Telling someone you love them is a huge milestone in any relationship. What if it’s too soon? What if they don’t say it back? What if you scare them off? It’s understandable if you want to take a little longer before taking that plunge.

Still, when your heart is ready to spill over, it’s difficult to hold the words in. Once you realize you’re in love, you want to express what you are feeling. You want them to know how much they mean to you.

Eventually you’ll be ready to tell them that you love them. Until then, there are numerous ways to let them know how you feel.

With Your Words

“Did you eat?”

This is a great way to show that you are concerned with their physical well-being. It also lets them know that you pay attention to the little things about their day – like the fact that they were so busy that they forgot to stop for lunch. If they answer no, follow up with the offer to make them a quick snack.

“Text me when you get there.”

This sweet sentence is a heartwarmer! With just 6 words, you are demonstrating how much you care about them and think of their safety. It’s also a good way of showing that you respect their independence – you’re fine with them going out and doing their thing; you just want to be sure that they’re safe after.

“You’re beautiful inside and out.”

What a lovely thing to say to someone you love. It places equal emphasis on their physical and emotional beauty. You’re not denying the physical attraction, but you’re also letting them know that your feelings run deeper than that.

“I’m so happy to have you in my life!”

Who wouldn’t want to hear that? One of the main goals in any relationship should be happiness. By letting them know they make you happy, you are letting them know that you have faith in your relationship moving forward.

“I smile when I think of you.”

Wow, this one is doubly effective! First, you’re telling them, subtly, that you think of them. This makes them feel like they have your attention even when they’re not around. Then, you’re following that up by letting them know that when you do think of them, it puts a smile on your face. And who doesn’t want to be the source of happy thoughts?

“You’re my best friend!”

Physical attraction is one thing. But to combine that with friendship takes your relationship to a much higher level. It means you’re comfortable with them, trust them, and want to spend time with them. There’s nothing so sweet as being best friends with your romantic partner.

“I miss you.”

You can say this at any time; it still packs a powerful punch. Maybe working late has kept you apart all week. Maybe it was weekend obligations that made it difficult to see each other. Or maybe, you saw each other yesterday and miss them already! Whatever the case, it’s always lovely to let them know how much you enjoy having them in your life, and miss them when they’re not there.

“Maybe you should grab a jacket.”

While this may not seem as romantic as some of the phrases above, it’s actually still quite tender. You’re showing how much you care about their comfort. You’re also letting them know that you always notice their quirks, like the fact that they get chilly easily.

“How’s your…?”

If they’ve been talking about a physical ailment, anything from a sore throat to tired muscles, it really shows your love when you follow up. Asking someone how they’re feeling is always nice, but asking specific questions about something that’s been bothering them shows that you’ve been paying attention to your conversations.

“What did your boss think of…?”

It took a certain level of trust of them to open up to you about their work life. By listening, remembering, and then asking them about it, it shows that you are worthy of that trust. It also shows that you want to participate in all aspects of their life.

“Drive safe.”

This one’s a classic – you might expect to hear it just as often from your mother or best friend as you would from someone you’re dating. Still, there’s a reason people say this to those they love – it implies concern and care.

“I made your favorite meal.”

Now this one is extra sweet! You took the time to find out what their favorite meal is, then looked up the recipe and made it for them. This one really shows a whole new level of attention. Of course, if their favorite meal is much too complicated, you could always get takeout and surprise them. It’ll be just as well received!

“Let me help.”

Another one of those three-little-words that mean so much. Offering to help someone gives them your time, attention, and efforts. It also shows that you want to make their lives easier. Offering to help is especially significant because you aren’t offering to do the work for them. Helping implies working together – deepening the bond between the two of you.

With Your Actions

Write Them a Love Letter

It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable saying your feelings aloud. You can still let them know how you feel by writing them a love letter. It doesn’t have to contain the l-word, either. You can simply let them know how much you enjoy spending time with them, or share one of your favorite memories of the two of you. Regardless of what you write, they will read it over and over again!

Fill up Their Gas Tank

This is such a thoughtful thing to do! Making their life easier is a sure-fire way of showing your love. If you have a little bit of extra time, you can also run their car through the gas station’s car wash, or vacuum the inside. Taking care of even the most minor part of their lives – their car – shows that you are taking care of them.

