53 Romantic and Creative Things to Do on Valentine's Day
Come Valentine’s Day, a scrumptious chocolate cake or a beautifully arranged flower bouquet is never a bad idea, but what about the gift of quality time? If there ever was a day to break from your busy schedules and spend a few hours as just you two, February 14 is it. So just how will you celebrate? If you’ve been together forever, it can be hard to brainstorm things to do on Valentine’s Day. So that's precisely why we’ve done the hard work for you.
Our handy list of fun and creative Valentine’s Day date ideas truly runs the gamut. From the perfect cupcake recipe for baking just two (and only two!) to ideas for deep and meaningful conversation starters, you’re sure to find a way to satisfy both of your love languages. If food best expresses your affection, go for a great dinner recipe. (Our Marry Me Chicken is always a hit!) If music is moreso your medium, book a dance class or impromptu karaoke session together. Tend to think time together is best spent adventuring? Travel to a great small town, or simply head outdoors for a refreshing hike.
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:
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.
RELATED: These Are America's Best Small Towns for 2025
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.
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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.
RELATED: Our Favorite Jigsaw Puzzles For a Cozy Night In
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
RELATED: 150 Deep Questions to Ask for Deep Conversation
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.
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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.
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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.
RELATED: Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes to Make at Home
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.
Make playlists for each other.
Spend some time putting together playlists for each other on your favorite streaming service. Choose Valentine's Day songs that spark memories of your relationship or simply tunes you know your significant other will love. Then pour some wine, turn on the music, and reminisce. It's a gift you'll listen to year-round.
Take a hike.
Even if it's cold where you live, taking a scenic hike is a great way to unplug and unwind this Valentine's Day. Maybe there's a favorite spot where you live, or you might want to try one of the best hikes in the U.S. Either way, you're bound to have a fun time because you're in great company.
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Volunteer together.
One of the best ways to spend the day together is to choose a cause you're both passionate about and sign up to volunteer. You'll do some good for others and yourself, as volunteering can make you feel more connected to each other and the community. Visit volunteermatch.org to search local organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Take an online mixology class.
Become each other's favorite bartender with tips in an online class by a real pro! In no time, you'll be ready to mix up some Valentine's Day cocktails.
Go stargazing.
You don't need a telescope to set up a stargazing date. Just head to your own backyard with a warm, outdoor blanket and use a stargazing app to help identify constellations in the night sky.
Play tourist in your own town.
Is there a landmark in your town that you've always wanted to visit? Or a museum you've never seen? Become tourists in your own home and finally check off one or two of those bucket list items you keep putting off. Get into the role by snapping tons of pictures throughout the day.
Set up a waffle bar.
Is brunch your favorite meal to eat together? Build the waffles of your dreams by setting up a DIY waffle bar. All you need is some waffle batter, a waffle maker, and all the toppings your hearts desire. Try them topped with our Sautéed Apples, Pear & Cranberries recipe, shown here.
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Make a scrapbook of your relationship.
Even partners who aren't so into crafts will get a kick out of this fun activity. Gather up photos of your relationship, old ticket stubs, and meaningful receipts, and make a beautiful book that you'll both treasure!
Bake something sweet.
Baking is a fun way to spend more time with your significant other. Added bonus: you'll have a sweet reward to enjoy together, like these Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies.
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Eat breakfast in bed.
Whip up a delicious breakfast spread on Valentine's Day and enjoy it lounging in bed. It will be a nice change of pace from the usual morning hustle and bustle.
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Go for a drive.
No destination? No problem. All you need for this fun Valentine's Day activity is a sense of adventure and a full tank of gas! You'll both get out of your comfort zones while you explore new terrain. There's no telling what you might stumble across.
Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting.
Wine and chocolate: Both delicious on their own, but even better together! Come up with your own pairings, or consult your local bottle shop for ideas.
Craft something together.
Try your hand at some DIY Valentine's Day crafts at home. Consider an art project that you can hang somewhere in the house or craft creative picture frames for favorite photos.
Play hooky.
Take the day off from work and enjoy some R&R. Have breakfast in bed, do a crossword together, and binge-watch your favorite shows. Reminisce about how and why you two first fell in love.
