Set aside the romance and Valentine’s Day truly can be a holiday for anyone.
From sharing decadent desserts or heart-shaped pizza for Galentine’s Day, to the kids sharing their appreciation for their classmates with teeny tiny cards and candy, here are a variety of local ways to spread the love in February.
AWLA Family Fun Night – Pawsome Valentine’s Day Cards
Friday, Feb. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early this year by letting your kids make dog-inspired cards for their friends, family and everyone in between. This event is perfect for the pet-lover in your life, and a great way to support your local animal shelter, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, along the way! // Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria; $20
Family Valentine’s Day Craft and Music Party
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-noon
Head to Lost Boy Cider for a fun-filled morning for all ages. This family inspired event will feature Valentine’s Day crafts (while supplies last) and live entertainment from the Rainbow Rock Band. Plus, don’t miss the caricature portrait and Valentine’s Day-themed balloon creation in honor of the holiday. Adult tickets include two 12-ounce ciders, kids tickets include one non-alcoholic cider. // Lost Boy Cider: 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria; $15 for adults, $35 for kids
Valentine Craft Party for Kids
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-noon
What could be better than shopping for toys? To your kids, there isn’t much. But for you, getting to spend a little extra weekend time with them in the toy store can be a great. Let your little ones join in on the free Valentine’s Day craft party with Sunny Day Family in Brambleton Town Center, and maybe, browse some of those fun toys your kids have been eyeing lately. // Go Bananas Toys: 42395 Ryan Road, Suite 122, Ashburn; free
Me & My Valentine Sip & Paint
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1:30-3 p.m.
You’ve tried your hand at painting at home, but it’s time for you and your favorite little artist to take things to the next level. Head to Link Family Fitness Studio and you and your mini Valentine can enjoy an afternoon of painting and creating, in the name of love! Plus, you can sip wine and your child can enjoy kid-approved juice. // Link Family Fitness Studio: 9000Q Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton; $55 per parent and child
DIY Adventures: Valentine’s Day Gifts and Crafts
Saturday, Feb. 8, 3-4:30 p.m.
Making Valentine’s Day cards at home may have you imagining paper cutouts, glue and glitter all over your kitchen table. As much fun as that sounds, you can take your child to Rust Library in Leesburg to learn even more fun and creative ways to make cards for everyone they love. Let their sticky fingers and creative energy go wild at this hands-on event. // Rust Library: 380 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg; free
Japanese Art: Valentine’s Day Card Making and Origami
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2-3 p.m.
For your children who are 10 years and older, and looking for a way to be creative and loving on Valentine’s Day, take them to this class of origami folding and Valentine’s Day card-making. The instructor will teach basic folds (which can be built on later!) and help everyone spread the love through handmade arts and crafts. // Dorothy Hart Community Center: 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg; $10 city residents, $15 non-city residents
MOMS Club Will Steal Your Heart – Valentine’s Day Celebration
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10-11:30 a.m.
MOMS Club of Stafford is a local branch of MOMS Club International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting stay-at-home mothers. Come to the February chat to learn what the local chapter is all about while the kids snack, participate in a fun craft and get to know each other. There will be a Valentine’s Day card exchange. If your child would like to participate, have them bring along 20 to 30 Valentine’s Day cards addressed to “my friend.” // John Musante Porter Memorial Library: 2001 Parkway Blvd., Stafford; free
Wednesday Wonders Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10:15-11 a.m.
The animals at local parks need love too, so let your little one write, draw and color Valentine’s Day cards with the team at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Attendees will also get the chance to make their own take-home crafts and explore the nature center. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 North Marcey Road, Arlington; $15
Parents Night Out at Loudoun Valley Community Center
Friday, Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m.
If you would rather not subject your little one to a night of a prix fixe menu and nice clothes, let them enjoy themselves elsewhere at the Loudoun Valley Community Center on Valentine’s Day. You can head out for dinner and drinks while the kids enjoy pizza, a movie and a fun time in the moon bounce. // Loudoun Valley Community Center: 320 W. School St., Purcellville; $20 for first child, $10 for additional siblings
Valentine’s Day Parents Night Out
Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30-10 p.m.
So, you were lucky enough to score those reservations you’ve been hoping for, on the actual holiday no less! Now, what are you to do with the kids? Let them celebrate at Dynamic Kick Martial Arts with a superhero kids’ night. Your Batman or Wonder Woman can join other local kids for a night of games, arts and crafts, a kids movie and a pizza party. Now you can wine, dine and dance the night away. // Dynamic Kick Martial Arts: 12713 Shoppes Lane, Fairfax; $25
Parents Nite Out! Sweethearts Dance 4 Kids
Friday, Feb 14, 7-10 p.m.
So, your kids are just old enough to want to miss out on local Parent’s Night Out events, but young enough to not stay home alone. There is a solution, and they get to have fun too! The Sweethearts Dance is an environment for 8 to 13-year-olds with a dance contest, giveaways, raffle prizes, a crazy candy table, pizza and hot dogs, and dozens of more goodies along the way. Kids are encouraged to bring Valentine’s Day cards to trade and there will be adult supervision at all times. // Divine Inspiration Center for the Arts: 14849 Persistence Drive, Second Floor, Woodbridge; $15
Stroller Strides
Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m.
Getting active and socializing is easy when you have your stroller nearby. Head to Fair Oaks Mall for a special edition of Stroller Strides with Fit4Mom, and squeeze in a workout during your holiday weekend. All attendees are encouraged to wear red or pink, family members are welcome (including dads!) for the partner-themed workout, and there will be a Valentine’s Day treat exchange at the end. Be sure to bring a few cards or candy, and a bag for your child to collect all of their goodies. // Fair Oaks Mall: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax; free
Choose Your Valentine’s Day Snowman
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.
Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of arts and crafts and this Wine & Design class is no exception. You and your child will learn how to design and paint your very own Valentine’s Day snowman, and be able to take your masterpiece home with you! This class is open to all ages, but is ideal for parents and kids aged 4 to 10. Snacks and beverages are not provided for the family class, but you are welcome to bring your own. // Wine & Design: 709 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; $25
Parent’s Night Out for Valentine’s Day
Saturday, Feb. 15, 5:30-9 p.m.
Finding a babysitter or family member to watch your children on a holiday weekend is tough. But, you’re not out of luck! Fauquier County Parks & Recreation is hosting a Valentine’s Day Parent’s Night Out for local kids where they will enjoy music, food, dancing and movies. Go out and enjoy yourselves while your child gets the chance to have weekend fun. // Marshall Community Center: 4133 Rectortown Road, Marshall; $5
Kids Valentine’s Party
Saturday, Feb. 15, 6-9 p.m.
At multiple locations throughout the region, Life Time Athletic is offering a Valentine’s Day party designed for kids, fit with a pizza party and yogurt parfait buffet. Let the kids play musical heart games, craft a bouquet to bring home and snack to their hearts’ content while you head to those long-standing dinner reservations for the holiday. // Life Time Athletic: Multiple locations; $40 for day pass, $109 a month for junior membership
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