Valentine's Day is almost here - love is in the air in Destination Dayton, and we can feel it! Everyone wants to make their Valentine's Day celebration special, whether it's with a sweetheart, a good friend, a family member or someone you cherish. There are so many different ways to date Dayton, Ohio, and we've curated a list of A Baker's Dozen (13) Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Dayton.
Plan a Date at the Dayton Art Institute
Valentine's week offers up several "date night" opportunities at the Dayton Art Institute:
💍Thinking about popping the question? Plan a visit to the exhibition Engaged: Rings from Around the World.
🎷Enjoy a musical evening at the museum's Jazz & Beyond series on February 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
🖼️Celebrate Galentine's Day at the new exhibition Exploring Feminism.
🧑🎨Take part in Community Tours and a Family Open Studio workshop on February 14.
🎵Hear the sounds of the museum's historic Skinner Pipe Organ on February 15.
Of course you can combine any of those with a stroll through the 1,000+ works of art on view in the museum's collection galleries! And the DAI's Museum Store offers unique jewelry items as well. Head over to the museum's Calendar of Events for details and to plan your visit.
Swing the Night Away at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™
February 14, 6-10 p.m., National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™
Join the Air Force Museum Foundation on Valentine's Day for the return of its fan-favorite event, After Dark: Swing the Night Away. The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™. Cut a rug to a live swing band, with the swingin' sounds of "Victory Canteen, a Tribute to the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band," performed by the Tom Daugherty Orchestra. Attendees also get to see unique artifacts not normally on display, themed open aircraft, trivia with prizes, plus games, food, and cash bars. Kiss your Valentine under the wings of history - it'll be swell, ladies and gents! The event is ages 21+, and tickets are $45 per person. Your ticket purchase benefits the nonprofit Air Force Museum Foundation!
Carillon Historical Park's Valentine Tea at Carillon Historical Park
Sunday, February 15, 2-4 p.m., Carillon Historical Park (held at Patterson Homestead)
Step into the 19th century at Patterson Homestead for a delightful afternoon tea, steeped in history and tradition. Indulge in three courses of Victorian-era recipes, paired with carefully selected loose-leaf teas, served by costumed interpreters, as you learn about the Patterson family and life in Victorian America. Tickets are $40 for Dayton History members and $50 for non-members (space is limited & advance reservations are required).
Take a Picture with a Pony at Carriage Hill MetroPark
February 14, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. & February 15, 1 - 2:15 p.m., Carriage Hill MetroPark
Come visit with the ponies at Carriage Hill MetroPark in Huber Heights and have your child's picture taken for a Valentine's Day card. Participating children will get a packet to decorate their own Valentine and have their picture taken and printed to take home with them. Ages 2-17, advance reservations are required. The cost is $20 and includes one packet, one picture, hot chocolate and snacks.
Book a "Suite Heart Stay" Getaway
Valentine's Weekend, Courtyard Dayton North, 7087 Miller Lane
Treat your sweetie to a "suite" deal - a special overnight stay package at the Courtyard by Marriott Dayton North for Valentine's weekend! The package, priced at $169, includes Champagne and treats, plus a cook-to-order Bistro breakfast. Call 937-890-6112 to book your reservations. Check out the hotel listings on our website for many other "suite" places to stay around Montgomery County.
Show Your Love for Downtown Dayton Businesses
Valentine's Weekend - Various Times & Locations throughout Downtown Dayton
This Valentine’s Day, show your loved ones how much you love them with unique gifts and date ideas … and show your local, independent businesses some love by shopping small and spending downtown! The Downtown Dayton Partnership has put together a fun, interactive game to help you plan a downtown Dayton Valentine's adventure. Head over to their "Show Your Love" web page, and pick your character type & theme for a customized Valentine's itinerary.
