53 Romantic and Creative Things to Do on Valentine's Day
Prepare to fall in love with these ideas.
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It's easy for Valentine’s Day to start to feel like a day that begs you to just buy something red and pink off a store display. And while that's not a bad idea, it can easily have you craving something of more substance. Might we suggest using the holiday as simply an excuse for quality time with your significant other or girlfriends? Here we give you a long list of ideas for things to do on Valentine’s Day.
Whether you are looking for fun date night ideas to plan with your boyfriend or girlfriend or a change up from your usual routine with your spouse of many years, we've got lots of suggestions for you below. And while this list comes with a romantic slant, most anything on there would also make for a great galentines ideas to add to your list of things to do on the holiday if you're single. While restaurants and movies are good go-tos for a night out, perhaps it's a good year to change up your routine with scrumptious chocolate cake, a specially selected flower bouquet, or trying a new date night in recipe (our Marry Me Chicken is always a hit!). No matter what you do, a thoughtful Valentine's Day card is a great finishing touch to your plans too.
No matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, trying a new activity with your favorite partner-in-crime is sure to spark fodder for core memories. Still on the hunt for additional date ideas? We’ve got a few:
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Bake only enough cupcakes for two.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time for making a homemade treat, like cupcakes. But you don't always want to deal with the rest of the dozen that a recipe can yield. That's a lot of excess cupcakes! For perfect ratios without the waste, try our best chocolate cupcake recipe for two.
Spend the day in a small town.
What could be more more romantic than strolling cobblestone streets hand-in-hand while popping in and out of locally-owned businesses? Any day—but especially Valentine's day—is a great day to visit a small town.
Book tickets for a night out.
Peruse local events calendar to see what plays, concerts, or other events are going on and buy tickets in advance. You could even just go see a movie in theatres together. Whatever you choose, be sure to dress up and take a picture together at some point in the night.
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Re-create a memorable date.
A fun way to relive the past and enjoy the present it to think of a favorite date you went on together or even your first date and then plan how to recreate it. Twist it up by doing an at-home version with a little extra creativity.
Take dancing lessons together.
You’re never too old to learn how to dance. Research dance studios in your area and book a lesson for Valentine’s night out to learn to ballroom dance, salsa, cha cha, samba, mambo, and more together. You’re sure to leave feeling more connected than when you entered.
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Do a puzzle together.
Connect with your significant other by clearing some time on the calendar to simply put together a puzzle. You might even buy a new one that depicts a place you have been together or another common interest.
Plan a progressive dinner.
Why eat at one restaurant when you can crawl your way to a different one for drinks, appetizers, a main course, and dessert? You can plan an at-home version by each doing a round of takeout orders to enjoy without the crowds of Valentine’s Day.
Go to a skating rink.
Ice skates or roller skates—your choice for a playful and romantic night out. Don’t forget to encourage each other if it takes a little while to get in the groove of skating again, and simply enjoy one another as you make circles around the rink.
RELATED: Romantic and Fun Winter Date Ideas
Book a staycation.
You don’t have to go far from home to have a getaway. Book a night at a nearby hotel or resort and leave your kids with a sitter or family member. Upon arrival enjoy a night away from your to-do lists and ordinary routines. Order room service, watch a movie, read together, or do whatever says “quality time” to you and your partner.
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Watch the sunset or sunrise together.
Take some time to take in the sun’s natural artwork in the sky together. You can wake up early and enjoy a breakfast treat or cup of coffee together for the sunrise, or pour a drink and grab some cheese and crackers to watch it set.
Reminisce about your wedding day.
If you are married, relive your wedding day by look at your wedding photo album together or watching your wedding video and talking about memorable moments from the day that you said, “I do.”
RELATED: Vintage Wedding Traditions That Never Should Have Gone Out of Style
Dance at home.
Sure, it’s fun to dance at weddings and parties, but you only need a party of two for a good dance floor—and it’s all the more romantic without a crowd. Slow dance or pull out your best swing moves or line dance routines.
Plan an indoor picnic.
If the weather is frightfully cold, you can still switch up the mealtime routine and enjoy a picnic without leaving home. Clear some space in your living room and lay out a blanket, and then feast on cheese and crackers, sandwiches, salads, and cookies together.
Go to an arcade.
It’s important to not be serious all the time together, so head to an arcade to let out your inner child. Take on your partner in a friendly competition in a shooting or racing game, and grab some drinks and food while you are at it.
RELATED: 19 Super-Fun Adult Board Games
Have a heartfelt conversation.
Often in the rush of day-to-day life, there’s not time to talk about why you fell in love with your partner and articulate what you appreciate about them now, so take some time to do just that. You can make index cards with questions to prompt conversation topics too.
Plan a coffee date.
Between work and getting kids where they need to go, you may need to sneak in a few romanic breaks in your day. Start off strong with a special coffee date for two. Either pick up Starbucks, meet at a coffee shop, or sit down together for a few minutes in your own kitchen.
RELATED: This Walmart Coffee Maker Brews Shockingly Good Iced Coffee
Take a bike ride.
If you're fortunate enough to live somewhere with warm weather in February, head outside for a couple's bike ride. It makes a great low-pressure idea for those who are newly dating and still getting to know each other.
Plan a photo shoot.
When was the last time you had your picture taken, just the two of you? For a lot of couples, it only happens on vacations (or even at their wedding!). Hire a photographer, or, for an inexpensive option, have a friend or even one of your kids take a few casual snapshots. A selfie stick will do in a pinch! Then (and this is the most important part), actually print them out and display them in your home. Make this a new Valentine's Day tradition.
Do dinner with friends.
This might seem counterintuitive, but it's actually a great idea for couples who have not been together very long, or for couples who have been together forever! Take the pressure off of planning the perfect night for two by making it a double date. Cook at home, or share a babysitter and it a fun restaurant.
Play a game.
When was the last time you played a game with just the two of you? Pick a favorite from the closet, or try a new Valentine's Day game for adults.
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