On February 14th, there’s something in the air – but is it love or panic? Afterall, this $25.9 billion day certainly comes with expectations. There’s nothing wrong with a box of fancy chocolates and dinner at an upscale restaurant, but for one reason or another you may be looking for something unique to do on Valentines this year. 

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Perhaps you’ve grown tired of the conventional candlelit dinner routine, where the menu seems to follow a script regardless of the establishment. Or maybe you’re saving up for an elaborate proposal on a different day, and want a quieter, more intimate day to express your love. Whatever the reason, if you’re determined to break free from the cliches and create a Valentine’s experience as extraordinary as your love, here are some ideas to help you create a celebration that’s uniquely yours. 

Cherish Valentine’s Day with Free Experiences

Love shouldn’t come with a price-tag, and neither should anyone need to drain the bank account just to spend a day devoted to the ones you love. When it comes to creating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day date, sometimes less is more. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and create some space to enjoy each other, here are some free Valentines Day date ideas: 

Visit an Art Exhibit: Northwest Arkansas offers several free art venues including Crystal Bridges and The Momentary. From now until March 15, 2024, enjoy Beeple at the Momentary, where you can also enjoy a sip of coffee at Onyx afterwards or grab a bite to eat from the Momentary Food Truck. Missouri residents, check out the Kemper Museum of Art. 

Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt: On Valentine’s Day, don’t let love be the only thing you’re looking for. A street art scavenger hunt is a wallet-friendly date idea that offers the ideal setting to stroll hand-in-hand while creating shared moments together. Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri all offer a vibrant urban canvas, start your Street Art Scavenger Hunt here. 

Give Geocaching a Try: What’s love without a little mystery sprinkled in? Go on a real-life treasure hunt for a date way cooler than dinner and movie with geocaching. Not sure how to get started? It’s super easy and anyone can do it, we’ve spelled it out in our Geocaching for Beginners Guide. 

End the day of free fun with a classic, yet intimate picnic. Pack a cozy blanket, your favorite snacks or charcuterie, and a bottle of bubbly for the perfect finale to a day filled with love, laughter, and a dash of adventure by sharing a meal outdoors together. 

Grab this backpack picnic basket to carry along the way. The shoulder straps make lugging it around all day a breeze and it has every compartment, including an insulated food area and blanket holder, to ensure you’re all set for a romantic meal under nature’s canvas.

Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Date Experiences

In my opinion, a good date is about the connection created, not the money spent. The best Valentine’s Day dates are memories made, not bought. Use these suggestions to laugh, create, and play your way into a memorable celebration of love. 

Share a Laugh at a Comedy Club: Head to a local comedy club for a night filled with laughter. Many local comedy clubs offer budget-friendly shows that provide the perfect environment for shared giggles in a lighthearted atmosphere. 

Learn Something New Together: Paint the town – literally! Attend a drop-in art class such as Pinspiration or Painting with a Twist. Let the strokes of your brush create a story of your shared moments together. Want a more family-friendly atmosphere? Check out these kid-friendly drop-in art classes. 

Let Your Inner Child Out: Relive the joy of your youth with a trip to the arcade, Dave and Busters, or a classic bowling night. These low-key Valentine’s Day dates add an element of fun and nostalgia to your celebrations. Here are 12 more places to find a little nostalgic fun and here’s 12 unique dining experiences (including train-delivered trays and skydiving restaurants).

Valentine’s Day Grand Gestures

Of course, there are times when love does call for grand gestures of expression. Take your romance to new heights and sweep your date off their feet with these elaborately planned occasions. 

Leap Out of a Plane for Love: Go beyond ordinary with a thrilling skydiving adventure. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience together that will surely have you reaching for a thankful embrace once you’re on the ground again. Read about our family’s skydiving experience in the Ozarks and plan your trip first here. 

Take a Helicopter Ride: What’s more romantic than a helicopter ride? Whether it’s a sunset tour or a city lights flight, a helicopter ride is the grand gesture promising breathtaking views and moments of shared awe. Find out more with FlyARH.

Get Away with Glamping: Take your love to nature’s grand stage with a glamping retreat. Glamping allows for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle while enjoying the comforts of a cozy, stylish retreat. Discover the best glamping places in the Ozarks. 

For My Anti-Valentine Action

Let’s face it, not all of us are looking to be struck by Cupid’s bow. If you’re less than enthused by this lover’s day tradition, celebrate your way with an Anti-Valentine’s Day (trust me, that’s a thing). Here are some edgy alternatives for a little love rebellion. 

Go Axe-Throwing: Grab a sharp blade, channel your inner warrior, and maybe tape a picture to the wall to unleash your frustrations with each satisfying thud as the axe hits the target. It’s not just an activity, it’s a cathartic experience that says, “Take that, Valentine’s norms!”

Rage it Out: Smash away heartache blues in a rage room! Pick your weapon and let loose on breakable items that symbolize everything you’d rather leave behind. This anti-Valentine activity is the perfect outlet for venting that leaves you feeling liberated. 

My Bloody Valentine Haunted House: My Bloody Valentine Haunted House is hosted by The Darkness in St. Louis Missouri. Trade hearts and flowers for heart-pounding scares and eerie surprises. Into haunts? Get ahead of the game with all of the area’s best attractions. 

What Will You Do for Love this Year?

In the end, whether your heart beats for the conventional or you’re an anti-Valentine king or queen, the essence of this day lies in expressing love, whether that’s self-love or loving others.

It’s about creating moments that resonate with you and your partner and sharing the uniqueness of your connection. Create a love story that unfolds this Valentine’s Day in a way that feels right for you, because after all, love is a celebration as unique as each heartbeat.