Valentine’s Day Fun! – 5 Florida Date Ideas Inspired By The Cutest Feathered Couples
In case you hadn’t noticed, Valentine’s Day is almost here! (You can thank us later for reminding you.)
The mushy greeting cards, the heart-shaped chocolate samplers with only ONE good flavor (caramel), and the copy-and-paste rom com movies might have you saying “this holiday is for the birds!” And you know what? We agree!
No, we’re not here to bash on displays of affection – we just want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with our feathered friends! Florida is home to some amazing avians, and between their colorful dances, crooning songs, elegant nest building, and lifelong commitment, they seem to have a better idea of how to woo than we do!
So, we’re doing something a little different today and exploring date ideas based on our favorite bird couples. For the record, none of these activities are Valentine’s Day exclusive – you can embark on these adventures throughout the year! – and many would be fun with friends or family, too.
Valentine’s Day in Florida
The Sunshine State is brimming with great activities, but here are some unique ideas to really impress your special someone! Of course, the main thing is enjoying the time you spend together!
1. Stay In Sync with Savvy Swans
Swans are beautiful birds that encapsulate the elegant side of love. Often mating for life, swans share incredibly deep bonds with one another, often displayed in a sweeping show of synchronized swimming. Swans are the power couple we’re all secretly trying to emulate; they’re genuine and look cool! The total package.
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! We recommend renting a swan boat at Lake Eola. Paddle in sync – and in style! – across the waters in Orlando’s prettiest park. Not only do the boats look like swans, but there’s also a resident population of real swans, too! This outing is unique, memorable, and perfect for couples.
2. Smooth Moves with Sandhill Cranes
Florida is home to one of the largest populations of sandhill cranes in the southeastern US. These birds sport bright red “caps” and make their home in the wetlands. Sandhill cranes are the party birds, as they are best known for dancing! Their elaborate courtship dance includes smooth moves like bobbing, jumping, and wing spreading, and often results in a lifelong bond.
If you and your partner are all about passion – and the nightlife – then going dancing is a great date idea! Howl at the Moon Orlando is a particularly fun option, as it’s a concert venue, dance club, and piano bar combined. Because the live performers take audience requests, it’s also a fantastic (and romantic) opportunity to request a special song for your special someone.
3. Let Yours Hearts Soar with Bald Eagles
Another breed of bird that famously mates for life, bald eagles make for awe-inspiring pairs. Aside from living life together, they are also known for a breath-taking aerial maneuver called cartwheeling where they lock talons and tumble through the sky. It takes a lot of skill, but in the courtship process, it goes to show they’ve found someone they can trust.
That’s why we’re suggesting a sky-dive trust fall… huh? That’s too dangerous?
How about a balloon ride instead? Soar through the sky with your significant other from the safety of a hot air balloon! There are several different balloon ride companies in the Orlando and Central Florida area, as well as the special Aerophile helium balloon in Disney Springs.
4. A Perfect Gift Exchange with Penguins
While penguins aren’t naturally found in Florida, they can be seen at several aquariums and zoos across the state! (Hey, going to one of those isn’t a bad date idea!) Another monogamous species, the Gentoo penguin in particular has the cutest courtship display: offering a pebble as a token of affection! Kind of like how humans propose with diamonds.
However, I promise I’m not suggesting an expensive date here. I’m suggesting going to the beach – this is Florida after all! – but here’s an added twist: go with the intent of scavenger hunting! Comb the shore with your sweetheart to find the BEST shell, rock, or piece of sea glass for the other person. It’s simple, and maybe a little silly, but trust me on this one – the memory of it will quickly become a precious memento.
Adapt This Date Idea ANYWHERE: head to the store of your choice with a $5 – $10 limit and pick a gift for your person! You can even do this for free around your own home or backyard. It’s fun to see what item makes you think of your loved one and why – and what item makes them think of you!
5. Keeping it Basic with the Barn Owls
Barn owls have heart-shaped faces, making them the perfect Valentine’s Day birds! They also know how to keep it real, as courtship for them includes food sharing. There’s nothing more classic than a dinner date!
In Orlando and across the state, there are so many amazing restaurants that are perfect for date night – especially if you like seafood. (That being said, restaurants often charge extra and/or have set menus for Valentine’s Day, so you’ll definitely want to check on that and possibly plan your dinner just before or after the 14th!)
Disney resort hotels are home to some of the classiest and most fun restaurants in Orlando, and anyone is welcome to make a reservation. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are also brimming with unique eateries like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Raglan Road, or Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp. You can also opt for dinner and a show with a fun dinner theatre like Medieval Times Orlando or Pirates Dinner Adventure, which are both experiences we recommend.
Of course, there’s always something special about cooking a meal together and staying in, too, and we have lots of great recipes for that. Barn owls know what’s up!
We hope you’ve gotten some good inspiration from our feathered Floridian friends! No matter your budget or level of adventure, these activities can be adapted to fit whatever you and your partner want to do. The most important part is getting to enjoy each other’s company and acknowledging that you’re special to one another.
So, whether you do that in dance or by sharing a delicacy, we’re wishing you all an incredibly happy Valentine’s Day!
Tell us about your favorite Florida dates in the comments below!
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