13 New Aquarium Date Ideas to Level Up Your Relationship (+ Pros, Cons and Tips)

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Are you looking for ways to make your Aquarium date more fun? We’ve got you! From Aquarium Bingo to our Romantic Aquarium Alphabet Challenge, we share our best aquarium date ideas for couples in this post.

Eric and I have been together for over seven years, and one of our favorite date ideas has always been visiting aquariums, particularly when we were dating in Vancouver. The Vancouver Aquarium, fondly known as Vanaqua, with its incredible variety of marine life, has been a backdrop to many of our cherished memories.

A few reasons why we love aquarium dates is that they are relaxing and a fun and easy alternative to the typical dinner-and-movie night. Especially in the early days of our relationship, the aquarium provided us with endless topics of conversation, from the quirky behaviors of octopuses to the serene glide of stingrays.

For anyone looking to level up their dating routine, an aquarium date is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and wonder – an experience that Eric and I have always treasured and would highly recommend.

Aquarium Date Ideas for couples

1. Aquarium Bingo

We absolutely love the idea of making a date at the aquarium even more fun with Aquarium Bingo! It’s simple and incredibly enjoyable. First, we create two 3×3 bingo grids, each filled with nine different aquarium-themed items like:

• penguins
• burger place
• multicolored fish
• blue sign
• giant marine animal cardboard sign
• marine animal statue
• rays
• shark
• poop in water

We make sure each grid has these items in a different order, so Eric and I each have a unique bingo card.

As we explore the aquarium, we keep our eyes peeled for these items. Each time one of us spots something from our grid, we excitedly cross it off. The thrill of the chase adds a delightful edge to our aquarium visit. The goal is to get a full line crossed out – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally – and declare a bingo victory! It’s a playful way to engage with the aquarium and each other, creating a memorable and competitive date experience. this is also a date idea that’s easy to organize last minute!

2. Aquarium Scavenger Hunt

For an adventurous and romantic date, we recommend an Aquarium Scavenger Hunt. It’s a playful and interactive way to explore the aquarium together. Each clue in the hunt is carefully crafted to lead to a different exhibit, intertwining fun facts or romantic messages that make the journey personal and exciting. I particularly love the idea of the final clue leading to a special surprise. It could be a thoughtful gift or a romantic spot within the aquarium, like a secluded bench overlooking the serene movements of your partner’s favorite sea creature.

This scavenger hunt transforms the aquarium visit into a treasure hunt filled with discovery and affection. It’s a wonderful way to add a layer of personalization and adventure to the aquarium experience, making it an unforgettable date. This is also a date you can do at home!

3. Aquarium Painting Challenge

For a serene and artistic date, we adore the Aquarium Painting Challenge. We find a quiet corner in the aquarium and set up our little artistic nook. With all the marine life surrounding us, we use them as our inspiration for painting or drawing. To make this happen, you need to bring along our paint, brushes, paper, and a bottle of water.

This activity is not just about creating art as it doesn’t really matter what your result is. Actually, the worse you are at painting, the funnier it gets. As we paint, it feels like pressing pause on life and allows us to really feel each other’s presence. No phone, no disruption, just you two together and the beauty around you.

4. Underwater Dining Experience

For a truly unique and romantic evening, we recommend planning an Underwater Dining Experience at the aquarium. Imagine dining next to a vibrant coral reef or watching graceful sharks glide by in a large tank.

These dining experiences offered by some aquariums are unmatched in their intimate and enchanting atmosphere. The experience of dining in an aquarium is more rare but is becoming more and more available as of late.

5. Alphabet Aquarium Challenge

For each section name of the aquarium, create a challenge that starts with that letter. This will level up your date at an aquarium by making it more fun and will allow you to play together. You can make the challenges as naughty or nice as you want but remember you’re in a public space! Here’s a few examples to help you out.

Aquarium Section	Long Term Relationship Challenge	First Date Challenge
Aquarium Entrance	Act super in love (hold each other, make out, etc.)	Act funny to break the ice
Fish Section	Fantasy reveal	Famous celebrity crush
Ray Section/Rainforest	Rank your favorite experiences together	Roll in each other’s arms
Sea Lions/Seahorse/Shipwreck	Sensual position preference (share with each other)	Serenade each other (can be funny)
Coral	Cry together (tell each other an emotional time)	Catch each other (trust exercise)
Polar/Penguins	Plan 3 couple goals for this year	Pop Kiss (a quick kiss on cheek/lips)

6. Touch Tanks

Touch tanks offer an interactive and fun experience, ideal for a playful date. We love the excitement of gently touching and learning about different marine creatures.

