Valentine’s Date Ideas (That Don’t Involve Dining Out)

But you know what isn’t actually all that romantic? Sitting elbow-to-elbow with a dozen other couples in a crowded, noisy restaurant.

Here’s a not-so-fun fact about me: I’ve spent a lot of years working in the restaurant service industry. So, trust me when I say, dining out on a busy holiday isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. (If you’re really set on celebrating Valentine’s Day or any other event with a gourmet meal, here’s a pro tip: Make a reservation for a Monday or Tuesday night. Traditionally these are slower days for most restaurants and you’re more likely to get great service.)

Instead of spending your romantic night with everyone else in town eating off an expensive pre-set menu, try one of these 10 Valentine’s Date ideas.

Game Night

There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition or, in our house, a lot of competition. Some of our best nights have been spent sitting around the coffee table with a deck of cards. Celebrate your Valentine’s with an old-fashioned game night. Whether it’s a hand of poker, a round of Jenga, or a game of Monopoly, there are endless possibilities. You can even invite over a few friends and play couple vs couple. Or stick to just the two of you and up the ante with a few playful bets. Check out this site for rules to classic card games…and maybe find a new game to try out!

Cooking Class

Just because you’re skipping the crowded restaurant doesn’t mean you have to pass up the gourmet meal. Check out local cooking classes in your area for a hands-on date night experience. Some cooking schools offer one-time cooking classes for couples but I’ve found the best place to look is at high-end kitchen supply stores like Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table. Even better, keep an eye out for cooking class Groupons in your area. And if a traditional cooking class isn’t your cup of tea, you can even find classes for wine pairing or cupcake decorating!

Try a New Recipe at Home

If you want to keep dinner super romantic and intimate, then look no further than your own kitchen. Work together to recreate Grandma’s famous fried chicken, open up your favorite cookbook to find a new recipe, or whip up a meal that’s significant to your relationship. If you find the kitchen an intimidating place, try a home cooking delivery service. I’ve had great experiences using Hello Fresh and I’ve also heard wonderful things about Home Chef.

Picnic

What’s more classic than a romantic picnic for two? A quick Google search will reveal plenty of possibilities for a picnic location in your area. Many state parks, public gardens, and public lakefronts make great places for a more secluded meal. Pack up that dinner you just cooked or pick up take-out from your favorite spot and head out for a meal that’s sure to be more memorable than a crowded restaurant. One word of caution before you add that bottle of champagne to your basket: Be sure to check for any rules and regulations. Picnics are romantic, getting fined by a park ranger is not.

Get Crafty

Test your creativity with a hands-on craft class. Look for local art shops or schools in your city that offer classes. Paint and sip classes (classes that allow you to bring your own alcohol) are one of my personal favorites. Many places offer both group events and private classes. So, whether you’re looking for an experience for just the two of you or you want to bring some friends in on the fun, you’ll have options. Similar DIY craft centers are also popping up around the U.S. where you can bring your own alcohol (or, in some cases, they have an in-house bar) and choose from a variety of craft projects. Not only will you get to experience a fun date night, but you’ll also have a souvenir to treasure.

Go On A Scavenger Hunt

Take your loved one on an adventure with a scavenger hunt. All it takes is a few fun clues (bonus points for corny rhymes) and you’re off. You can keep it simple and stick to your home, head out into your neighborhood, or get really adventures and lead your significant other around the city. Make it even more special by having the clues lead to places that hold special value to your relationship. Their final clue could lead them to a hiding place for a gift or a location for the rest of your date. This site offers an awesome step-by-step guide for creating a scavenger hunt.

Play Tourist for a Day

Ever hear people visiting your city talk about the awesome places they’ve gone to and realize there’s a lot about your home you haven’t discovered? Having lived in multiple tourist destinations (like Asheville and Charleston) I’m very familiar with this phenomenon. But you can fix that by playing tourist for a day! Sit down with your valentine and come up with a list of famous or popular places in your city that you’ve never been to and see how many you can check off. Maybe there’s a local museum or aquarium, a famous park, or a diner that was once featured on Food Network. Find out what the buzz is all about and remember why you love where you live.

Experience Something New Together

Create some new memories by trying out a new experience together. Go horseback riding, take a dance class, find an ice-skating rink, test your skills at a driving range…the possibilities here are seriously endless. This is another great opportunity to check out Groupons or other local deals in your city. Who knows, maybe you’ll create a tradition, discover a new passion, find hidden talent, or at least share some laughs.

Make it a Movie Night

If you’re a homebody whose idea of fun is a night in, embrace it! Pile up all the cozy blankets, pick out your favorite films or new releases, stock up on your favorite movie treats, and don’t forget plenty of buttery popcorn. Add a little more fun by choosing a theme and having you and your valentine each pick a movie I that theme. You can even go all out and rent a projector and screen for a true home theater experience.

Attend a Themed Event

Just because you’re avoiding the crowded restaurant scene doesn’t mean you have to be anti-social. Check out events happening on or around Valentine’s Day near you (Eventbrite, Facebook events, and Google are good places to look) and head out for a fun evening. A quick Google search of my area revealed Valentine’s themed pub crawls, musical events, and even a murder mystery dinner (which really just sounds awesome). And since many of the events you’ll find are ticketed, you’ll have guaranteed seats and possibly avoid too many crowds. (I will add that if it’s a ticketed event, you’ll want to book as soon as possible as events can sell out quickly.)

Happy Valentine’s Day!