Make/Buy Them a Cup of Coffee

What a great way to make sure their day is off to the perfect start! You’re saying, hey, I think of you from the very first moment of my morning. And if you get their coffee just right, it shows how much attention you pay to every little thing about them.

Do a Chore for Them

If your loved one is working late or running errands, doing a quick chore for them won’t go unnoticed. It’s thoughtful, helpful, and considerate. It doesn’t have to be anything major, but even doing something small is a generous act on your part.

Remember a Special Date

It doesn’t always have to be a huge milestone like their birthday or a holiday. Celebrate something cute and sweet like your “monthiversary” or the 3-month mark of the first time you kissed. They’ll be touched that you remembered such a small but important detail.

Share a Hobby

Maybe you’ll join them in their hobby; maybe you’ll ask them to participate in yours. Either way, reaching for common ground and shared interests is a good thing. You’re demonstrating how much you want to spend some extra time together and learn more about what interests each of you.

Give a Birthstone Gift

It’s not about the price of the present; this doesn’t have to be an expensive gift. A birthstone gift shows a thoughtfulness that goes way beyond shopping. It shows you remembered their birthdate and took the time to find out the accompanying birthstone.ppppppppppp

Buy Tickets

Whether it’s the theater, sports, or your favorite local band, buy tickets for the two of you to enjoy a special evening. It doesn’t even matter what the event is. Planning a special date to do something you both love will deepen your relationship by creating fun memories together.

Share a Book

You can give them a copy of your favorite book or pick a new book for the two of you to read together. The point is to exchange philosophies and ideas and find something new to discuss. Your desire to share an intellectual connection will show them how much you value their insight.

Add Candles

A candlelight dinner doesn’t have to be just for special occasions. Even an ordinary Tuesday night can feel like a special occasion if you’re with the right person. So pull out the best china, light some candles, and celebrate being with the one you love – even if you aren’t ready to say it aloud. And later when you are living together, you can use candles in your own Airbnb Date.

Fill a Jar with 50 Things You Love About Them

This is an especially fun gift to give someone! They will love your thoughtfulness and that you took the time to write out all those little notes. You don’t have to be over the top romantic. Just a little note that says you love that they make you hot chocolate on a cold night shows how much you appreciate them.

Take Them on a Picnic

This may seem like a casual date, but a spontaneous picnic is sweet and fun. It can be fancy – think candles and something yummy from your favorite bistro. Or you can go casual with light snacks and a frisbee. The only thing that matters here is that you took the time to plan something for the two of you to enjoy alone.

Bring Them Food

There are times when they’ll be so busy at work or with their personal life that it may seem like they barely have time to take care of themselves. If that’s the case, dropping by with a quick snack shows how much you care about their wellbeing. Even if they don’t have too much time, they’ll know how much they mean to you when you show up with takeout from their favorite restaurant!

With Your Time

Watch Their Favorite Shows

A solid relationship is built on compromise. But every once in a while, it’s nice to let the other person decide where they want to go or what they want to watch. Even if you aren’t crazy about their favorite show, make some popcorn and offer to watch it with them. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up loving it, too!

Pet-sit for the Weekend

If you’re not quite ready for the L-word, then you’re definitely not ready for babies! But the two of you can lavish some love on a fur-baby. Offer to pet-sit together for a friend or family member, or sign up with an online service. It’s a sweet and cuddly way to share affection and love.

Work on a DIY Project Together

You don’t have to remodel your entire kitchen! Just taking on a DIY project together, even a small one, shows that you want to integrate them into your projects. Even something as simple as painting a wall builds a strong spirit of collaboration and shows you think of them as your teammate.

Make a Collage or Memory Book

Print out all those selfies you’ve taken together, and you’ll have a sweet souvenir of all your best memories. You can include photos, postcards from places you’ve been, ticket stubs, playbills… the list is endless. It shows how much you cherish the memories you’ve already made. You can even include a sweet note to let them know how much you’re looking forward to making even more memories together!

Spend Time with Them in Nature

Spending quality time someplace tranquil is a peaceful way of showing your love. It can be something as simple as a walk or hike together. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always try kayaking or horseback riding. The point is to be away from other distractions – especially cell phones. Show them you love them by concentrating on only them.

