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Best Valentine's Day Dates For Parents In Chicago

For many parents, getting a babysitter for Valentine's Day weekend is half the battle. The other half is deciding where to go and what to do in Chicago. If time is on your side but you can't think of anything beyond booking it to a restaurant, then this guide is for you (just make sure you make reservations or purchase tickets before heading out the door). Check out the following five ideas for a date night on Valentine's Day in the Chicago area.

Phantom of the Opera
(Credit: theatreinchicago.com)

The Phantom Of The Opera
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(800) 745-3000
www.theatreinchicago.com

Date: Through March 2, 2014

For a fun night out on the town, consider picking up tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" playing at Cadillac Palace Theatre. It's a must-see if you and/or your date are into musical theatre, making it the perfect date for Valentine's Day. The play runs through March 2, 2014, and has one performance scheduled on February 14, 2014. Located in the Loop, Cadillac Palace Theatre is near an assortment of restaurants and bars so you can start or finish your evening in style.

The Wooden Spoon
5047 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 293-3190
www.woodenspoonchicago.com

Expand your cooking repertoire beyond spaghetti and meatballs by attending a cooking class together at The Wooden Spoon in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. Starting February 8, 2014, it will be offering a series of Valentine's Day-inspired cooking classes so you and your significant other can have some fun in the kitchen while learning new recipes. Some of the foods that will be prepared in the various classes include seared scallops, pork medallions and patatas bravas. To sign up for a class, you can check out The Wooden Spoon's website or call; payment is due at the time of registration.

May I Have This Dance
(Credit: May I Have This Dance's Facebook)

May I Have This Dance
5246 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 635-3000
www.mayihavethisdance.com

Dancing with your significant other on a cold winter's night is a great way to spend the evening. Whether you each have two left feet or just want to learn new dancing techniques, consider checking out May I Have This Dance's Strictly Ballroom Night on Valentine's Day. A lesson is held from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., and then open dance runs from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. or later. Walk-ins are welcome if you'd like a spontaneous addition to your Valentine's Day plans. For a rundown on the dress code and proper shoes to wear for dancing, as well as information on pricing, check out May I Have This Dance's website.

Related: Best Cooking Classes In Chicago

The Logan Theatre
2646 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 342-5555
www.thelogantheatre.com

Did your babysitter offer to stay late on Valentine's Day? Then don't rush home after dinner. Instead, extend your date night by heading to a show at The Logan Theatre in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. The late-night movie will be after 10 p.m. and will feature a film associated with Valentine's Day. For more information, check out the theatre's website. The theatre is also easy to get to via public transportation, as it is near the Logan Square stop on the El Blue Line and a bus stop. For a special treat, get ice cream from Bobtail Ice Cream Company or beer from Revolution Brewing, which are available for purchase at The Logan Theatre.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 742-1168
www.cityofchicago.org

For a more casual date night, consider starting or ending your evening by picking up your skates and heading to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The ice rink is open until 10 p.m. on Valentine's Day, giving you plenty of time to get in a few laps around the ice. You can also refuel at the Park Grill and warm up with hot chocolate. If you can't make it to the ice rink on Valentine's Day, you still have plenty of time as the rink is open through March 9, 2014.

Related: Date Night Guide To Lincoln Square

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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