If you’re tired of the same-old traditions year after year, it might be time to switch things up this Valentine’s Day. With just a little creativity and imagination, you can easily plan a fun-filled day for your loved ones. From solving a murder mystery to taking a hot air balloon trip, we’ve rounded up the best ways for you to spend your Valentine’s Day that are a little out of the ordinary. 

For the Cinephile: Escape Room

You’ve probably seen a few murder-mystery films, but did you ever think you’d get to take part in all the action? In the Break Free Escape Room, you’ll be tasked with playing the role of detective. Choose from one of their many themed rooms to start your mission, like solving a murder-mystery or finding a missing haunted doll. Try your luck and see if you can crack the case before your time is up. 

For the Outdoorsman: The Sunset Cruise

Escape the hustle and bustle of busy city living and float along the calm waters of Galveston Bay. Sailaway Clearlake Charters in Kemah hosts daily private cruises for you and your loved ones to observe the sunset while relaxing on their sailboat. Bring a bottle of champagne and some tasty treats to enhance the ambient atmosphere. 

For the Iron Chef: Cook Your Own Meals

Cooking a meal might seem like a mundane task to some, so this Valentine’s Day, shake things up by turning it into a friendly competition. Whether you’re spending the day with a loved one or a group of friends, you can each cook a surprise meal separately, and then try to guess what the other person made while blindfolded. Take it a step further and create a grand prize for whoever can correctly guess the mystery meal. 

For the Ones With a Sweet Tooth: Make Your Own Candy

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat on Valentine’s Day? Sure, you can grab a box of convenience store candy, or you can team up with your loved ones and make some yourself. For those unfamiliar with the candy-making process, chocolate truffles are always a safe bet. They’re made with only a few ingredients that you probably already have tucked away in your pantry. 

For the Creatives: Make a Valentine’s Day Collage

Some of the best gifts in life are free of charge, and that couldn’t be any more true on this special day. If you want your Valentine’s Day gift to be a little more personal, why not put together a collage to celebrate the relationship? Gather some old photos and memorabilia of past trips, or any events you’d like to commemorate. Items like ticket stubs, letters and receipts can also be a part of your collage too. Adhere everything to a large piece of cardstock and decorate however you’d like. 

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, this means we’re that much closer to the start of the spring season. As the weather warms up, you’ll have many more fun events to look forward to, so check out our guide to see what you can expect in the coming months.