Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas

It’s the season of love! With the busyness of life, it can be difficult to schedule childcare, make dinner reservations, and still have energy for a date night. Here are some ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day after the kids are tucked into bed.

Pack It Up

Put goodies for sandwiches or a charcuterie board in a picnic basket. Set out a picnic blanket and pillows on the floor in the living room or — depending on the weather — in your backyard. Bonus if you can enjoy your picnic fireside for a special ambience.

Game Night

Play a new board game together. Check out Monogamy, a two-player game meant for couples; Fog of Love, a romantic comedy game about two characters falling in love; or Codenames: Duet or Coup, games designed for two players. Or, dust off the games in your closet and see what it’s like to play them without the rest of your family. You could also learn how to play a video game together or compete against each other for some friendly competition.

On a Silver Platter

Search online for themed V-Day appetizers you can make together. Prepare a meal using a ready-to-cook kit from Publix, The Fresh Market or a delivery service, like HelloFresh. Base the menu of your meal around something special to your relationship, like the restaurant from your first date or the cuisine from your honeymoon destination.

Taste Tester

Sample different foods together. Depending on your preferences, you can sip on whiskey or wine, rank ice cream or potato chip flavors, or try a selection of products from a higher-end brand. Check out local Terra Terroir for a virtual wine tasting opportunity.

Movie Night

Watch a romantic movie on your favorite streaming service. To make the date extra special, purchase a bouquet, light candles, and add pink and red candies to popcorn. Or, make it a themed night by having a snack or dish seen in the movie.

Stress Reliever

Go for an at-home spa. Purchase a comfortable, matching set of robes and slippers, try different face or eye masks, and run a bath with scented flowers or a bath bomb. Take turns giving each other a massage.

Cooking Competition

Turn it up a notch by making it a challenge. Go for a “Chopped”-style competition: Pick three ingredients from the pantry that the other has to use in a meal and determine who can come up with the better dish. Decorate cookies or cupcakes to see who can make the prettier dessert. Hold a cocktail making contest with the ingredients you have on hand to see who can make a more delicious drink.

X Marks the Spot

Turn your present for your spouse into a scavenger hunt. Purchase Valentine’s Day cards and write down different hints to lead your partner to the gift.

Get Creative

Paint a masterpiece with kits from Sips n Strokes, or purchase the materials needed for your own sip and paint night and follow along to a free tutorial on YouTube. For a more unique challenge, paint a family portrait or your pet for a special competition. Find a soap making or candle making kit online to create items you can use throughout the year. Build LEGOs together for a fun project — there are sets for adults or you can piece together roses, wildflowers and more.

Get Cozy

Who says forts are just for kids?! Turn your living room or bedroom into a fort just for the two of you with pillows, blankets and cute lights or candles. Put your electronics away and get deep in conversation. Check out Tales: Couples Edition or The 5 Love Languages Card Game to help you get started.

Staycation

Turn your bedroom into a fancy hotel room. Change the sheets for a luxurious feel, set out a fluffy robe, and put chocolates on the pillows and champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on the dresser. Stock your shower with mini versions of special shampoo, conditioner and lotion.