Have you found yourself with your guy deciding where to order take-out from, both of you already accepting that you will be spending the night binge-watching Netflix? Do you want to plan something special for him? You may be surprised to know there are many man-friendly activities in the city that will appeal to him while still creating a great environment for the two of you to bond. [Image credit: iStock.com/Pilin_Petunyia]
Whether your guy is ultra-competitive, a zombie apocalypse survivalist, or just a regular joe looking for a new hobby, there are few things more enticing than hurling steel at targets! This indoor axe throwing facility is conveniently located just seconds away from Kingsway Mall (maybe you can convince him to stop by after, while he’s in a good mood!) and even offers private classes. Who knows, maybe he’ll enjoy it so much he’ll become a league member! Yes, you heard that right. There are axe throwing leagues too!
If your other half has more video games than he does pairs of socks, why not encourage him to enjoy some gaming outside of the house, retro-style? Denizen Hall is a great local hub that offers yummy eats, refreshing drinks and, most importantly, a full-sized old school arcade with pinball and a whole range of other stand up games! You can challenge your guy to a high score battle, or simply cheer him on from the side lines while you enjoy a delicious cocktail. Either way, everyone is a winner!
If there is one thing that is commonly enjoyed by all men, it’s beer. Tell your guy you want to take him to cask night at Craft Beer Market and we’re almost certain he’ll be racing you to the car. During cask night (every Tuesday!) a new cask that has been brewed especially for Craft is tapped at 4 p.m. Your guy will be beaming with excitement as he savours a crisp, local ale (or lager, or stout …) and, as he looks across the table at you, of course!
Speeders Indoor ProKarts is more than just go-karts; it’s racing electric propulsion prokarts (think faster, smoother and more acceleration) – the perfect mix of speed, competition and fun! Your guy will love working to get his race times down and bragging with his personal printed lap time sheet. If you’re up for the challenge, you can go head-to-head against him on the track! Not the speed demon type? Cheer him on from the sidelines. There is a seating area, arcade games and snacks for your enjoyment!
Who doesn’t want to take their relationship to new heights? A beginner adult rock climbing class at Vertically Inclined is an awesome way to do just that (literally!). Learn about the roping systems together, have your guy secure you as you give it a try, and develop your techniques through experience. If nothing else, this is a great way to get active together and a perfect opportunity to admire your man’s sense of adventure.
If your heart belongs to a music-loving man, you know how deep-rooted this passion can be. Does he sort his record collection alphabetically, by genre? Maybe he’s waited up all night to get tickets to see his favourite band. Loving a music lover is an art of its own – and The Needle is the place to show him that love. This multi-genre music venue has live performances happening every day of the week, meaning you can’t NOT find something your guy will love! Music to his ears and yours, because he’ll be calling you “the coolest girlfriend ever” for months!
There are guys who play video games and then there are full-fledged, hardcore gamers. They’re the kind of guys who build their own PC so they can have the absolute best gaming experience. If you know what World of Warcraft or Bioshock are because it’s all your guy talks about, Overklocked is the date night spot for you. They are the largest Local Area Network (LAN) in Edmonton, with more than 100 gaming systems! Ask your guy to teach you how to play, watch him connect with other gamers and maybe even execute a raid together.
If your guy’s idea of a fun is a run along the river valley or a weekend spent hiking and connecting with nature, getting in tune with his body through yoga may spark his interest. Lions Breath offers couples sessions for $75 that teach you all about being attentive to your partner’s body and being present in the moment with each other. It’s a fantastic way to rekindle your relationship fire in an intimate, relaxing setting (and it works wonders for your flexibility, too!).