Top 10 Experiential Valentine’s Date Ideas to Surprise Your Partner

Does going to another dinner with your sweetheart sound like a snooze fest? Valentine’s Day often brings a lot of pressure to arrange the perfect romantic evening at a candlelit restaurant to eat fancy cuisine, sip a glass of wine and indulge in a piece of chocolate cake. But if that sounds too cliché for you, it may be time to explore something a bit more thrilling when planning your Valentine’s Day date.

For the partners who are looking for something a bit more experiential, check out these unique Valentine’s date ideas that the two of you will be raving about for years to come. 

Shake things up by learning how to mix your favorite cocktails or mocktails together as a couple. BarBees Bartending offers in-person cocktail classes in several cities across the country, and virtual classes, if that’s more convenient. It’s the perfect way to learn a new craft, discover more about each other’s tastes and raise a glass to celebrate the special occasion. Prior to the virtual class, you’ll choose a couple of cocktails to learn, and you’ll receive your cocktail recipe cards and shopping list. During the class, the instructor will walk you through the mixology process. You’ll also learn all types of valuable bartending tips and tricks.  

Games involving throwing sharp objects are all the rage now. Get some exercise and enjoy some healthy competition by going ax throwing or trying your hand at Social Darts. Ax throwing venues have sprung up all over the country, with companies like Bury the Hatchet and Kick Axe Throwing touting locations in several states. Social Darts by Flight Club has reimagined classic bar darts into a supercharged gaming experience that’s easy for anyone to play. You can play in cities around the country; check online for a location near you. 

Skip the typical date night painting class, and put yourself directly in the masterpiece. Immersive art experiences are on exhibit throughout the country, such as Immersive Van Gogh, Candytopia and Color Factory. Meow Wolf is a popular one that offers maximalist fantasy worlds where each guest’s experience is unique. Similar to a choose your own adventure, you can create your own storytelling journey that involves discovering hidden clues, or you can simply wander in awe at the stunning alien worlds. It’s a wonderful way for couples to bond while exploring these sensory-filled exhibitions.

Composer and pianist Murray Hidary combines music, art and nature for a deeply meditative and emotional experience for this Valentine’s date idea. His signature offering, the MindTravel SilentHike, is an immersive music and meditation experience that involves going on a picturesque hike while listening to his calming music and thoughtful commentary through headphones. You can access some meditation recordings for free here. What an incredible opportunity to connect with each other while enjoying the beauty of nature in a mindful way. He also offers in-person events, so check his website to see if he is visiting your area soon. 

Volunteering is such a positive way to bond and spread kindness. For a relaxing, hands-on Valentine’s date idea, spend some time together at a local animal shelter playing with the adorable cats and dogs. It’s a terrific chance to see how your partner interacts with animals and the perfect way to spread love on Valentine’s Day! Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up adopting a pet to care for together. 

Sure, some people might book a couples massage to release tension, but others are heading to a rage room to let it all out. Rage rooms (also called smash rooms) are places you can go to get your frustrations out by bashing in objects with a bat, golf club or hammer. You’ll suit up in protective gear and then start raging through the room by destroying everything in your path (except your loved one, of course). Not only will you both be able to blow off steam, but this intense (and fun) experience will bring you closer together. Refer to Rage Rampage for rage room locations throughout the country.

Go back in time by taking a romantic train ride together for this Valentine’s Day date idea. You’ll enjoy a cozy adventure as you take in the history of the area and gorgeous scenery outside your window—not to mention fun meals and camaraderie with conductors in costume. Some famous vintage American train lines include Mount Washington Cogway in New Hampshire, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina, Cape Cod Central Railroad in Massachusetts, Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona, Kansas Belle Dinner Train in Kansas and The Adirondack Railroad in New York. 

Take a trip down memory lane by recreating that first time you hit it off. Make reservations at the same restaurant, wear similar outfits, order the same food and even try to remember the conversation you had that special day. If you no longer live near the area, consider taking a special trip to see it again. If that’s not possible, you can always try to replicate the scene at home or a similar venue. All this nostalgia is sure to bring back the magic from your first date.  

Whether your date is a sports fan or not, going on a stadium tour can be a fascinating experience. Stadiums embody local culture, history and architecture. Many stadiums offer behind-the-scenes guided tours and have museums to enjoy as well. They may even feature restaurants to check out after the tour. With over 900 stadiums in the U.S., you are bound to find one or more in your area to explore. Check out Stadium-Tours.co for a stadium directory. 

Share a treasure hunt adventure by going geocaching. This is an outdoor recreational activity that involves using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device to find geocaches or caches— hidden containers filled with notes or treasures—at specific locations marked by map coordinates. Get started by downloading the Geocaching app and searching for geocaches in your region. Happy hunting!

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