Don’t Be Basic: 15 Amazing Wichita Experiences for Valentine’s Day

1. A romantic beach house getaway by the lake

Whisk your sweetheart away to a private lakeside retreat, without the long drive. BrightWater Bay is only 15 minutes from downtown Wichita but you two lovebirds will feel like you’re away from it all. The luxurious and beautifully decorated Beach House has all the comforts of home—including a custom kitchen and gas grill in case you want to up your game by preparing a delicious dinner.

Watch the sunset from the large windows, out on the soft sandy beach, or from the outdoor seating area. There’s even a fire pit to cast a romantic glow. Your reservation includes access to the beach, outdoor games (impress your date with your skill at horseshoes!) and shared access to the lake should you want to take a boat ride.

A stay at the Beach House is a thoughtful gift whether you want to impress a new love or give a busy spouse a welcome opportunity to relax and unwind.

2. Axe throwing

Discover your inner Lumberjack (or Lumberjill) at Blade & Timber in the Delano District. Get a hearty meal at one of Delano’s excellent restaurants before flexing your axe-throwing muscles. Book a private lane (up to 6 people) and make it a group date!

3. Ice skating

Take classes together or go to a public skating session at the Wichita Ice Center. Not great at skating? No worries. Think of the romantic potential of literally falling into one another’s arms. That’s rom-com gold.

4. Movie at the Historic Orpheum Theatre

Okay, dinner and a movie is a pretty basic date idea. But seeing a classic film at an ornate historic theatre is something else. Crenellations, candelabras, a balcony…that’s heady romantic stuff. The Orpheum shows modern and classic favorites each month—a year pass for their Film Series would make a great accompanying gift.

5. Helicopter ride

It’ll be a whole new world as you take off on a magical helicopter ride. DWTA Helicopterseven offers Valentine’s Day and Date & Dinner flights. You can’t top the wow factor on this one.

6. Yoga workshop

There are several studios in Wichita that offer one-day yoga workshops and special yoga fundraising events. Partner yoga, yoga with wine, puppy yoga, kitten yoga, goat yoga…though may we suggest for Valentine’s Day, the hot yoga?

7. Cookie and cupcake decorating

You can purchase the ingredients and decorating tools and do this in your own kitchen. Or, you can sign up for a session at one of the local cake shops and bakeries that offer classes. Best of all, you get to eat your masterpieces!

8. Dance lessons

Dance lessons are good for more than just learning to do a waltz for your wedding reception! Dancing together is fun and great exercise. Whether you prefer the tango or two-step, you can find in dance studio in Wichita that teaches it.

9. Pottery classes

No, you can’t reenact THAT SCENE from “Ghost” during class, but you’ll still enjoy learning how to throw pots and make ceramics. There are several Wichita art schools that teach not only pottery but other art forms as well.

10. Symphony, opera or live theatre

The Wichita Symphony, Wichita Grand Opera, and numerous live theatres offer outstanding entertainment whether you prefer serious works or a lighthearted night out. Though most of these theatres don’t require formal wear, it can be fun to dress up to the nines and make an evening of it with dinner first. You’re never overdressed in a tiara—just saying.

11. Cooking classes

Why go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day when you can learn to make amazing dinners all year long? Several local chefs, as well as organizations like Mark Arts, offer popular cooking classes for all types of cuisines.

12. Rock climbing

For you adventurous types, head to Bliss Bouldering for a spot of rock climbing. It’s a fun and challenging workout…plus think how impressive you’ll look to your date as you channel your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft.

13. Pinball or arcade games

Whether you’re a pinball wizard or novice, you’ll have a great night with your date hitting flippers, ramps, drop targets and experiencing the thrill of getting a bonus ball. Or, maybe classic arcade games and midway games are more your thing. The Arcade, the Industry Old Town pinball lounge, The Alley, and All-Star Sports have lots of options.

Hint: Nothing impresses like winning him or her a giant stuffed animal.

14. Taco crawl

There are art crawls, wine crawls and pub crawls…why not a taco crawl? Wichita has so many fantastic taco places, from large restaurants to authentic hole-in-the-wall spots. Plot your course and head off into taco-induced happiness.

15. Museum tour

Whether you and your sweetie are into history, culture, art, dinosaurs, aerospace, you name it, there’s a Wichita-area museum for it. Most offer tours for free or for a nominal fee. What’s more romantic than learning something new together?