01/28/26

Around Town

Madison Valentine’s Date Ideas (That Aren’t Just Dinner)

Looking to skip the crowded restaurants and try something more memorable this Valentine’s Day? Madison has plenty of creative, cozy, and playful ways to celebrate. Here are a few standout date ideas that feel special, fun, and totally Valentine’s-worthy.

Try a Golf Adventure

These golf spots combine a little friendly competition with great vibes, making it easy to connect, laugh, and have fun. From indoor mini golf to high-tech simulators, these date ideas prove that the best nights out are the ones you play together.

Blind Shot Social Club

Grab your date for an easygoing mix of food, drinks, and friendly competition. This cozy social club pairs craft cocktails and delicious bites with golf simulators and a putting green. Blind Shot Social Club is the ideal spot for playful banter, a few laughs, and a casual, low-pressure date.

The Bogey Factory

Take a short drive to Verona for this indoor golf + bar & grill destination. With multiple TrackMan simulators, bar food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, it’s ideal for a playful date night with plenty of conversation starters. Whether you’re trading shots or swapping stories over dinner, The Bogey Factory keeps the night fun.

Vitense Golfland

Shake off the ordinary with a fun and playful date. Start inside with a round of indoor mini golf; the bright, quirky holes make for light competition and easy smiles. Then head to the heated driving range to tee off together (yes, even in cool weather!). Finish the date strong with a bite to eat at Babes located right inside Vitense Golfland.

Ice Skate by the Lake

Few things feel more Valentine’s-ready than ice skating in wintery Madison. Head to The Edgewater Ice Rink or Tenney Park Lagoon for a mix of romance and fun. Even if you’re a little wobbly, it’s part of the charm and warming up with hot chocolate afterward is basically mandatory.

The Edgewater Icehouse

The Icehouse at The Edgewater delivers lakefront views, twinkling winter vibes, and a polished atmosphere that feels right out of your favorite rom-com. Skating tickets and rentals are available to purchase online here. The perfect place for a memorable, romantic glide followed by warm drinks nearby.

Tenney Park Lagoon

For a cozy, classic date, Tenney Park’s Frozen Lagoon is hard to beat. The setting is effortlessly romantic with picturesque views and historic charm, plus skating is free to enjoy. Bring your own skates or take advantage of affordable rentals for an easy, sweet way to spend time together outdoors.

Take a Hands-On Creative Class

Do something different this Valentine’s Day with a candle-making, pottery, or paint class. Creating something together is meaningful, fun, and gives you a keepsake from the night. Plus, it’s one of those dates that feels intentional without being overly formal.

Candle Classes

Love U Candle: Learn how to make frostings of the cake candle and decorate your own unique cake candle at their cake candle workshop. Sign up here.

Wisco Home Goods: Sign up for their general candle making workshop and create your own soy candle.

Glitter Workshop: Join in for a hands-on candle pouring workshop where you have artistic control. Register for the course here.

Pottery Spots

Fired Up Pottery: Check out this cool spot offering a clay studio, glass studio, and pottery studio. Create and express yourself to the fullest extent here.

Paint Classes

Paint & Sip at Forward Craft & Coffee: This event is run by Orange Palette and focusing on celebrating love, friendship, and creativity with a fun, paint-filled night. Sign up to join the fun!

Picasso Paint Your Partner at Wine & Design: Sign up, show up, sip, and paint! Each ticket includes 2 seats and a bottle of bubbly. No artistic talent required, just a desire to have some fun.

The Valentine’s Day Takeaway

The most meaningful dates aren’t about where you eat, they’re about being fully present with the person you love. Valentine’s Day is a chance to slow down, share an experience, and make space for real connection. Choose an activity and make a lasting memory that feels true to you. It’s not about doing the most; it’s about spending the time together in a way that actually feels special.