💝Kaia & Kara’s ULTIMATE GALentine’s Day Guide

ORLANDO, Fla. – Grab your besties, pick a vibe, and get ready to celebrate friendship the Central Florida way. This ultimate Galentine’s Day guide rounds up the sweetest spots and most fun plans across Orlando.

BarkHaven

BarkHaven is making Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day in Central Florida a little more paws-on with its “Positively in Love” celebration, designed for couples, singles, and friend groups — and yes, dogs are welcome, too.

The dog-friendly restaurant and bar will be decked out for the holiday, with a free kissing-booth photo op set up in the dog run for people and pups, plus themed game packs for couples and Galentine’s crews that include challenges and a prize when you turn them in.

For those looking to make it dinner, BarkHaven is offering a special Valentine’s prix fixe: a $60-per-person surf-and-turf-style meal (also sold as a couple’s option) featuring steak and bacon-wrapped shrimp with sides, plus dessert, and it includes a dog meal with chicken, pumpkin, and broccoli. And if you don’t have a dog, Bark Haven says you can still come for the full bar, food and indoor hangout vibes.

Museum of Illusions + The Winery & Tasting Room

For a Galentine’s Day outing that’s equal parts photo-worthy and low-key, consider the Museum of Illusions’ February “date night” special—built for couples, friend groups, and “girlies” alike.

As museum guide Sharoyal Williams puts it, the experience is packed with brainteasers and hands-on exhibits designed for taking pictures. After your tour, the fun continues just steps away at The Winery & Tasting Room by Brewlando, where event coordinator Markus McKittrick says the goal is a more “intimate and quiet vibe”—a place to relax, sip, and actually catch up.

,The package runs $59.99 and includes two museum tickets plus two drink tickets for the wine bar, where you’ll find more than 60 wines from around the world, local craft beer, and shareable bites like pizzas and flatbreads.

Outdoor adventure date

Looking to ditch the crowds and do something active?

Make it a “day-date” at Wekiva Island, where you can trade dinner reservations for fresh air and a little friendly competition on the water. On Valentine’s Day, Wekiva Island is offering BOGO rentals on kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards—an easy way to spend a few hours exploring the spring-fed Wekiva River and soaking up that classic “Real Florida” scenery together.

Go at your own pace, stop for photos along the way, and treat it like an outdoorsy mini escape without leaving town. It’s first-come, first-served, and you don’t need a promo code—just show up early if you want the best selection.

Parents’ night out (with a Valentine’s win-win)

Valentine’s plans are a lot more fun when you’re not scrambling for a sitter.

At Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, parents can plan a real date night while the kids get their own special evening at the Zoo’s “Wild About You” Kids Night Out (for ages 5–12). The event includes animal encounters, crafts, a dance party, and other activities designed to keep kids engaged and entertained—so parents can step away for a few hours feeling genuinely guilt-free.

It’s basically a two-for-one Valentine’s win: kids get a memorable night that feels like a party, and parents get uninterrupted time to do something that actually feels like a date.

Glow pickleball & prosecco

If your idea of romance includes laughing, moving around, and trying something new together, Crush Yard is leaning all the way into the vibe.

They’re hosting couples beginner pickleball clinics—an approachable way to learn the basics without feeling like you have to already be sporty—plus prosecco to keep things festive.

And if you want something more high-energy, their late-night Glow Pickleball party turns the courts into a neon, DJ-ready hang with open play, food, and drink specials.

It’s an easy choice for couples who’d rather play than pose, and it also works well for friend groups looking for a Valentine’s weekend plan that isn’t just another dinner-and-drinks.

Classic (and Cozy) Bowling Dates

For a Valentine’s date that’s simple, nostalgic and actually fun, bowling still delivers—especially at Boardwalk Bowl, where the holiday can be whatever you want it to be: romantic, casual, double-date-friendly, or even a family night out. Stop by earlier in the day for buy-one-get-one free games from open to 5 p.m., or lean into the evening specials like the Sweetheart Special (90 minutes of bowling and shoes for two). Rolling with a bigger crew? There’s also a Family Date Night package built for groups. Add in food and drink specials running all day, and you’ve got an easy, low-pressure plan where the main goal is just hanging out—and maybe talking a little trash over who gets the next strike.

Wildly Romantic things to do at the Brevard Zoo

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day idea that’s a little different than dinner and roses, Brevard Zoo is going all out with love-themed experiences all weekend long.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long during Brevard Zoo’s Wild Love Weekend, featuring themed activities and special chats that explore love, courtship, and relationships in the animal kingdom. Activities run daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included with regular Zoo admission, making it a fun daytime option for couples and families alike.

While you enjoy a Valentine’s night out, kids ages 5–12 can celebrate their own way at the Zoo during Kids’ Holiday Hangout: Valentine’s Day Edition. The evening includes animal encounters, Valentine-themed games and crafts, plus a pizza dinner. Tickets are $35 for Zoo members and $40 for non-members. More info: https://brevardzoo.org/event/kids-holiday-hangout-valentines-day-edition/

Skip the chocolates...Name a Poop and More for Valentine’s Day is the perfect gift for anyone with a sense of humor. For a $5 donation, Brevard Zoo lets you symbolically name a barnacle, rhino poop, or leech after a loved one—or an ex. You’ll receive a digital certificate and fun shareable graphics to gift or keep for yourself. Learn more: https://brevardzoo.org/event/valentines/