Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a romantic occasion just for couples, but it can also be a lovely opportunity to celebrate love as a family. Including children in your plans makes the day more meaningful, creating special moments that they will cherish. Whether you have little ones who love getting involved in crafts or older children who enjoy baking and storytelling, there are plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day a fun and inclusive celebration.

Create a family love feast

Rather than booking a table at a busy restaurant, why not set up a cosy meal at home that everyone can enjoy? You can make it extra special by decorating the table with heart-shaped confetti, fairy lights, and candles (battery-operated ones for little hands). Get the children involved by letting them help set the table, make place cards, or even design a simple menu. For inspiration, check out this article on creating a pretend restaurant at home.

Make homemade valentines

Encourage the children to create their own Valentine’s Day cards for family members, friends, or even teachers. Set up a crafting station with coloured paper, stickers, glue, and markers. If they are old enough, they could write a short note about what they love most about the recipient. This simple activity helps reinforce gratitude and appreciation in a fun, creative way.

Bake sweet treats together

Baking is a brilliant way to bond as a family, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to make heart-shaped biscuits, cupcakes, or even a love-themed cake. Let the children help with mixing, cutting out shapes, and decorating with sprinkles or icing. Not only is this a fun activity, but it also results in some delicious homemade treats to share.

Share a family love jar

A love jar is a lovely way to encourage kindness and appreciation. In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, have everyone in the family write little notes about what they love about each other. On the day itself, sit together and take turns reading them out. It’s a heartwarming way to strengthen family bonds and remind each other of the little things that make you special.

Watch a family-friendly film about love

If you want a relaxed Valentine’s Day activity, a family movie night is a great idea. Choose a film that celebrates love in different forms, whether it’s about friendship, family, or kindness. Films like Paddington, Beauty and the Beast, or Up are great options that the whole family can enjoy together.

Go on a family adventure

If the weather is nice, a Valentine’s Day outing can be a great way to spend time together. A walk in nature, a trip to a favourite park, or even a visit to a cosy café for hot chocolate can turn the day into something special. Take the opportunity to talk about what love means beyond romance – kindness, friendship, and family love are just as important.

Including children in your Valentine’s Day celebrations doesn’t mean sacrificing romance; it simply shifts the focus to love in all its wonderful forms. Whether it’s through a special meal, a creative activity, or a heartfelt gesture, making the day about family love can be just as meaningful and memorable.

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Last Update: Monday, 3rd February 2025