Unique Valentine's Day Dates

Chen May Yee swapped life as a foreign correspondent in Asia for domesticity in Minneapolis, where she lives with preschooler Maya, kindergartener Zoe and husband Chris, a stay-at-home dad. She writes about healthcare at the Star Tribune and hankers after warmer climates.

Kay Krhin makes daily attempts to balance doing more with less and less with more at work and home, more or less. She is married to multi-faceted modern man Peter and is a slightly seasoned mother to preschooler Ben and toddler Vivian.

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Unique Valentine's Day Dates

Posted by: Kay Krhin under Holidays Updated: January 22, 2011 - 10:09 PM

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Since the children have arrived our Valentine's Day dates usually consist of a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed and fall asleep on the couch before the weather report comes on.

Yawn.

Well, this year we are ready to get back out there. Our date nights are so few and far between the pressure is on to make it memorable and worth it - not "meh.".

I searched for something unique and different this year and discovered several great options. Here are some evenings out that aren't your typical Valentine's Day dinner and a movie dates.

The surprising thing? They are all at locations you would normally bring your kids.

How about a steamy conversation about animal mating rituals, a tour of the zoo and dinner amongst the dolphins?

Minnesota Zoo Love Tour:

DATE:
Monday, February 14, 2011

EVENT SCHEDULE:
5:45-7:15 p.m. Narrated tours of the Tropics Trail highlighting breeding behaviors (tours run every 15 minutes; each tour is approximately one hour and includes one complimentary glass of champagne per person)

5:45-7:30 p.m. Hand-passed hors d’oeuvres

7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Romantic dinner in Discovery Bay (includes salad and dessert)

Space is limited, so please R.S.V.P. for the “Love Tour” online at mnzoo.org. The cost for this exotic tour is $175 per couple (price includes tour, dinner, one glass of complimentary champagne during the tour, and a special keepsake). Each tour and dinner time will be determined when the reservation is placed.

For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org.

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Three Rivers Park District Valentine's Events

Apres-Snowshoe Bonfire

Snowshoeing by candlelight followed by chocolates and a bonfire anyone?

Or Does a romantic sleigh ride and a hearty dinner sound good?

Both sound like great excuses to snuggle up and get cozy outdoors with your sweetie.

Check out the above options and even more offered by Three Rivers Park District sites all across the metro:

Click below for complete details.

Three Rivers Park District Valentine's Events

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Enchanted Evening in Marjorie McNeely Conservatory:

FEBRUARY 13 & 14, 5:30 & 8:00 SEATINGS

This Valentine’s Day, don’t just give your sweetheart flowers; take them where they can dine amongst them. Enjoy candle-lit tables throughout the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory amongst the three featured gardens, each with its own unique characteristics from the intimate North Garden with lush vegetation to the Sunken Garden with the color and scents of a picturesque warm summer day. Live musicians play as Lancer Catering serves a double entrée, gourmet dinner. Call 651-487-8250 to reserve your spot

Click here for complete details.

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Ice Skating:

We are the land of 10.000 very frozen lakes right now - and just about every park has an ice rink up too. My favorite is Lake of the Isles. Cheap romantic date. Lace up your skates, hold hands and go for a few spins around the rink. Grab a bite or hot drink in Uptown post-skate.

It''s not too early to be thinking about this , reservations fill up quickly and babysitters get booked too.

Do you have any other suggestions for Valentine's Day dates?