A romantic dinner or a quiet movie theater date is nice for a couple’s night out, but why not try something new this year for Valentine’s Day? Did you know that you could snowshoe, relax in a float tank, or have your Chocolate Passport stamped on Valentine’s Day? New Jersey has so many unique romantic things to do when it comes to celebrating February 14th.

Psst! We love sharing your adventures around New Jersey. Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and you could be featured in our next photo round-up. 

Here are 20 unique romantic things to do around New Jersey:

1. Tease your taste buds with chocolate and wine

Spark your senses with velvety chocolate and flavorful wine during chocolate and wine tours around Valentine’s Day. These tours often feature wine releases and tastings, food pairings, entertainment, and chocolate! Several wineries throughout the state hold Valentine’s-themed events, be sure to check out the New Jersey Wines website for locations near you.

2. Soak it up in a cedar tub at Alchemy Mind and Body

Dress for summer, but enjoy the winter in a Japanese style outdoor soaking tub. These cedar tubs are surrounded by a Zen spa garden and the water is sanitized with bromine salt, to give it that hot spring touch. There are private, communal, and Valentine’s Day soak as well as massage and spa options available. Plan a wonderfully relaxing day at Alchemy Mind and Body in Princeton.

3. Fly high above the clouds with In Flight Balloon Adventures

Soar above the treetops and cruise near the clouds with a hot air balloon ride. Add an overnight romantic package at a local Bed and Breakfast or combine your trip with an elegant dining experience. Check out In Flight Balloon Adventures. We’re not sure if there’s anything more romantic than going hot air ballooning and experiencing new heights with your sweetheart.

4. Take the Valentine Plunge for ALS

Plunge alone, with a partner, or grab a group to show your love for ALS patients at the Valentine Plunge. Spectate, donate, or jump right into the Atlantic Ocean with fellow plungers. If plunging is not for you, show your love by running the Cupid’s Chase 5K. All proceeds go to supporting people with disabilities. Just for fun, any singles participating get a shirt that says, “Available” and couples get shirts that say, “Unavailable.” Whether you swim or run, show your love this February.

5. Laugh your a$$ off at NJPAC’s Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show

Laugh the night away at NJPAC’s Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show on February 14th. This star-studded lineup, including Michael Blackson, John Witherspoon, and Luenell, is sure to keep you and your sweetheart laughing long into the night. Each of these performers has a long running career in comedy and they’re more than prepared to make you chuckle.

6. Lend a hand and spread the love

Make a difference this Valentine’s Day and lend a hand. There are many opportunities all over New Jersey. No matter what your passion is there are plenty of community service projects and non-profit agencies in need of your help. A great place to start volunteering and learning about opportunities is Volunteer New Jersey.

7. Get crafty in a couples cooking class

Don’t put Valentine’s Day dinner on one person…share the love. Learn to cook a delicious meal in a hands-on environment with a professional chef. There are many locations throughout New Jersey that will give you and your Valentine an enjoyable couples cooking class. Visit Sur La Table’s several locations, Hudson Table in Hoboken, or the Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge.

I haven’t taken one of their classes (Sur La Table) but I have spied on them while shopping (oops!), they have online postings of their classes for Lawrenceville and Marlton.” – Blogger Lindsey Smith, as GOLD as it gets

8. Test your love at paintball

Test your love and commitment to each other with a friendly game of paintball. This is one relationship obstacle that you won’t forget. Visit AC Paintball in Williamstown to test your skills or one of the many other paintball locations across New Jersey.

9. Cruise on The Love Boat

Sail away all while enjoying skyline views, entertainment, and dinner. The best part…you can do all of this from New Jersey. Spirit Cruises departs from Lincoln Harbor and has many different Valentine’s Day package options to cater to you and your love’s every need. Get out on the water and enjoy the night.

10. Stay awhile…at one of NJ’s top romantic getaways

From South Jersey to North Jersey, our state is home to many picturesque and luxurious hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts.To help you plan a romantic local getaway, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, NJMOM has compiled a list of the Top Romantic Getaways in New Jersey so you can feel like you’re being whisked away without having to go far. 

11. Enjoy a meal and root for your favorites at Medieval Times

Where else can you enjoy jousting, horsemanship, and a four-course meal in New Jersey…Medieval Times, of course! Last Valentine’s Day weekend, there was a total of eight shows to choose from. Enjoy the experience and choose from many different show packages. If anything show your date that chivalry is not dead.

