Springfield is always more fun during a holiday, which makes me even more excited for Valentine’s Day! If you’re looking for date ideas for your valentine, or if you are looking for a fun night out with your friends to celebrate Galentine’s Day, here are my suggestions.

Places to go

Catching a movie at one of Springfield’s many movie theaters is always a classic date night. The closest theater to campus is Regal College Station. If you are willing to spend more money, I suggest checking out the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for a true “dinner and a movie” date. Dinner is served directly to your seat! 

Feeling a little sporty? If you are looking for something a little more active, I would suggest ice skating at Jordan Valley Ice Park or roller skating at Springfield Skateland. If your date is feeling adventurous, rock climbing at the Chesterfield Family Center is a good choice too. 

 My top three recommendations for activities are: walking around Wonders of Wildlife, gaming at the 1984 Arcade, or making a craft at Firehouse Pottery.

Favorite eats

My favorite restaurant for a date is the Aviary Cafe and Creperie. If you want something more casual, my top picks are Rama Thai and Great American Taco Company.

If you want to keep it cheap, Hurts Donuts is great to hang out at and they have some awesome Valentine’s Day specials like Glazed Hearts or Chocolate Covered Strawberry. Or check out the heart-shaped pizza at IMO’s!

A lot of popular chain restaurants do special deals on Valentine’s Day. Chick-Fil-A sells a 30-count nugget and 10-count Chick-n-Mini heart shaped trays. Additionally, Krispy Kreme sells Valentine’s donuts that look like candy hearts. But, my roommate and I always go to Qdoba for the “QDOBA for a Kiss” promotion they do on Valentine’s Day. 

Want more ideas? There’s a ton of options for special events and deals at the Springfield community calendar. 

If you’re not celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other, go out and enjoy the day with friends! Happy Valentine’s Day, Bears!