Every year on February 14, couples plan a romantic day to shower their significant others with love. As far as date ideas, a lot of couples stick to the same routine—dinner and a movie. But who wants to do that every year? It can get a little stale. Instead of calling your favorite restaurant and making a reservation this Valentine’s, try out these other fun ideas.
1. Go on a grown-up scavenger hunt
Dates can get nerve-wracking, especially if you’re in the early stages of a relationship. Instead of heading to dinner and a movie—where things can feel a little awkward—try planning a fun scavenger hunt!
“I love the idea of a bookstore scavenger hunt,” says Ashley Coker, a student from Bryan College. “You go to the bookstore of your choice with a list of tasks to accomplish. You each find a recipe you want to try, a children’s book you used to love, or a place you want to visit.”
A bookstore scavenger hunt is a great way to learn about each other’s interests and can be a fun way to break the ice! You just don’t get that sort of one-on-one time during a movie.
2. Get physical
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that you can’t get your fitness on! If both of you are exercise buffs (and even if you’re not), do something that gets your adrenaline pumping. Bounce around at a trampoline park, get involved in a Valentine’s-themed 5K, or hit up an indoor rock climbing wall.
If it’s a snowy Valentine’s, take advantage of the winter weather, suggests Kayla Lewkowicz, a Colby College graduate. “I think something active like snowshoeing, skiing, or an old-fashioned snowball fight [could be fun, too],” she says.
3. Make it an arcade night
Arcades aren’t just for kids anymore. Adult arcades, like Dave & Busters, are great date night venues. You can grab a quick bite to eat and spend the evening enjoying all kinds of fun games and rides. Make it competitive and see who can win the most tickets. If your date wins you a prize, hello, major #relationshipgoals.
Heading to an arcade is a great way to channel your inner child, but so is staying in and bringing back a childhood favorite activity. “I’m all about building a fort in your apartment and being a kid again,” says Kayla. Now that sounds like fun.
4. Head to an exciting part of town
Exploring a new city can be an exciting and memorable experience. If you’re venturing out with your significant other on Valentine’s Day, walking around a fun city or town center can be all that more romantic.
“I love the idea of spending the weekend in the city,” says Brianna Susnak, a student at Indiana University. “You could spend Valentine’s Day in the city with your SO doing fun things, like trying different coffees/foods, going out for drinks, or exploring.”
5. Go on a paint and wine date
Paint and wine nights are becoming increasingly popular, and while it may seem like a fun girls’ night idea (which it is!), it can also be a great Valentine’s Day go-to. Who doesn’t want to spend a relaxing night, sipping wine and creating a masterpiece together? It’s a great opportunity to learn more about each other, and you both get to bring home a souvenir from the night. You can even trade paintings with your SO, so they have something to remember the date by!
6. Pretend it’s your first date
An interesting way to spice up any kind of night out is to do a little role-playing and pretend that’s it’s your first date!
“My girlfriend and I [went on a date] where we pretended it was our first date,” says Alaina Leary, a social media assistant for the We Need Diverse Books organization. “We went out as if we were new to each other and didn’t know each other very well. It was honestly really interesting and kind of fun!”
Pretending it’s your first date, or even re-enacting your actual first date, can be nostalgic and romantic.
7. Go dancing
It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or a pro—find a place to take dancing lessons! You’ll learn a new skill, more about your SO, and you might even make some new couple friends! Plus, you can break out those moves whenever you’re at a wedding, formal, or backyard BBQ.
Whether you plan a fun day out or decide to spend a romantic evening in your pajamas, Valentine’s Day is all about letting your significant other know how much you care about them. Now, excuse us while we build our pillow forts. Happy Valentine’s Day!