Pick Them up at the Airport

If they had to go out of town without you, let them know how much you missed them by picking them up at the airport. Don’t just wait at the pickup line – park and go inside to meet them. They’ll feel so loved when they realize you just couldn’t wait any longer to see them!

Make Them a Special Playlist

It doesn’t need to be all love songs – although a few wouldn’t hurt! Make a playlist filled with songs that mean something, like a song you sing together in the car, or the song that was playing on your first date. If they’ve been stressed out at work, put together a playlist with some chill vibes they can play on the way to the office. Music can be the language of love!

Look at the Stars Together

Stargazing can be as romantic as you make it! It can be a simple date, just going right outside the door. But if you’re feeling more creative, bring a blanket and drive to someplace away from the city lights: a field, the beach, anywhere that lets the stars shine through. If you want to really go the extra step on this one, find out their astrological constellation and point it out in the night sky.

Plan a Vacation

Vacation planning is fun! Pick a destination you’d both like to visit – preferably someplace new to both of you, so you can make fresh memories. Then go online together, finding the perfect hotel, restaurants, and activities. Not only are you showing them how much you enjoy spending time together, but by planning something that’s in the future, you’re letting them know that you view this as a long-term relationship.

With Your Texts

Send Them a Song

A YouTube link with a cute note lets them know you’re thinking of them, even when you’re both busy. Find a song by their favorite artist, or just something sweet that they’ll like. You don’t have to be overly romantic here – just sharing a song is enough to let them know they’re on your mind.

Share a Silly Picture

The couple that laughs together, stays together! Laughter and silliness are important in keeping your relationship fresh and fun. You can send them a silly selfie (making a face, maybe?), a cute story that made you laugh during the day, or even just a funny meme. It lets them know that you enjoy sharing your laughter with them.

Ask About Their Day

If you know they had an important meeting, send them a quick text asking how it went. If they were meeting their parents for lunch, ask them to pass along your greetings. The point is to pay attention to key details about their day, and then send a text showing that you remembered and that you care.

Every relationship moves at its own pace, so it’s okay to wait a little longer before using the L-word. That doesn’t mean you don’t have strong feelings. With a little effort and imagination, you can let them know how you feel even before you’re ready to actually say it.

Valentine’s Day… the most romantic day of the year. Just reading those words is likely to conjure images of velvety roses, decadent chocolates, and jaw-dropping sunsets. It all sounds so tender. So beautiful. So… boring?

Let’s face it, traditional Valentine’s Day activities are nice, but not especially original. And as a couple, you deserve to do something unique, something that will create lasting memories. Something that will bring a smile when you recall it: “Remember the year we…”

And sure, that could happen at your typical Valentine’s dinner at a fancy restaurant. But it’s more likely to happen when you think beyond conventions.

Take a moment to think about who you truly are as a couple before making your big plans for Valentine’s Day. Are you thrill seekers? Animal lovers? Puzzle solvers? Whatever your couple vibe may be, there is a date out there for you. To help you pick just the right date, we’ve put together our “14 for the 14th” list of unique date ideas.

1. Go Karting

Did you ever try go-karting as a kid? Do you remember laughing into the wind as you navigated the twisting track? Now imagine trying it with a date, with your hearts racing and smiles spreading as you wait for the green light to “Go!” Sounds pretty good, right? That’s because it is. Go-karting is an interactive, laugh-filled date.

Before you pick a track, do your homework. Go online and look at pictures of the track. The best tracks have a number of twists and turns to challenge even the best driver. This will only add to the excitement of driving a go-kart. You and your date can race each other and the other drivers – just for fun, nothing too intense!

Go-karting is a relatively safe activity, as long as you follow the track’s safety guidelines. You don’t need any prior experience to go-kart. In fact, most slow- to medium-speed tracks don’t even require a driver’s license. You and your Valentine’s Day date will, however, be asked to sign a liability waiver and wear a helmet.

Go-kart tracks can be indoors or outdoors. There are two types of go-kart tracks. The first one is usually attached to some sort of arcade or mini-golf attraction. These go-karts are designed to be fun and easy for all ages. The second type of go-kart track is a stand-alone track. These usually attract a more intense clientele, people who are there to race and win. They are intent on speed and completely focused on the race.

