Spending Valentine’s Day in Chicago and looking for unique things to do instead of the usual dinner and drinks? Here are the most romantic things to do in Chicago for Valentine’s Day.
Things to Do in Chicago on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2025)
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Love Struck – AirOtic Soirée
Take your significant other to Love Struck – AirOtic Soirée, a new Valentine’s themed burlesque-style cirque cabaret where sultry performances blend with dazzling cirque acts featuring world-class acrobats. Only for adults 21+ with valid ID.
When: February 12, 14 and 17
Where: Joy District, 112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place on or around Valentine’s Day include:
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special ft. “Romeo and Juliet” and More – February 14 at 6:30pm
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Disney100: The Exhibition
Celebrate the magic of Disney at the Disney100: The Exhibition which is only in Chicago for a limited time. Wonder at more than 250 artifacts and props from the Walt Disney Archives, see costumes from some of your favorite Disney classics, and explore enchanting galleries that bring the magic of Disney to life. Featuring the latest members of the Disney family (Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL) along with renowned classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and recent releases such as Encanto.
Where: Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago, 2367 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Stroll through the Tunnel of Love and Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Couples can ride the Centennial ferris wheel for amazing skyline views.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Looking for a fun outdoor activity in Chicago? There are many places to go outdoor ice skating in the city on Valentine’s Day.
One of the best and instaworthy places to go ice skating in downtown Chicago is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of The Bean (a must on any Chicago bucket list). Online ticketed reservations are required.
Another picture perfect spot is the nearby skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
You can find more places outdoor ice skating in Chicago here.
Take a Helicopter Tour
If you are able to splurge, a helicopter tour is one of the most romantic activities you can do for Valentine’s Day.
Visit the Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. (Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds).
Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: Open 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Cost: Admission varies. Entry is free for Illinois residents on Valentine’s Day.
See the Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Reservations are required.
Starting February 14, visitors can see this year’s Spring Flower Show, What’s in a Name?, which explains the history and science of botanical nomenclature alongside a beautiful flower show full of blooms.
Hours: Open from 10am-8pm on Valentine’s Day
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Cost: Admission is FREE but donations suggested
See the Spring Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Although not as large as the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is worth a visit and is more conveniently located for visitors. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended.
Starting February 14, visitors can see this year’s “Sweet Gnome Chicago” Spring Flower Show.
Hours: Open 10am-5pm on Valentine’s Day
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: FREE
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO
Enjoy amazing views of the Chicago skyline from 360 CHICAGO (former John Hancock Building).
The 360 Chicago observation deck on the 94th floor is home to TILT, an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: Price varies. Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Visit the Shedd Aquarium
Visiting the Shedd Aquarium is a fun and relaxing daytime activity for couples.
Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: Open 9 am – 5 pm. Advance purchase of timed tickets is required.
Cost: Price varies depending on day. Admission is FREE for Illinois residents on Valentine’s Day (must be reserved online in advance).
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Hearts & Daggers Live
Hearts & Daggers Live is a unique 21+ and over show playing for two (2) weekends only in February. Immerse into a dazzling narrative of love with the spellbinding saga of a young couple filled with interactive enchantment, surprising delights, circus feats, dance and themed cocktails.
When: February 9-11 & 16-18
Where: MSA & Circus Arts, 1934 North Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Hold and Feed a Bunny
Looking for a unique thing to do in Chicago with your Valentine? Visit the Cuddle Bunny to snuggle with their cuddly bunnies (and each other) by candlelight.
On Valentine’s Day, Cuddle Bunny is hosting a Bunnies by Candlelight special evening event exclusively for couples with romantic music, chocolates and roses. Limited spaces are available.
Where: Cuddle Bunny, 2901 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
When: February 14 from 3:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Admission is $22.50 per person ($45 per couple).
Color Factory’s 21+ Night
Spend Valentine’s evening in color at the Color Factory, an interactive art museum with brightly colored installations. The colorful venue will be 21+ only from 5 – 8pm on Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss their Colors In Bloom activation.
When: 21+ only from 5 – 8pm on February 14.
Where: Willis Tower, 320 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
Relax in Thermal Baths at AIRE Ancient Baths
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Relax and enjoy thermal baths, massages and exclusive rituals with your loved one at AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago. Inspired by the tradition of baths from ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations, AIRE Chicago is located in a restored historical building lit by candlelight in River West.
Discover Velvet Garden, an exclusive Valentine’s Day Event inspired by love tales that will set the scene for a romantic experience. With floral decorations and calming tunes, you will feel how the stress melts away to let relaxation soothe you. Enjoy this curated and romantic event and take home a special farewell gift.
Where: AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago, 800 West Superior St., Chicago, IL 60642
Cost: Price varies.
Take a Cooking Class
Looking for a fun activity with your loved one? You can take a hands on cooking class at The Chopping Block. You can find their class schedule here.
Where: Lincoln Square, 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625
Cost: Price varies.
Take Instagram Photos at the Museum of Illusions Chicago
The Museum of Illusions Chicago offers an interactive, immersive and fun experience for both adults and kids with exhibits that will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain and science.
Where: 25 E Washington St., Chicago, Illinois
Go Outdoor Curling
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Below is a list of places offering outdoor curling (along with drinks) on Valentine’s Day weekend:
Upstairs at The Gwen, 521 North Rush Street
Harry Caray’s Tavern – Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave
Kaiser Tiger, 1415 West Randolph St
Have Drinks in an Igloo
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Here are some of the best outdoor igloos in Chicago (advance reservations are required).
Kennedy Rooftop, 1551 W North Ave
I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, 127 West Huron Street
The Orchid Show of Wonders at the Chicago Botanic Garden
If you are willing to go to the northern suburbs, you can soak up the color and fresh blooms of thousands of orchids and other tropical plants at this year’s Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Orchid Show of Wonders whisks you away to a whimsical world of 10,000 fresh, vibrant blooms. See your favorite carnival and circus attractions come to life in new ways featuring a flying trapeze of orchids, a reimagined ring of fire, and other gravity-defying surprises under the big top.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On February 14, the show is open between 5 and 8 p.m. for Orchids After Hours, featuring cocktails and light bites for purchase; separate ticket required.
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 (24 miles north of downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. See website for prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Looking more romantic things to do in Chicago? Here are more of the Best Date Ideas in Chicago.
Chicago Valentine’s Day Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other events on and around Valentine’s Day include: Valentine Fireworks at Navy Pier (new!) (February 10), Galentine’s Just Wanna Have Fun at Teatro ZinZanni (February 13), Rachael & Vilray with May Erlewine concert (February 14), Dan Navarro concert (February 14), Crying At The Shed-Little Fish & Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (February 14), Provocateur’s Valentine’s Day Pole Show (February 16), Chicago Theatre Week (February 8-18), Chicago Auto Show (February 10-19) and Chicago Black Restaurant Week (February 11-25).
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago on Valentine’s Day weekend. If you are spending the weekend in Chicago, here are more things to do in Chicago in February.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
