Valentine’s Day may mean a cozy dinner for two at an upscale restaurant, or a cozy Red Box-and-popcorn night on the couch, or even a not-so-cozy night at your favorite sports bar watching the Bulls. Then again, sometimes it isn’t just for couples; it’s for the whole family.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this weekend or on Tuesday with someone you love (or at least like a lot), here are 10 ideas.
Sweetheart Hike on a Full Moon Night
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs; www.fpdcc.com/events; 708-839-6897
Walking in the woods under a full moon: Sounds romantic, right? Couples can take a naturalist-guided hike, roast marshmallows by a campfire and explore the indoor exhibits. The fee is $20 per couple and includes snacks and dinner. Reservations are required, and space is limited to 40 people.
Murder mystery dinner
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Harvest Room
7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11
7164 W. 127th St., Palos Heights; www.harvestroomrestaurant.com; 708-671-8905
Valentine’s weekend with a twist: Dine on a three-course meal and be prepared to help “solve” a murder case in the Harvest Room’s side room. The 1920s speakeasy-themed murder mystery involves plenty of participation. Dinner, fountain drinks, and entertainment are $56 per person (tax and alcoholic beverages not included). The main dining room will also be open.
Wine Studio 900
Swing Set Supper Club and champagne
8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11.
900 S. State St., Lockport; www.winestudio900.com; 815-834-9463
Sip and swing at Wine Studio 900 with the Swing Set Supper Club band. The music starts at 8 p.m. Couple’s treat is $15 for two glasses of champagne and two chocolate-covered strawberries. The wine and martini bar’s regular small plates menu is also available.
Art a la Carte
3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12; or 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14
11209 W. 159th St., Orland Park; www.artalacarteinc.com; 708-403-2233
Couples can channel their inner artists at Art a la Carte with painted pallet projects for two. The Sunday project is a wooden pallet plant hanger. Tuesday’s project is “his and hers” pallets, a photo hanger for the ladies and a bottle opener for the men. Events are BYOB (no hard liquor; bring snacks if you’re drinking wine or beer). Sunday’s event is $60 per couple; Tuesday’s event is $120 per couple.
Emerson Hill Cabaret
The Center
5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12
12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park; www.thecenterpalos.org; 708-361-3650
The great hall of the Lodge at the Center becomes a cabaret, with live entertainment by cabaret artist Claudia Hommel and musicians Bob Moreen, Pat Spaeth, and Jim Cox. A five-course gourmet dinner is included in the evening. Reservations are $52 per person. Space is limited.
Valentine Workshop, Heart & Sole Dance
Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
7038 183rd Street, Tinley Park; www.heartsoledance.com; 708-532-6237
Heart & Sole Dance in Tinley Park is hosting a tango and dinner night on Valentine’s Day. Couples can start at 7 p.m. with a one-hour tango lesson, then head next door to Rich’s Pizza Joint, where a dinner of heart-shaped pizza awaits. The restaurant can seat pairs or groups. No prior dancing experience is necessary. The evening is $45 per couple, and reservations are encouraged, as space is limited to 30 people.
Gaelic Park’s Valentine Dinner
Tuesday, Feb. 14
6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest; www.chicagogaelicpark.org; 708-687-9323
St. Patrick makes room for St. Valentine on Tuesday, when Carraig Irish Pub serves a filet and shrimp dinner with a bottle of wine and chocolate cake. Reservations are $70 per couple. You may want to stick around and watch (or try) the regular Tuesday night Irish Ceili Dancing. Dinner reservations begin at 5 p.m.
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Sweetheart Dance
6:30 to p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 (ages 4 to 8); 8:30 to 10 p.m. (ages 9 to 13)
Homewood-Flossmoor Sports Complex
18211 S. Aberdeen Ave., Homewood; www.hfparks.com; 708-957-0300
Girls and their dads, grandpas, or other significant men in their lives have a dance of their own. This year’s theme is Dance of the Decades, so participants are encouraged to come dressed in attire from their favorite decade. Prizes will be awarded the best-dressed pair. The evening includes snacks, root beer floats, crafts and photos. Tickets are $32 per pair ($43 nonresident) and $16 per additional child ($22 nonresident).
Mother & Son Valentine Bowl
Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
Thunder Bowl, 18700 S. Old LaGrange Road, Mokena; 708-478-3610
Sponsored by the Mokena Park District, moms and their sons (ages 5 to 10), can enjoy unlimited bowling, shoe rental, pizza, cake and a gift. Advanced registration is required. $36 per pair ($40 nonresident), and $16 for each additional child ($21 nonresident).
Family Valentine Skate
Oak Lawn Ice Arena
1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12
9320 S. Kenton Ave., Oak Lawn; www.olparks.com; 708-857-5173
Kids and their parents can glide through the afternoon at the park district’s Valentine-themed family skate. A DJ will spin tunes; there will be raffles; and concessions are available. Admission is $7 per person; skate rentals are $3.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.