How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Are you an all in, rose petals on the bed, personalised poem kinda person, or do you think Valentine’s Day is overrated and overpriced and there are far better ways to show someone you love them than giving in to the mass hype that surrounds this one day of the year?
The reality is, none of us needs a bunch of expensive roses that’ll die within a week, or a fluffy teddy hugging a satin heart embossed with ‘I love you’. If you’re doing Valentine’s gifts you need to do them properly. I’m thinking cute pink red clothing sets, maybe a bit of jewellery, or I wouldn’t turn down a box of posh chocs, if I’m being completely honest.
But the thing is, as I get older I realise that time spent with my husband, is way more precious to me than any physical gift. Because life is super busy, right? Especially if you’ve got kids and you work and you have other life stuff going on. We get to the end of some weeks and I’ve barely even spoken to him let alone spent any proper quality time together. Which is why I wanted to share with you some Valentine’s Day date ideas with you. And more importantly, Valentine’s Day date ideas that go beyond the classic dinner reservation. Because let’s be honest, no one needs to be paying three times the usual price for a meal just because it’s the 14th of February!
Here are 5 Valentine’s Day date ideas that are all about spending time together, having fun, and making memories.
Outdoor Climbing
I am an active girly, so the perfect date for me involves doing something physical and if it pushes me out of my comfort zone a little, even better. I’ve tried outdoor climbing a couple of times now: once on a via ferrata trail in the Scottish highlands, and a couple of times on the treetop courses in my local forest. That’s the beauty of climbing, you can scale it up or scale it down depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
When it comes to climbing, safety is obviously key. Most climbing companies will provide all the necessary equipment like harnesses, ropes, and clips etc. so you won’t need to worry about that. But you will need to think about what clothes and footwear you wear. Shoes should be comfortable and grippy. It can be really slippery when you climb and even though your safety gear will prevent you from falling, it can feel pretty unnerving if you can’t steady yourself properly.
Climbing shoes are the ideal choice, as they act like a second skin, offering support while also allowing you to feel the surface underneath which gives better grip. If you don’t have those, a decent pair of trail running outdoor shoes with good grip will work just fine. And you should wear comfortable clothes, that aren’t too baggy. Running leggings and a sweat wicking top are perfect. Oh, and remember to have your waterproofs with you in case it rains. As you can see from the photo, it absolutely bucketed it down when we went, but that all adds to the fun!
As Valentines Day date ideas go, outdoor climbing is a great choice. It’s fun, adrenaline-filled, and guaranteed to give you plenty to talk about afterwards.
Pottery Class
If outdoor climbing feels a little extreme, a pottery class could be the perfect alternative.
As well as enjoying leading an active lifestyle, I also love all things arts and crafts. And what I love even more, is to share these passions with my husband and watching him enjoy them just as much as I do.
Pottery lessons are a brilliant option if you lead a busy, stressful life. Let me tell you, an hour sat at a potter’s wheel, hands in clay, focusing purely on making something that vaguely resembles a pot is honestly one of the most relaxing, mindful activity you can do.
The studio we went to offered either one-off sessions or a short course to develop your skills. We spent a morning making pots of various shapes and sizes (my husband even made a mug and I managed a small vase) before choosing our coloured glazes and leaving them with the left potter to fire them in the kiln. A few weeks later we collected them and we now have six beautifully mismatched pots dotted around our house. They are a lovely reminder of our wonderful date. Time spent together, creating, laughing, and maybe having a go at reenacting that famous scene from Ghost. Well, it would be rude not to, right?!
Hiking
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most meaningful date ideas are completely free.
As dog owners, we love going for walks and we’re very fortunate that where we live there are plenty of forest trails and well-marked hiking routes. It’s a chance for us to talk without distraction, to reconnect, and there’s something about being out in nature that just makes you feel good.
All you need for a successful Valentine’s Day hike is a planned route, comfortable outdoor shoes, waterproofs, snacks, and a water bottle. And if you can plot a route that includes one or two pub stops along the way, even better.
Golf
Neither myself nor my husband are golfers. We play a mean crazy golf, but actual golf… hmmm yeah Tiger Woods we are not. But who says you have to be good at something to enjoy it? It’s all about having run, right?
This photo was taken on holiday in Turkey last year. Yeah I know, I’m not wearing golf clothing and I definitely don’t have on the right footwear, mainly becasue when I packed I wasn’t exactly envisaging playing golf as part of the holiday. And yet we played golf.
And we had a right laugh. Missing holes, dodging sprinklers, driving golf buggies, all while topping up the tan and absorbing some vital vitamin D. What’s not to love?
OK, so admittedly this isn’t your average golf date. As far as Valentine’s Day date ideas go, a luxury trip to Turkey for a round of golf is pushing it somewhat in the budget department. But my point is, playing golf with your loved one is a fantastic opportunity for some alone time, a chance to talk, to get a little competitive, and to finish up in the clubhouse afterwards for a debrief.
And hey, if proper golf really ain’t your thing, there is a lot to be said about crazy golf. Might stick to that myself from now on actually!
Kid Stuff
And finally, I’ve saved the best of my Valentine’s Day date ideas until last. Yep, this is me and my husband in a giant ball pit. Because who said only the kids can enjoy all the fun stuff!
Ball pits, escape rooms, inflatable assault courses, outdoor gyms, swings, sensory play, slides, trampolines… there are so many things us big kids can enjoy just as much as the little kids. Some soft play centres even run adult only sessions in the evenings and will often have a bar if you fancy a drink afterwards.
Because when else in life do we give ourselves permission to let ourselves go so freely, and to laugh so uncontrollably, and to let the joy burst out of us. And when you feel relaxed and in the moment like this, it reminds you exactly what it is you love about one another and what a great relationship you have that you can share moments like this together.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the love you have for one another. It’s a chance to slow down, spend time together, and appreciate all the little things that make your relationship special.
And yes, of course you could do that any day of the year, but we don’t always make time for it, do we? Valentine’s Day gives us the nudge we sometimes need.
I hope these Valentine’s Day date ideas have inspired you to think beyond dinner and flowers, and instead choose something fun, different, and meaningful, something that celebrates you as the wonderful couple you are.
*post written as a gifted collaboration with adidas
Happy Valentine’s Day
Author Bio
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher, and blog strategy coach. She is also one half of the Bex & Ben duo who help small business owners take control of their websites and content within their OWN IT Membership.
She continually strives to promote a realistic, sustainable and positive image of how to lead a healthy life. When she’s not writing she can be found running through muddy puddles, talking in funny voices to her dogs, and renovating her house in the forest.