Take Valentine’s Day Outside
Sometimes it’s hard to know how to make Valentine’s Day feel special. Everything has already been done and you don’t want to just go get dinner like everyone else. Don’t fret! You have a stunningly beautiful parks system right here in Louisville. With nearly 4,000 acres, there’s sure to be something you can do with your Valentine here, but that’s a lot of options. We get it. Maybe fancy dining isn’t for you or you just prefer the outdoors, either way, we’ve got some ideas for you:
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Lunch picnic in Oak Grove
The parks may close at dusk, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a romantic meal together. Opt for an earlier meal and enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. Cook a warm meal for two and enjoy the sunlight in the Oak Picnic Grove.
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Hike some of our 60+ miles of trail and have a contest to see who can spot more critters
If you prefer to get active, pick one of the many hiking trails that wanders through our nearly 4,000-acre park system and walk very quietly. Count as many of our woodsy friends as you can and whoever spots the most wins! Bonus points if you see who can spot more species.
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Make up your own sport and go play it together on the Egg Lawn
Get creative! Make up your own rules, combine the best parts of your favorite sports, and come up with something completely new. Once you’ve created (and named) your new sport, try it out and see how it goes! We have plenty of space on our Egg Lawn at Beckley Creek Park.
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Pretend like you’re kids again and go play on the Cliffside or Creekside playground together
Sometimes we get caught up in adult life and forget how to have fun in the purest sense of the word. This is the perfect chance to reconnect with your inner child and have fun with your valetine! Go swing on the swings or see who can climb the highest on our rope tower! Remember to be respectful of others on the playground, though.
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Go rollerblading on the Louisville Loop
Break out those old roller skates and get back into it. You can race or teach each other tricks or just hold tight to each other as you try not to fall!
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Stroll arm in arm through the Woodland Garden
If you’re looking for a low-energy way to spend your Valentine’s Day, look no further than our Woodland Garden. Beautiful in any season, this .6 mile trail that was designed to feel like walking through different rooms is the perfect place to meander with your valentine or sit in an alcove and have a heartfelt conversation.
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Climb to the top of the Turkey Run Silo Lookout and admire the beautiful natural landscape together
A climb to the top of our Turkey Run Silo Lookout is a great way to admire the natural landscape and learn more about each other (like… are they afraid of heights?). This old farm silo converted to a lookout can help you see for miles. Try to see what part of the park you can identify from way up there!
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Write each other love notes then read them to each other by the babbling Floyds Fork
Sometimes it’s hard to tell someone how you feel or you just want to remind them. Try writing it down. It can help you get your thoughts clear and provide as a cute keepsake afterwards. If you’re feeling brave, set the scene with some calming background noise and read it aloud to them!
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Make a digital scavenger hunt for your valentine, but they’re hunting for you!
Get to the park before them and get settled into place (maybe with a nice bouquet of flowers or a picnic?). Text them with hints about where you’re waiting for them! For a bonus cuteness factor: make the hints unique to your relationship. For example, “I’m waiting near a field with flowers I brought you on our first date.”
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Try an outdoor escape game with up to 4 other couples
If you’re looking for a group date or just something fun to do with a group of friends, help save the world from the mad scientist, Dr. Vorkov, in this timed escape-style game at Pope Lick Park! Learn more about this fun event put on by our partner, Legend at Pope Lick, HERE.