In the words of Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) from hit NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” “the best day of the year” is coming up.
Galentine’s Day arrives on Feb. 13, so it’s time to start planning the festivities for you and your besties.
As everyone knows, friends always come first. That’s why Galentine’s Day lands the day before Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.
Each year, lady friends leave their husbands and boyfriends at home and come together to kick it.
“Ladies celebrating ladies,” Knope explains. “It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus, frittatas.”
But you don’t have to only kick it breakfast-style. There are several Galentine’s Day ideas for activities across New Jersey, New York and online to suit all schedules and interests.
Here are 10 Galentine’s Day ideas to treat yourself and your lady friends with all the strengths this holiday.
Galentine’s Day ideas
Spyscape
Price: $44
If you’ve always wanted to become one of Charlie’s Angels — or be part of the “Totally Spies” squad, depending on your generation — Spyscape is a great place to train. You will gain the mindset and skills of a spy and learn the history of espionage across seven technologically advanced galleries.
Sit, Fetch, Purr, Paint: Paint Your Pet
Price: $35-65
You and your friends can organize an at-home painting night with wine, mocktails and/or snacks to learn how to paint your favorite furry friends. Oklahoma artist Addie Stunkard will lead the 2-hour live virtual class and demonstrate basic painting techniques with watercolor paints you can use to create your unique portrait. You can purchase the class alone or with as a bundle that includes uncommon goods’ Watercolor Paint Kit, Set of 36 Colors.
Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating
Price: $69
Become cookie decorating experts during this baking class. An instructor will teach you several decorating techniques, like piping, flooding, wet on wet and texturing, you will test out on six cookies and demonstrate how to make royal icing from scratch. Everyone will also get a cupcake, ice cream cone, hearts and doughnuts.
Knot Your Average Bag DIY Macrame Class
Price: $54, instead of $60
There’s no such a thing as too many bags, especially if it’s one you handcrafted yourself. Bring the girls together for a 2-hour, virtual macramé tying class led by expert crafter Shannon Sadler. You’ll learn to create a macramé bag from scratch that you can use for almost everything from wine bottles to plans. You can buy the class alone or purchase a bundle with uncommon goods’ Macrame Kit.
Gossip Girl Sites Tour
Price: $66-264
Gossip Girl fans can gather for a 2.5-hour guided bus tour around New York to see the iconic filming locations of the hit show and reboot. You’ll have the chance to stop for photo-ops and relive your favorite scenes with Serena, Blair, Nate, Dan, Chuck and Jenny.
ARTECHOUSE Immersive Art Experience New York
Price: $28-109
For friends who are fans of art, you can check out ARTECHOUSE in New York. The multi-sensory art gallery has several exhibits full of technology-based exhibits that you can view. Plus, you can download the gallery’s extended reality (XR) mobile app to interact with each exhibit.
Pink Pier at Watermark NYC
Price: $22 for Standard Admission, $35 for VIP Admission, $120-800 for Igloo or Chalet Tables
You and your friends can coordinate matching outfits and enjoy food, co*cktails and panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline at the world’s first all-pink pier. At the Insta-worthy Pink Pier at Watermark Waterfront Bar NYC, you can have an outdoor experience where you will have access to the bar and areas for photos with standard admission tickets. You can opt for VIP admission with two free co*cktails or book a heated, pink igloo, chalet or table to upgrade your experience.
WORLD SPA
Price: $89-178 for an All-Day Weekday Pass; $121-241 for a 4-Hour Weekend Pass
Grab your bathing suits, slippers and robes for a day of rest and relaxation. At WORLD SPA, you and your friends will have access to over 15 saunas, rooms and pools, including a Himalayan Salt Room, Moroccan Hammam, a Snow Room and the United States’ largest Russian Grand Banya.
Hidden Bars and Speakeasies Nighttime Tour
Price: $38-152
You can have a night of bar hopping to three of Midtown Manhattan’s most historic bars, pubs, and speakeasies while listening to Prohibition stories about gangsters, bootleggers and oil kings. During the 3-hour tour, you’ll get free admission at each venue, skip-the-line entry, reserved seating and insider service.
Paradox Museum New Jersey
Price: $27-107
In this immersive museum at the American Dream Mall, you’ll view over 70 wacky paradox-inspired exhibits. Take silly photos with your friends in optical illusions and learn about the science behind them.
The Best Valentine's Day Shopping Deal & Gift Guides
- Litter-Robot’s best-selling bundles are $50 off for Valentine’s Day
- 20 long-distance Valentine’s Day gifts to make up for the miles apart
- 10 romantic date ideas you can book for Valentine’s Day
- Owala is releasing a new lovable Valentine’s Day water bottle: Here’s when you can finally get it
- Valentine’s Day Disney Starbucks Tumblers have arrived at shopDisney
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