15 new date 'day' ideas for fun dates this summer

More fun ideas for dates that don't suck…
We've established that date 'days' are actually the better version of date 'nights'. Fun activities you and your date can do together instead of just sitting mute in a movie theatre or making painful small talk over dinner. Nail the planning game with these ideas and thank us later when you ride off into the sunset. Make personalised charm keepsakes
The Charm Bar is your one-stop-shop for all things charm and cheer related. Here, you can build your own charm bracelets and necklaces, and even create charm accessories for your shoes, bags, keychains and more. Basically, personalise anything and everything. It's a super fun way to bond, get to know each other in a whimsical way and take away a keepsake to remember the date.
@thecharmbarofficial Go swinging
Swingers Dubai is spread over an impressive 22,000 square feet and two floor. It boasts three crazy golf courses, with different vibes in each. Check out the Hot Air Balloon, the Waterwheel and the Clocktower courses each with fun moving obstacles, and stunning decor and friendly competition. Get together, take a swing, get competitive and end the night with some great food.
@swingers_uae Learn some woodworking at The Makers Society
The Makers Society is a quiet, peaceful environment, stillness and silence in the air as you work away. It's a great way to bond over the beauty of learning a new skill and enough space for you to get real with each other. This spot offers not just beginners classes, but also courses for you to get the low down on woodworking, so if it becomes your thing, you'll keep coming back together.
@dubaimakerssociety Go deep sea diving
Perhaps a bit intense, but if you and your date are adventure sport lovers, then this is the one for you. Deep Dive Dubai is the world's deepest diving pool, reaching up to a 60-metre depth and containing 14,000,000 litres of fresh water. You're provided everything you need from start to finish, from the wetsuit to an expert diving instructor who'll guide you no matter what level you are on. It's great for both beginners and professionals, and you and your date can explore the different levels of the sunken underwater city.
@deepdivedubai Soar away in a hot air balloon
If your lot is a bit more fun and experimental, a hot air balloon experience may be très fun. Hero Balloon Flights has a luxurious hot air balloon ride, complete with a scenic ride in the latest Land Rover Defender 130, a mesmerising drone show to begin the day, a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, an in-flight falcon show and a gourmet breakfast inspired by the ancient Greek philosophy of the Four Elements. If you're extravagant in your gestures like that, this is for you.
@heroballoonsdubai Be big kids
You're never too old for the arcade, especially not for Loco Bear, where the possibilities are endless and the options too many to count. Indoor obstacle courses, bowling alleys, arcade games, virtual reality, ball pits, rock climbing, ziplining – you name it, they have it and it's like a wonderland you can get lost in for a whole day. Great thing is that it's all indoor, so matter the weather, the fun is guaranteed.
@goloco.dxb Go rollerskating at RollDXB
This has to be straight out of a romcom – RollDXB is a sweet vintage dream, with the discotheque music, the massive flashing disco ball and the colourful graffiti everywhere. You can bring your date here, occupy the rink for a rollerskating session and skate away together into the sunset. Doesn't matter if you're just starting out or you're already professional – we can help each other out.
@rolldxb Put your heads together at an escape room
Game Over features features 12 escape rooms, 11 meta-escape rooms which use VR headsets plus a board game cafe with more than 50 plus titles for board game fans. The escape rooms have been designed by professional animators and creators of dramatic alternative universes for films. If you and your date are into brain games, riddles and puzzles, this is it for you.
escapegameover.ae Go tote bag and pouch painting
Take it nice and slow with this fun, artsy activity at afterwork studios – the space holds workshops for tote bag and pouch painting, another keepsake you can. take away with you at the end of the date. They offer all the materials you need, from the bags and the canvas to the paint and even mirrors to paint on. Relax and get to know each other as you paint away.
@afterworksstudios.ae Go to a cat cafe (if that's your thing)
If you and your date are cat people (which everyone should be), then chilling at a cat cafe and getting to know each other surrounded by cats can be a great idea. Meowtropolis Cat Café is located in JLT and and has not only some of the cutest cats you'll ever see but also an extensive menu of coffee, tea, milkshakes and other specialty beverages. The drill is that you choose a package from the five different kinds with different time windows and beverage options and you're all set.
@meowtropoliscatcafe Catch an arthouse flick
We know we said we're straying away from the boring standard here, but Cinema Akil comes loaded with vintage charm and atypical movies that will create oodles of conversation between you and your date. Each month they have a fantastic line-up of classics and new flicks – choose one, settle in and enjoy. You can also catch the Franco Film Festival before it ends this week. There's loads to do in Alserkal Avenue post your movie as well.
@cinemaakil Go to a coffee shop rave
Coffee shop raves are the rage, an emerging a trend of essentially sober parties where the cool currency of the night is a cup of artisanal joe. The formula is simple – a visually aesthetic location, a high-octane DJ with a playlist of the most popular house music mix right now under his belt and of course, coffee, and BOOM. Head over for a day of dance, caffeine and a lot of fun – perfect for an unconventional pair. Read all about Dubai's coffee shop raves here. Get into pottery
Nothing like a calming pottery session to create some chemistry, especially if you and your date like fun activities or learning new skills. Keepsakes are always sweet to take away from dates and CRN Art Design offers two pottery techniques for two age groups, including the basics of ceramics using different hand-building techniques as well as the wheel.
crnartdesign.com Explore stunning digital art
Arte Museum by the masterminds at digital media design company, d'strict is already renowned around the world. And you can find the magical multi-sensory experience here in Dubai at Dubai Mall. Armed with a fully-charged phone, make your way around 13 immersive spaces ending your journey at the tea bar which also comes with a pretty floral immersive experience.
@artemuseum_dubai Go on a street food tour of Dubai
We all know the fancy-pants restaurants of Dubai, with the big chandeliers and high ceilings and expensive menus, but the the city has some of the most incredible, local, homegrown and streetside eateries, little cafeterias in nooks and corners that offer real soul food. Follow our street food map of Dubai here and go on a sweet street food hop – involves a nice long car ride and the potential for karak . What's not to like?