Since you are taking your Valentine’s Date with you, you should probably choose option A. You and your sweetie can still have all of the fun of go-kart racing, without the competitiveness.

BEST FOR: Speed Demons

2. Paint & Sip

Feeling more like a finger-painting kindergartener than a budding Picasso? That’s okay, these instructor-led painting classes will bring out your inner artist. With clear, easy-to-follow directions, even painting newbies are sure to produce something that deserves a little wall space.

Upon arrival, you and your sweetie will be shown to your easel. Everything you need to enjoy the night is ready for you – paints, brushes, canvas, even a smock to keep your date night outfit paint-free. Other supplies – snacks and possibly a bottle of wine – are up to you. Just make sure you call ahead to be certain that alcohol is allowed on the premises.

Everyone in the group will be painting the same picture (another reason to sign up beforehand – you and your Valentine’s date can pick a painting you love). The instructor will patiently guide you through the entire painting process, offering suggestions and guidance along the way. If it sounds monotonous, don’t worry – it’s not! You will get plenty of freedom in color choices, and no two paintings ever turn out the same.

Unleashing your creativity creates a bond with you and your date. It’s romantic, in a “look what we did together” kind of way. When you’re done with your painting, ask your date if you can trade them and keep theirs. They might blush, but they’ll be flattered that you want to hang their artwork on your wall.

Most of these classes require reservations, so make sure you sign up online beforehand. This will also give you the chance to choose a night with just the right project. Sure, a sunset is beautiful, but there’s something about that cuddly sloth painting that will make your date feel like the “heart eyes” emoji!

BEST FOR: Creative Types

3. Paintball

It’s so romantic, it’s almost like a movie. Picture your date, pink-cheeked and breathless. You look them right in the eyes and with all the tender emotion you can muster – BANG! Direct paintball hit. Good thing your Valentine has a sense of humor…

Paintball might not be your usual pick for a Valentine’s Date, but it’s definitely one worth considering. It’s fun, exciting, laugh-filled, and you get to spend plenty of time in the fresh air with your Valentine.

Paintball is exercise – hiding, running, chasing. And we all know the saying: “exercise gives you endorphins.” But it’s more than just a saying, it’s a scientific fact. Exercise, including paintball, does help your body produce those feel-good emotions. What could be better than being with your Valentine while you are both in a post-exercise, endorphin-filled state of bliss?

Paintball will also create a strong sense of “us vs. them” if you decide to pair up against another team. There’s something about working together to fight a common enemy that just deepens your bond. It also showcases to your sweetie that you’ve got their back – literally, when you cover them as they run across the field.

Because paintball usually centers around capturing the opposite’s team flag, you and your Valentine’s Day date will also spend quite a bit of time strategizing – even more teamwork between you and your date.

Comfy clothes and sneakers are a given for a paintball date, so keep in mind the need to clean up if you intend to go out for dinner afterwards.

BEST FOR: Sharpshooters

4. Pet Shelter Visit

What could be a better playdate than actually playing – with puppies or kittens? We just couldn’t create this list without including our furry friends for an awwwww-inducing Valentine’s Day date.

Most shelters have more dogs than they do employees, and those dogs need to go for a stroll around the block several times a day. That creates a lot of opportunities for you and your sweetie to come to the rescue as volunteers. You can “borrow” one (or more!) of their dogs and take them for a long, brisk walk. Dogs do need to be walked more or less on a schedule, though, so make sure you call the shelter ahead of time to find out what times they need volunteers.

While you’re there, show your date your softer side while the two of you indulge in a puppy play session. Those lively fur babies have more energy than they know what to do with. Play fetch, chase them around, or just spend some quality time cuddling. Those puppy-dog eyes will be brimming with gratitude.

The dogs and cats won’t be the only ones to benefit from your volunteer time. You and your Valentine will get the physical benefits, sure: fresh air and exercise. But playing with a pet also has emotional benefits; it alleviates anxiety and reduces stress. Plus, you and your date will be creating tender memories together.

Just don’t blame us if you end up going home with a pet!

