A Family Friendly Valentine’s Day

Posted by Colleen Callery / Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Although couples, both new and seasoned, are usually the ones getting all the attention on Valentine’s Day, it really is a day to celebrate love in all its forms. And some of the most loving relationships are those between family members. Below are a few ideas of what you can do with the whole family, and how you can include those little ones in the fun, too!

 

See a Show or Concert: There are a good number of plays, skits, concerts and shows all around Northern Virginia, so we’ve listed a few below. This could be a fun time to try something the kids haven’t seen before: Opera? Bluegrass? Whatever the entertainment may be, the point is to spend quality time together and enjoy each other’s company. Check out our events calendar for more goings-on in the area!

‘Three Bears’ A Cappella Comedy
Feb. 9 –Mar. 4. Tyson’s Corner’s award-winning professional theater, 1st Stage, along with First Draft at Charter Theater presents a musical play that offers a comedic twist on the classic fairy tale. The show is fast-paced and fun for the whole family, ages 5 and up. / 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean; 703-854-1856; $15, group discounts available.

The Big Meow
Feb.11 @ 4 p.m. This show is perfect for the kids. Jane Franklin Dance presents The Big Meow (adapted from the book by Baltimore author Elizabeth Spires) where Little Cat, who desperately wants to belong to the group, is taunted by the neighborhood felines because his meow is too loud. / Theatre on the Run, 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington; 703-933-1111; $15 adults, $10 children.

Kim and Reggie Harris
Feb. 11 @ 1p.m. and 3 p.m. Consummate musicians and storytellers, Kim and Reggie Harris combine a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock, jazz and pop music. Creative curiosity, years of road and stage experience and interactions with performers such as Pete Seeger, Ysaye Barnwell, Jay Leno, Tom Paxton, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Harry Belafonte and others, has led them to produce music that entertains and inspires. / The Institute of Musical Traditions, Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD; 301-754-3611; $10 advance, $12 door.

That’s Amore Valentine’s Day Concert
Feb. 14 @ 7 p.m. Introducing children to opera through local outreach, the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia is hosting this kid-friendly Valentines concert with familiar operatic classics in Italian, French, German, and English, famous love songs, and That’s Amore Sing-Along finale. Proceed support Children’s Opera Productions. / NRECA Building, 4301Wilson Blvd, Arlington; Suggested donations $10-$28.

Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys
Feb. 11 @ 8 p.m. A living bluegrass legend from rural southwestern Virginia, banjoist Dr. Ralph Stanley has been playing for over 60 years and the Clinch Mountain Boys have been together since 1946. Preserving old-timey bluegrass and traditional mountain tunes, Stanley has won a Grammy for his work on the “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack, and was the first inductee into Grand Ole Opry in the 21st century. / Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; 888-945-2468; $30-$46.

 

 

Photo Shoots! Many local photographers offer holiday specials for discounts or great deals on family photo packages. Valentine’s Day is a day for love, and what better way to celebrate than to capture how much your family means to you than with a beautiful, happy photo.

Don’t want to spend so much money? Create your own photoshoot!
Have your kids help you decorate by cutting out paper heart garland, use red and pink confetti or glitter, use cute handmade props (heart shaped valentines or doily-stenciled t-shirts). Get creative with your outfit choices—highlighting red, white, or pink. Put on fun music. Stay in your house or travel somewhere close by. Use black and white for a classic feel or celebrate the colors—whatever you choose, just have a good time capturing their smiles!

You can opt for the traditional route of framing with your favorite style of frame to hang on the wall or add to your bedside collection, or get the kids to help decorate the frames with a Valentine’s Day theme of their own. You can even print multiple copies of the pictures so your kids can have one in their room, too!

 

 

Send them some love.. in their lunchboxes! A sweet treat and a quick note will brighten anyone’s day. FamilyFun.go.com is an excellent resource for craft ideas, including easy valentines. I mean, how cute are these? (These ideas can also double for neighbors, friends, even your significant other! They are thoughtful, but simple, and can really put a smile on their face.)

Caped lollipops: Use card stock or construction paper to make a cape underneath the head of the lolly. The cape makes a perfect spot for a sweet message, too!

Gnome kisses: Wrap felt around the pointy end of a chocolate kiss as a “hat,” glue (small) googly eyes along the bottom edge, and add a surprise message underneath!

 

Crafts Around the House:
Love Note on a Toothbrush: Stick a note to greet them on their toothbrushes when they wake up, or leave it for them to find when getting ready for bed. Its a fun reminder to brush after all the candy they no doubt have enjoyed all day. Plus, all you need is card stock, some tape, stickers (if you want them), and thoughtful message! Simply write your message, add a fun sticker or two, wrap around the neck of the toothbrush, and secure with a piece of tape.

Crayon Cupcakes: A piece of advice: these are not edible. But they sure do look good enough to eat. Take the ends of used crayons, place them in a cupcake tin (complete with paper lining) and melt them into colorful cakes. Mix colors for fun combinations! Find a full recipe here.

Don’t forget about Fido! These adorable dog collar tags are the perfect way to show the furry member of your family some love for Valentine’s Day. Use foam or card stock to cut out a heart shape. Make two vertical slits to slip through the collar. You can make a hanging pendant, too.

 

 

Ice skating: Take the whole family on a Valentine’s Day outing to try their skills on the ice rink.
Outdoor:
Reston Town Center
Harris Pavilion, Old Town Manassas
Pentagon Row

Indoor:
Fairfax Ice Arena
Ashburn Ice House
Kettler Capitals IcePlex
Mount Vernon Ice Arena
Prince William Ice Center
Skatequest Reston

 

Homemade Treats: After a delicious dinner, seeing a fun show, and maybe some family skating, there is nothing better than dessert.

 

Chocolate Fondue: This classic treat is simple, delicious, and fully customizable to your palette and price range. You can include marshmallows, pretzels, fruit, and anything else you have in the kitchen that just begs to be dipped in chocolate. Plus, the interaction makes it the perfect ending to a family Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Colleen Callery

Tags: and how you can include those little ones in the fun, but families have love to share too! Here are a few ideas of what you can do with the whole family, Its usually the couples that are getting all the attention on Valentine's Day, too!