Whether you’ve been together three months or three decades, it’s no secret that coming up with some great Valentine’s Day ideas can be can be stressful. There is good news, though. There are still plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day special for your partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife, or even someone you’re not dating…yet.
Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of Valentine’s Day date ideas — from a karaoke night to a romantic movie marathon. Enjoy!
1. Have a Karaoke Night
Though an activity like karaoke might make you feel a little self-conscious, it’s a great bonding experience. When one partner is feeling adventurous or afraid and they are stepping out of their comfort zone, this gives the other partner an opportunity to show their comforting or protective side.
2. Watch a Valentine’s Day Movie
Pop some popcorn, make some cheesy snacks, light a mood-setting candle, open up a bottle of wine, and watch a Valentine’s Day movie while snuggling under a blanket in the comfort of your home. (Want to make it feel extra special? Decorate your space with a paper heart wreath, an origami bouquet, and a love letter banner.)
3. Go to Your Local Bookstore
Are you and your partner total bookworms? Us, too! Head over to your favorite local bookstore and spend some time picking out a book for your plus one to read. If you do go in that direction, take turns later reading each other your favorite (or cheesiest) passages.
4. Enjoy a Concert
After you finish making a Valentine’s Day playlist for each other, take date night to the next level with a local concert. If your favorite music venue is closed, consider a virtual concert instead.
5. Go on a Bike Ride
If the weather allows, take a mini adventure in your own neighborhood or city. You may discover some hidden gems on your new route. Plus, the physical exercise releases endorphins. Alternatively, you can go to a spin class together, try yoga, or have some fun doing dance cardio.
6. Have an At-Home Trivia or Board Game Night
According to Psychology Today, the bond that forms from teamwork releases the brain chemical oxytocin in humans, “which is also linked to experiences of empathy, generosity and orgasm.” So, put on your coziest pajamas, grab plenty of snacks, pop a bottle of bubbly, and use an app like HouseParty, which features fun trivia, or JackBox games to re-create that pub feel at home. It’s not just a fun way to pass the time — studies show that having fun together is one of the most important factors when it comes to marital satisfaction.
7. Have a Dance Party
For a more interactive evening, Mary J. Gibson, a relationship expert for DatingXP, recommends dancing to get your heart rate up. A variety of dance classes are now offered online: Learn how to foxtrot, tango, and two-step during one of Ballroom Dance Chicago’s Zoom lessons; Dancio teaches beginners how to do a plié and a pirouette; and CLI studios offers lessons on everything from tap to hip-hop. You can also, of course, fire up YouTube and learn choreo to some of your favorite music videos.
8. Get a Couples Massage
If you have the time, plan a romantic day to relax and focus on each other, says psychologist and relationship expert Paulette Sherman. Some spas offer a full day fee that includes a massage, as well as access to hot tubs and indoor pools. If that’s not in the budget, a cheaper alternative is to fill your bathtub with essential oils, line it with candles, and take a couples bath. Or give each other a massage.
9. Have a Pizza-Cooking Competition
Is there a better comfort food than homemade pizza? The answer is easy–no. If you’re planning on having a night in filled with board games or a movie marathon, spice things up by engaging in a competitive pizza-cooking competition. Both you and your partner get your own dough and then have creative freedom to add any toppings you want to make the winning pizza. Whether you want to design your pizza off the top of your head or get some inspiration from Simply Recipes or A Couple Cooks, this activity will definitely be adrenaline filled as you both race to be the best. Hint: If you want to be clever, mold your dough into a heart-shaped pizza to one-up your partner!
10. Work Out Together
Raise those feel-good endorphins by getting in some outdoor exercise, if weather permits, says relationship expert Rori Sassoon.
11. Take a Painting Class
No art skills to speak of? No matter — studies show that when couples do activities, like take a painting class together, their bodies release more oxytocin. You can look for studios like Painting With a Twist or Pinot’s Palette in your area, or participate in one of Yaymaker’s virtual paint nights.
12. Use an App to Stargaze
Put on your warmest gear, bust out a blanket, and take some time to admire the universe with the help of the Night Sky app, which will actually show you what constellations you’re looking at while you wax poetic.
13. Visit a Rock Climbing Gym
Activities like rock climbing not only release endorphins but also require couples to lean on teamwork skills and trust one another, says licensed psychologist Michele Leno, PhD.
14. Check Out a Museum
If you default to conversation about the kids or the long to-do list at home, try an activity—like a visit to a local museum—that will spark thoughtful conversation way outside the realm of your day-to-day responsibilities.
15. Go Ice-Skating
Try something out of your comfort zone—like ice-skating or even sky-diving, if you live in a warmer climate. “Novelty is good for couples,” says marriage and family therapist Christine Scott-Hudson.
16. Play Old-School Video Games
According to research, couples feel closer and even look happier when they share nostalgic memories — which is exactly why you should dust off your controllers, turn on your vintage video game system, and pop in one of your favorite throwback titles (think: Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, the Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Kart) for the ultimate old-school video game night. And to take your healthy competition to the next level, make a bet on the final score, like, say, the loser has to cook dinner.
17. Hit a Trampoline Park
“As we grow older, sometimes things can feel safe but also predictable and routine,” says Scott-Hudson. Shake these feelings by doing something playful together, like visiting a place like Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park.
18. Make a Vision Board
Carve out a few hours to focus on what you both want for the future of your relationship. But don’t think of it as a study session—try making a collaborative vision board, says Scott-Hudson. You’ll be surprised by how much fun the process is, plus you’ll get to know your partner more deeply and have a chance to discuss your shared goals.
