Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, and like every year, expectations can be high. Whether you are planning a night out with friends or a date with a significant other, here are a few suggestions to ensure you do not disappoint.

First and foremost it is important to plan a date that fits the relationship you have. If this Valentine’s Day will be a first date, it is best to strive away from a gushy and romantic date and, instead, strive for a fun, but casual date. The same goes for couples who have not been dating for very long. This is not to say you can’t add flare to a usual date by dressing especially well, bringing a rose, or giving a sentimental present.

Couples who have been dating for a long enough time or have already gone on several dates together tend to have more pressure to plan a Valentine’s Day date that stands out among the rest. However, a date that fairs well in the spotlight does not necessarily have to be formal and pricey; in fact, the best dates are often ones that are unique and more “lowkey”.

Below are ideas of activities to do with your date or friend this Valentine’s Day. Whether you choose to use one or follow inspiration elsewhere, don’t overlook the personal touches, the references to inside jokes, and the other subtle ideas that make a date one to remember.

At the Weber Center’s skatium, couples can go ice skating for $5 as an entrance fee and rent skates for $3. If you’re willing to either drive or take a bus to Chicago, you can skate at millenium park for free with a $10 fee to rent skates or along the Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon for free with a $12 fee to rent skates.

Channel the romance of the movie The Vow and buy a box of assorted chocolates to play the chocolate version of Russian roulette. Afterwards, you might as well watch the movie.

Several museums give Illinois residents the opportunity to take advantage of free days to view their exhibits. The Field Museum is offering free general admission for the month of February and discounted prices for new exhibits and 3D films. The Art Institute of Chicago is free each weekday, and would make for an ideal date this Friday for the “artsy” couple. For the aquatic-animal lovers, the Shedd Aquarium will be free this weekend.

For the aquatic-animal lovers who may not wish to travel to the Shedd, a local fish store like the Old Orchard Aquarium Store provides a cool atmosphere and plentiful fish to ogle, despite its small space. For the animal lovers who are not necessarily exclusive to aquatic animals, a trip to a pet store like Petco can meet similar ends.

For the art-fans, places like Paint N Party at the Golf Mill Mall where customers get to paint their own ceramics before they’re fired to take home provides a date where you can bond over your artistic creations. Of course, there is also the option of compiling materials yourself for arts and crafts at home or going for a walk together to take “artsy” pictures of the oddities you encounter.

Baking together is another variation of the creative date; the only difference that you can then gorge on your final masterpiece.

The quintessential dinner and a movie date is a common and old favorite that is certainly not out of place as a Valentine’s date idea. You dine and watch at home or venture outdoors. If this potentially overplayed idea does not please you, substitute the movie for a play. Outside Mullingar will be playing at Skokie’s Northlight Theatre this Friday at 7:30 p.m. and this Saturday at 2:30 and 8 p.m, and tickets for students will be $15. The Laramie Project will be playing at the Devonshire Playhouse for $10 each at 7 p.m. this Saturday.

Hopefully, these ideas will help or at least provide some inspiration elsewhere. Either way, Happy Valentine’s Day!