Going out for Valentine’s Day weekend in Kansas City, but on a budget? We got you
Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year. While that may hamper some plans you had in mind, it’s not too late to craft the perfect day.
If money happens to be an issue or you panicked and waited until the last possible minute to plan something, don’t stress about it. Your romance consultants on The Star’s service journalism team have you covered, with some help from readers suggesting their favorite low-cost date ideas.
Here are some ideas that are sure to keep the love alive while keeping your wallet intact.
TAKE A WALK
Nothing builds up a good day like going on a long walk with your significant other. A great place to start is the Old Red Bridge, where you can lock your love forever and expand on the soft launch you started on Instagram.
It’s a short bridge, so take the extra time to venture out to these places to spend some quality time with each other.
Overland Park Arboretum — For just $3 each, take in breathtaking gardens with a breathtaking human.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art — Always free, always hosting an exciting exhibit. Make it a coffee date with Thou Mayest Coffee inside in the Bloch Building.
If you’re both fans of the outdoors and a good cup of coffee, hiking at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary followed by a drink at Parkville Coffee or at Weston Bend State Park followed by a trip to Weston Roasters could be just right. And, the drives to and from the sites give you plenty of time to chat.
If you want more coffee date ideas, our readers helped us make this list of Kansas City’s 92 favorite coffee shops.
FOR THE ATHLETE IN YOU
Do you and your high school sweetheart want to relive the glory days, or just looking for something fun and active to do?
Look no further than two Kansas City metro area staples: bowling at Ward Parkway Lanes or roller skating at Skate City.
If you’d rather not throw your arm out or embarrass yourself by falling in public, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is free this month. The money saved by taking in Black history can be used at Arthur Bryant’s, which is right down the street from the museum.
There’s also Whisker’s Cat Cafe and the unique opportunity to do yoga with kittens for $20 a person. Get your kitty fix while fixing your posture.
BOTTOMS UP
Are you both party animals? A lot of places in Kansas City don’t charge cover, or if they do, it’s very cheap. Take advantage and dance with somebody who loves you.
Green Lady Lounge — they may have a $5 charge, but the atmosphere and jazz are more than worth it. Someone’s performing every night, whether on the main floor or in the lounge.
Nighthawk — The basement bar has a DJ and a local performing artist every weekend. It’ll be an evening with JONISTHENEWBLK on Friday, as he plays the greatest R&B hits and dance anthems to get the Valentine’s Day vibes going. Don’t be on the outside looking in, as it’s first come, first serve.
Gamers can rise up at UpDown. All games cost only 25 cents, so button mash to the top in Mortal Kombat, work together to take down Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and create lifelong memories while sabotaging each other in Mario Kart 64.
If dive bars are your thing, Lucky Boys and Chez Charlie’s sound like the right place. Throw darts, shoot pool and laugh at each other when one of you calls the wrong pocket on the 8-ball.
THRIFT TIL YOU DROP
There’s nothing more satisfying than scoring a great deal on a cozy sweater, a funky table lamp or that weird kitchen tool you’ve been searching for forever. Kansas City has a world-class thrifting scene, and amazing bargains are hidden all around town just waiting for you and your special someone to find them.
The West Bottoms is well-known for its First Fridays antique sales, but did you know some of its shops are open every weekend? Dig through treasures at Nook & Cranny and Bottoms Up Antique Market from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. every Saturday, or stop by Serendipity on the second and third Saturdays of the month (including Valentine’s Day weekend) from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Even more great thrifting spots around the city are open on weekdays as well. Stop by the mini antiques row on 45th Street between State Line Road and Genessee, or check out Waldo favorites like City Thrift Waldo, Red Racks and Thrifter’s Paradise for homegoods, clothing and vintage treasures.
Or, you can’t go wrong with the tried and true River Market Antiques.
DINNER AND A MOVIE
Whether you are an old-head vegan looking for junk food or just interested in trying something new and exciting, Dead Beet Eats might be the place for you. Located at 312 Armour Road, this vegan spot has burgers, hot dogs and lots of loaded fries for your delight.
All the menu items are less than $20. The burgers come with fries and range from $13 to $16. Hot dogs are $9 or less. Check out the entire menu here.
Once you’re done stuffing your face at Dead Beet Eats, head over to Screenland Armour for a movie. This theater has a nice mix of throwback and indie movies as well as new releases that you can catch on the big screen. Movies now playing include Death on the Nile, Licorice Pizza and Moonfall. Check here to see everything playing now until Valentine’s Day.
LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT
All great romances are fueled by great laughs. If you and your partner love to laugh together, make sure to stop by The Bird Comedy Theater. The Bird is hosting a special Valentine’s Day weekend for the lovers and friends. On Friday, the theater will host its regular comedy show. Tickets are $15 and can be bought here.
Right after that show, there will be a slumber party themed show, where guests are encouraged to wear their pajamas, starting at 9:45. Buy tickets here.
On Monday, The Bird will have a special show for Valentine’s Day. The show is said to include games, character’s and musical improv. Tickets for Monday’s show are $20 and can be found here.
Proof of vaccination is required for all shows hosted by The Bird and masks are recommended.
To see The Bird’s full itinerary for the weekend, visit the theater’s website.
HEART SHAPED PIZZA
For one day only, Minsky’s Pizza is offering heart shaped pizza and chicken wing bouquets on Monday. A medium heart shaped pizza will be $16.99 and the wing bouquets will be $23.99 and $17.99 for bone-in and boneless wings, respectively.
If you’re looking to class this date up, Minsky’s is also offering its own red wine blend, available for delivery, and New York cheesecake and tiramisu to top off your night.
To guarantee you get either a pizza or bouquet for you and your valentine, make sure to pre-order online for delivery.
GET CREATIVE
Challenge yourself to plan a nice date with items bought from the dollar store. Dollar stores like Dollar Tree have an array of activities you and your partner can choose from. One idea could be a flirty paint night! Canvas, paint and brushes can be found at most locations.
Aside from painting, there are tons of materials to have a fun craft night or ingredients for snacks and goodies to go along with a comfy movie night.
Check here to find other places offering Valentine’s Day specials or to-go dinners for lovers next week.
Love. We can’t get enough of it and we hope you don’t either this weekend.
Do you have another question about how to participate in life in Kansas City? Ask us at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below.
This story was originally published February 11, 2022 at 1:42 PM.