Tag Archives: Valentine’s Online

Feel the Love: Valentine’s Day Activities Around the DC Area

 

 

Do you ❤️ celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the occasion, here are some ideas — with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day! XOXO

 

XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Through May 14 | Weds -Mon, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: $15.95

How about a whole exhibit that pairs perfectly with Valentine’s Day? Recommended for ages 2-12m,  XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness provides children and caregivers the opportunity to think about and explore feelings to help them understand, appreciate, and express their emotions through facial expressions, words, movement, art-making, and other hands-on activities.  Read more about the museum here.

Kids Workshop: Valentine’s Vase
Where: Home Depot locations around the DC area
When: February 4, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free – be sure to register in advance!

Home Depot’s free monthly workshop for kids will help them prep for the day (or make a gift) as they build a Valentine’s Vase. All supplies are provided, including a little apron, and kids get to keep their craft along with a certificate of achievement and collectible pin. All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. Register in advance!

Love from the Library
Where: Select DC Public Libraries
When: Through February 14
Admission: Free

DC Public Libraries are hosting a bunch of love-ly programs that celebrate the holiday. Attend a Valentine movie night, do some card making and other crafts, join a Valentine’s Day story time.  Visit the website for details on these events and more — just set the date through February 14 and use keyword “Valentine.”

Valentine Makers Market
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: February 11, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free

Find thoughtful and handmade gifts for all the sweeties in your life at this Valentine Maker’s Market. Shop a variety of options, including small batch chocolates, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, clothing, and much more! You will find vendors offering a wide selection of homemade, handmade or homegrown products, and every vendor is from the DEL-MAR-VA region. Be sure to tour the grounds, check out the Arts Center inside, and take kids to play in the Fairy Lolly while you’re there — it’s all fantastic (admission is a suggested $5 donation). Read more about Annmarie Sculpture garden here and here.

Maker Morning: Art from Your Heart
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: February 11, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free

Color your February with love at the Hirshhorn’s self-guided drop-in program geared toward kids. Look for stations throughout the museum, all love-themed and hands-on. Try out Valentine’s Day activities including writing a love letter, magnet poetry, and a love library — all inspired by art in the museum. Stroller parking is available in the Lobby and Lower Level.

Kids Workshop: Swan Sweetheart Note Holder
Where: Lowe’s locations around the DC area
When: February 11, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free

Bring your mini-DIYer to Lowe’s for a workshop hosted by a Red Vest expert. This month is Valentine’s-themed, and kids will build their own Swan Love Note Holder — a perfect gift for someone they love. All participants will receive a kit with materials. Be sure to reserve a time slot! Walk-ins are welcome, but space is not guaranteed.

Cupcake Decorating Class
Where: La Fantome Food Hall | Riverdale, MD
When: Saturday, 11am-12:30pm & 1-2:30pm
Admission: $40

Join celebrity chef Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman for a special Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class. Aspiring bakers can join the highly decorated baker, currently featuring on Cooking Channel’s “Bake It Til You Make It.” Participants will leave with four decorated cupcakes, a certificate of completion, and specialized baking tips and knowledge from Mr. Bake himself. Parents are invited to join the fun and accompany their baker, as well as enjoy food and drinks (including a special kid’s menu) for breakfast or lunch following their session. Two sessions are available: Kids ages 5-11 can join the first hour-long session at from 11am-12:30pm, while bakers 12-16can join 1-2:30pm. Parents must accompany children ages 5-11 to the first session.

Won’t You Be My Owlentine?
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: February 11, 1-2pm
Admission: $7/age 6+

Love is in the air, and literally, for the beautiful birds of prey! Join Potomac Overlook staff as they discuss the mating habits of owls during their breeding season and get a picture with a live bird of prey! Register in advance, as space is limited. And be sure to explore the rest of the park while you’re there — it’s great for kids of all ages. Read more about Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post.

Unshrink My Heart – Shrinky Dinks Workshop
Where: Gateway Arts Center | Brentwood, MD
When: February 11, 2-4pm
Admission: Free

The DIY arts and crafts icon from the 80’s is back! And nothing says “love” like a hand-made pre-shrunk Valentine. Families are invited to create beautiful jewelry, key chains, and other Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones. Receive the first 2 sheets of blank Shrinky Dinks for free; additional sheets will be available to purchase for 50 cents each.

Nature DIY Valentines
Where: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park | Chantilly, VA
When: February 11, 3-4pm
Admission: $9

Nothing says I love you more than a homemade card. Use natural materials to create your own card just in time for the holiday. Materials will be provided for cards that kids can make. Stay for a little while, or the whole time. Recommended for ages 6-12.