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Khaleej Times

an hour ago

• Khaleej Times

8 dead in hot air balloon accident in Brazil, officials say

At least eight people were killed after a hot-air balloon carrying 21 passengers crashed on Saturday in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina, local and state officials said. The tourism balloon caught fire during the flight in early morning hours, crashing in the city of Praia Grande, according to the state fire department. Thirteen survivors were transported to nearby hospitals, according to the fire department.

What's On

4 days ago

• What's On

13 of the best adventures to have in the UAE this long weekend

A long weekend is coming soon, which means more time to do the things you've been putting off. If you're a thrill seeker, adrenaline-junkie, or just generally into adventures of all kinds, there is no shortage of experiences across the UAE. Take your pick. For the desert lovers… Night Safari with Arabian Adventures This evening desert safari with Arabian Adventures ensures that you get a taste of that quintessential UAE experience wile staying out of the daytime summer heat. Discover the charm of the Dubai desert, a world of natural wonder, indigenous wildlife, and Bedouin culture, along with fun desert sports. Offer: Starts from Dhs431 Location: Dubai Desert Contact: : ( 800) 272 2426 @arabianadventures Overnight Safari by Arabian Adventures This all-inclusive overnight desert safari is a UAE staycation must. Camp out in a deluxe tent on a raised platform with a world of amenities and experiences to complete your stay. Included in the package is a thrilling dune drive, camel ride, walking night safari, waiter service, set menu BBQ dinner and more. Offer: Starts from Dhs1,790 Location: Dubai Desert Contact: : ( 800) 272 2426 @arabianadventures Hot Air Balloon with Hero Balloon Flights This is the hot air balloon experience of your dreams, because it's not just a hot air balloon ride. The balloon flight takes you over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, offering spectacular views of the sands, sky and sunrise from 3,000 feet above. The complete package features the ride, a breakfast and a ride in a vintage Defender. Offer: Starts from Dhs1,995 Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Contact: ( 0) 4 412 6333 @heroballoonsdubai For the street crawlers… Parkour at XPark Located just a few hops, kick-flips and jumps away from Kite Beach – XDubai has long been a half-pipe haven for the UAE's skatewardly mobile. Traceurs can explore the Path of Discovery, challenging themselves on the parkour loop, scaling new heights at the 20-foot climbing tower. Offer: Starts from Dhs75 Times: Sunday to Friday, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm, Saturday, 8am to 11.30am, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm Location: XPark Dubai, Kite Beach Contact: ( 0) 56 416 3585 @xdubai Skateboarding at Circuit X Hudayriat Island is one of Abu Dhabi's most impressive alfresco adventure hubs and amongst its many assorted attractions is the Circuit X skate park. You can try three separate bowls of varying difficulty level, practice lip tricks on ledges, grind rails, smash quarter pipes, and cruise through a simulated urban skate section. Offer: Starts from Dhs40 Times: Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 10pm, Friday, 2pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 11pm Location: Circuit X, Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi Contact: ( 0) 2 691 0302 @circuitx_hudayriyat For the water babies… Sailing with Wind Rises Whether you're a