Living with Littles: Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Kids

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:

Penelope Fox Art Studio is offering a Valentine's Day embroidery class on February 6 for ages 12 and up (could be a great “date idea” to have with your teen!)

Makers Off Main in Doylestown is offering a Valentine Gnome Make and Take on Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7.

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.

While not necessarily Valentine's Day themed, the Crayola Ideaworks exhibit opens at The Franklin Institute on February 13!

Playpad Bucks is offering Valentine's day Play Dates daily from February 6 through February 14 with play time, crafts, and more.

Elmwood Park Zoo is hosting a Valentine's Day Brunch on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14.

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!

Redhouse Bagels in Bensalem was voted Best Bagels in the 2020 Bucks Happening List.

Factory Donuts in Doylestown and Newtown was voted Best Doughnut in the 2020 Bucks Happening List.

The Rockhill Filling Station was voted Best Breakfast in the 2020 Bucks Happening List. After closing for a few weeks for renovations, they'll reopen on February 3, offering dine-in and takeout.

Piazza's Bakery in Levittown sells donut decorating kits.

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.

You could also order this winter's popular treat – Hot Cocoa Bombs! 2020 Bucks Happening List Finalist Angelina's Bake Shop in Bristol has them available for ordering. Or, Green Parrot in Newtown has partnered with local baker Sugar Bomb LLC to create a cocktail menu featuring hot cocoa bombs! These will be available as boozy drinks for adults or alcohol-free for kids. You can order them while dining in the restaurant or as takeout.

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:

M&M Cookie Pie

White Chocolate Valentine Fudge

Mini Strawberry Shortcakes

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. Piazza's Bakery in Levittown 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

Photo from Piccolo Trattoria on Facebook.

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. Piccolo Trattoria (a 2020 Happening List Finalist for Pizza), Angelo's in Doylestown and Southampton, Faraco's in Quakertown, Guissepe's in Richboro, Nico's in New Britain, Parma John's in Souderton, and Vincenzo's in Bensalem are just a few that have done it 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!