Family Festival with Black Panther + Beauty & the Beast
Where: Shipgarden | McLean, VA
When: February 11, 1-6pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot!

This Valentine’s Day keep it cozy with hot drink specials from Shipgarten’s winter menu. On February 11, bring the fam to their Valentine’s Family Festival hosted by Black Panter and Beauty & the Beast. Take pics in the photo booth and compete for prizes — they have games, activities, and competitions for all ages.

Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
Where: WAP Gallery in Westfield Wheaton Mall | Wheaton, MD
When: February 11-12, 1-5pm
Admission: Free

The Wheaton Arts Parade is hosting a special Valentine’s pop-up this weekend. In addition to their shop where you can meet the artists, the WAP Gallery will have a free Valentine art making table for kids. The Gallery is located in Westfield Wheaton Mall, Lower Level Entrance 11.

Say ‘Be Mine’ in the Animal World
Where: Burke Lake Park | Burke, VA
When: February 11, 2-3pm
Admission: $10

Animals communicate in many ways. Kids can learn how to express their affection in chimpanzee, toad, wolf, and more on this outside Valentine’s Day walk and talk. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Sunday Makebreak: Watercolor Heart Frame
Where: Michael’s locations around the DC area
When: February 12, 2-4pm
Admission: Free

Drop in a Michael’s location to do some Valentines crafting. Make a watercolor heart frame to put a picture of your special someone in — or picture of yourself to give to someone special. All ages welcome, no reservations needed.

Queen of Hearts Tea Party
Where: Colvin Run Mill | Great Falls, VA
When: February 12
Admission: $15

For ages 3+…Bring your child to the mill and celebrate Valentine’s Day with this heart-themed tea party. We’ll have tea, savory and sweet treats and play 19th century parlor games. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Valentine’s Tea & Poetry
Where: Burke Lake Park | Burke, VA
When: February 12, 10:30-11:3-am
Admission: $15

For ages 12 and up… Sip some mint tea with your best friend or significant other as a naturalist helps you pen your own love poems based off of famous love poems. Practice your penmanship while learning some helpful calligraphy tips to give your poems a more personalized feel.

Say ‘Be Mine’ in the Animal World
Where: Lake Fairfax Park | Reston, VA
When: February 12, 2-3pm
Admission: $10

Join the Fairfax Park Authority for a Valentine-themed event about ways animals communicate. Learn how to express your affection in chimpanzee, toad, wolf, and more on this outdoor Valentine’s Day walk and talk.

Nature Valentines
Where: Maydale Nature Classroom | Colesville, MD
When: February 12, 3-4pm
Admission: $7

Winter is full of celebrations. Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice by making lanterns, the holiday season by making nature ornaments, and Valentine’s Day by making nature valentines. Register for one or all of these family fun activities.

Valentine’s Day Science
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center | Annandale, VA,
When: February 13, 6-7pm
Admission: $10

Kids love science when they learn with engaging hands-on activities. Join the Fairfax Park Authority for science activities to let kids share that love this Valentine’s Day! Recommended for ages 5-10.

Window Shops
Where: Storefronts around Adams Morgan, DC
When: Through February 14
Admission: Free

Take a walk around Adams Morgan to see all storefront decorated especially for Valentine’s Day! The Adams Morgan Partnership BID is sponsoring a window decorating contest for all businesses facing the street. Enjoy a family outing to the neighborhood to walk around and see them all, then grab at bite at one of the many eateries there. You can also vote on your favorites through an online poll on our website from Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13!

The Love Shop
Where: Milk Bar | Logan Circle, DC
When: Through February 14
Cost: Depends on order

Milk Bar, the bakery that makes my favorite Birthday Cake, has special products for the holiday. Mini cakes, soft serve ice cream, and truffles are perfect desserts for an at-home date night or family celebration. Available for pick-up or delivery.

Ice Skate Date
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Through February 14
Admission: Varies by rink

If you just want to do something fun, active, and sweet with your kids, plan an ice skating date. Go to the Sculpture Garden, then enjoy photo ops by the AMOR sculpture. Glide along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park, then get a bite to eat at one of the many eateries nearby. Skate by the Potomac River at Washington Harbour, or over the Potomac at The Wharf — and both have even more to do beyond skating at their waterfront locations. Get details for all of the DC rinks, plus more in Maryland and Virginia in this post about ice skating around the DC Area.

