Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday that’s limited to just couples. It’s a day to celebrate everyone you love! Here are some kid-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday of love in 2021:
Attend a Local Event
As you’d expect, there aren’t nearly as many in-person events as there have been in the past, but here’s what we found:
Enjoy Brunch with Sleeping Beauty at the Igloos at Germantown Garden on Saturday, February 13 at 11 a.m.
Attend Storytime in the Wintergarden at Dilworth Park on Saturday, February 13 at 11 a.m.
Go ice skating with your little sweetheart at Dilworth Park. Between 11:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. on February 14, admission and skate rental is buy one, get one FREE.
While not necessarily Valentine’s Day themed, the Crayola Ideaworks exhibit opens at The Franklin Institute on February 13!
Elmwood Park Zoo is hosting a Valentine’s Day Brunch on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14.
Sesame Place is hosting My Fuzzy Valentine’s Celebration on February 13 through February 15 with limited rides open, a parade, special dining events and more.
Make a Special Breakfast
Make heart-shaped pancakes, drink pink strawberry milk instead of regular, or use a cookie cutter to make heart-shaped toast.
If you need a few more ideas, try these recipes from Pinterest:
Valentine’s Day Funfetti Pancakes with Vanilla Yogurt Sauce
How to Make Heart Shaped Bacon
Easy Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Or, pick up some favorites from a local spot!
Spead Bagelry was voted Best Bagels in the 2020 Philly Happening List.
Federal Donuts was voted Best Doughnut in the 2020 Philly Happening List.
Barry’s Buns was a 2020 Philly Happening List Finalist for Bakery and Winner for Dessert known for their amazing sticky buns.
Mercer Cafe was voted Best Breakfast in the 2020 Philly Happening List.
Have a Hot Chocolate Date
Hot chocolate is always a winter favorite. Make a point to sit down with your kids and sip a mug in honor of Valentine’s Day. For a festive touch, get pink marshmallows or add some sprinkles.
For something special, try this winter’s hottest treat – hot cocoa bombs! We love this unique Liberty Bell shaped version from Shane Confectionery.
Plan a Movie Night
When you think of Valentine’s Day movies, you probably think of rom-coms that kids might not appreciate. But there are actually lots of cute movies that carry the theme of love but are still family-friendly. Consider Lady in the Tramp, Shrek, Beauty & the Beast, Gnomeo & Juliet, or Enchanted. Mix some Valentine’s-Day colored M&Ms in your bowl of popcorn for a sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for the occasion. Or try this recipe for Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies.
Bake a Special Treat Together
A lot of kids love to help in the kitchen! Instead of just giving your kids candy, make a special treat together. They’ll love knowing that they helped make the dessert the family will enjoy that night.
Here are a few recipe ideas from Pinterest:
White Chocolate Valentine Fudge
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
And if you’d rather let the pros do the actual baking, try a decorating kit.
Try calling your favorite local bakery to see if they offer kits. Bredenbeck’s Bakery (a 2020 Happening List Winner & Finalist) has already been promoting theirs on Facebook!
Valentine’s Day Mani-Pedis
Sure, you can take your little one out for a pro paint job, but it can be just as fun to do them at home! Let her pick out the color (the sparkly the better) and give her a little pampering.
Make Cards or Another Craft
This is an activity that you might want to get a head start on before the holiday, so you can decorate your home, get them in the mail or make some deliveries! (But really, there’s no expiration date on telling people you love them!) Help your kids make cards for grandparents, teachers, or anyone else special in their life.
Here are a few ideas from Pinterest:
Fingerprint Heart Valentine’s Day Tree
Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Animals
Printable Valentine’s Day Cards to Color
Eat a Special Dinner
There are plenty of options for this! Let the kids pick their favorite foods. Make dinner together, and have them think of foods that are red to go with the theme. Or, use heart-shaped cookie cutters whenever possible! Pick up (or make) pizza dough and shape it into a heart. Or, let the pros do it and see if your favorite local spot offers heart pizzas for Valentine’s Day.
Slice, our 2020 Philly Happening List Winner, has offered these in the past.
NOTE: Many local pizza places are closed on Sundays (and February 14 is Sunday this year), so you’ll want to plan ahead!
Have a Dance Party
Make a special playlist of silly songs about love and let loose!
