8 fun animal date ideas to get close to nature together

Meeting for a date can come with nerves and high expectations – adding in some creature comforts can be just what’s needed! Animal date ideas can be fun, varied and cute. Full of great talking points, memorable moments and opportunities to bond over whatever of God’s creatures appeal.

See animals up close

Whether you plan an animal date idea at a zoo, safari park or conservation centre, you can be sure you’ll encounter creatures you wouldn’t spot at your local park. Often helping to protect and breed endangered species, as well as a place to learn about wildlife, you can walk – or drive – together through a wonderland of creation.

Pick your favourite animals, hang around for feeding times – sometimes you can join in – and listen out for informative talks by the resident experts to give yourselves lots to talk.

Go under the sea

A visit to an aquarium or aquatic centre can also offer an otherworldly feel, with moody lighting and a tranquil atmosphere. Being so close to exotic fish and underwater life can feel like a dream! If you’re blessed to live near suitable coastline, you could even try scuba diving together.

Whether you want to be wowed by dolphins, startled by sharks or charmed by quirky starfish, it’s hard not to come away with beautiful memories.

Borrow a pet

Not every animal lover can manage to keep a pet, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to take one on short term. Whether through connections with friends and neighbours, or a specialist company, there are often opportunities to ‘borrow’ a dog for a walk or more.

It’s a great learning opportunity too. You can see how your date takes on responsibility, embraces fun and enjoys the possibilities of play and companionship.

Encounter baby animals

For an animal date idea with a high cuteness factor, plan a day among some tiny creatures! At the right times of year, petting zoos, urban farms and nature parks allow visitors to spend time with lambs, baby goats and other smaller animals that have recently arrived. Some offer the chance to hold and feed them, too.

This can be a very therapeutic and gentle way to bond and chat with your date, as you see a nurturing side to them.

Visit a cat café

If you want to incorporate tea, cake and relaxation into your animal date, why not check out the nearest cat café? Providing temporary homes to cats and kittens awaiting adoption, the feline residents allow human visitors to admire and – sometimes – pet them as they stroll and snooze.

This way you get to have the first date feel of meeting for a drink, but still have the luxury of having animals around to bring comfort, security and common ground whilst giving you a fun talking point.

Encounter some feathered friends

For a fun animal date that also allows for times of quiet between you, an afternoon spent bird watching or listening for bird calls could fit the bill. The world is full of beautiful birds, but even those local to you can be surprisingly engaging despite their familiarity. Simple and free technology can help you and make it easy to locate and identify what you’re hearing.

You have the focal point of spotting or listening to a rich variety of wildlife, as well as the time and space to get to know each other.

Help out at an animal shelter

Not every animal has a safe and loving environment to call home. There are many who need help and support, and the lucky ones will be taken in by animal shelters and charities. Volunteering together means you can be part of the practical help that’s needed.
The act of doing something good together will bring you closer together, and you can see your date’s empathetic and caring side.

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, many animal sanctuaries allow visitors, so you can explore and support a good cause in other ways.

Meet and compete!

For a bit of competitive fun, an enjoyable animal date idea is a show or content. The grandest are well established and draw in expert breeders for high rewards, but it’s increasingly common for local communities to hold their own to show off beloved pets.

Bringing together many examples of a particular animal, proud owners will be keen to win ‘best behaved’ or ‘most pawfect pet’. Cats and dogs are the most common in many places, but you may also find reptiles, bugs, bunnies, and birds of prey, as well as farm animals – depending on space! It’s a great way to spend time together, picking your own favourites and debating who would be your ‘best in show’.

Whatever your animal preferences, there are many enjoyable animal date ideas to get you close to nature, and closer to each other!