Ideas for the next big date after Valentine’s Day

Graphic by Amy Miao

Spice up your love life with these activities.

Whether it’s the first date or the 10th, coming up with fun date ideas can be a struggle. It’s especially difficult once the Valentine’s Day magic leaves the air: According to Psychology Today, break-up season peaks in March, so be sure to take your partner out regularly and remind them of how much they mean to you.

We all know about the classic movie date, but in reality, these dates usually result in few real interactions with your partner. Why stare at a screen when you could be staring at each other and actually talking?  

A much more romantic option is to go ice skating, especially before winter leaves California. The Sharks Ice indoor skating rink is a great option, with a general admission fee of $15. This is an especially brilliant plan for your very first date. 

Imagine gliding together in a romantic wintry atmosphere, holding onto each other as you try not to slip. Fear not if neither of you have experience skating — if anything, it means falling into each other’s arms more frequently — as focusing on your balance will take your mind off of any nervousness. You can always grab a warm cup of hot cocoa afterward for a sweet end to a freezing day.

Gifting a bouquet of flowers is a sweet gesture for any date, but why not also take your partner out to a flower arrangement class? This way, you both will walk out with a personalized bouquet, as well as the knowledge of how to arrange future ones.

Alternatively, if you and your partner prefer food over flowers, consider the tried-and-true method of taking them out for food, like a stroll around mainstreet Cupertino. As a high school student, you might not have a lot of money to splurge on a fancy restaurant. So, consider making a homemade meal for your date. Your date will view you in a whole new light once you reveal your secret culinary skills. 

Otherwise, if you’re a walking kitchen hazard, consider grabbing fast food but taking your date out to a nice spot for dessert afterwards. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the money.

If you prefer activities with a little more action, places like the arcade or mini golf course are perfect for you. You can show off your swings and land hole-in-ones to impress your date, or win a cute stuffed animal for them with tickets from the arcade. Golfland San Jose features both mini golf courses, and an arcade. Cute thematic architectural components fill the atmosphere with bright colors. Just don’t get too competitive!

If both you and your partner are homebodies, baking without a recipe is always a fantastic, albeit chaotic, option! To add to the vibes, I recommend first making a baking playlist together. Then, toss any ingredients you see fit together in a bowl without searching up a recipe online. Once you open the oven, you will be faced with a surprise that — fingers crossed — might actually be edible.

These are just a few ideas that I’ve thrown your way. Remember to note your partner’s likes and dislikes when choosing the activity and try to make it special for them by sprinkling your own twist. Even if you are already a couple, you should still put in the effort to keep wooing them. Thank me later!