10 Thoughtful & Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Parents

During the season of your life when you’re busy raising tiny humans, Valentine’s Day date ideas don’t have to be over-the-top or complicated.

To keep things simple yet still romantic, we’ve rounded up Valentine’s Day date ideas that range from artistic to sporty to just plain fun. (Seriously, at least hear us out on the roller rink one, OK?) It’s easy to focus on the kids during Valentine’s Day, but a holiday that is about celebrating love is a time when you and your partner deserve some much-needed time together.

Plus, focusing on each other for a change can help remind you that you are a united front in this wild ride called parenthood. And hey, maybe remind you both that you do kinda like each other after all.

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Here are 10 Valentine’s Day date ideas to get you started on that reminder:

Pack a Picnic

Valentine's Day date idea have a picnic
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There’s something about eating outdoors in a scenic location that is just so relaxing (and romantic). Pack up some favorite foods along with a bottle of wine or a nonalcoholic beverage. If you’re feeling adventurous, pack some new treats to try. 

A charcuterie board with meats and cheeses can be a yummy addition and of course, don’t forget dessert. If the weather outside is frightful, put the kids to bed and set up an indoor picnic by the fire. If you don’t have a fireplace, go digital with a fire screensaver on your TV. We also love the idea of enjoying a Valentine’s Day breakfast together.

One tip if you do venture outside: Check the weather ahead of time and pack plenty of coats and extra blankets for added comfort and warmth. Hey, moms can get cold easily!  

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Go to a Concert

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“If music be the food of love, play on,” William Shakespeare mused in Twelfth Night. “Give me excess of it.”

Sounds like both moms and Duke Orsino need to go see their favorite band live. Music has a way of expressing deep emotions where mere words fall. Researching your partner’s favorite singer or piece of classical music shows you care. It’s magic to hear it live among other fans and share the experience with the one you love.

And of course, if you can’t get away to an in-person concert, consider streaming your partner’s favorite music or creating a custom playlist. (Shoutout to those parents old enough to remember burning CDs!)

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Take a Pottery Class

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Remember the 1990 romantic thriller flick Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore? Pottery wheel throwing was never the same. Channel your inner movie star at a pottery class or, if you’re the adventurous types, queue up some YouTube videos and bring some supplies home to craft together for a DIY Valentine’s Day date.

Working the clay together is a great way to bond with your partner. It gets you out of your routine and trying something new and who knows what all the hands-on action will lead to next? 

Make a New Meal Together

Valentine's Day date cooking together
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Going out for a Valentine’s Day date can be chaotic, especially at restaurants. You might run into overworked servers, overpriced prix-fixe menus, and a million two-tops crammed into tiny spaces. Trying to go out on a date during the holiday can be anything but romantic. Instead, cook a special meal for your partner or, choose a new meal or food you haven’t tried yet and prepare it together.

If neither of you is especially skilled in the kitchen, ordering a meal kit with pre-proportioned ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions can help take the stress out of the evening — and bring more of a sizzle.

Strap On Some Skates

Valentine's Day date roller skating
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Remember roller rinks? They are making a comeback, so hitting the rink for a nostalgic throwback can make for a super fun — if not downright hilarious — Valentine’s Day date. 

Check out your local roller rink for open skate options on Valentine’s Day. Or, inquire about booking a semi-private or private rink with some friends or loved ones if you’re worried about spills. If there are no roller rinks near you, consider lacing up a pair of ice skates instead. Pair skating, anyone?

Go Dancing

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Moms normally deal with the mucusy kind of boogies but many secretly want to bust a move. Make her dream come true and let her boogie on the dance floor instead. You can take a dance class, find a swanky ballroom, or have a dance party in your living room.

All that matters is she doesn’t have to force you or plan a thing. She simply gets to enjoy moving her body with yours to the beat of the music. And again, like the rest of our Valentine’s Day date ideas, dancing in the living room after you’ve put the kids to bed (a gift in itself!) is just as romantic as any venue. 

Recreate Your First Date

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Time to get sentimental! Surprise the love of your life by recreating your first romantic outing, whether that was a meal out or catching a movie. The best part? You get to eliminate the nerves, awkward pauses in the conversation, and the uncertainty.

What remains is two people who are committed to loving each other, and continuing to create a life together. Honestly, that’s something to celebrate every day, not only on Valentine’s Day.

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Get Gaming

Valentine's Day date game night
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This Valentine’s Day date is all fun and games, with some friendly competition thrown in, of course. We’re of the belief that a little bit of competition can be healthy for couples and for some, may even act as foreplay.

Choose from classics such as Monopoly or Chess, celebrate your favorite fandom such as Star Wars, or go on epic quests in Dungeons and Dragons. If your partner is already a digital gamer, grab a controller and step into their world for the night. It can be fun to share a new experience and get to know more about your partner in the process. 

Visit the Zoo

Valentine's Day date at zoo
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Sure, you may have visited the zoo with your kids, but it can be a much different experience to wander between the enclosures and learn about the natural world sans children.

Many zoos also double as botanical gardens so there is something for the plant-loving moms as well. Many zoos run specials near Valentine’s Day, so look into packages you can buy to make your date extra special, like behind-the-scenes animal encounters or dinner under the aquarium tunnel. 

Pamper Each Other

Valentine's Day date ideas massage
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Everyone needs some pampering every now and then, so what better time to show the one you love how much you appreciate them than on Valentine’s Day? Surprise them with the full self-care package with a massage, facial, pedicure, manicure. If you feel like it, maybe add in some extras, like a lash lift or red light therapy. 

Or, if you want to experience some pampering together, book a couples’ massage or manicure so you can be side-by-side and both come out feeling refreshed. For a more budget-friendly option, watch some simple videos on how to give a massage online, then stock up some oils and candles for a relaxing and romantic spa day at home.

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