Every year I update this Valentine’s Day post with timeless date ideas as well as events and things to do right around Feb. 14 in Omaha. Most of these ideas, though, work for Omaha date nights any day of the year.
Read on for splurge-worth nights out, night outs for cocktail drinks, and free date night ideas. Looking for romantic restaurants? Here’s the list of Omaha’s most romantic restaurants.
UPDATE: This post was written in 2018 and updated in January 2021.
2021 Omaha Valentine’s Day events
Online Couples Yoga Class
When: Feb. 10, 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: In-home
Cost: $20 per couple (register for the Zoom class here)
What: Carols Westerman’s class is designed to be a way for couples to spend time together practicing yoga. There will be a bonding Yin practice, with some partner poses, as well as Marma point partner Savasana and guided Thai Yoga Assists.
Couple’s Night on the Ice
When: Feb. 12, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Motto McLean Ice Arena,
Cost: $30 per couple (tickets)
What: A unique date night that includes food. Tables will be pre-assigned to allow for social distancing. Pizza and pop will be served.
“A Romantic Evening with Jackie Allen”
When: Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Arts Center at Iowa Western, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Cost: $28 per person, $25 per person for seniors (tickets)
What: This is a live concert featuring jazz vocalist Jackie Allen.
Lovebirds in Nature
When: Feb. 13, 5 p.m.
Where: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa
Cost: $10 per person (pre-register early)
What: Start the evening with a guided snowshoe stroll or winter hike through the snowy hills of Hitchcock, and watch the sunset. When you return you will be welcomed by a cheery fire, delicious smores, and a steamy cup of cocoa. For ages 18+.
Valentine’s Special Concert featuring Enjoli & Timeless
When: Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: The Jewell, 1030 Capitol Ave.
Cost: $20 (ticket includes a single rose and glass of champagne)
What: Live music concert in following social distancing practices. Limited seating and face masks are required.
“Stay Over There” Social Distancing Comedy Event
When: Feb. 13, 8:30 p.m.
Where: AMC CLASSIC Westroads 14, 10000 California St.
Cost: $30 for individual or $50 for a couple
What: Here’s a funny date night idea presented by The Spotlight Comedy House! Guests choose their auditorium and the four headlining comedians will rate from room to room.
Capitol District Igloos
When: Mondays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Where: 1022 Capitol Ave.
Cost: $100 for 2.5 hours.
What: Reserve one of eight igloos for a memorable evening. You can order take-out meals and drinks from nearby restaurants and bars. While there are extra blankets provided, I hear you need to bundle up.
Love Birds Hike
When: Feb. 14, 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Fontenelle Forest, 111 Bellevue Blvd. N, Bellevue, Neb.
Cost: $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.
What: Explore the woods with a Naturalist guide, binoculars provided. Snowshoeing will be available if weather permits. Maximum capacity is 16 participants, so register early!
Wine & Gourmet Charcuterie Board Pairing
When: Feb. 14, 3 to 9 p.m.
Where: Cellar44, 2835 S. 170th Plaza, suite 206
Cost: Varies depending on the board and pairing choice. Reservations and questions, email wendy@cellar-44.com.
What: The wine bar will feature one-time items such as a salmon & filet gourmet charcuterie board paired with five Napa Valley wines, and a champagne & chocolate-covered strawberry flight with 3 Bubbles.
Valentine’s Day Dinner
When: Feb. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.
Cost: $60 per person. To RSVP, contact Merri at (402) 346-4002, ext. 201 or m.sears@omahabotanicalgardens.org.
What: In a beautiful setting found only at Lauritzen Gardens, the meal includes three courses and a glass of wine.
Omaha date night drinks ideas
It’s very rare that Mr. Wonderful and I go out and simply hang out over a drink. But it has happened. I think three years ago. Anyway…
Specialty drinks with unique atmosphere
OK, even more rare for us is to go to a fancy craft cocktail bar and spend more than $10 on one drink. But, The Berry & Rye in the Old Market will wow you with their drinks. And the atmosphere is ideal for a date night.
If you’re looking for unique places for a drink in Omaha, I’ve heard great things about the tiki bar Laka Lono Rum Club (which is just a stone’s throw from The Berry & Rye in the Old Market) and Omaha’s own speakeasy, Wicked Rabbit (you have to go through a cigar store and say the magic word to enter in the hidden bar).
Not a drinker? If you’re looking for healthy date night ideas, revisit this old favorite, 7 Healthy Date Ideas In Omaha.
Free date night ideas
Ever since my penny-pinching days working at a newspaper, I’ve maintained a mental list of free things to do in Omaha.
Some of my favorites free places to visit make memorable date nights, including visiting KANEKO. While you’re downtown anyway, check out Bemis Center Contemporary Arts, Artist Co-Operative Gallery, and the shops and the Passageway Gallery at The Passageway.
In 2021, you’ll have to plan ahead and make a reservation if you want to visit KANEKO or Bemis Center.
If you want more budget-friendly ideas, I suggest you read the post Cheap Date Nights In Omaha.
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