Valentine's Day is no longer reserved for cliched candle-lit dinners with your romantic partner. In 2025, you can celebrate love in any way you choose, with whoever you choose. So, blow a big old smooch goodbye to the days of predictable, overpriced red roses and make some cracking new memories doing something fun. Niche activities are all the rage right now, so TikTok tells us.
From situationships to first dates and catch-ups with your mates, here’s how to celebrate Valentine's Day differently in 2025.
For The Girls: Karaoke
We're starting strong with one for Galentine's Day because, to quote Leslie Knope, “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year". A night of cocktails, dining and belting out bangers in your private karaoke booth? It doesn't get better than this.
Kingpin's all-inclusive karaoke includes top-of-the-range tech, comfy seating, regularly updated playlists (a must) and in-room wine and dine service from $19 per person. So, you won’t even need to interrupt the obvious talent that will be on show to grab your next Long Island iced tea.
There are five locations and gold, silver and bronze pricing packages to choose from for all their activities around Australia. Head to their website to find out more.
For The Thelma To Your Louise: Movie Night
The best date nights don't cost heaps. For a cheap and chilled-out option, lock in a do-nothing date and get cosy on the couch.
We're talking fluffy socks on, hair up, and Uber Eats delivered to you. What's better than inhaling pasta on separate couches and watching a movie in silence? Doing it with your best mate, of course.
If you’re looking for some flick recommendations, our top picks for this year are My Old Ass or Wicked.
For The Lingering Situationship: Laser Tag
If you’re looking for something to wholeheartedly distract you and your situationship from asking each other, “So, what is this?", how about a spot of laser tag?
With top-notch arenas from $20 per person that accommodate up to 24 players at once, you can invite all your mates; because it’s definitely not a date, right?
For The Fresh Relationship: Bowling
If you’ve boldly locked in a first or second date on Valentine's Day, firstly we love that energy from you. Secondly, let us help you make sure it’s one to remember.
Why not blend a bit of healthy competition with a chance to get to know your (potential) new flame with a round or two of bowling at Kingpin? Go beyond the classic dinner or movie date and suggest a night out on the lanes, because honestly if they can’t love you in bowling shoes, they don’t deserve you.
Every Kingpin is decked out with a fully licensed Bowling Bar, serving up favourites like rhubarb and mandarin spritzes, espresso martinis, and bites like lamb kofta and loaded burgers. It’s the perfect spot to grab some liquid confidence and amp up the conversation.
For The Double Daters: Retro Games
If you’re looking for something interesting to do on a double date this year, why not hit up your local comedy lounge and see what they have lined up this Valentine's Day? Better yet, go head to head with a couple rounds of darts or table hockey for $20, or for something a little more intense, why not try an escape room? There's nothing like being thrown into a confined space with a time limit to solve a Lost City of Atlantis-themed quest to put your relationship skills to the test.
With a range of curated experiences, selected Kingpin venues offer you and your squad the chance to put your heads together and crack the code, with a victory bev waiting on the other side, of course.
Plus, take advantage of their date night deal—for $20 per person book in for the activity of your choice and get $5 credit towards food and 30 minutes of unlimited arcade games to cap off the night.
Looking for more loved-up inspo this Valentine's Day? Check out more of our swoon-worthy ideas across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Kingpin and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.