Before the kids came along, Valentines’s Day was a big thing — there were flowers and chocolates, reservations at fancy restaurants, even romantic weekends away. If your place is anything like mine, Valentine’s Day post-kids is somewhat more subdued. In fact, it’s usually the same daily routine of child-rearing chaos, only perhaps with a card at some point in the day and if you’re lucky, a take-away once the kids are finally in bed! Well, it doesn’t have to be this way, or try to be as it was before … Why not embrace Valentine’s Day WITH the kids? It’s a great way to have fun as a family and to celebrate your love for each other on this special day. Here are 10 great ideas to help you plan an amazing and child-friendly Valentine’s date in Brisbane!
1 Have a picnic
Going for a special picnic can be really romantic for adults and great fun for kids. All you need is an amazing picnic spot and some tasty treats and everyone will be happy! Check out our guide to all the best picnic spots in and around Brisbane right here! Here are our best ideas for picnics around Brisbane.
- Limit the stress and head to one of the fish and chip shops on one of the many foreshores around Brisbane. Manly, Sandgate and Redcliffe all spring to mind.
- Have an evening BBQ. If you use our search function to search “bbq” you will find a number of places across Brisbane that offer BBQ’s, many of them (especially in Summer) offering evening lighting.
- Take a picnic blanket just incase. As Brisbane get busier, picnic spots are in hot demand and there is nothing worse than a picnic on the ground with ants about.
- Have you picnic near a playground (ideally fenced) so they kids can run off and you can have a nice relaxing beverage- because you deserve it!
2 Take a trip on the Brisbane River
There is something inherently relaxing and romantic about being on the water, so taking a trip on the Brisbane River is a perfect way to enjoy Valentine’s Day. There are loads of different ways to enjoy the river, from free options and ferries to paddle wheelers and amazing cruises. Check out our awesome Brisbane Cruises for Families. There are city tours and cruises to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for extra fun, and most are currently offering special Valentine’s Day cruises. If you don’t like the idea of being on the water, then head to somewhere near the edge of it. South Bank has numerous picnic spots all along its banks and a variety of places to purchase food from.
3 Go to a drive-in theatre
Going to watch a film together is a great date idea that everyone will enjoy. To make it even more child-friendly, you can enjoy the latest releases from the comfort of your own car at a drive-in theatre such as Yatala Drive-in or Tivoli Drive-in Theatre. Bring pillows and blankets, snuggle up and enjoy! The two drive-ins have cafes on site to reduce the amount of effort you need to put in or simply grab some drive through as you arrive.
4 Enjoy chocolate treats
Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go hand-in-hand! This idea is bound to appeal to both adults and kids alike! Our Chocolate Tour of Brisbane covers the most delicious options to choose from, including chocolate shops to visit for delicious treats, scrumptious chocolate-centred cafes, dessert destinations and lounges, and even chocolate factories! Yum! Save some money and make your own cold rock icecream. Buy a huge tub of icecream from your local supermarket, leave it out for a spell, then mix in your treats and then pop it back in the freezer for a yummy Valentines desert treat.
5 Have a meal out
Having a meal out is a perfect Valentine’s date, but there’s no reason it can’t be enjoyed with the kids too! The vast majority of taverns around Brisbane offer special valentines day offers and most of them have kids playgrounds so you don’t have to worry about keeping the kids entertained. If a tavern isn’t your thing then perhaps a meal at the historic pancake manor or simply a visit to your local takeaway (drive through) so you can head home and relax once the kids are in bed (dishes free!)
6 Head to the movies
Ok, not particularly romantic if you are seeing a kids movie, but it is an opportunity to head out as a family and enjoy each others company in lovely airconditioning.
7 Do Valentine’s Day crafts
Spending quality time together is a must for a special Valentine’s Day, and for little ones, one of the best dates can be simply being with you and doing something fun and creative. You could make your own Valentine’s cards, or check out these other Valentine’s Day crafts to enjoy with your kids.
8 Spend a romantic night in
You don’t always have to go out to enjoy Valentine’s Day. You could plan a fun night in for everyone to enjoy instead. Turn down the lights or head outside, put on some music and enjoy a candlelit meal together. The kids will enjoy their grown-up meal and you can enjoy a movie together once they’re in bed!
9 Have an ice cream at Mt Coot-tha
The stunning views from Mt Coot-that will make that Valentine’s date special, and an ice cream on the lawns at the lookout is a pretty perfect treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike to the top from J C Slaughter Falls!
10 Attend a special event
There are loads of great events happening all over Brisbane this Valentine’s Day that could make great dates to enjoy with your kids. Check out our calendar for all the best events this February 14th!
For more inspiration for your Valentine’s Day dates, check out our 15 Date Night Ideas in Brisbane on a Budget.
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