BEST FOR: Animal Lovers

5. Ice Skating

Ice skating might actually be the perfect winter date – it’s fun, it’s chilly, and you get to hold hands. What more would you want from a Valentine’s Date?

Depending on where you live, you can choose between indoor and outdoor options. If you’re ice skating outdoors, opt for layers. Sure, it may be cold outside, but once you start skating you’re bound to warm up pretty quickly. You’ll want to shed the scarf and jacket in no time. Speaking of what to wear, here’s a pro tip: make sure you wear extra-tall socks. If the skates are rubbing on your calves, they could leave a blister.

If you or your date have never ice skated before, try to choose a time that might not be as crowded – you’d be surprised at how fast a teen in hockey blades can whiz by you. Or opt for some skating lessons. Most ice skating rinks offer lessons for new skaters. We don’t want any injuries!

Of course, if you and your honey are both experienced ice skaters, you can liven things up a little bit more. Maybe a race? Or see who can skate backwards the furthest? A little healthy competition is a good thing, as long as you can both keep it fun and light.

Any kind of physical exercise you share with your Valentine will bring you closer together, as long as it’s something you both enjoy. Not only are you creating memories of times that you spent laughing and learning, but your brain will associate your sweetie with those exercise endorphins. When you think of them, you’ll remember how great you felt.

BEST FOR: Snow Bunnies

6. Non-Professional Sports

You and your sweetie don’t have to be the ones playing. It’s still considered a play date even if you’re watching someone else in action.

For this date, choose your local minor league or college team. The fans are rowdier, the tickets are more affordable, and the pretzels are just as tasty. Or, if you still live near your hometown, consider catching a high school game at your alma mater for the ultimate trip down memory lane

As for what to watch, you could pick a sport that you or your sweetie (or both of you!) love… but how about trying something completely different? If you’re both football diehards, try checking out the local college’s volleyball game. Or if you’re both big fans of college basketball, go watch your first minor league baseball game. You’ll be able to bond over learning all the rules to a new sport together.

Once you’ve picked the sport and team, it’s time for some fan apparel. Do a little sleuthing beforehand and find out the team colors, or surprise your honey on your date with a quick trip to the sports shop for some fan gear. Tee-shirts, baseball caps, and giant foam fingers are all fair game.

And sports are never complete without some serious snacking. Go ahead and indulge on your stadium treats. Let other couples go out to crowded restaurants, you and your sweetie are kids at heart who munch on Cracker Jacks, cotton candy, or nachos.

Want to up the ante? How about a little side bet? Don’t cheer for opposing teams; that would potentially make the date much too contentious. But you can make a friendly bet on the point spread, which player would score first, etc. Loser has to buy dessert after the game!

BEST FOR: The Fan Club

7. Video Game Arcade

Let’s go old school on this one… gather up your quarters and let’s play some Donkey Kong!

Video game arcades are an ideal date. You’re moving around, chatting, and motivating your date: “Don’t let the ghost eat you, Pac-man!” But make sure you don’t get so wrapped up in your own games that you end up ignoring your Valentine. Take breaks now and then from playing to touch base and hang out with your date. Or pick a game you can both rock at (Guitar Hero, anyone?) and take turns playing. Just because you’re having fun doesn’t mean it’s not a date, remember?

If retro isn’t your thing, how about a Virtual Reality (VR Cafe)? VR cafes have been popping up all over; there’s sure to be one near you. This is relatively new tech, so it’s quite possible that neither you nor your Valentine have ever tried VR. And doing something for the first time, together, is a lovely Valentine’s Day idea.

VR Cafes are a bit more expensive than the local video game arcade, but they’re worth it for something completely different. Bonus: you’ll get to see your sweetie looking silly in a bulky headset, reaching for objects that don’t exist and talking to people who aren’t there.

Another option along these lines is the gaming room concept. Unlike the video game arcade, which was filled with all different games, gaming rooms are usually just a setup of televisions with game consoles. You pay per hour, and can choose a video game to play, either together or separately. Sure, you have your Xbox at home, but now each of you gets your own tv!

BEST FOR: Gaming Geeks

8. Goat Yoga

We’ve talked about fitness, and we’ve talked about animals. Now it’s time to combine the two for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience: goat yoga.

