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Sweet Traditions: 15 Valentine’s Day Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Keep kids smiling on Valentine’s Day.


Ah, Valentine’s Day! The time of year when love is in the air, and heart-shaped everything takes over. But if you’re a parent, you know this holiday can sometimes lead to eye rolls and groans from your kids. Fear not, dear reader! I’ve got some ideas that will make your little ones beam with delight instead of burying their faces in their phones.

1. Treasure Hunt of Hearts

Why not start the day with a treasure hunt? Hide little heart-shaped notes or candies around the house. Give the kiddos clues to find their hidden treasures. It’s a fun way to kick off the festivities and get them moving!

2. Crafty Card Making

Unleash the creativity! Gather the family around the table with construction paper, markers, and stickers. Encourage your kids to create handmade cards for friends and family. Bonus: It’s a great way to get them off their screens.

3. Heartfelt Breakfast

Begin the day with a breakfast full of love. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for pancakes, toast, or even eggs. Throw in some strawberries, and voila! You have a festive and delicious start to the day.

4. Story Time with a Twist

Read books about love and friendship. You can even create your own love story featuring your kids as the heroes. This not only entertains but also reinforces positive values.

5. Valentine’s Picnic Indoors

Weather not cooperating for an outdoor picnic? No problem! Lay a blanket on the living room floor and enjoy sandwiches and heart-shaped snacks. A cozy indoor picnic can be just as fun.

6. Bake-off Bonanza

Who doesn’t love cookies? Spend the afternoon baking and decorating heart-shaped cookies together. It’s a sweet way to bond, and you get to enjoy tasty treats afterward!

7. Dance Party for Lovebirds

Pump up the jam with a family dance party. Create a playlist of upbeat love songs and let everyone show off their moves. It’s a great way to burn off some of that sugar energy too!

8. Love Letters

Encourage your kids to write letters of appreciation to siblings, grandparents, or friends. Teaching gratitude and expressing feelings are invaluable lessons hidden inside this activity.

9. Valentine’s Movie Marathon

Cuddle up for a movie marathon featuring classic love stories or animated tales of friendship. Don’t forget the popcorn with a sprinkle of love-themed candies mixed in!

10. Puzzle of Hearts

Spend some quiet time putting together a heart-themed puzzle. It fosters teamwork and is a calming activity amidst a day full of excitement.

11. DIY Love Coupons

Have your kids customize love coupons offering services like a free hug or helping with chores. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

12. Decorate with Love

Get the whole family involved in decorating the house with heart-shaped garlands and paper chains. It sets the mood and gives a personal touch to your home.

13. Outdoor Adventure

If the weather permits, take the celebration outside. A nature walk or a trip to the park can be a refreshing way to enjoy the day together.

14. Valentine’s Spa Day

Set up a home spa with face masks and nail polish. Kids enjoy a little pampering, and it’s a way to instill self-care habits early on.

15. Family Hug Fest

End the day with a group hug and a round of expressing what you love about each family member. It’s a simple yet powerful way to close the day.

Whether you try one or all of these, the key is to have fun and create memories. Remember, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. It’s about cherishing all the special people in our lives—including those pint-sized ones who make every day an adventure.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Daddy Newbie!

About Don Jackson

Don Jackson is a professional media personality, with more than a decade of experience in working with clients across a multi-faceted swathe of industries. He's a cancer survivor and advocate, who founded DaddyNewbie.com as a letter to his newborn son (just in case). Along the way, he's founded the ABQ Dad's group, co-hosted the Dad Spotlight podcast, and become increasingly active, as a voice for fathers and cancer survivors. He shares his thoughts, stories, recommendations and much more, as he and his family explores parks, museums and the great outdoors. Come join him on his journey through this story of parenting greatness and epic fails, in the ever-changing story of fatherhood.

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