DIY Valentines
Where: At home
When: Whenever you have time
Admission: Just the cost of supplies

So, this is just my suggestion. One of my favorite annual programs has been the National Postal Museum’s Valentine’s Day Card Workshop, and we tried to go every year. The museum would provide all kinds of supplies — pretty papers, stamps, washi tape, stickers, markers, and more — for guests to create Valentines. Everyone from families with young children to teens hanging out together to groups of adults attend, and there’s always a great sense of community as you share tables with others there to celebrate love. It’s not happening again this year, but we can still keep the make-your-own tradition going. So, grab some artsy supplies and get creative at home — and make your loved ones’ Valentine’s Day! And for more about the wonderful yet often overlooked Postal Museum, see this KFDC post.

Some wweet suggestions if you’re seeking gift ideas…

* A Valentine’s-themed activity book.
* Sweet kids’ reads: Board books, for elementary ages, for middle schoolers, for teens.
* A heart stuffie for little ones.
* Fun bath bombs.
* A lovely light up drawing t-shirt (or this one).
* A day at Spa World (get a discount on Groupon).
This novel will capture any adult’s heart.
* Make ’em smile with cute socks.
* Who doesn’t love the gift of food?

 

Do you know of a great Valentine’s Day event or activity not listed here?  Let us know in the comments!

 

 

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Filed under 2023, DC, Holidays, Maryland, Virginia, Winter

Local Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day that Kids (& You) Will Love

DIY Valentines from a past Postal Museum workshop

 

Do you ❤️ celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to celebrate (and prep for) the day, here are some ideas — both virtual and IRL — with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day!

Spreading Kindness: Virtual Valentine Greetings
Where: At home
When: Through February 14
Admission: Your time and card making/baking efforts

Celebrate the Valentine’s Day by giving back with Eliana’s Light. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to create cards, poems, and paintings for children who have to be in a DC, MD, or VA pediatric hospital over the holiday. Pre-pandemic, these pieces of art would be delivered to their recipients, but this year volunteers should email them instead, and they will be shared through social media and email to give a boost to those who have been going through a lot over the past year due to the effects of COVID-19. This small act of kindness can have a big impact. More details about the program are here.

Virtual Workshop: Valentine Card Making
Where: The Paper Source | Online
When: February 10, 8-9:30pm
Admission: $30

Feel the love with some Valentine fun at Paper Source’s annual workshop. Perfect for virtual a hang out with friends or some cozy solo crafting time. Make one-of-a-kind cards that you can gift to your bestie, significant other, or family on Valentine’s Day. Recommended for ages 14+. You will need to pick up recommended supplies.

Valentine Cupcakes
Where: Sprinkles | Georgetown, DC
When: Order by February 9
Cost: Depends on your order

Sprinkle love to people you adore with Sprinkles Cupcakes seasonal boxes. They have special mixes, or you can customize your own. Orders must be places by February 9, and delivery or pick-up must be scheduled by February 14.

V’Day Sweet Shop
Where: Milk Bar | Logan Circle, DC
When: Through February 14
Cost: Depends on order

Milk Bar, the bakery that makes my favorite Birthday Cake, has special products for the holiday. Mini cakes, soft serve ice cream, and truffles are perfect desserts for an at-home date night or family celebration. Available for pick-up or delivery.

Make-Your-Own Sweet Treats
Where: Take home from Ice Cream Jubilee | DC & VA
When: Pre-order for pick up or local delivery Feb 11-14
Cost: $18

Craft some sweeties with your sweetie! Ice Cream Jubilee is offering a make-at-home ice cream cookie kit especially for the holiday. It comes with sugar cookie dough, a heart cookie cutter, dark chocolate, Valentine’s sprinkles, and a pint of Bold Vanilla. Makes around 4 mini-sandwiches.

Naked at the Museum Virtual Scavenger Hunt (for adults)
Where: Watson Adventures | Onlines
When: February 12, 13, & 14
Admission: $19

Watson Adventures’ wildly popular Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt is going virtual for the first time ever! Explore museums all over the country on a fun, flirty quest for beautiful and bizarre nudity in art. You might bump into a bronzed Adonis, encounter an incontinent Cupid, serenade moonlit sirens, walk in on handsy Egyptians, marvel at medieval codpieces, run across randy revelers, and see much more. Note: Participants must be clothed.

Virtual Nature Valentines
Where: Meadowside Nature Center | Online
When: February 13, 1-2pm
Admission:Free

Consider collecting outdoor items to create your very own nature valentine. Before the program, go on a walk and collect nuts, sticks, and other natural items. During the program, participants will share why they collected items and assemble valentines. A suggested list of supplies will be emailed before the program to help prepare. An adult may need to assist the participant. This program will take place using Microsoft Teams. Recommended for ages 5+.

Hike & Seek: I [HEART] Nature
Where: Locust Grive Nature Center | Rockville, MD
When: February 14, 2-5pm
Admission: $2/person

Looking for a little adventure? Work together with (or challenge!) your Valentines to nature trivia in a heart-themed scavenger hunt — it’s this month’s nature-themed Hike & Seek series puzzle. Register by Friday, February 12, to schedule a time slot and to receive a prize for completing the hunt. No drop-ins on the day of the program. Note that natural surface trails are not stroller accessible. See more about the program here.

