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Celebrate Your Valentine or Galentine in These Heartwarming Spots in Forest Park

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February 14 is quickly approaching. Do you have plans for your Valentine or Galentine? If not, we have some recommendations for you that are sure to warm up your person’s heart. Keep in mind, mixing and matching is allowed. Choose Your Own Adventure!


  1. Couples Skate at Steinberg Ice Skating Rink

Photo Credit: Izaiah Johnson

Steinberg Skating Rink is closing for the season on February 28. This is even more of a reason for you to take your date here.

Pro Tips:

  • Your skate rental and admission are good for skating all day!

  • Take a break and grab a beer or hot cocoa at Snowflake Cafe and stay warm around the fire outside.

2. Surprise Your Special Someone With a Scavenger Hunt in the Park

At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is the ideal location for a surprise scavenger hunt. Plan your scavenger hunt using ForestParkMap.org (pictured above). Need a head start? Here are some ideas:

3. Get Your Game On…TOGETHER!

Saint Louis Science Center’s free exhibit GameXPloration will take you back to the good ‘ole days. From board games to old school video games, this exhibit has it all!

Pro Tip:

  • If you are going on Valentine’s Day, remember the Saint Louis Science Center closes at 4:30 p.m.

4. Go Bird Watching

There are around 216 species of birds that have been seen in or flying over Forest Park. Don’t forget to grab some binoculars to help you with your discovery of the various species.

Pro Tip:

  • There are two eagles that have been spotted in the Park this season. The eagle(s) can be found flying around Jefferson Lake or near the Emerson Grand Basin.

  • In Kennedy Forest, there are 100 species of migratory birds. Take a seat on one of the benches, close your eyes and listen to them all.


5. Take Adorable Selfies with the Polar Bears

Get a close-up with your valentine and a polar bear swimming at the McDonnell Polar Bear Point. Listed as the best zoo in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, the 90-acre Saint Louis Zoo can easily become a multi-day adventure.

Pro Tip:

  • Bring your tennis shoes because the Zooline Railroad is closed for maintenance until the spring.


6. Walk Down Memory Lane

Stroll through one of the most visited history museums in the nation, the Missouri History Museum. Special must-see exhibits right now include:

  • Muny Memories: 100 Years Onstage

  • Panoramas of the City

7. Slow Dance Under the World’s Fair Pavilion

Photo Credit: Randy Allen

Grab your bluetooth speaker and dance underneath the historic and incredibly romantic World’s Fair Pavilion. Built in 1909 and restored to its former glory in 2007, the World’s Fair Pavilion is an epic place for a viral video with you and your galentine or a romantic slow dance with your valentine on top of Government Hill.

Pro Tip:

  • Don’t have a bluetooth speaker? There are several outlets inside the Pavilion.

  • Include a Janis Joplin track on your playlist because she performed here in 1968. Learn more.


8. Cross Every Bridge in a Park Photo Shoot

There are dozens of bridges throughout Forest Park. The 1800s era Victoria Footbridge is featured in many engagement shoots. Another majestic photo opportunity includes the bridge pictured above that connects Art Hill and Picnic Island. Looking for something more quiet? Head over to the Prairie Boardwalk near Steinberg Skating Rink for a picturesque stroll.

Pro Tip:

9. Sweat It Out

Exercise is better when together! There are many places to exercise in the Park. Let’s look closer at some options for you and your date:

  • Complete a 24 minute HITT workout by doing circles around Government Hill. Climb the steps then do 10 planks, 10 mountain climbers and 20 burpees under the World’s Fair Pavilion. Repeat 3 times.

  • Go for a hike in the woods in Kennedy Forest.

  • Take a bike ride or go for a run around the entire Park on the 6-mile Dual Recreation Path (pictured above).

  • Play racquetball at one of the several courts in the Park.


10. …And Saving the Classic for Last – Dinner for Two

Photo Credit: Tim Keller

Spend Valentine’s dinner at the Boathouse of Forest Park with their exclusive menu on February 14. The dinner includes a complimentary champagne toast! Make your reservation now and ask for the spot near the fireplace. Call 314-366-1555 to make reservations.


We hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to show us your selfies and love shared in the Park using #ForestParkForever.