So, you’ve decided you don’t want to do the traditional “dinner and a movie” date with your honey for Valentine’s Day this year. We don’t blame you. Sometimes it’s nice to do something different for a change, especially on such a romantic holiday! Here are some Valentine’s date ideas that aren’t dinner and a movie but will make your significant other feel just as loved.
Valentine’s Date Ideas
- A Cooking Class: If there are any couple’s cooking classes available near you, book one! A cooking class is a great way to strengthen your working-together skills, plus you get to learn how to make some awesome meals! Then, whenever you recreate the meals later on, you’ll both think back to the sweet memories you made on the Valentine’s Day you learned to cook together.
- Go Ice Skating: Since Valentine’s Day is in February, it’s typically pretty cold in most places. If not, you might be lucky enough to have a local ice skating rink in town. Either way, find a rink and get to it! It’s a great way to exercise trust with your partner. If you start to fall, they should be there to catch you! If ice isn’t your thing, try to find a roller rink or something similar.
- Have a Bonfire: Another great Valentine’s date idea? If it’s within your city’s open burning time-frame, have a bonfire! Cuddle up by the fire, stream some soft romantic tunes and roast some delectable s’mores. Not in an area that allows bonfires? Light a few large candles and heat up your s’mores in the microwave. No matter what, your partner will be ecstatic that you took the time to plan something romantic.
- Visit a Museum: If you live in an area with museums, pick one and take a tour! Some places will have extended hours during holidays, including Valentine’s Day, and might even have specialized exhibits catering to that special day. Browse the websites and social media pages of the museums you think your partner would enjoy to check for special events!
- Attend a Comedy Show: Who doesn’t like to laugh? Get tickets to your local comedy club and go listen to strangers make jokes. Be warned, though: The jokes will probably center around love and dating because of the holiday.
- Go To a Concert or Sporting Event: Sporting events and concerts are so much more fun when you go as a date! You get to share a favorite of yours with the person you love–or you get to show them you support one of their faves. Bonus points if your favorite teams are competing. You can bet on an activity: The person’s team who loses has to give the other a foot massage.
- Hike a Trail: Do you both love the outdoors? Travel to the nearest hiking trail and make a day of it! You can even take it a step further and go to a campground. An overnight trip can be a great new experience for both of you. Plus, it’s a great way to grow closer. You know–because you have to share a small tent!
- Homemade Dinner and a Movie: Instead of the traditional dinner and a movie, do the home version! Make something hearty, like homemade spaghetti and meatballs or chicken and dumplings, and stream a classic romantic comedy. Cuddle up on the couch with a soft personalized blanket to warm you up.
- Buy Some Brews: Going to a brewery is a great alternative to a traditional dinner date! A lot of breweries have food trucks rotate each weekend, and they will probably provide a special themed brew for the holiday. They typically provide live music, too, so get an Uber and spend the night enjoying some beer, music and your significant other!
- Restaurant-Hop: Ever wanted to get an appetizer at one restaurant and dessert at another? Make it a date night! Enjoy drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts at different restaurants for each category. It’s a fun way to spend the night eating out!
- Explore a New Town: Take the day and get away! Find somewhere within a day’s drive that neither of you has ever explored. Bonus points if there’s a downtown Main Street area that gives off Hallmark-movie vibes. Look up the highest rated restaurants and coffee shops to try.
- Take a Tour: Even if you’ve lived in your hometown your whole life, there’s probably some neat history about it you don’t know. Sign up for a historic tour and learn about the place you live! If your town offers a tour of the most haunted buildings it has, definitely pick that one. It’ll give you an excuse to hang on to your honey while walking by the dark, old buildings. No matter what, the tours will provide you both with an enlightening history regarding the oldest buildings in town!
- Relax: Book a couple’s massage at a local spa, or any other relaxing couple’s activity. Browse through your local spa’s options and pick one or two–or all!–that you think your significant other will enjoy. Some spas will have packages available that provide a range of services they typically don’t do when it isn’t Valentine’s Day. Top that with a special Valentine’s Day gift for her and you’ve got yourself a special day.
- Dance the Night Away: Don’t just go to the club. Take an actual ballroom or salsa dancing class. Pick something that you think will require you both to stay in constant contact while dancing. It’s Valentine’s Day after all! Even for those of us with two left feet, attending an actual dance class led by a dance instructor can help alleviate any awkwardness you might feel.
Which do you like?
It can be hard to think outside the box, especially when it comes to planning a special non-traditional Valentine’s Day date. No matter what you choose to do, your significant other will be so glad you took the time to plan something for them! You can subtly ask for ideas during January by pointing out different activities or events and asking how they feel about it. Or–just talk about it! The best dates are the ones you plan together.
Comment below telling us which was your favorite out-of-the-box Valentine’s date idea.
Author bio: Ashley Peterson is the Director of Marketing at GiftsForYouNow. Her favorite part of the job is connecting others with sentimental and personalized gifts that foster lifelong memories. Ashley is also a mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors.
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