If you’re a tired mom like me, planning for date night out can be a daunting task. Especially for Valentines Day when you really want to go all out for the one you love. So, I’ve done some of the work for you and put together an easy list of ideas to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. If you prefer to stay home, I also included some ideas to make your date night in just as special as going out.
Romantic Places to Eat
This is an obvious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day but if you don’t get out much, here are some nice local spots for date night.
Bridge Street Social – 107 S Bridge Street, DeWitt
Since we live in DeWitt, this is our go-to date night out spot. It’s fancy without being pretentious and the atmosphere inside is so cozy. The food is amazing, they have great cocktails, plus a huge selection of beer and wine. They’re only open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and seating is limited, so a reservation is recommended.
Toscana – 3170 E Michigan Avenue, Lansing
Toscana is an Italian bistro slash European marketplace located on the edge where East Lansing and Lansing meet. Their dining experience is complete with tasting rooms where you can try wine pairings, olive oils, pasta, cheese, and more. If you prefer the day date vibe, they also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Reserve a table here.
Ohana – 707 Brookside Drive, Lansing
If you’re looking for a new sushi place to try, check out Ohana. It’s right off Saginaw on Lansing’s west side. They have all you can eat for $29.95 per person and it includes basically everything on their menu. There are plenty of tables inside but if you’re going out on February 14, call ahead just in case at 517-993-9988.
Guided Painting for Two
Wine & Canvas – 580 Frandor Avenue, Lansing
If you’re looking to get creative with your love this Valentine’s Day, try Wine & Canvas in Frandor. They are hosting two Valentine’s Day date nights but you can find all of their classes on their website. Tickets are $38/person and include all the necessary supplies, live instruction, and a 16×20 wrapped, take-home canvas. Wine/wine cocktails, beer, water, and pop are available to purchase in the studio.
These are the two Valentine’s Day date night options they are hosting:
Love Date Night
Sunday, February 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Love Trees Date Night (50% off bottles of wine)
Wednesday, February 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Date Night at Spare Time
Spare Time – 3101 East Grand River Avenue, Lansing
If you are looking for a fun, action-packed date night, grab your partner and your game face and head to Spare Time. They have just about everything including bowling, axe throwing, arcade games, escape rooms, and more. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. They also serve food and drinks in case you work up an appetite while you’re there.
Subscription Box Night
There are endless varieties subscription boxes out there. Find one that appeals to you and your partner and open it together for Valentine’s Day. We’ve enjoyed the murder mystery “To Hunt a Killer” boxes together in the past, but there are tons of options if that doesn’t sound fun to you. You could try a food box (think international snacks, cheese or chocolate), or an adult beverage subscription (wine, beer or cocktails), self-care, arts and crafts, or literally anything that fits your interests. Sign up and plan your date night once your new subscription box arrives.
Game Night
There are tons of different two-player games that would be perfect for a fun date night at home. Here’s some to try:
Board/tabletop games
- Let’s Get Deep
- Forklift Frenzy
- Catapult Feud
- Movie Mind
- Trophies Card Game
Check out @games.4two on Instagram for more ideas on games to play together.
Video games
If you have a Nintendo Switch at home try Overcooked or Goose Game with your partner. They’re both silly and easy to play with two players. Mario Kart is always a fun pick, too.
Movie Night In
You can go as big or small as you want on this one. Pick a movie or show that you and your partner haven’t seen yet and then get your preferred theater snacks ready. For us, that always includes popcorn and sometimes our favorite candy, too. My husband takes his popcorn very seriously, and will bust out his mini theater-style popper for special occasions.