Goat Yoga is pretty much the same as regular yoga, but there are baby goats walking around loose. You might be in the middle of holding your favorite pose and feel a little nudge by your side. Or you might have a little extra company when you hit the mat. Don’t worry – they’ll be gentle with you.

If the concept of yoga seems a little intimidating, don’t let it worry you. Most yoga studios offer classes that are adaptable for all levels. Talk to your instructor beforehand to let them know that you’re new – they can offer modifications for poses that require a little extra flexibility. And don’t try to impress your sweetie by pushing your body into any position that hurts. You’re there to have fun, not to injure yourself.

Don’t worry, either, about what to wear. Sure, your insta is full of yogis in their perfectly matched yogawear, but that’s just a photo, not reality. Wear something you can move around in, and you’ll be just fine. Just try to avoid wearing buttons to goat yoga!

One of the best things about goat yoga is that most classes are offered early on weekend mornings. When you’re done, you and your date can indulge in a yummy Valentine’s brunch and still have the rest of the day to enjoy together.

BEST FOR: The Enlightened Ones

9. Escape Room

So far, we’ve taken on a lot of physical exertion, but not much mental exercise. Well, escape rooms are here to change that.

Escape rooms are a relatively simple concept. Your group is locked in a room. The only way out is to find all the clues and solve them, so you can unlock the door and exit the escape room. You and your group will have to cooperate fully in order to piece together the clues. Oh, and it’s timed – you usually have only 60 minutes to escape. The pressure is on!

Pay attention to everything you see and hear from the moment you walk into your escape room. Even the instructions from your host could hold a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Escape rooms are notoriously messy. That’s because they are crammed with objects, making it even more difficult for you to determine what’s a clue versus what’s just clutter. Try to notice anything that seems “off.” And make sure you look everywhere: under furniture, behind artwork, everywhere.

Escape rooms often have a theme: international espionage, jailbreak, rescue mission – you get the idea. Talk to your Valentine to try to find one that sounds like fun for both of you. Keep in mind the theme of the room when you are looking for clues. If an object doesn’t fit in with the room’s theme, it could be hiding a clue.

This sort of activity offers you the perfect chance to do some brainwork with your sweetie. It’s an ideal opportunity to share your thoughts and ask for theirs. There’s nothing more romantic than intelligence at play.

Best For: Potential Sherlock Holmes

10. Rock Climbing

This one is for the serious athletes! A rock climbing experience will certainly make for a thrilling Valentine’s Day date.

If you’ve never tried rock climbing before, you’re in for a treat – and a challenge. This endurance sport combines physical work with mental work. On the one hand you need to have the muscle power to hoist yourself up. But, you and your Valentine also need to strategize as you figure out the easiest, most efficient way to scale a wall.

Beginners should start out with a local club or gym that offers indoor rock climbing. There, a trained instructor will explain safety precautions and make sure you and your date have the proper safety equipment. Helmets are a must. Then they will help you step into your harness.

Once you are in your harnesses, you are good to go. Don’t be nervous – remember there is a mat underneath you. Concentrate on progress, however slow. Even though it may seem more natural to use your hands and arms to pull yourself up, remember that our lower bodies are much stronger than our upper bodies. So make sure that you push with your legs to power up, too.

Depending on the capacity of the gym where you are climbing, you might be able to climb side by side. If not, you can take turns going up the wall. Either way, don’t forget to cheer each other on and offer words of encouragement.

Being each other’s number one fans will strengthen any relationship!

BEST FOR: The Brave Ones

11. Zip Lining

Where are the adrenaline junkies? Here’s the perfect date for you! Zip lining will give you an adrenaline rush and leave you grinning ear-to-ear – just as a Valentine’s Day date should.

Zip lining only looks scary; it’s actually quite safe (just be sure to go to a reputable place). Safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and safety nets are required. But that doesn’t make it any less exhilarating. Flying across the sky will put almost as much of a flush in your cheeks as your date does.

To make this date even more fun, add in a road trip by looking for a zip lining course outside of your local area. When you’re done with your adventure, let your heart rates return to normal while you explore a new city.

Most zip lining courses are outdoors, which is an added bonus. Fresh air is known to be a powerful mood enhancer and stress reducer. Having your Valentine’s date associate you with a good mood and lack of stress can only be a good thing, right?

