Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day coming around the corner, surely you want to spend time with your significant other, family, and even friends. You may be thinking, “What’s some fun things to do?” Well here’s a list of fun, loving activities to do just that.
Arts and Crafts
Everyone has a little fun, creative side to them. What better thing to do than tap into that side with the one(s) you love? Here’s some recommendations of crafty things to do and places to go.
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Making Candles
Now instead of buying a candle, just make one with your loved one. This completely alleviates the stressful task of trying to figure out whether or not they like this scent or not. With this activity, you and your person can make the candle to your liking. A good place to do this is Candle Castle & Co. located in Wicker Park, 1815 North Milwaukee Avenue. They hold candle-making classes from Monday through Sunday; hours being 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. They charge $55 per person and you can book your experience through their website. Now if you aren’t near Wicker Park, there’s plenty of other candle-making shops in the Chicagoland area.
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Going to a Pottery Studio & Paint
Now this activity is a bit on the messier side but still regardless a fun, intimate activity. This is a perfect opportunity to make your loved one or yourself a beautiful addition to either the cabinet, the living room or bedroom (decor that is). A great place to do this is Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting. They have two locations, one on the Northside (5127 North Clark Street) and the Southside (2927 South Archer Avenue). The studio fee being $8 for adults and teens, $6 for children 13 and under. Now the pricing for the pottery ranges from $10 – $30. The hours for both locations are similar except the Southside location is closed on Tuesdays.
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Rug Making –
This activity is a bit more physical. It’s a perfect outing for you and your partner to try something new. With rug tufting, you can make a super cute, aesthetic piece to add to your home. Who knows, this can be the spark to a new hobby and possibly career. This activity can also be done at Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting. Now there’s two tufting classes available: Tufting Basic and 3D Tufting. The 3D Tufting class is only at the Southside location. The studio fee for Tufting Basic is $10 and $20 for 3D Tufting (this fee will be waived if you previously have taken the basics class). The price range for frames (Tufting Basics) is $78 – $268 and $208 – $648 for 3D Tufting. Now if you don’t want a frame and something more on the cheaper side, they also offer tote bags ($10, $18).
Night Out on the Town
Now arts and crafts isn’t necessarily everyone’s steez. Some prefer going out on the town and doing more physical oriented activities. And that’s perfectly fine! Here’s some outside activities to do and places to go.
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Ice Skating –
Now who doesn’t love ice skating? Well, I know some people who don’t. But still it’s a nice activity to do with your loved ones, even if it’s your first time. This activity will sure to be filled with laughable, (probably painful) moments. Might even be filled with some romantic moments (wink, wink). The best place to do this at is McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park. The ice rink has free admission, which should be more reason as to why you should do this activity! Who doesn’t love a free activity. Now you might want to hurry and go because the rink will be closing as of March 3.
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Fireworks at the Navy Pier –
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most well-known attractions. Fireworks are always an enjoyable sight to see, especially if you have company alongside you. On February 10, Navy Pier while be hosting a fireworks show in honor of Valentine’s Day at 9 p.m. There’s a free “Be My Valentine” workshop at two different shifts, one being 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the other 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. as well.
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Take a Ride on the Centennial Wheel –
Now watching from the boardwalk is a nice sight. But do you know what would be better? Watching fireworks from the Centennial Wheel. This outing is sure to spark lots of romantic activity. Between the colorful fireworks, bird’s-eye view of the Windy City, and sensual eye contact, this surely will be a date to remember.
Restaurants To Go To
Now who doesn’t love a good, fulfilling meal. Especially when you have somebody to enjoy it with and maybe even steal a couple bites off their plate. Here’s a list of restaurants to go to with that special somebody.
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Maggiano’s –
If this Valentine’s season you find yourself craving a classic, warm, hearty Italian meal then this is the place for you! They have everything from their delicious Stuffed Mushrooms to the classic Caesar Salad to Classic Pastas. Another bonus is that they have an option where you can have a meal for two at the price of one. You get to spend time with your special person and save money?! Sounds like a good time.
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Remington’s –
Now if you’re not in the mood for Italian, that’s perfectly fine. That’s why we have steakhouses. Who wouldn’t love to enjoy a nice juicy steak with special someone, especially in a restaurant with such a romantic atmosphere. They have some of your favorite classics, such as spinach artichoke dip, mashed potatoes, and the All American Burger. Or if you’d like to try something new, they have a few dishes such as the East/West Coast Oysters, Tuna Poke, and the Short Rib Manicotti. Not to mention the restaurant is right in the heart of Chicago. Definitely a place to go.
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Friends Ramen –
Now if you and your somebody have a taste for delicious Asian cuisine, Friends Ramen is definitely the place for you. They have everything from flavorful ramen to a refreshing and sweet green tea tiramisu. This restaurant is in the River North district, known for its nightclubs and art scene.
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Time Out Market –
Let’s say you and your plus one can’t necessarily decide on a restaurant or have a taste for different things, it’s no worries; Time Out Market can fix that problem. Time Out Market has a variety of eateries and bars to choose from. As well as having a beautiful, spacious interior to sit and dine. This place is located in the West Loop area of Chicago, so it may be a bit pricey.
I hope you enjoy these selections and hopefully try them out. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! May you all cherish yourself and the ones you love.
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources:
Choose Chicago – Top things to do for Valentine’s Day in Chicago by Choose Chicago
Secret Chicago – The Most Swoon-Worthy Ways To Spend Valentine’s Day In Chicago by Elliot McGowan
TimeOut – How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago by Jeffy Mai
Top and featured image Courtesy of Texas.713’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of Nasir Khan’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
