How to Plan a Valentine’s Date If You’re Stuck in a Rut

Planning a date for Valentine’s Day is tricky. You want it to be special, but roses and a reservation feels cliché. Stay in and cook dinner together if you want—but if you’re looking to get out and do something a little different this year, we’ve got some ideas to get you started.

(On the other hand, if you DGAF about romance, we have date ideas for you, too.)

Create a date jar: This is a good one if you’re both indecisive—you can do it either as an activity with your partner, or you can surprise them with a jar full of your own ideas. As you can see on this TikTok, you’ll need a jar, some craft sticks, markers, and simple date ideas that you color-code in a range of categories, such as stay-at-home dates, going out ideas, affordable dates, expensive dates, and planning-required dates.

Download the Official app: This app can help you come up with ideas for dates based on your location and common interests. Think of it like Tinder, but instead of swiping on people, you’re both swiping on date ideas curated for your area. Whichever date ideas you both like will show up as a “match.” And if you have your own date ideas for your area, you can share them on the app for other couples to enjoy.

Let someone else do the entertaining: Why put all the entertainment pressure on yourself when there are plenty of folks out there willing to do it for you? Snag yourself tickets to a comedy or improv club, a local concert, a play or musical, or a basketball game.

Choose fresh air: Winter is often synonymous with being stuck inside—but for one day, you can change that. Go for a hike (bonus points if you bring along a nice picnic); explore the Main Street of a nearby town you’ve never visited; go skiing or snow-tubing; or just set up the fire pit in the backyard and roast marshmallows together.

Gamify your date: If ever there were a day to get playful, Valentine’s Day is probably it. There’s mini-golf, bowling, archery, and axe-throwing, of course. Or if you’re both competitive, challenge them to a game of racquetball at your gym. Loser buys dinner afterward.

Escape a room—or rage in a room: Escape rooms have been popular for several years (and rightfully so—they’re fun as hell). But if you’ve never heard of a rage room, you’re really missing out. As the name implies, it’s basically a room where you get to destroy everything in sight. If you’re comfortable with your partner seeing you at peak stress-relieving rage, this could be a good time.

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