Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for some free romantic activities to do with your significant other, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are 14 ideas that will sweep them off their feet and make this Valentine’s Day one they’ll never forget.
And for a more wintery list for all of us in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere, there are 5 bonus dates coming up at the end of the article.
From taking a romantic hike to cooking a delicious dinner at home, we have something for everyone.
Get ready to stoke those romantic flames with these fun and free date ideas!
1. Go Stargazing
Stargazing together on a crisp Valentine’s night (depending on where you live!) will kindle any flame of romance.
Relax with your partner, wrap yourselves in blankets, and find constellations and planets within the vast sky.
To make it even more romantic, bring some hot chocolate for when you need a break from celestial exploration.
Discovering the secrets of the cosmos is even more fun with a telescope or a map of the constellations in the February skies.
2. Have a Movie Night
What could be sweeter than a special movie night together?
And having both parties involved in choosing the movie together is a meaningful part of the experience.
Get cozy on the couch in matching pajamas and fuzzy blankets, with plenty of snacks. Pop some popcorn for a movie treat before dimming the lights and cuddling up to watch something special that you both enjoy.
A movie night is just one of many ways to show each other love, but with such an awesome excuse to be cuddly, it’s sure to make any night especially romantic.
3. Give A Massage
Planning massages for one another is a kind and sensual way to express how much you care.
During the massage, focus on and ease away their stress. Start by gently pressing their back and shoulders, and warming up their muscles.
Use essential oils to create a soothing aroma that will add to a deeper relaxation. Dimmed lighting, soft music, and gentle massage strokes will further add to the atmosphere of romance.
By taking your time and paying attention to each body part you massage, your romantic massage will be remembered forever!
Give your partner a good half hour to enjoy their relaxed state before experiencing your massage, and… enjoy!
4. Take Romantic Couples Selfies
Couples selfies are a fun way to tangibly show your love for one another.
Couples can take a selfie on Valentine’s day with a beautiful backdrop, lovingly created by you (superstar partner), or in nature, or just chillin’ on the couch!
The trick is not just in taking the selfie, but in printing it and displaying it!
Taking photos together is a reminder- and printing them and displaying them cutely- of those special moments you shared.
5. Make a Couples Bucket List
For couples looking to plan a romantic activity, creating a couples bucket list is a FUN way to explore the possibilities.
Full of unique ideas and activities, couples can pick and choose moments for them to cherish together-get your free Bucket List printable.
From visiting Paris at Christmas and stargazing from a beach in Bora-Bora or embarking on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, couples can customize everything they want their timeline to look like.
Whether it’s date night cooking classes, couples spa days, or white water rafting down the Nile River, the only limit is your imagination!
Crafting dreams together builds strong bonds of trust and communication… but let’s not forget the FUN part!
6. Take a Moonlight Drive
A moonlight drive is the quintessential romantic outing.
It’s a perfect way to spend some quality time with your significant other, especially if you don’t have a lot of opportunities to get away.
A drive along a scenic route that winds through forests and fields or even one that hugs the coastline will give you beautiful views and memories.
And don’t forget the coffee!
7. Write Down Your Honest Thoughts Together
Writing a letter to the one you love is arguably one of the most romantic gestures out there. It’s also rare these days, and therefore, more thoughtful and special.
Slowing down and taking the time to commit to paper how you both feel can be incredibly meaningful, emotionally and sentimentally.
The letters should also be written entirely by hand, and preferably on thick, quality paper–not only will it make your words seem more sincere, but having something tangible that was created with your own two hands can be a lasting reminder of just how much someone means to you.
8. Have a Couples Spa Night
Stepping out of our ordinary routine and into a romantic escape is something that we all desire from time to time.
What better way to have a truly special moment than to have a spa night together? This intimate gesture triggers an emotional connection, setting the ideal mood for romance.
It can also be just an easy-going, pampering, and laughter-filled evening.
There are loads of things you can do together such as relaxing in a sauna, having a bubble bath, doing manicures and pedicures, and applying sheet masks.
Don’t forget the tea and chocolate!
9. Make Dinner Together
There’s something particularly romantic about making dinner together.
The simple act of working side-by-side in the kitchen can be a bonding experience, giving you both a chance to slow down and appreciate each other.
Make it even better by selecting the meal together; either a favorite dish of yours or your partner’s or something new you would both love to try. The skies are the limit, the world of cuisine is your oyster.
Have fun, play some music, set a pretty table, and light some candles for the perfect atmosphere- and really immerse yourself in the moment.
Bon Appetit!
10. The Gift of Poetry
Poetry is the language of love, and a carefully crafted poem can be an incredibly caring gesture.
