Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and the pressure is on to arrange the perfect outing in honor of the occasion. For those of you who have yet to nail down your plans but know you don’t want to get stuck doing the usual Netflix and chill, there are plenty of out–of–the–box V–Day date options happening in Philly.
Valentine’s Day Ghost Tour
There’s a reason why horror movies are a date night staple: nothing gets your blood pumping quite like a good scare. This Valentine’s Day, upgrade the fear factor and take your S.O. on a ghost tour. The “Love Never Dies” Valentine’s Ghost Tour of Philadelphia focuses on haunting tales of romance—an essential component of a great supernatural story. Hold your Valentine close while paying a visit to the graves of some fatally heartbroken souls and to the Physick House, an 18th–century mansion that houses a history of lost love.
Location: Physick House, 321 S. 4th St.
Price: $22
Hours: February 14 and 15, 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
ACCT Philly’s Valentine’s Day Adoption Event
Prepare to fall in love—with a furry friend, that is—at ACCT Philly’s Valentine’s Day Adoption Event. A perfect date idea for any couple that loves animals, visitors will have the chance to play with dozens of dogs and cats that are searching for forever homes. As a special bonus for any attendee that is looking to bring an animal home with them, adoption fees are half–off in honor of the holiday.
Location: 111 W. Huntington Park Ave.
Hours: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Price: Free to attend
Cupid’s Arrow Archery Pop–Up
Cupid has become one of the most enduring symbols of romance on Valentine’s Day. This year, you can channel your inner god of love and stop by John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge’s Cupid’s Arrow Archery Pop–Up. USA Archery–certified instructors will be present at the event to help all attendees master the basics of the sport. There’s no better way to show your S.O. that you really hit the bullseye with them as a valentine.
Location: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.
Hours: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Rock Climbing
Want to work off all of that Valentine's Day candy? Try planning a rock climbing date at The Cliffs at Callowhill, a.k.a the largest climbing gym in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you and your date are sure to have a fun time scaling some of the hundreds of routes that The Cliffs has to offer. Looking for more commitment in your life? Couples can improve their climbing skills by signing up for a class package together.
Location: 1010 Callowhill St.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Price: $6 with student ID
Visit the Giant Heart at The Franklin Institute
Get a science lesson this Valentine’s Day and walk through The Franklin Institute’s 220–foot tall Giant Heart exhibit. Here, you and your date can crawl through a giant artery, see a live dissection, and visit the surrounding bioscience gallery. And make sure to check out some of the other experiences that the Franklin Institute has to offer before you go, including the Fels Planetarium.
Location: 222 N. 20th St.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: $23, free for members