Extend the Holiday with a Candlelight Concert
February 21, 6:15-7:30 p.m., Dayton Masonic Center
Who says you have to limit the fun to one weekend? Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Get your tickets now to discover romantic music for Valentine's Day at Dayton Masonic Center, under the gentle glow of candlelight, on Saturday, February 21. The Listeso String Quartet will perform a selection of romantic pop and classical songs. Tickets are $33 and can be reserved at the Candlelight concerts website.
A Valentine's Date with Goats and Cookies!
February 14, 1-2 p.m., The Grazing Ground Market in Vandalia
You had us at goats and cookies! Step inside The Grazing Ground Market for a sweet Valentine-themed experience that’s cozy, creative, and just a little indulgent. You’ll decorate three gluten-free sugar cookies with festive Valentine designs. After the decorating is done, stick around for cuddle time with the market's goat friends, because love languages absolutely include goats! Space is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Skating Specials at RiverScape MetroPark Ice Rink
February 13-15, RiverScape MetroPark Ice Rink
Celebrate friendship and romance at the MetroParks Ice Rink with their Galentine's Day (Feb. 13) and Sweetheart Skate (Feb. 14 & 15) Specials - enjoy an enchanting skating experience to "Bestie Ballads" and love songs. The Galentine's Special offers 50% off admission and skate rental from 6 to 10 p.m. The Sweetheart Skate Deal includes two rink admissions with skate rental, two cups of hot cocoa, and a delightful box of Winans Chocolates – all for just $25. The Sweetheart Skate Deal will be offered February 14 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and February 15 from 1-5 p.m. (While supplies last. Weather Dependent.)
A Date Night that's a Little ... Different
February 13-14, 8-11 p.m., Hell's Dungeon Haunted House (3866 Linden Avenue, Dayton)
Date night? More like a loyalty test! If you're looking for something a little different this Valentine's Day, the Rejects take over Hell’s Dungeon Haunted House on Linden Avenue for “Till Death Do Us Part” - a haunted house event "soaked in obsession, bad decisions, and love stories that end screaming." Bring your sweetheart ... bring your ex ... bring the one you’re still arguing with in the car. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit the Facebook Event for more information (if you dare!).
Valentine's Day Under the Stars at Boonshoft
February 13 & 14, 6:30 & 8 p.m. each day, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Treat your sweetheart to a one-of-a-kind romantic evening in the planetarium of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, where a live storytelling presentation will guide you through the night sky. Your experience includes two seats for a brand-new Valentine’s show, a sweet treat box to share, two glasses of champagne, and a special memento featuring the sky that night. Two show times are available each day (6:30 & 8 p.m.) but seating is limited and advance ticket purchase ($60/couple) is strongly encouraged!
Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole at Heartbreaker's Ball
February 14, 5-10 p.m., Miamisburg Masonic Temple
Join Full Moon Markets for a night of whimsy, wonder, and heartbreak at the Queen of Hearts: Heartbreaker's Ball on Valentine's Day at the Miamisburg Masonic Temple. Themed to the classic novel Alice in Wonderland, there will be live music, vendors, tea and more. This is a free entry event, no tickets needed!
Buy Your Sweetie Sweets at Esther Price!
You can never go wrong with chocolate, and it doesn't get much better than sharing some sweat treats from Dayton's own Esther Price (celebrating their 100th birthday this year!) with your sweetheart this Valentine's Day! Support a local business by picking up Esther Price chocolates from one of their locations or at many local grocery stores.
Maybe your Valentine prefers something savory? Yellow Cab Tavern is offering a Valentine's Pizza Roll Bouquet!
And of course you can check out our Restaurant Guide for a wide range of dining options!
Looking for more things to do around Dayton? Head over to our calendar of events!
We hope we've given you a few ideas about how to celebrate what we like to call Valentine's Day(ton)! Whatever you do, be sure to tell your loved ones that you love them and be sure to celebrate all the good and beauty there is to love in the world!
Be sure to get your FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, explore our website or call 800-221-8235.
Hugs from your friends at Destination Dayton!
