Spend the day of love in the “Paris of the Plains”

Kansas City is often referred to as the “Paris of the Plains.” Does that mean you could call it the Midwest “City of Love”? I think yes. Valentine’s Day is near and what better time to embrace the romance of the city! Whether it’s date night or just a celebration of love and life, here are a few ways you could spend your day in the ever-charming Kansas City.

Note that while the language used in these recommendations is centered around dates and themes of romance, all of these activities and places can be celebrated with your platonic loves too - so romanticize your life, grab the ones you love, and explore the city!

Daytime Activities

Crown Center

Spend a wholesome afternoon at Crown Center with your valentine. You may picture this area and think of children, Legoland, and the Crayola store. While it is a heavily family-friendly place, Crown Center has much more to offer and can be your perfect one-stop-spot for many cute and fun activities that scream Valentine’s Day.

Lace up and hit the rink with your partner at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. The ice rink in the heart of Kansas City is open from November to March, perfect for mid-February that gets you active and sparks some laughter and unseriousness that everyone can use now and then.

If skating is not your thing, right across the way is SEA LIFE Kansas City located in the same Crown Center Square. For a quieter and more intimate activity, spend some time exploring marine exhibits and the underwater tunnel. Observe the sea life up close as they swim overhead, learn new fun facts, interact with sea creatures by partaking in the touchpools.

By now, you're hungry. The good news is there are plenty of dining options to choose from within Crown Center. But it’s Valentine’s Day - and what you really need is chocolate. Stopping by Chip’s Chocolate Factory is a must for chocolate covered strawberries, fudge, or other rich goodies made locally and on site.

Whether you’re looking for an activity, want to shop or snack around, Crown Center has it all in a small radius. Don’t overlook this area when planning your Valentine’s Day!

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

No matter what the weather is on the day of your outing, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art can be a compatible addition to your plans. February in Kansas City can be a gamble. If the weather is not on your side, casting brutal temperatures, rain or snow on your day, spend hours inside the Museum discovering the artwork throughout the many exhibits and galleries the Nelson has to offer. Art is inherently romantic, as is a stroll through the gorgeous museum. Enjoy bites to eat at the Rozzelle Court Restaurant or a coffee from Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters.

If you hit a stroke of luck with a sunny and temperate day, an intimate picnic on the lawn is calling your name. Pack a lunch and find the perfect spot to spend some time in the fresh air alongside your chosen company, perhaps near Kansas City’s iconic shuttlecock sculptures.

Dinner Spots

Lidia’s

An elevated dinner is a no-brainer when it comes to Valentine’s Day plans. Nestled in the Crossroads, restored from a former railroad house is Lidia’s. The warm and vibrant Italian restaurant offers a classic fine-dining experience sure to impress your date. Check out their seasonal or specialty menus, as well as happy hour deals. Their famous unlimited pasta trio will likely try to seduce you, it’s imperative you say yes.

Pierpont’s at Union Station

For a memorable and profoundly Kansas City night, make your way to the city’s renowned Union Station. There’s a certain magic that fills the space between the floors and the high ceilings throughout the entire station that will elevate your night through atmosphere alone. Rich in history with a feeling of modern luxury, Pierpont’s at Union Station is a romantic’s dream. The menu consists of savory steaks, fresh seafood, crave-worthy appetizers and a library of wines and liquor. For an early night, be sure to check out their happy hour.

night time activities

KC Symphony/Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Put on your best reds and pinks, and embrace the arts this Valentine’s Day. Date night can be much more than dinner and drinks. Hop online and browse the KC Symphony’s events catalog. There is something so enchanting listening to talented and passionate musicians and vocalists live on stage. Spend the night as an audience member listening to dreamy classical music, supporting artists and be absorbed by the powerful Kansas City orchestra.

Green Lady Lounge

Following the theme of live music, the Green Lady Lounge has a lot of intimacy and romance to offer. This famous cocktail bar has live jazz 365 days a year. No reservation is needed, as it’s all open seating plus a $10 cover charge at the door. It’s a toe step into the abundant history of jazz music in Kansas City. The ambiance is dark and elegant making it an ideal location to spend your Valentine’s Day night. It can make for a fun excuse to dress up and spend a night on the town. (I recommend the pomegranate martini)!