55 Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas for an Unforgettable Night

Annie O'Sullivan, Kate Franke
1

Challenge Yourselves to an Escape Room

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Flex your communication and collaboration skills as you and your partner work to solve puzzles and mini-games to beat the clock and escape the room. Undertake the endeavor as a duo, or enlist other couples and tackle the mission together.

2

Dine at a Five-Star Restaurant

dine at a five star restaurant
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If there’s a restaurant on your list of places to try that you’ve been putting off or saving for a special occasion, now’s your chance to go (and go big)! Get multiple courses, try a new style of food, drive into the city, if need be — make the dinner an experience to remember. Just remember to reserve in advance.

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3

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

go on a scavenger hunt
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Take point, and plan a romantic scavenger hunt for your other half that leads them through your love story. Start with where you had your first date, where you kissed for the first time, where you spent your first anniversary, etc. For added fun, get creative and make a riddle for them to uncover each location.

4

Take a Pottery Class

take a pottery class
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Reenact the famous Ghost (1990) scene between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze at your own couple’s pottery class, molding your sculpture from clay to kiln. However, if creativity isn’t your forte, swing by a pottery studio and paint a pre-made mug or plate.

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5

Make a Cozy Fort

make a cozy fort
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Let’s get one thing straight: forts aren’t just for kids. When built with or for your partner, they can take on a new meaning. Love nest, perhaps? Use pillows, blankets, and various tall furniture pieces to create the perfect cozy hideaway for snacks, cuddling, and movies.

6

Fly Away on a Hot Air Balloon

fly away on a hot air balloon
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Satiate your inner thrill seeker by taking a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride. Fly over the countryside, mountains or flowing rivers to get a new perspective on love and life. Just make sure to check your partner isn’t afraid of heights.

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7

Split a Chocolate Sampler Box

split a chocolate sampler
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If you and your significant other have a sweet tooth, consider splitting a large chocolate sampler box, such as one from Whitman’s or the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. Cut each piece in half, and keep track of your favorites on a sheet of paper. This info might just come in handy for the next gifting holiday.

8

Test Your Compatibility

test your compatibility
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For the adventurous couple that enjoys learning more about each other, consider booking an appointment with a tarot card reader, astrology chart reader, palm reader, or the like. This could be a fun way to learn about your inherent compatibility, connection, strengths, and struggles in your relationship.

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9

Create Your Own Tasting Tour

create your own tasting tour
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While a formal wine or beer tasting is a fun experience to have, it can also be fun to craft your own tasting tour. If you and your partner have a favorite food or drink, such as pizza, hot chocolate or chocolate chip cookies for example, take a tour around town to find the best one in the city.

10

Exchange Handmade Gifts

exchange handmade gifts
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There’s nothing more heartwarming than a gift someone makes themselves. For the hobbyist couple, this could be a great way to put your skills to use, and make something one-of-a-kind for your partner. Some fun ideas could include a handmade scarf, watercolor artwork, matching bracelets and more.

RELATED: Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts for Everyone on Your List

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11

Make a Playlist for One Another

young couple in bedroom with record player
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12

Try Couples Portrait Painting

best things to do on valentine's day
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For a date night idea that’s sure to make you laugh, set up a divide or opposite-facing easels and paint each other’s portrait. Be as photo-realistic or creative as you’d like. Then, after a glass or two of wine, do a grand reveal. Creative abilities are not a requirement. In fact, the worse the paintings are the more fun you’ll have.

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13

Tackle a Thrift Store Challenge

valentines activities gay couple in the clothing store
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For a creative, inexpensive daytime date idea, head to the thrift store to take on a zany clothing challenge. Give yourself 15 minutes to find your partner the wackiest outfit possible. Then, wear the new ensemble out for dinner. You’ll definitely make memories and may even find treasures along the way.

14

Book the Trip of a Lifetime

woman and man riding bicycles in some tropical location
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Set aside Valentine’s Day to plan the couples trip you’ve always dreamed about. You know, the one you “didn’t have enough time” to book. Even if it’s only for a weekend, a sweet escape to somewhere picturesque is the perfect next step to take with your loved one.

NEED IDEAS? Check out our Family Travel Award Winners.

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15

Host a Dinner Party with Friends

happy group of friends having dinner party at home
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You can always plan a romantic dinner for two, or you can get your friends in on the fun and host a group dinner. Make it a potluck to cut prep work in half and have everyone bring a dish they love.

16

Put on Your Dancing Shoes

affectionate couple standing in the kitchen at home
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Cue up a song you both love and slow dance in your living room, or sign up for a dance class at your local dance studio. Learn the sensual salsa, classic ballroom, or carefree swing. And let the music move you!

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17

Watch Your Wedding Video Together

couple watching tv and eating popcorn
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Watch your wedding video together, and reminisce about the big day. Nothing feels more romantic than reminiscing on the momentous day you said, “I do!”

18

Go to An Amusement Park

a man and woman posing for a picture in front of a carnival ride
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Funnel cake, popcorn, roller coasters and big stuffed animals to be won? Talk about the best Valentine’s Day date ever.

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19

Bottle Your Own Wine

couple toasting wineglasses at winery
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Looking to try something new? Certain vineyards and organizations let you stomp your own grapes and will bottle the wine for you to take home. Talk about a treat specially made for you — by you!

20

Have a Photoshoot

parents with daughter posing for photograph taken by another daughter
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Have a recent milestone you’d like captured on camera? An engagement or significant anniversary? Or maybe it’s been a while since the entire family had their photo taken. Whatever the reason may be, dedicate time on Valentine’s Day to memorialize the moment with a professional photographer.

Headshot of Annie O'Sullivan

As a member of the Special Projects Team, Annie works with the GH Tested program writing up product reviews and roundups and helps plan and run annual expos and events like the GH Parenting Summit, Xmas in July Expo, Cleaning Summit, Winter Essentials Expo, and more. When she’s not working, she can be found running, listening to true crime podcasts, designing graphic collages, or sipping on a margarita.

Headshot of Kate Franke

Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

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