Exciting Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Want to shake things up this Valentine’s Day? Well, Chicago is the place for all things creative and romantic.  So, this year, think outside of the box and treat yourself or your significant other to an exciting day of exploring entertainment, and more. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this most beloved, mushy, heart-filled day around town.  Here’s a look at just a few things you can do with your valentine this year:   

Nevermore Park

When:  Through March 1st  

Where:  949 W 16th St.

Take your Valentine on a fantastical adventure at Nevermore Park.  Visitors get to explore 6,000 square feet of artist Hebru Brantle’s famous story-like creations.  It’s an experience that takes you through a traditional art gallery setting before turning the world upside down, transitioning into the dreamy environments that feature thick fog clouds, train cars, rocket ships and so much more.    

Open-Air Ice Skating

When:  Through March 8th  

Where:  Millennium Park 

Bundle up, take your sweetheart’s hand, and glide along the ice at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park.  It’s the ultimate winter activity for laughs and play.  Even if you’re a beginner, skating is a thrilling activity that you and your partner can learn together.  Plus, you just can’t beat the view of the Chicago skyline that surrounds this famous rink!   

Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show

When:  Opening February 8th 

Where:  Chicago Botanic Garden, Suburbs

Is there anything more romantic than a stunning bouquet of flowers on Valentine’s Day?  How about an entire building filled from top to bottom with orchids! Make your partner’s heart skip a beat as you enter the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show.  With over 10,000 orchids on display arranged in dazzling formation, this is one date your lover will never forget.  And, you can even carry the magic home with you when you stop by their special pop-up marketplace. 

Cupid’s Undie Run

When: Saturday February 8th 

Where: Sluggers World Class Sports Bar, Lake View

The weekend before Valentine’s Day, Chicagoans will come together for one of the skimpiest events in town in celebration of the romantic holiday.  Cupid’s Undie Run will see participants brave the freezing temperatures as they run in their tighty whities through Wrigleyville. So, if you and your partner are brave enough, come out and help raise money for neurofibromatosis while getting a good laugh and workout in. After, head to Slugger’s for a dance party in your skivvies to keep the good times rolling.  

The Naked

When:  Saturday February 15th 

Where:  Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park

Save this post-Valentine’s Day date, and surprise your partner with a trip to the Art Institute for their annual Valentine’s scavenger hunt.  ‘The Naked’ breaks participants up into teams who are left to explore the history of the museum’s best nudes through trivia. Not only is it an exciting way to learn and roam the halls of the museum, it’s an exciting new way to bond with your sweetheart.  

Share this Valentine’s Day with someone you love, whether that’s your partner, friends, family, or simply yourself.  Treat your valentine to an exciting day on the town at one of these or one of the many other events and activities happening around town.  

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