Published February 11, 2021
Love is in the (Fresh) Air
Heads up! This article was published 3 years ago.
7 free or low-cost Valentine’s Day adventures in MetroParks
Valentine’s Day may be a little different this year as many people may not be comfortable with the go-to “dinner and movie” outing. If you’re looking for a safe, low-cost and fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other, look no further than the great outdoors. Here are some of our favorite activities and spots in your MetroParks that are perfect to share with someone you love:
Winter garden stroll
The formal gardens at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark are beautiful during the spring and summer, and the same is true in the winter. Walk the paths through the gardens to spot witch hazels and hellebores in bloom. You can also take a stroll through the swamp forest boardwalk to watch a variety of birds fly through the trees.
Heart Healthy Trails
You and your partner can take care of each other’s hearts by leading healthy, active lifestyles that includes the American Heart Association’s weekly recommendations for exercise. Getting just 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a few times a week can improve your heart health and a great place to start your journey to heart health is on MetroParks’ Heart Healthy Trails. These trails are shorter and easy to traverse, making the perfect outing for those who are new to trails or just wanted to enjoy a lower impact adventure with a special someone.
Gnome hide and seek
During the winter, seven gnomes decided to take a staycation in Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Currently dressed in their Valentine’s Day best, these gnomes are hidden throughout the park. Grab your sweetie and try to spot them all. This also makes a fun family activity if you have little ones joining you during your Valentine’s Day outing.
Cut a rug outdoors
Tucked away along the purple trail in Possum Creek MetroPark are the remnants of the Argonne Forest Amusement Park. Built in the late 1920s, the park features an old swimming pool, street cars, a dance floor and more. Hiking through history with your sweetheart is a romantic way to spend the day. Be sure to stop by the old dance floor for a slow dance to nature’s tunes and imagine what the park would have been like in the 1930s.
Cozy downtown stroll
There are many downtown locations to grab a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate and then take a stroll at RiverScape MetroPark along the paved recreation trails. For extra beautiful views, be sure to catch the sunset over the Dayton skyline and watch the colors bounce off the Great Miami River.
Farm animal encounters
If your Valentine is an animal lover, consider a date to Carriage Hill MetroPark’s historical farm. The historical farm is home to many interesting heritage breed farm animals, meaning animals you would have seen on a working farm in the late 1800s, including merino sheep, Poland China pigs and more. Visit the farm to see animals having some winter fun outdoors – they may even walk up to you to say “hello.”
Competitive couples
The MetroParks Trails Challenge is a great way for couples to spend time together being active and perhaps finding a new shared outdoor recreation hobby. Walk, hike, jog, paddle, cycle, mountain bike and even horseback ride your way to completing all or just a few trails for your chance to win cool prizes. Register and learn more.
For couples who want to skip the winter weather, head to MetroParks Earth to Table and the 2nd Street Market Facebook pages to find veggie-inspired recipes that will “wow” your Valentine. The 2nd Street Market’s vendors also offer ways to shop for pantry staples, treats and artisan goods online.
Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations while spending time outdoors. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response and related closures, visit metroparks.org/covid-19 and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
