Choose your own adventure this Valentine’s Day, go out to one of the few in-person celebration opportunities, or cozy up at home with some activities for the family plus some “me time” set aside.

Romance Under the Sea

Reserve a spot at the Downtown Aquarium’s Nautilus Ballroom for dinner among the fishes, February 12-14. Call or make a reservation online. Before heading out, be sure to check all the COVID-19 health and safety protocols in Denver and follow guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Horse and Carriage Ride

Take an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride through the city with your partner. Irish Rose Drafts offers special valentine-themed rides throughout February, with two route options. The 20-minute ride is $130 for two adults and $175 for a double couple, and the 30-minute ride is $165 for two adults and $200 for a double couple. Reservations can be made online. Due to COVID health measures, guests must provide their own blankets.

Valentine Class at My Make Studio

Let your sweet tooth run wild with a Share the Love cake workshop from My Make Studio. Kids are welcome to come with an adult to the class (both wearing masks), which runs in person February 13 at noon and 5 p.m. and costs $55. A virtual option on February 14 airs at 5 p.m. on Zoom; snag a cupcake decorating kit ($47) and bake before logging on. 

Valentine’s Day Live Virtual Family Concerts

Deck your halls with signs and symbols of love, then jump into a virtual concert with children’s musician Laurie Berkner. Sing and dance to tunes of love, family, and friendship, like “A Hug From My Mama,” and “I Love You Daddy.” Family tickets are $20, or $10 need-based, and grant admission to one or both livestreams.

Family Make and Take: Garden Valentines

Let the natural beauty, color, shapes, and textures of dried botanicals inspire you in this valentine-creation class hosted February 13 and 14 with multiple sessions. Materials provided are appropriate for families with children age five and up. Register online. $15 per project, $12 members.

Game Night

Set up some comfy seating, grab a bunch of delicious treats, and bust out a game or two. Try out some cozy blankets or a hilarious card game/dodgeball match (Throw Throw Burrito) by the Exploding Kittens team.

Backyard Ski Class

If there’s enough snow, you’ve got some equipment, and the land slopes just enough in your backyard or a park nearby, try teaching your child to schuss (while teaching them a new fancy word).

Take Care of Yourself

Too tired to figure out how? Check out our list of self-care activities for tired parents. Black mothers are also encouraged to rest and heal with local organization Soul2Soul Sisters’ Self-Love Saturdays; read about one parent’s experience here.

Foster Anti-Racism in the Family

Show love for your community and neighbors by building anti-racism practices with your family. Find readings, resources, and ideas to get involved in our coverage of this summer’s Black Lives Matter protests.