Skip to main content

After the thrill of the Big Game settles down, we naturally turn our attention to what’s next, and that’s Valentine’s Day. It’s quite the shift, isn’t it? Moving from the energy of a major sports event to a day dedicated to all things love. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for couples – it’s a celebration of love in all its forms, including families, friends, and fun. For family entertainment centers, restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys, this day presents a unique opportunity to create memorable experiences for customers. Here’s some tips on creating a memorable experience this Valentines day!

Valentine's Day portrait of gray-haired man wearing heart-shaped glasses and bathrobe with red hearts. Pink background with balloons.

Think heart-shaped piñatas, cupid-themed scavenger hunts, and photo/selfie booths with Valentine’s Day props.

Themed Events and Special Promotions

By bringing a fresh perspective and a bit of novelty to the table, we can create experiences that not only stand out but also leave a lasting impression. So, let’s get our creative juices flowing create something extraordinary!

Family Entertainment Centers:

Host a “Love is in the Air” family day. Think heart-shaped piñatas, cupid-themed scavenger hunts, and photo/selfie booths with Valentine’s Day props. This not only provides fun for guests but also encourages them to promote your venue. Offer family packages or discounts for groups.

Heart shaped pizza with pepperoni, tomatoes and mozzarella. Valentines day greeting card. Top view

Create a special Valentine’s Day menu, perhaps with heart-shaped pizzas or desserts.

Restaurants:

Create a special Valentine’s Day menu, perhaps with heart-shaped pizzas or desserts. Consider offering a “couples” deal, which can include best friends, parents with their kids, or traditional romantic pairs. A themed trivia night covering famous romances from movies and history can add a unique twist.

Bars:

How about a “Love Potion” cocktail special? Mix up some red and pink drinks, give them playful names, and offer a two-for-one deal. Hosting a “Singles” party can also be a fun way to include those who might feel left out of the traditional celebrations.

Bowling Alleys:

Introduce a “Bowl Your Heart Out” night with pink and red bowling pins or change the colors of the lights lighting up your pins. Offer prizes for strikes or spares with the colored pins. A “couples vs. couples” tournament can be a fun way to boost engagement through competitive socializing. This could be anything from a heart-shaped ring toss to a bowling game where couples get a point for every pin they knock down together.

Ambiance is Key: Music and Video Playlists

Music Playlists:

The right music can make or break the mood. For a family-friendly setting, keep it light and fun with classics like “Love Shack” by The B-52’s or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. For a more romantic atmosphere, check out our Cocktails & Crooners playlist!

Valentines Playlists now live

Dive into our curated music and video playlists!

Video Playlists:

If your venue has screens, curate a video playlist that aligns with the Valentine’s theme. This could be love songs with their music videos or iconic romantic movie scenes, or even a loop of classic Disney love stories for a family-friendly vibe.

Take Control of the Playlist: Ready to set the perfect mood for Valentine’s Day? Dive into our curated music and video playlists, or create your own! Whether you’re aiming for a light-hearted, family-friendly atmosphere or a deeply romantic setting –  Don’t just play music and videos—craft an experience that resonates with your guests. Start curating your perfect playlist today!

Special Touches for a Memorable Experience

All Venues:

Small gestures like handing out chocolate hearts at the door or having staff wear Valentine’s-themed attire can add to the festive atmosphere.

Family Entertainment Centers:

Offer a craft corner where kids can make Valentine’s cards. Or better yet, give out Valentines cards to each person that comes into the venue!

Restaurants:

Consider a complimentary dessert or a special Valentine’s toast for each table. It’s a simple way to make guests feel extra special.

kid crafting a teddy bear valentine

Offer a craft corner where kids can make Valentine’s cards.

Marketing Your Valentine’s Day Special

Use your social media platforms, email newsletters, and local advertising to promote your Valentine’s Day specials. Highlight the unique aspects of your celebration, especially any special events, themed menus, or interactive experiences.

In conclusion, Valentine’s Day offers a fantastic opportunity for family entertainment centers, restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys to create special experiences for their customers. By embracing the theme of love in all its forms and focusing on creating a festive atmosphere with the right music and video playlists, your venue can become a destination for memorable celebrations.

Jim Juniper

Jim is a Co-founder at Control Play. He is an evangelist for strategic content curation. His passion is helping successful, growing businesses create guest entertainment experiences that make their customers happy! Connect with Jim on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimjuniper/