Let’s be honest: A romantic getaway for you and your significant other isn’t always in the cards on Valentine’s Day. Some years, we’re lucky if we get dinner out, even if it’s only at the local Pizza Hut! For those parents who have dates with their slightly smaller counterparts, here’s a list of family-friendly events that are chock full of hearts, candy, and everything else that makes this holiday a blast for kids!
All Week:
Floating Valentines: A Screening of the Red Balloon at Kray Hall
The Poets House is featuring Albert Lamorisse’s classic “The Red Balloon” short film in honor of the holiday. Kids will get a chance to see the children’s movie and then, inspired by its events, create their own hot-air balloon mobiles with a Valentine’s Day theme. $5 admission, children under 4 are free. Event is running daily at 11 am, until February 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Pottery Barn Kids
Crafting, reading, and other fun activities come together in this special Valentine’s Day celebration just for kids. Sponsored by Pottery Barns across the country, the event will feature “Oh Happy Day” Valentine’s Stations all week long. Running until February 14
Sweetheart Special at Chelsea Piers
Whether you visit as a couple or a whole family, this Sweetheart Special is the perfect thing for golf fanatics on Valentine’s Day. The all-ages promotion includes two club rentals and unlimited golf balls for an hour. $30, all ages. Running until February 18
Tuesday, February 11
I Heart Yoga Mat Painting at Karma Kids Yoga
Honor Cupid’s favorite day with an event centered on love and yoga. Kids can paint and take home their own red yoga mats, participate in heart-opening poses, heart-centering breathing exercises, and loving-kindness meditation. Additionally there will be fun yoga games that are great for children! Ages 6 and up, $50 per child (which includes yoga mat), 4:30 pm to 6 pm
Starting Thursday, February 13
Okamoto Studio: I Heart Ice Sculpture at Brookfield Place
Renowned artists from Okamoto Studio will take ice blocks and transform them into Valentine’s Day-themed sculptures. Enjoy the live carving and exhibition at the Waterfront Plaza, and be sure to take a picture with the “Angel Wings” or “Picture Frame” pieces and post it to social media with the hashtag #ArtsBrookfield for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Hudson Eats! Exhibition running until Friday; Thursday, 5 pm to 8 pm; Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Check website for live carving hours
Valentine’s Love Shack Workshop at Taste Buds Kitchen
You and your little Valentine will get the opportunity to make your own gingerbread “love shack” at these workshops sponsored by Taste Buds Kitchen. With unlimited themed candy and pink frosting, your kids will heart this chance to show their creative side. $75, Ages 2-6. Various workshop times; Running until Saturday, February 16.
Thursday, February 13
Valentine’s Day Party at Citibabes
Citibabes, a family membership club offering playspaces, classes, and preschool among other amenities, is holding a members-only Valentine’s Day party. The special event will feature cupcake decorating, live music, a photo booth, and arts & crafts. 4 pm to 5:30 pm. Must have annual family membership ($2,200), RSVP required.
Friday, February 14
Be My Valentine Heart-Filled Mural at CMOM
Children aged 4 and younger will practice color recognition, learn descriptive vocabulary, and enhance motor skills (via writing) at this holiday event at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Free with museum admission, 10 am and 1 pm.
Kidz Cook at Staten Island Children’s Museum
Staten Island Children’s Museum’s weekly “Kidz Cook” event is all about teaching kids about fun recipes and food. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the class this week will feature a special Willie Wonka Chocolate Fountain. 2 pm to 4 pm
Missed Connections Party at New York Transit Museum (For parents only)
Just for adults (if you can get away after all), this party at the New York Transit Museum will feature a karaoke lounge, Valentine’s crafts, cookie decorating, songs and poetry, and a photo booth. Get flirty, enter raffles, and enjoy the vintage love trains at this 21+ event. $15 tickets, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday, February 15
The Gustafer Yellowgold Valentine’s Ball at Symphony Space
Join Gustafer Yellowgold, an illustrated sun creature, for his adventures on stage at this Valentine’s weekend ball. The show features live original songs and an animated screening that will be a unique way of celebrating this holiday! $15 children, $25 adults. 11 am.
Valentine’s Day Cook and Play at Chef Toni’s
Chef Toni Cooking Adventures aims to educate kids about food, kitchen safety, and basic cooking principles. This Valentine’s Day weekend, the camp is hosting love-themed culinary activities like making heart-shaped spinach and mushroom ravioli.
