Let’s face it: our social lives are looking much the same in the year 2021 as 2020. We hope it will improve soon, but in the meantime, let’s look at some fun and memorable things to do in your free time. You don’t have to stay at home and do another Netflix binge (although I won’t complain). With Valentine’s Day coming up, I know a lot of you might be looking for fun and creative things to do other than dinner. You have come to the right place! I have curated a list of things to do on the weekends and for Valentine’s Day this year. Some of these are specific to Dallas (check out my complete city guide HERE), but you can always research for something similar in your hometown. There are other things to do depending on your comfort zone like going to a museum, sporting event or restaurant. Just check to see if they’re open first and what the Covid-19 protocol is.
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Things to Do in 2021
1. Drive-in Movie
Drive-in movies are back in style! The best place to go is Rooftop Cinema Club. They have seven locations nationwide, plus one in London. The Dallas location overlooks downtown Dallas while playing your favorite classics. So fun! They have the best love movies and chick-flicks playing all month long in honor of Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Once the temperatures start raising, a drive-in movie is a great spring and summer weekend activity as well. I’ve sent my assistant Laura on a couple of them and she says its really fun!
2. Do a Wine Tasting
Another virtual experience, get dressed up at home to do a virtual wine tasting. Some great options are the tasting options from In Good Taste or this Jordan Wintery private virtual wine tasting that I did with Pete and our adult children. So fun and delicious! All you need is a cheese board. We’ve ordered a grazing board from Fount Board & Table and it was delicious. Also, if you are in the Dallas area, there is a Texas Wine Tasting at the Dallas Farmers Market on February 13th that will be amazing.
3. Wine & Paint Night
One of the most fun things to do in 2021 is a wine and paint night! Painting with a Twist has live events as well as virtual events, so grab your girlfriends for an enjoyable and memorable evening. Even better is that you leave with new home decor. If you’re in the Dallas area, you can also check out this Art with Friends event hosted by the Nasher Sculpture Center for a fun day of art.
4. Cook Food From Another Country
Something fun from 2020 that can carry on into the list of things to do in 2021 is to try new cuisine! Try a new recipe with new spices you’ve never tried (or heard of) before. I even suggest making authentic cocktails from Spirited: Cocktails From Around the World or pairing your meal with an authentic wine. This is a great date night activity. Since I am German, I think I will start with this authentic German cookbook. Weiner Schnitzel?
5. Watch a Broadway Show
Since we can’t go to the theater, bring the theater to you. You can watch almost any live Broadway show on BroadwayHD or Disney+ offers hits like Hamilton and Newsies. Just add some string lights for theater mood lighting, popcorn, and your favorite beverage to give you the feeling of being at the theater. Once the summer hits, you could even grab a projector and watch it outside.
6. Take an Online Mixology Class
Thanks to MasterClass, you can now take a virtual mixology class. Learn from the best bartenders and mixologists in the country right from home. This is perfect for a date night or a girls night in.
7. Go on a Hike
Even if you don’t have a hike near you, there is most likely a walking trail to adventure on. This is a great thing to do on the weekend, especially during the late springtime. Check out the best Dallas hiking trails HERE.
8. Visit Your Local Arboretum or Botanical Garden
This is a great thing to do to unplug and enjoy nature. Walking around a botanical garden or arboretum can be a great thing to do alone or with a friend. The Dallas Arboretum does discounted ticket prices during the winter months, so take advantage of the warmer winter days!
9. Have a Game Night
Game nights never get old! Recently, Pete has been teaching me how to play chess, and it’s been a fun activity we both enjoy. This was an outset of us binge watching The Queen’s Gambit. Have you seen in? SO GOOD! If you have a larger family, a party game is always a great idea. What Do You Meme family edition and Say Anything are always fun and hilarious. 🙂
10. Try a DIY Project
Last, but not least on the list of things to do in 2021 is a DIY project. Now is the time to try out that DIY project that you’ve been eyeing for the last five years. This is perfect to do on the weekend when you have some extra time. Need some idea inspiration? Try this DIY ideas book. Remember last year when I got creative and planted an herb garden? Don’t forget that you can order them from Gardenuity too.
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Let me know if you have any other creative ideas! I’d love to add them to this list.
xoxo – Tanya
Love the Dallas Arboretum, and it’s only $5 admission now through Feb. 19. Plus, you can have thousands of flowers for your LOVED one in one place! XO
White Rock Lake is a wonderful place to pack a basket of goodies with a bottle of wine and head out to watch the sunset! Hubby and I enjoy driving around the lake, there are so many places to stop like the Bath House, Pump House or the point where you can watch the sailboats or feed the ducks. We do love the sunsets in the city and we encourage everyone to check it out!
I absolutely love these tips! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve done far too much of the paint and wine night! I’m with you there haha. Thanks for sharing this.