Here are some unique alternatives for an epic date night
Tasnim Choudhury LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
Image: BlogTO
Being bored on Monday morning at work or at school is even more agonizing if you’re not already daydreaming about the upcoming weekend! Toronto’s many weekend events are what keep us motivated to get up every morning. Here are some creative ideas that will make those Monday morning daydreaming sessions a little easier for you. You’ve probably already had cute dinner dates at fancy restaurants and many a movie night — this Valentine’s season, try something unique.
Tilt
On a Saturday night, escape from “adulting” along with your date to enjoy your favourite childhood games at Toronto’s largest vintage arcade bar. Located on Dundas St. West, Tilt offers you access to unlimited play on over 50 vintage arcade games and pinball machines for only five dollars! There are over a dozen retro arcade offerings like Donkey Kong Reunion and Ms. Pacman. There are also plenty of pinball themes ranging from Jurassic Park to Ghostbusters, Aladdin’s Castle, and even Back to the Future. If arcade and pinball machines are not romantic enough, grab a booth equipped with Nintendo and Sega consoles. Finish the night enjoying the fantastic selection of 20 craft beers on tap and some late-night snacks — I would recommend the corn puppies and buffalo wings.
Riddle Room
Forget the frenzy of your busy schedule and experience a world of excitement and heart-racing action in Toronto’s Riddle Room. Bring some friends, family members, or co-workers along with your date to enjoy the thrilling, interactive experiences of being trapped in a room filled with clues, puzzles, and only 50 minutes to escape the room. For adrenaline-seeking horror fans, visit “Luci’s Room” to get the haunted house experience complete with ghosts and ghouls for a good time. For Sherlock Holmes fans, try out “Missing Anatomy” for an interesting investigation. Adventurous folks should visit the “Castle,” the largest of the rooms with plenty of space to explore the ancient secrets of this mysterious hidden castle. As another option, the “Bunker” offers an apocalyptic adventure. Along with multiple escape rooms, Riddle Room has an attached cafe that offers a variety of board and video games such as Avalon, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Uno, and Super Smash Brothers Brawl. Enjoy the games while sipping creative latte art and De Mello Palheta coffee.
BATL
Give your weekend an exciting twist. Surprise your date by planning a night at the BATL — The Backyard Axe Throwing League — and experience the ultimate thrill of indoor axe-throwing. You can either walk in during the weekend or book a private lane for 2–5 people — or more, depending on the group size and availability. Enjoy a little competition by adding an axe trophy for the winner. If you are scared you will hit someone, don’t worry! BATL’s expert coaches have you covered — they provide detailed instructions before the playoff tournament. So hurry up and enjoy up to 2.5 hours of private axe-throwing for $40.99 plus tax per person, or enjoy the discounted price of $35.99 available each Tuesday. BATL is located at 33 Villiers Street, as well as at 1245 Dupont Street.
Threshold Aviation
If you are someone who wants to (but can’t afford to) surprise your date with a trip around the world, there is an alternative! Plan the perfect date by booking an adventurous flight at the Threshold Aviation here at 215 Carlingview Drive. Threshold’s cockpit was part of a Boeing 737, which has flown over 30,000 hours. Get a delightfully realistic experience inside the flight simulator through building your own scenarios. Virtually flying your way around the world includes selecting your weather, communicating with ground crew and control tower, taxiing to your runway, picking your airports, and controlling all the engines. For an extra adrenaline rush, create and tackle some of your own emergency situations. Visit its website to select your package of different flight conditions and durations. Purchase the tickets and surprise your loved one with an “e-boarding pass” certificate prior to the flight. After all, who doesn’t want to fly a Boeing 737 without spending years becoming a pilot?
