery popcorn and maybe a choc bomb for a bit of chill. Luna Leederville offers Monday Doubles where you can catch two flicks for only $15 — definitely not a bad way to spend an evening.

WINTER DATE IDEA 4: Candlelight ballet

I don’t think it’s possible to think of a more romantic combination than ballet by candlelight and if you get in quick, this can be your next date night. Fever is presenting candlelight ballet, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and more later this month and in June. Sit back and be amazed by the talent on display at the stunning setting of Winthrop Hall.

WINTER DATE IDEA 5: Ice skating

Image: @candyo_lifestyle

Always a winter classic, ice skating is an affordable way to rug up and have fun in the cold, as well as a great excuse to hold hands with your partner. Show off your skills or have onlookers cringe with embarrassment and embrace the failure at the Perth or Cockburn ice arenas. If you’re after a way to make a day out of it, lace up the boots and head along to the new Winter Village coming to Perth’s Ice Cream Factory in Northbridge.

Miserable weather doesn’t have to mean a miserable night, so make the most of the opportunity to wear a coat without breaking a sweat and embrace the chill with activities that will warm the heart.

Want some more date ideas that don’t require leaving the house? We’ve got you covered!

Feature Image: @pearsonpottery