Ambassador Takeover: How to spend date night in Oakville

By: Lauren Lim

Trying to come up with fresh new date ideas can be challenging and exhausting! Luckily, Oakville is home to plenty of hidden gems perfect for a night out. I’ve put together a couple for you to choose from, and with this variety, everyone’s interests are covered. If you’ve never been to these places before, now is the perfect time to take the leap and try something new.

5 Drive-In Theatre (Link)

2332 Ninth Line

If you’ve been wanting to soak up those last bits of summer – this drive-in is the only place to be. Only one word can describe this place: vibes. Get ready to cozy up with your loved one while watching a new movie release on the classic big screen.

The 5-Drive in is located on Ninth Line, surrounded by large trees at its perimeter. Make sure to show up at least 30 minutes early (we recommend showing up an hour early just to be safe) so you can choose the best spot for viewing. Since the movie audio sources through a radio station, I recommend bringing an external radio instead of draining your battery by using your car radio. Remember to turn your car lights off so everyone can enjoy the theatre experience.

The 5 Drive-In concessions has all the goods, including buttered popcorn, nachos, soft drinks, chocolate and more to satisfy all your snack cravings. Order your tickets online and any snacks through their mobile app, so you don’t have to stand in those long concession lines!

While waiting for the movie to begin, you can play some board games, read a book, take some Polaroid pictures, and create a comfy space in your car. Grab some pillows and blankets and transform your car into a super cozy space! This is also a COVID safe way to watch all the latest box office hits and at a discounted price.

If you’re down to stay awake through the early a.m., stay for their double feature! A second movie will begin right after your first – which means you’re getting to see two new movies for the price of one! The best part about all of this? You don’t need to move a muscle.

Tee Zone Driving Range (Link)

4105 Regional Rd 25

This next place is perfect for those wanting to dip their toes in a new sport. Despite my amateurism, Tee Zone Driving Range helped me ease my way into real-life golf. And let me tell you, the real thing is a lot more fun than playing on a Wii console. The golf courses in Oakville are absolutely beautiful, it’s no wonder they’re one of our most beloved attractions.

Tee Zone offers various lessons, rental clubs, membership, and both real grass and artificial hitting mats. My biggest takeaway is to have fun with it! No experience is required to play. Whether you’re on a romantic date with your partner, spending some time with your family or close friends, this activity is loads of fun.

Once you’ve finished with the driving range, grab some food and drinks at their snack bar and patio. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle and phone for memories.

New experiences always help to clear away those date night jitters – even when you don’t know what you’re doing. Make sure to follow their Instagram for exclusive sales!

Dave & Buster’s (Link)

2021 Winston Park Dr Unit E.

For all my competitive people out there – I see you, and I understand you. Dave & Buster’s is on a whole other level of what it means to have fun at arcades. A hip sports bar, restaurant and arcade, this is an incredible spot for some friendly competition and a good time.

Filled with captivating sounds and colorful lights, laughter and competitiveness in the air, it’s no wonder that this is a thriving centre for entertainment.

You’re guaranteed to make many memories and find activities for the perfect date night. Make sure to take some pictures in the moody lighting, record some videos of the high scores you did (or didn’t) get, and truly make it a night to remember.

Rather than tokens/coins, Dave & Buster’s has a reloadable card that you can load your credits on! Simply tap this card on each game terminal and you’re good to go. It will show you how many credits each game is, and how many credits you have left! You’ll see tables across the arcade with hand sanitizer and clean gloves for safe playing!

Keep in mind, time truly works differently at Dave & Busters – I could spend hours here and not even notice! After your energy is spent from laughing, yelling and running around to different games, grab some elevated arcade food. Sit down for a meal and a drink to fuel up for the next competitive session!

CharterAbility Boating (Link)

128 Water St., Behind Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

The Oakville lakefront is absolutely stunning, and thanks to CharterAbility, it is accessible to all. CharterAbility is a registered charity dedicated to providing accessible, recreational boating at no cost to people of all ages who are deprived of the opportunity by virtue of their physical limitations or personal circumstances.

During your boat ride, take in the sounds of water lapping, birds singing, and the trees rustling all around you. There’s nothing like the sounds of nature to calm your mind and help you appreciate the beauty of Oakville.

You may even see a couple of animals along the way! We got the chance to see a tiny turtle perched on a log before it swam away in the water. You’ll also see many docked boats with people enjoying the calm water or paddlers heading out for an adventure on Lake Ontario.

If you’d like to book a trip, simply contact them through email at info@charterability.com or telephone at 905-844-7208. They’re located at 128 Water Street just behind the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.

Free parking is available under the Rebecca Street bridge – just follow the blue CharterAbility road sign. Arrive 15 minutes early and wait for your Volunteer Captain or Crew to call you before getting on the dock/boat.

Due to the open space and the journey along Sixteen Mile Creek, make sure to dress accordingly with hats, sunglasses, umbrella and blanket if needed!

As if they couldn’t get any better, CharterAbility is completely run by volunteers! To support their efforts, donate through sealed envelopes that are present on each boat ride, through their mailing address or donate online.

Now you’re all set for your next date night! There are so many spots unique to Oakville to make your date that much more special. It’s time to go make some memories.

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