Valentine's Day Adventures

Get those endorphins flowing with an Valentine's Day adventure.

By: Jennifer Plum Auvil

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Valentine’s Day can be a polarizing holiday—people either love it or hate it. But some Valentine’s Day plans defy the holiday’s cheesy stereotypes, especially if they forego the safe route (you know, the standard romantic candlelit dinner) for something active instead. Choosing something exciting, like indoor rock climbing, is a surefire way to add a little thrill to the day and spice up your relationship.Here are our picks for a Valentine's Day romantic adventure to get those endorphins flowing.

Take a Leap

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Soar through the air during a trapeze class alongside your sweetie. The Trapeze School has locations in Manhattan, Boston, DC and Los Angeles. Though you may not be able to jump side-by-side, the shared experience is sure to bring you closer together.

Indoor Rock-Climbing

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Put your trust in your mate as you get certified to belay your rock-climbing partner while scaling the wall at an indoor rock-climbing facility. Look for an indoor climbing gym in your area and leave your fear of heights at home.

Extreme Winter Adventure

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Get an endorphin blast on an extreme winter-sports adventure. If you’re both experienced skiers, challenge your sweetheart to a race downhill on a NASTAR course and see how you compare with other skiers and boarders on any of the NASTAR racing programs around the country.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

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Enjoy winter fun with your favorite snow bunny on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursion. Trillium Lake in Oregon has great scenery in the Northwest, while the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont has the largest system of groomed and backcountry trails in Stowe, VT.

Hot-Air Balloon Ride

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The early wake-up call may not sound so dreamy, but gliding over sleeping towns and towering mountains on a hot air balloon ride can be a romantic break from the everyday. Find a hot-air balloon guide near your hometown, or head to favorite ballooning spots in Albuquerque, NM, or California’s Napa Valley.

Volunteer

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Get a rush out of helping others with a volunteering date for unconventional Valentine’s Day fun. Contact nonprofit organizations or find a good cause through the Corporation for National and Community Service with options including building homes, feeding the hungry or assisting with a children’s program.

Run a Race

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Break a sweat and fuel the competitive spirit with your local running community at a Valentine's Day race. Cupid's Chase 5K Run races through 24 cities to raise money for Community Options, Inc., a nonprofit that provides resources for people with disabilities.

Ice-Skating

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Lose your inhibitions and take a few spins around an ice-skating rink, either in the center of a big city or a natural frozen lake. Take advantage of couples’ skate to hold hands or show off your skills before warming up with some hot chocolate, a known aphrodisiac.

Urban Adventure

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Explore the sexy side of any city—faraway, nearby or your own hometown. Stay at any of the luxurious boutique Kimpton hotels around the country and splurge on the “Robe-Mantic” retreat, which pampers couples with signature leopard-print robes to take home and a credit for food or drinks at the hotel.