Writing poems for one another is a great way to add a romantic touch to any evening.
Use your words to describe the emotion you feel for your partner and write something unique based on your experience together.
Incorporate words that come from both of your hearts, such as memories that have special meaning for the two of you or something about them that you find irresistible.
Thoughtful lines expressed through gentle verse will surely make your loved one swoon but like most of us, if you’re no poet, you can also make it fun.
And remember… do not judge the other person’s writing ability- because even limericks can be cute and funny!
11. Have an Indoor Picnic
Out of so many romantic gestures, a picnic has to be one of the top contenders.
There’s something intimate about having a picnic where you can appreciate your surroundings from a different perspective.
To make the picnic authentic, find yourself a blanket, put together your favorite foods, pick out some whimsical music to play in the background, and spark up some tea lights.
And don’t forget a delicious dessert to share with your special someone!
12. Play a Game Together
Nothing brings two people closer together like a board game night for a memorable date night.
Set the perfect ambiance with beverages, snacks, and background tunes. Then choose your favorite board game among the many, to explore with one another.
As you become immersed in the game and some friendly competition, all the laughs, and teasing banter will create an atmosphere you’re going to want to continue again and again.
A board game date is both fun and romantic – it really is the perfect combination!
13. Dance in Each Other’s Arms
Dancing can be a sometimes rare, but nonetheless great experience for both partners.
The physical connection that comes with dance – the closeness, the touch, and even just the presence of the other person in your arms or near you, gazing into each other’s eyes– creates a deep emotional bond.
And it CAN BE A HOWL!!!
Have a laugh! Find a great dance tutorial on Youtube and learn the salsa, the tango, the YMCA, or even a country line dance!
Dancing doesn’t have to be a serious, swooning, snoozefest- and those exercise endorphins will keep you going all night!
14. A Moonlight Swim
Swimming together is such a great experience, but sadly most of us cannot do so in February. So if you’re in a locale where you can- take advantage of your great weather and go for it!
Just think- the starlit sky above, the feel of the mild water beneath, and you both enjoying the refreshing serenity of the water.
To elevate your dip a notch, bring along some summer vibe music, add some mood lighting, and maybe even have some strawberries or champagne in reach.
And if you DON’T happen to live in Australia where they have gorgeous February weather 😉 see below for free winter dates!
As Promised, Here Are Your 5 Winter Bonus Dates!
1. Go For a Winter Hike
Wrap up in your warmest gear and explore some nearby nature trails.
This is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while spending time together.
Be sure to bring along a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee to keep you warm!
2. Build a Snowman
Building a snowman is a classic winter activity that’s perfect for couples!
Get outside and enjoy the snow while spending some quality time together.
Don’t forget to take some pictures of your creation once you’re done.
3. Go Ice Skating
Head to your local rink and enjoy an afternoon of skating hand-in-hand.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even try some figure skating moves! This is a great way to have some fun while getting a little exercise.
4. Hot Cocoa Date Night
Bundle up, grab some woolen blankets, and get cozy with a thermos of hot cocoa or tea and some s’mores. Enjoy the evening outdoors by building a bonfire, or firing up the grill outdoors for a winter bbq.
5. Sledding
Get decked up in your snow gear, grab a few sleds, and head to the nearest hill for an afternoon of laughs and good times.
And that’s it- Enjoy a single activity or combine several of these ideas for one unforgettable night of romantic bliss- without breaking the bank!
But Hey, Did You Know…?
Historically, Valentine’s Day has been a time for lovers to exchange tokens of their affection, and some of the loveliest valentine’s gifts held special meanings.
A delicate-hearted bouquet of violets, for instance, was said to represent faithfulness and everlasting love.
Likewise, a gift of rosemary represented remembrance while daisies were known as symbols of beauty and innocence.
As a beloved tribute to these romantic customs, it is always nice on Valentine’s Day to share something meaningful with your partner that they can keep forever.
Fun Facts
1. The holiday of Valentine’s Day was likely named after a Christian saint named Valentine.
2. The first recorded association between Valentine’s Day and romantic love is in a poem by Charles, the Duke of Orleans in 1415.
3. The holiday became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, when it was believed that the birds began to mate on February 14th.
4. Today, teachers are the recipients of more valentines than anyone!
5. More than 250 million roses are grown for the holiday each year.
Conclusion
Everyone has their own definition of romance, and truly special moments come when a romantic action is made personal and creative.
From intimately making an evening meal together to dedicating a song of your love on the radio (BONUS-not on the list), there are so many ways to make something meaningful for you both.
A shared experience can be just as pleasant, like taking in the beauty of nature during a long walk or having a night out based on one another’s interests.