Zip lining, like most physical activities, will leave you and your date hungry, so make sure you check out some local restaurant reviews beforehand. Or, if you’d rather stay in the great outdoors, pack a picnic. Don’t forget the candles – this is a Valentine’s date, after all!

BEST FOR: ADRENALINE JUNKIES

12. Geocaching

Geocaching: think of it as a giant outdoors escape room. But instead of trying to escape, your goal is to find the hidden cache. All you need is a GPS device (your cell phone will do) and a sense of adventure, and you and your honey are off on a Valentine’s Day date with a treasure-hunting twist.

In theory, geocaching is easy. Go to one of the many geocache websites and enter your zip code. A list of geocaches and their coordinates will pop up; you and your sweetie can pick the one that most appeals to you. Enter the coordinates into your GPS, and you’re off to find your first geocache.

Of course, it’s not quite that simple. Once you arrive at the coordinates, you’ll quickly find that it’s actually quite a large area. This is where the real geocaching fun begins. You and your Valentine will have to actually hunt for your treasure.

Geocaches have been found under park benches, up in trees, underwater… pretty much anywhere. It can be as small as a film canister or as large as a beach bucket. You and your date will have to use your imaginations as you hunt high and low to find the cache.

Most geocaches will contain a logbook, but occasionally the cache owner will have an actual object for you to take – your treasure. Make sure you bring something to leave in its place, should this be the case.

Exploring, sleuthing, enjoying nature – geocaching has everything you need for a great Valentine’s date!

BEST FOR: Treasure Seekers

13. Horseback Riding

Can you see it now? You and your Valentine, sharing a saddle, the sea breeze whipping through your hair, the magnificent stallion beneath you kicking up sand as he gallops along the sandy shore…

Not to burst your Valentine’s Day date bubble, but the reality will probably be quite different. Think less secluded beach, more charming trail. Less exhilarating gallop, more pleasant trot. But regardless, you and your date are sure to have fun and get in some serious bonding time during this sweet date.

Search online for local stables to book your horseback ride. Most stables and ranches will offer group tours, but since you’re going for romance, inquire about private tours. It’ll be worth the extra expense to have your sweetie to yourself!

Unless you are both expert riders, forget about galloping or trying to jump. Stick to a fast trot at most. Which is a good thing, since you can ride alongside one another more easily, talking and enjoying the surrounding landscape.

The tranquility of being in nature with your date will be sure to have hearts melting all around.

BEST FOR: Would-Be Cowboys and Cowgirls

14. Take a Class

No, not physics (unless you really love Einstein’s Theory of Relativity). You can take classes – online or in person – on just about any subject. Use this Valentine’s Day Date not only to bond and have fun with your Valentine, but also to plan for your future together.

For inspiration, think about what experiences you and your date would like to share in the near future. What’s on your bucket lists? What interests and hobbies would you like to be better at?

If you know your partner dreams of a trip to La Belle Paris, consider taking French lessons together.

Do you both have phone cameras full of pictures of the sky and the beach? How about a course on nature photography?

Have you talked about opening up your own business? Try a course on branding techniques for small businesses.

If you are taking your classes in-person, this will give you both something to look forward to each week. You’ll know that you have something interesting to do together, a weekly date planned out for you. On the other hand, if you are taking a self-paced online course, it would be easier for each of you to do it on your own and then discuss it later. Don’t give in to that temptation. Make it a weekly (or as often as you’d like) date. Remember – the whole point of this is to spend quality time with your Valentine and flourish, together.

With weekly dates and the promise of a future project together, this date is truly the gift that will keep on giving!

BEST FOR: Big Dreamers

You and your date have a unique relationship, worthy of equally unique dates. When you are laughing and enjoying new experiences, you are also growing closer as a couple. Your brains are learning to associate the other person with good memories and good times, deepening your bond. And trying new activities will keep the spark of spontaneity alive in your relationship.

So this year, instead of going for over-the-top romance, focus on having more on FUN with your honey. We promise you, laughing together is its very own form of romance.

So how about it? Are you feeling inspired to try something other than the traditional “fancy dinner and sunset” Valentine’s Day date this year?