55 Fun Things to Do on Valentine’s Day You’ll Totally Fall in Love With
Think outside the heart-shaped box this February 14.
There's no better time of year to celebrate the love in your life than on February 14! Valentine's Day is all about cherishing love in its many forms, whether that be platonic, familial, romantic, or all of the above. But in the weeks leading up to the special holiday, so many preparations need to be done! As if buying Valentine's Day gifts wasn't enough, there's also an expectation to create an itinerary filled with engaging activities for you and your sweetheart (or gal pals!) to enjoy. If you're overwhelmed by the task at hand, check out our list of fun things to do on Valentine's Day to make your February 14 feel extra special.
Whether you're looking for cozy at-home activities (how about watching a few of the best Valentine's Day movies?) or you're planning for a night out on the town, there's bound to be at least one idea here that suits you and your partner's interests. Choose from sweet options like making heart-shaped Valentine's Day cookies, taking a leisurely stroll around the block, or writing each other love notes featuring romantic quotes. You can even aim for a day filled with both you and your significant other's favorite things to do!
And if you need more proof that small gestures matter more than big gifts, look no further than Ree Drummond's oldest daughter, Alex Drummond, and her husband, Mauricio Scott. One Valentine's Day, Alex prepared a fancy surf-and-turf dinner with both steak and lobster, plus a heaping serving of mac and cheese! She even set the table with red roses, and they dined by candlelight. Now that's love! Whatever you choose to do, it'll be a Valentine's Day activity you won't forget!
Check out more ways to celebrate the day of love:
- Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas for a Date Night at Home
- Valentine’s Day Party Ideas Everyone Will Fall in Love With
- Best Valentine's Day Messages to Include in Your Love Note
Listen to Live Music
If your favorite band happens to be on tour around Valentine’s Day, buying tickets will make this year's celebration one for the books! But listening to a jazz band, watching an orchestra performance, or attending a candlelit concert near you will be music to your sweetheart's ears!
Book a Sunset Cruise
Catching the sunset is undeniably romantic, but watching the sun make its descent by boat? Now that’s a Valentine’s Day to remember! As you cruise along the water, you’ll fall in love with the breathtaking views and the one-on-one time spent with your partner.
Try a New Restaurant
Switch things up by making reservations at a restaurant the two of you have never tried before. Keep embracing novelty by ordering adventurous dishes you otherwise wouldn't choose. In a brand-new environment, the two of you will be able to dig even deeper!
Compete in a Cook-Off
Why not spice up your celebration with a little competition? A fun thing to do on Valentine’s Day this year is having a cook-off. You and your partner will battle it out as you prepare the same recipe, and once you're finished, a third party will declare a winner, so the results are fair and square!
Have Game Night
This Valentine's Day, why not whip out the board games and put on your game faces? An at-home game night with all your favorites will bond the two of you like never before, especially in a candlelit environment!
Take Dance Lessons
Want to get out of your comfort zone? Sign yourself and your significant other up for dance lessons! Whether you learn how to ballroom dance, salsa, cha-cha, samba, or mambo, both of you will leave feeling delightfully connected.
Enjoy a Coffee Date
Stroll to your favorite coffee shop and spend some time talking and reminiscing over cozy caffeine and indulgent pastries (bonus points if they're shaped like a heart!). Or if the weather is nice, take your coffee to go and find a bench for the two of you to get cozy on.
Stroll Through a Botanical Garden
While you can always buy your partner a bouquet of flowers, a more interactive thing to do on Valentine's Day is taking them to look at flowers! There's no better way to stop and smell the roses than at a beautiful botanical garden.
Make a Relationship Scrapbook
For a sentimental February 14 that you'll cherish forever, purchase a scrapbook and fill it with mementos and photos from your relationship. Think: pictures taken throughout the years, old ticket stubs, meaningful receipts, and more. You'll look back on it for years to come!
Go Bowling
Fun, casual, and just the right amount of competitive, bowling is a Valentine’s Day activity you’ll both love. So, strap on your shoes and head to the lanes! While there, you might also get to play some arcade games.
Order a Takeout Food Feast
Forgo cooking a gourmet meal or dining at a luxe restaurant and order takeout instead! Pick up dinner from your favorite restaurant—or get a variety of dishes from a handful of different restaurants for a food tour!
Try Rollerblading
Rollerblading or roller skating is such an exciting way to get out and get active! Plus, it's a great excuse to hold hands. Even if neither of you is an expert, you'll still have a blast!
Experience an Escape Room
Put your teamwork skills to the test by trying out an escape room on Valentine's Day. Together, you'll solve puzzles, bond over challenges, and create so many lasting memories.
Play Hooky
One relaxing thing to do on Valentine's Day is putting a temporary pause on the day's responsibilities, so you can stay at home together. Turn it into an all-day pajama party on the couch where you indulge in all your favorite foods, movies, and TV shows.
Make Each Other a Surprise Dish
Instead of going out to eat, get creative and assign your partner and yourself one course to make, such as an appetizer, entrée, or dessert. When you're done, surprise each other at the dinner table with your creation.
Take a Hike
Enjoy the great outdoors together with a refreshing hike where you live or somewhere further. Pack some snacks and wine, then time it so you reach the viewpoint at sunset to double the romance!
Order a Heart-Shaped Pizza
For a low-effort, high-reward activity, hit up your favorite pizzeria for a heart-shaped pizza this Valentine's Day. You can even top it with your loved one's favorite pizza toppings. Just don't forget to break out the bubbly (and desserts) to go with it!
Take a Road Trip
If you're having cabin fever this winter, take a road trip to switch things up. Choose a destination, near or far, that you've been wanting to visit together, gather your favorite road trip snacks, queue your favorite songs, and you're all set for the romantic journey ahead!
Plan a Picnic
Spread out at a local park and enjoy a picnic with charcuterie, fruit, sandwiches, chocolate, or anything else you'd like! If the weather is too cold where you live, take the picnic indoors in your living room. You can even set up a starlight projector inside your house to set the mood without ever stepping outside.
Go to an Amusement Park
If you're looking for a whimsical activity that'll allow you to let loose and have fun, go to a local amusement park. What's more romantic than riding rollercoasters and playing ring toss to win your sweetheart a teddy bear?
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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