Sweetheart Stroll
Where: MLKing Jr. Recreational Park | Silver Spring, MD
When: February 14
Admission: Free

Looking for a heart-healthy and fun activity for Valentine’s Day? Sign up for the Sweetheart Stroll at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park on February 14th. Starting at 2pm, guests can walk or run along the 0.8-mile HeartSmart Trail. Be entertained and enchanted by multiple photo stations, string lights, and LOVE-ly decorations along the way. Watch for heartwarming messages along the path and a sparkling butterfly garden, too! Registration is required — see available time slots here.

Courtship in the Animal World Campfire
Where: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park | Chantilly, VA
When: February 14, 6pm
Admission: $8

What does it take to attract a mate in the animal world? Turtles, frogs, insects, birds and even fish all have unique techniques for finding that special someone. Learn about these techniques and enjoy a short hike before sitting around a campfire to roast marshmallows. Register in advance. Recommended for ages 4+.

Virtual Cake Pop Class
Where: Baked by Yael | Online
When: February 14, 4:30pm
Admission $39.95

Have your cake and eat it, too, at a virtual Baked by Yael cakepop class! They’ll teach you how to crumble the cake, mix it with frosting, and then roll, dip, and decorate your cakepops. The exact number of cakepops will vary depending on what size you choose to make your cakeballs. Some people end up with 12+ cakepops! The registration fee includes materials for one participant, a Home Cakepop Kit with baked cake, frosting, candy melts, edible glitter/sprinkles, cakepop sticks, and cakepop drying stand. (Please note that the gluten-free & vegan cakepops do not use frosting.). For just $25 more, we’ll include enough cake, frosting, candy melts, and cakepop sticks for an additional participant! See the website for more details.

DIY Valentines
Where: At Home
When: Whenever you have time
Admission: Just the cost of supplies

So, this is just my suggestion. One of my favorite annual programs is the National Postal Museum’s Valentine’s Day Card Workshop, and we tried to go every year. The museum would provide all kinds of supplies — pretty papers, stamps, washi tape, stickers, markers, and more — for guests to create Valentines. Everyone from families with young children to teens hanging out together to groups of adults attend, and there’s always a great sense of community. We’ll miss it this year, but we can still keep the make-your-own tradition going. So, grab some arty supplies and get creative at home. And make your loved ones’ (or a stranger’s — see the top listing) Valentine’s Day! And for more about the wonderful yet often overlooked Postal Museum (for when it’s open again), see this KFDC post.

The Valentine Dine
Where: Restaurants in Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: February 12-14
Admission: $20-60

Love the one your with this Valentine’s Day Weekend and enjoy favorite Capitol Riverfront restaurants while you’re at it. Whether you’re planning to spend the day with your sweetheart, friends, or family, they’ve curated a list of the sweetest dining deals sure to send Cupid’s arrow through your heart. Choose from a romantic dinner-for-two options at Bammy’s, Maxwell Park, or Osteria Morini; daytime dining choices at Jackie, La Famosa, Scarlet Oak, or Slipstream; and the ultimate indulgence from Coldstone Creamery, Ice Cream Jubilee, and Jeni’s. The best part? ALL gift card options come with awesome discounts, plus complimentary desserts or drinks included with several deals. Order in advance!

Valentine’s Day Specials
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Through February 14
Admission: The cost of your meal
Many of the restaurants at The Wharf have special meals and deals for Valentine’s Day, both dine in and take out are available, depending on the place. Visit the websites of Colada Shop, Del Mar, District Doughnut, Hank’s Oyster Bar, La Vie, Mi Vida, Moon Rabbit, and The Grill for specifics and note that some need to be pre-ordered.  Also, Shop Made in DC and Diament Jewelry  have great last minute Valentine’s Day gifts including jewelry, travel sets, candles, and more.

Socially Distanced Date Nights for Everyone
Where: Restaurants in Adams Morgan, DC
When: February & March
Admission: Varies by place and activity

Adams Morgan is a great place for a date in DC, whether you’re a mom and daughter out for ice cream, a first date, or a married couple celebrating a double-digit anniversary. The Adams Morgan Partnership presents DATE NIGHTS with all kinds of specials, promotions and date lineups throughout the neighborhood during February and March 2021. Visit the website for a chart full of suggestions.

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Annual, DC, Holidays, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Social Distancing, Special Event, Virginia, Virtual Programs, Volunteer, Weekdays, Weekend, Winter