12. Fall into each other’s arms

Bundle up, lace up your ice skates, and show off your skating skills this Valentine’s Day. No matter what exit you are at in New Jersey there are many rinks to choose from including Ocean Hockey in Brick, Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, Red Bank Armory in Red Bank, Igloo Ice Skating Rink in Mount Laurel, or Ice House in Hackensack. Grab your loved one’s hand and glide away. Check out NJMOM‘s 13 Top Ice Skating Rinks in NJ.

13. Master the Merengue

5, 6, 7, 8…put on your dancing shoes and test out the dance floor. Don’t just dance, learn how to dance and meet others who have the same desire. Whether it’s the Foxtrot, Tango, or Merengue there are so many moves to learn and so much fun to have while doing it. Some great locations in New Jersey include Gift of Dance Studios in Paramus or Atrium Dance Studio in Pennsauken.

14. Couples who create together, stay together

Create a piece of art together this Valentine’s Day. The Clay Pot in Spotswood is having a Valentine’s Day eve date night where you can create your own pottery and paint it. Make Me Take Me in Highland Park will be having a handprint photo frame event on Valentine’s Day. Or visit Pinot’s Pallette in Hoboken.

15. Check yo’ self

Love yourself and your partner by scheduling your annual physical or OB/GYN appointment. I reached out to fellow bloggers and this is what they said when I asked them about unconventional Valentine’s Day activities, “How about annual check ups/physical – or worse a colonoscopy! Haha. I know some people who do that,” said Lisa Rupertus from A Rup Life‪. ‪

I always go to my OB/GYN, its a gift to me to make sure I’m ok and there’s never a problem getting an appointment.” – Kathleen Kennedy-Leon from My Best Of Both Worlds

16. Catch a game

Try getting tickets to a sporting event for Valentine’s Day. Even if sports aren’t your thing, there’s always fun to be had and it’s a way to spend time with your sweetheart.

My husband’s favorite gifts that I’ve gotten him have been tickets to sporting events…it can be a somewhat unexpected gift (as I’m not a sporty girl) and then you have an event to look forward to together. Surprising him with tickets to his favorite team for Valentine’s Day (or even going to a local sporting event with the kids) could be a fun weekend activity.” – Liz Lentis, Little List

17. Have a sugar high

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without sugar. Spoil that sweet tooth this year. Dana Prigge from Daily Fashionista opened my eyes to one of the most adorable and drool-worthy desserts that I have ever seen. They are Sweetheart Macarons from Dana’s Bakery in New York City. Even though the shop isn’t located in New Jersey, you can have these tasty treats shipped to you or by the look of the macarons, I think it might be worth a day trip. Pink Raspberry, White Chocolate, Pistachio, Dark Chocolate and Orange, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Caramel…I think that says it all.

18. Stamp your Chocolate Passport

The Annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Walk in Bordentown celebrates all things about love…with chocolate! Stop by participating local businesses for different kinds of chocolate treats from pieces of chocolate to hot chocolate and more. Get your Chocolate Passport stamped at each stop you make and you’ll be entered for prizes. You, your honey, chocolate, and prizes?! What else could we ask for. This year the event takes place on February 8th from 6PM – 9PM, cost is $5.

19. Float away in a float tank

Step into a float tank and let your stress melt away. A float tank contains a solution of water and Epsom salts; calibrated to 98 degrees. The tank is very similar to the Dead Sea in that you will have buoyancy in the water. This environment is distraction free which creates a zero gravity relaxation experience. Float at Serene Dreams in Kearny or Float in Marlton or The Float Studio in Ocean.

20. Glide down a mountain

Enjoy the winter weather and get out on the slopes. Grab your skis or a tube and glide down a mountain in the snow. Ski down Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah. Snowshoe, cross country ski, skate ski, or try skijoring with your dog (all dogs must be on a leash) at High Point XC in Sussex. Or tube, snowboard, or ski at Mountain Creek in Vernon. Check out NJMOM‘s guide to the 10 Best Best Ski Resorts in NJ for Families(and well, everyone!).

What will you enjoy with your sweetie this Valentine’s Day? Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and you could be featured in our next photo round-up. 

More fun things to do this weekend:

Top Romantic Getaways in NJ
13 Top Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey
10 Best Ski Resorts for Families
20 Winter Markets Around NJ
Diggerland’s Winterfest at the Park
Aquariums around New Jersey
Museums around New Jersey
Lighthouses around New Jersey
Zoos around New Jersey
Get inspired by NJMOMpreneurs