Cook dinner together.
A special home-cooked meal can be so much more romantic than going out to eat at a super busy restaurant. Even if one of you doesn't have chef-worthy skills, you can still make a memorable dinner you'll both enjoy.
RELATED: Easy and Delicious Homemade Dinners for Two
Write love letters to each other.
If you've never done it before, now's the time to put in writing why your partner is so special to you. Tell them which of their qualities you most admire, how they make you feel, and why you fell in love with them. If you're not sure where to start, check out our love quotes and funny Valentine's Day quotes for inspiration.
Have a romantic movie marathon.
Grab the popcorn and settle in on the couch for an evening filled with your favorite rom-coms, like these favorite Valentine's Day movies.
Exchange heartfelt gifts.
No, February 14 doesn't have to be all about Valentine's Day presents, but it is nice to give—and receive—a little token of affection. Consider purchasing an item your loved one has always wanted or even just gifting a DIY Valentine's Day card.
RELATED: Our All-Time Favorite Valentine's Day Gifts
Have a Parisian date night.
Pretend like you're in the City of Love this Valentine's Day. Make sweet (or savory!) crepes, share a bottle of wine, and put on some romantic music to set the tone.
RELATED: Our Favorite Crepes With Strawberries and Lemon Curd Recipe
Send your partner on a treasure hunt.
If gift-giving is your love language, send your significant other on a scavenger hunt dotted with trails of rose petals and handwritten clues to find their Valentine's Day gift.
Take a trip.
Take a day or an entire weekend and venture to a destination neither of you have been before on a romantic getaway. You'll get out of your comfort zone and have a fabulous time doing it!
Take a bath.
For a bubble bath worthy of a honeymoon suite, surround the tub with candles, sprinkle rose petals in the water, and set a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Champagne within arm's reach.
RELATED: The Best Champagnes and Sparkling Wines Actually Sold at Stores Near You
Practice yoga together.
Enjoy some Zen time together while stretching and breathing in sync.
Make some music.
Who cares if you (or your partner) can't carry a tune in a bucket? Have fun singing duets like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' "Islands in the Stream," Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis's "Cruisin'," "You're the One That I Want" from Grease, or check out this list of the best country love songs for more inspiration.
Make heart-shaped food.
If there's ever a time to make heart-shaped food, well, this is it! Pizza, strawberry pie, eggs in a basket, cupcakes... your imagination's the limit on this one. Or, take the low-effort route and order a heart-shaped pizza.
Get to know each other better over a bottle of wine.
Open a bottle of your best vino, and ask each other some unexpected questions. Try a mix of some you may already know the answer to—it's nice to have your partner re-share their wins!—and other hypotheticals you've likely never posed.
RELATED: Valentine's Day Questions To Ask Your Significant Other This Year
Give each other a massage.
Grab a bottle of body oil, set the mood with candles and relaxing background music, and give your partner at least 30 minutes of massage therapy. They can thank you by returning the favor.
Make a bucket list.
Spend the day coming up with a bucket list of everything you'd like to do together—from romantic vacations to take to new activities to try to concerts you want to see—then spend Valentine's Day making plans to start checking things off.
Take a class together.
Is there a skill you both want to brush up on? Learning something new together is a great way to bond. Try a cooking class, dance lesson, or golf clinic, or indulge your inner Fixer Upper lover by signing on for Joanna Gaines's Masterclass.
Draw or paint pictures of one another.
No worries if you can’t draw; it’s important to make time for play in a relationship too. No skill is required to creatively illustrate your partner’s attributes. You can add accessories for their hobbies and more and discuss each other’s best features too.
Explore a new neighborhood.
Set out on foot or in a set of wheels to an interesting historic or new-to-you neighborhood in your city. As you explore take in all the architecture and quirks it offers.
Setup a beer tasting.
Why just drink one type of beer when you can sample a variety and better learn what you like? You and your partner can pick up a few cans or bottles and make notes on what you think of each.
Take personality tests.
Whether you’re into the Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, or animal personality tests, take one to get to know your partner better. After assessing your types, you can read up on them to better understand how you are similar and different and how you can better connect moving forward.
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