Actually, we got to pet rays at the Vancouver Aquarium. When we’re back in Vancouver, we love going on a date at Vanaqua, for that specific reason. Rays are fascintaing to me and I loved being able to gently touch them!

It’s not only entertaining but also an opportunity to connect with nature in a tactile way, making our visit more engaging and memorable.

7. Couple’s Photography Session

Eric and I absolutely adore the idea of a couple’s photography session at the aquarium! Hiring a professional photographer to capture moments of you two inside the aquarium is an incredibly unique experience. The vibrant backdrops of the tanks, filled with colorful marine life, create stunning and unusual photographs that are both romantic and memorable.

We love how each photo tells a story, with the beauty of the underwater world complementing your own special moments.

8. Aquarium Workshop or Class

We highly recommend enrolling in an educational workshop or class offered by the aquarium. It’s a fantastic opportunity for couples like us to learn something new together. Whether it’s a session on marine conservation, an art class inspired by the beauty of sea life, or any other fascinating topic, these workshops deepen our understanding and appreciation of the marine world.

9. Underwater Tunnel

Exploring an underwater tunnel together is an experience we think is magical. Walking through these tunnels, surrounded by the ocean’s wonders on all sides, is like stepping into another world.

It’s an immersive experience where you find yourselves face-to-face with aquatic creatures, marveling at their grace and beauty. It’s definitely a great place that makes for fun conversation starter location which makes it even better for a first date!

10. Nighttime Exhibits

Though aquariums make great romantic day dates, different exhibits usually take place at night too. They are more common than you’d think and a great date idea. We recommend visiting these exhibits for a romantic and enchanting aquarium date night that will change up your routine. The dim lighting and the nocturnal behavior of marine life create a mysterious and intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a unique and serene setting.

11. Behind the Scene Experience for a fun date

For an exclusive and insightful date, we recommend going on a behind-the-scenes tour at the aquarium. Better yet, don’t tell your partner and surprise them with this idea!

It’s such a great opportunity to see the workings of the aquarium, learn about marine life care, and perhaps even interact with some of the staff and animals. This experience adds depth to your visit, offering chances to get a close up look at the animals. It’s just super cute and totally worth it!

12. Diving

For adventurous couples, some aquariums offer diving sessions in their tanks. You’ll get to be up close with marine life in their environment, which sometimes includes sharks! It is pretty exhilarating and unforgettable to spend time together this way. It’s an opportunity to share a unique adventure and create extraordinary memories together. If you want your partner to remember this date, that’s a great aquarium date idea!

13. Overnight Sleeps

Lastly, an overnight sleepover at the aquarium is an experience we find incredibly romantic and unique. Sleeping under the stars, surrounded by the gentle movements of marine life, offers a tranquil and enchanting environment. Some aquariums offer hotel rooms in the aquarium while some offer domes. It’s more of a rare experience but if you come across it, it can make for amazing aquarium dates.

Pros of going to an aquarium for a date

• Affordable: Visiting an aquarium is generally a cost-effective date option, offering great value and enjoyment.
• Safe, especially for a first date: With plenty of people around and the ability to end the date naturally after the visit, it offers a comfortable and secure setting.
• Less awkwardness, especially at the beginning of a relationship: The aquarium provides continuous conversation topics, reducing initial awkwardness.
• Cool fish: The variety of exotic and fascinating fish at an aquarium makes the date visually stimulating and interesting.
• Learn something: Aquarium visits are educational, offering a chance to learn about marine life and ecosystems.
• See some marine life for the first time: Offers the opportunity to see unique marine creatures like corals, sharks, and seahorses up close.
• Can touch some marine life: Interactive touch tanks provide a unique, hands-on experience with certain marine animals.
• Good length of time: Flexible duration options for the date, from a few hours to a full day.
• Usually indoors: An ideal date location for rainy days, providing a comfortable and dry environment.

Cons of going on an aquarium date

• Ethical concerns: If your date opposes places like zoos or aquariums due to animal rights concerns, it could create a negative impression, especially if the ethical practices of the aquarium are questionable. Note however that many aquariums work for the conservation of species which is positive and can make for an exciting date.

Additional tips for your aquarium date

• check here if a city pass with a discount is available
• mornings are quieter
• avoid Wednesdays as they can be busier with children
• romantic lunch date ideas: bring a romantic picnic to add another date activity to your day or eat on site but bring flowers or a homemade dessert.

Aquarium Date Ideas FAQs