Are you in need of ideas for spending your Valentine’s Day weekend? Whether you’re looking for an engaging excursion or a laid back stay-at-home itinerary, here are eight ideas for spending your ideal hallmark holiday with friends or a date.

Trampoline Park

First things first, consider spending your Valentine’s Day at a trampoline park. One park nearby is Sky Zone which is located in Springfield, Virginia, about a mere twenty minute drive from our school. Sky Zone has some unique attractions like a climbing wall, a warped wall, a zipline, a trapeze and swing and a proclaimed ninja warrior course. Plus, it has no shortage of trampolines. This location is perfect for touching up on your calisthenics or gymnastics abilities with whomever you bring, plus you can bring home a pair of socks as a souvenir. You can buy tickets for about $30/ 90 minutes.

I felt obligated to include a similar location that had laser tag, so I give you Urban Air Adventure. This park is located in Woodbridge, Virginia and is slightly further than Sky Zone, just over a thirty minute drive. Urban Air Adventure has attractions including bumper cars, virtual reality, rock climbing, a tumble track, wipeout, varying obstacle courses and none other than laser tag. This is perfect for large groups. Prices at this location are slightly higher. One thing to keep in mind is that not all attractions are available with a standard ticket. Tickets are all day and range from $28-40. Urban Air socks sold separately.

Muse PaintBar
4238 Wilson Blvd Suite 1170, Arlington, VA 22203

Muse PaintBar hosts step by step, two hour painting classes in the nearby Ballston Mall. When buying tickets online, you can choose your date, time and painting from a variety of stunning landscape designs. Most designs range from $35-45 per person which includes the canvas you get to take home. You can also book private events for larger groups. Having participated in multiple classes, I think this immersive, creative activity fits in a Valentine’s Day itinerary so well and is perfect for both the girls or a date. Food and drinks are also available for purchase in the studio.

Valentine’s Day Salsa Lessons
Local Motion Project 2377 South Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Nothing screams Valentine’s Day more than a Salsa class. From 8-9pm on Valentine’s Day, you can learn the basics of the Latin dance in Alexandria, Virginia. The class is hosted by Local Motion Project dance school, and anyone is welcome regardless of dance experience. The price of one ticket is $42 per couple (one ticket per two people). You can purchase tickets and learn more here. Bring a friend or bring a date and spend your Friday night learning Salsa. Also, there’s free parking.

Art Tech House
1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

This modern museum-like experience just off the National Mall premieres captivating virtual art exhibits. The museum highlights innovative mediums with the goal of promoting artists who create with the use of technology. The Art Tech House displays a collection of exhibits that fall under a central theme which lasts about a month or two. The D.C. location is currently presenting the Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean through the beginning of March. This unique experience allows you to view mind boggling floor-to-ceiling art displays while walking, sitting, or even laying down. General admission is about $28 for hour-long visits. You can access more information or a preview of the exhibit here. I’d strongly encourage you to bring yourself or a plus one to enjoy this surreal art experience this Valentine’s season.

Gravelly Point

If you are one to brave the cold weather for a good old outdoor activity then try out Gravelly Point Valentine’s Day weekend. Located next to Reagan National Airport, people come from all sides of the Potomac to set up a picnic blanket or a few chairs and watch the planes land from the end of the runway. It’s the perfect warm weather activity. While it’s not exactly warm outside, you can still enjoy some eye-catching views of the Potomac River and the planes so long as you bundle up and bring snacks. I would just advise you to go during daylight hours.

Three Whistles
2719 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

If you’re looking for a chill place to grab dessert, coffee or a small bite to eat, consider this small café nestled on the border of the quiet neighborhood and bustling nightlife of downtown Clarendon. Study spot by day, dessert café by night, Three Whistles is always lively. The café is dimly lit and has plentiful seating making it perfect for small gatherings. The unique coffeehouse also hosts various events during the week that showcase small artists, karaoke, and open mics. Enjoy live music, fresh baked pastries, an ample selection of gelato and the lush atmosphere for yourself on Friday February 14, or an open mic that Saturday.

Cafe Colline
4536 Langston Blvd., Arlington, VA 22207

A popular place for a one on one brunch, lunch or dinner is Cafe Colline at Lee Heights. This charming French Bistro is the closest you’ll get to a meal in Paris without getting on a plane. It’s welcoming natural light and warm elegance invites people to dine on dates or simply just a nice meal. A takeout service is also available. The restaurant’s menu resembles the classic French cuisine from escargot to duck confit to creme brulee. Cafe Colline epitomizes the ideal Valentine’s Day dining experience.

Valentine’s Day from home

For those looking for a chill night with friends or a significant other, just stay in. You can bond over baking Valentine’s themed treats, cooking your favorite or trying a new dinner recipe and watching a cringy rom-com (or whatever genre floats your boat). As for dessert, a few festive recipes I’d recommend are mini ramekin lava cakes, chocolate covered strawberries or shortbread cookies and a cream cheese frosting with freeze dried strawberries, just to name a few. Each of these desserts have separate servings and can be personalized or decorated further to embrace the hallmark spirit. Whether friends or a little more than that, spend your Valentine’s Day with the people closest to you from the comfort of your home.