seasoned sailor or dipping your toes into the world of sailing for the first time, the Wind Rises sailing experience promises thrills, stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, and a whole lot of joy. They have a number of sailing options to choose from, and you can even prepare with them for competitions. Offer: Starts from Dhs200 per person on weekdays Location: Wind Rises, Port Rashid, Dubai Contact: ( 0) 58 106 5026 @windrisesdubai Surfing at Surf Abu Dhabi Seasoned and budding surfers, head over to Surf Abu Dhabi, the world's biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility. You can choose from open sessions tailored to beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers, as well as 1-on-1 surfing lessons, and an entire 90-minute surf trip for you and 5 other surfers. Offer: Starts from Dhs600 Times: Daily, 9am to 10pm Location: Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriat Island Contact: @surfabudhabi Scuba diving at Deep Dive Dubai Deep Dive Dubai has the worlds largest indoor pool for diving, with the terrifying depth of 6o metres. Of course, if you're an experienced diver with a license you can go all the way and explore, but if you're a beginner or looking to get into diving, the expert instructors will guide you through the whole process. Offer: Starts from Dhs1,800 Times: Daily, 9am to 6pm Location: NAS Sports Complex, Dubai Contact: (0) 4 501 9444 @deepdivedubai Wakeboarding at Wake Dubai Wake Dubai has long offered instructor-led and independent-led sessions, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned surfers. A professional team of captains and instructors are at your service to ensure a safe and thrilling ride that will have you up on the waves in no time. Offer: From Dhs350 Times: Daily, 6am to 5.30pm Location: Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek Contact: : ( 0) 56 108 4599 @wake_dubai For the sky-high thrill seekers… XLine The XLine zipline is as thrilling as it gets, with a one-kilometre-long zipline that will see you soaring over Dubai Marina at up to 80 kilometres per hour. This is the longest urban zipline in the world, and offers stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline as you soar away. Offer: From Dhs350 Times: Daily, 9.45am to 12.20pm, 1.45pm to 5pm Location: Dubai Marina Contact: : (0) 56 507 6366 @x_line Skydiving at Skydive Dubai A bucket list attraction for many, Skydive Dubai attracts divers from far and wide. If jumping out of a plane several thousand feet above the ground sounds like your idea of fun, take this weekend as your sign to book in your slot. It's a one-of-a-kind Dubai experience. Offer: From Dhs2,199 Location: Dubai Marina Contact: : (0) 4 377 8888 @skydivedubai Jebel Jais Zip Line in Ras Al Khaimah This zipline in the longest zipline in the world and you can only imagine how amazing the views would be. The journey takes thrill seekers on a 2.83km journey through the Hajar mountains at an eye-watering 1,680 metres above sea level. Riders can expect to reach speeds of up to a hair-raising 120km/h. Offer: From Dhs250 Location: Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah Contact: : (0) 4 815 7333 Flying at Jazirah Aviation Club For something a little different, head to Ras Al Khaimah's unique Jazirah Aviation Club. This centre has been running for 25 years, and invites budding pilots and aviation enthusiasts to enjoy tours of the skies in its colourful small planes and even get a go at flying the plane yourself. Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 6pm Location: Jazirah Aviation Club Contact: : (0) 7 244 6416 @ Images: Socials

