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Valentine’s Day spending is at an all-time high, averaging $146.84 per person in 2016! While there is certainly nothing wrong with shelling out your hard-earning money to show someone how much you appreciate them, this consumer holiday can definitely hinder your monthly budget. Luckily there are plenty of fun, cheap things to do for Valentine’s Day, especially in the Harrisburg capital region. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite date ideas in the Susquehanna Valley that won’t break the bank – or your budget.

Tour a museum

The National Civil War MuseumWhen’s the last time you visited one of our local museums? If your answer was your high-school field trip then you’re missing out! Harrisburg is home to multiple museums that are perfect for a romantic day on the town.

Overlooking the city of Harrisburg, this beautiful museum prides itself on being one of the premier educators of Civil War history. Come get lost in the past for only $12 admission per adult!

Whitaker Center

The center is comprised of not only a science museum, but also a digital IMAX theater and performance theater. Get ready to feel a sense of childhood wonder all over again. You can buy a combination pass to the science center and to see a documentary film in IMAX for only $19.75 per person.

Gettysburg Battlefields

Be a TouristThe Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA is less than an hour from Harrisburg, PA and perfect for a Valentine’s Day date. Explore the battlefield and learn about the battle in the visitor center, all free of charge. There are plenty of tours offered for a fee in the area, including some haunted ghost tours!

City IslandOnce you’ve lived in one place for a long period of time, you tend to forget what would make it seem magical to those who are simply visiting. Pretend you are tourist and bring some of the magic back for your date.

Take a walk around this beautiful island in the Susquehanna River, home to the local Senators baseball team and plenty of recreational activities. Most activities will be closed in winter, but the upside is that you will have the island practically to yourself!

ZooAmerica

This zoo attached to HersheyPark in Hershey, PA labels itself as a North American Wildlife Park, meaning you’ll only find species native to North America. This small zoo is perfect for a relaxed Valentine’s date, where you can watch the otters frolic and the brand new armadillos play. Admission is only $11.50 per person.

Get Outside

Riverfront ParkSure it may be chilly, but the Pennsylvania landscape is still beautiful during winter. Check out some of our favorite outdoor hikes and walks in the capital region.

Walk along the river at sunset in downtown Harrisburg. This is more of a stroll than a hike, but the scenery of the river can’t be beat.

Heritage Rail Trail

Grab your bike and your winter jacket and head down to Southern York County for one of the best trails in the area. This historic trail goes through fields, forests, and even tunnels for 21 miles!

The Appalachian Trail

Set foot on the legendary trail for a date as long or as short as you want it to be. There are plenty of free parking lots nearby to access the 2,190 mile long hike.

Taste the Local Flavor

Troegs BreweryNew wineries and breweries are popping up every day in the capital region, and tastings are usually right on budget. Here are our favorites.

This brewery offers $5 tours to experience and taste the elements of the brewing process. Plus, there is a gigantic tasting room where you can sample your way through their entire beer list.

The Vineyard at Hershey

You can sample five wines for only $5 at this local winery. This scenic farmhouse offers great-tasting wines and even live music!

Volunteer

If you’ve done it all, switch it up and make your Valentine’s Day about more than just each other. Volunteer your time for your favorite local organization and make someone else’s Valentine’s Day a little brighter.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your Valentine’s Day, make sure you stick to your budget. Whether that means a fancy dinner, or walk along the river, we hope our list gives you some new ideas for your Valentine’s Day plans.

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