Tinder Finger... Food...

Winter is over folks, and the nights of Bridget Jones-ing it solo with a glass (maybe two… yeah okay, a bottle) of wine and ratty pjs are coming to an end.

Cue the rush en-mass to the gym, targeted slim tea advertising on Facebook, and that empty hole of loneliness you've been stuffing with comfort food all winter can no longer be ignored. *Drum roll*… It's summer fling time! Suddenly, the mindless swiping you enjoyed during the winter months (because who can be arsed getting dressed up for a date when it's cold outside?) becomes slightly frantic in the search for that perfect summer romance. *Cue Grease's Summer Lovin'*

Here are a few Tinder/Bumble/WhatsApp date ideas that will get you out of the house following months of hermitism.

The Pottery Shed

7 Nickson St, Surry Hills

Remember that scene from Ghost? With the sexual pottery? Have your own Unchained Melody moment while learning wheel-thrown pottery in a class designed for beginners. But have a wheel each... no one wants an awkward boner in the back while making a decorative bowl. 

Exitus - Strike Bowling

22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf

Strike Bowling on King Street Wharf is twisting up the classic 'beers and bowling' date night thanks to the installation of an escape room! Exitus traps you in a room with your date and gives you 50 minutes to puzzle your way out. On second thoughts, this one might be better done with a long-term partner and not a total stranger... 

Moonshine

75 The Corso, Manly

Okay, so we had to put a bar on this list. Because first dates often require a little liquor to make them more tolerable. Or fuckable. Whatever. Moonshine bar atop Manly's Steyne Hotel is like a pirate ship for grown ups, with over 100 rums on demand. Stare dreamily out to sea on the open air balcony while a live band plays 'your song'. Urgh. 

Govinda's

112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst

Want to see a movie to avoid any awkward conversations but don't want to look unoriginal? Govinda's provides the ultimate 'laying down' movie experience - with lush floor cushions and a stunning vegetarian buffet! The best movie date you'll ever snuggle up on with your future ex. But seriously guys… keep it PG under the covers.

Taronga Zoo

Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman

Fulfil your childhood dream of working with animals and swap your suit for khakis with the Keeper For A Day experience. Go behind the scenes and get up close and personal with critters of the world. Try your hand at food prep, enclosure cleaning (yeah, you pay for this) and meeting the animals (makes it all worth it!) Plus, what's cuter than a hot date cuddling a koala? (Or a bad one getting bitten/scratched/gouged by [insert viscous animal]?)