Cosmopolitan ME

10-06-2025

• Cosmopolitan ME

Melting already? These indoor spots in Dubai will save your summer plans

Too hot to function? Same, girl. 😮‍💨 When the only breeze you're getting is from your car's AC and your makeup's melting by 9am, it's officially time to take things indoors. But that doesn't mean boring – Luckily, Dubai delivers with fun, chill (literally) spots that keep you cool without killing the vibe. Whether you're in the mood for a little action or feeling something more creative (hello, pottery classes and escape rooms). We've rounded up the coolest indoor spots in Dubai to keep you entertained. So if you're trying to stay cool, cute, and completely unbothered this summer – we've got you sorted. Swingers Swingers Dubai is your ultimate playground for good times. Think retro mini golf, cheeky drinks, street food vibes, and killer views that keep the party going all night. Come for the games, stay for the buzz (and the legendary neon-lit photo ops). Whether you're out on a date or rolling deep with your crew, this spot serves up fun, flavor, and zero stress. 📍 Bluewater's Island. 🕐 Open daily. Monday – Wednesday, 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Thursday – Friday, 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Weekends open at 12:00PM. 🔗 Wavehouse Wavehouse is basically your summer moodboard come to life – bowling lanes, arcade games, live music, and even a wave simulator if you're feeling beachy but not trying to melt in the actual sun. Go for the games, stay for the vibes (and the loaded milkshakes, trust). Whether it's date night or just a chaotic hang with the girls, this is your go-to for fun without the heatstroke. 📍Atlantis, The Palm 🕐 Open daily, 12:00PM – 11:00PM. 🔗 Boom Battle Bar Boom Battle Bar is where you go when you want to let loose. Think axe throwing, darts, good drinks, and a vibe that just keeps you coming back. It's perfect whether you're looking to challenge your friends or just hang out and soak in the energy. Great tunes, easygoing crowd, and fun that actually feels like fun. 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach 🕐 Open daily. Sunday – Thursday 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Friday – Saturday 4:00 PM – 2:00AM. 🔗 Brass Monkey Brass Monkey is serving serious good vibes. Think bowling lanes, all the arcade games, and plenty of space to kick back enjoy some drinks and the banging tunes. Great vibes, tasty snacks, and nonstop fun – what more could you want? 📍 Bluewater's Island | City Walk 🕐 Open daily. Monday – Wednesday, 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday – Friday, 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM. Weekends open at 12:00PM. 🔗 Roll DXB Roller DXB is bringing all the retro fun – think neon lights, smooth moves, and a soundtrack that'll have you skating like you've been doing it forever (even if it's your first time on wheels). Whether you're out with friends, on a cute date, or just in the mood to vibe and roll, this place is all about good energy and great times. Lace up and get spinning. 📍 Mina Rashid, Dubai 🕐 Open daily. Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Friday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. 🔗 Cinema Akil Cinema Akil is the spot for anyone who loves movies but wants something a little different – cozy seats, cool indie films, cult favourites, and fresh releases that you don't usually find in big chains. Grab some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy a chill vibe that makes every movie night feel special. 📍 Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 68 17th St, Al Quoz. 🕐 Check their schedule online 🔗 Limba Limba is giving major hands-on creativity meets chill vibes energy – and yes, it's as fun as it sounds. Get creative, get your hands dirty, shape your own pottery, and let your imagination run wild. It's the perfect way to try something different and unwind all at once. 📍 Mirdif Avenue Mall, First Floor. 🕐 Open daily. Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Battle Kart BattleKart is giving major IRL Mario Kart meets retro Nokia Snake energy – and yes, it's as fun as it sounds. Hop in an electric kart, race your friends, dodge obstacles, and play immersive games all projected onto the track. You can team up, go rogue, or just vibe. It's the perfect way to cool off and unleash your inner gamer girl this summer. 📍Dubai Investment Park, 74 Street. 🕐 Open daily. Monday – Thursday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Friday – Saturday 1:00 PM – 2:00AM. Sunday 1:00 PM – 12:00PM 🔗 Activate Activate Games UAE is the world's first active gaming experience. Think VR, motion tracking, and high-energy games where you're the player, moving, jumping, and totally immersed in the action. It's like being inside your favourite video games IRl. Perfect if you're looking for something different, get moving, and have a blast with friends. 📍 City Centre Mirdif, Level 1, Next to Little Explorers. 🕐 Open daily. Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM. 🔗 Still trying to dodge the Dubai heat? Here are some indoor restaurant recs.