15 Valentine’s Day Traditions to Start With Your Kids
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples; it’s a perfect chance to bond with your kids and create lasting traditions that celebrate love in all its forms.
I find that simple activities, like making homemade cards with a cute Valentine’s Day quote for kids or baking together, can turn into cherished memories. There are so many ways to infuse this day with creativity and connection, and I think you’ll appreciate how these traditions can enrich your family dynamic.
If you’re curious about what unique activities can make this day special, let’s explore some ideas that might just inspire you.
Craft Homemade Valentine’s Cards
Creating homemade Valentine’s cards is a delightful way to express love and creativity with your kids. Every year, I set aside a special afternoon where we gather our crafting supplies; colored paper, markers, glitter, and stickers. I love watching their excitement as we brainstorm ideas together.
We talk about who we want to send cards to, and I encourage them to think about what makes each person special. Once we’ve our list, we plunge into the fun part: designing the cards. I guide them on folding the paper, cutting out heart shapes, and writing sweet messages.
It’s heartwarming to see their personalities shine through each creation. Sometimes, they even surprise me with their artistic flair! We make sure to add personal touches, whether it’s a hand-drawn doodle or a heartfelt note.
After we finish, I always remind them of the joy that comes from giving. Delivering the cards to friends and family is a highlight, and I can’t help but feel proud of their creativity and thoughtfulness.
This simple tradition not only brings us closer but also teaches my kids the true meaning of love and kindness.
Bake Heart-Shaped Cookies
There’s something magical about baking heart-shaped cookies with my kids on Valentine’s Day. The moment we pull out the mixing bowls and flour, excitement fills the air. I love watching their faces light up as we blend the ingredients together. We laugh as we get flour everywhere, and I can’t help but think of the memories we’re creating.
We start with a simple sugar cookie recipe, which is perfect for our heart-shaped cookie cutters. As we roll out the dough, I let my kids take the lead. They choose colors for the icing and sprinkles, making each cookie unique. I teach them how to pipe the icing, and we share tips on decorating.
Once they’re baked and cooled, we arrange the cookies on a platter. We often end up with some funny-looking creations, but that just makes it more special.
To wrap up our baking adventure, we deliver cookies to neighbors or friends, spreading love beyond our home. It’s a sweet way to teach my kids about kindness and sharing on Valentine’s Day. I can’t wait to make this a family Valentine’s Day tradition that we cherish for years to come.
Organize a Family Movie Night
Another of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my kids is by organizing a cozy family movie night. I gather everyone in the living room, set up a comfy blanket fort, and arrange all our favorite pillows.
Then, I let the kids pick the movies. We usually go for a mix of animated love stories and heartwarming classics, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
To make it extra special, I prepare some homemade popcorn and heart-shaped snacks. We might even whip up some hot cocoa to sip while we watch. As the lights dim and the first movie starts, I love seeing the excitement on their faces.
It’s a simple yet effective way to bond and create lasting memories. Throughout the night, we share laughs and occasionally pause the film to talk about our favorite moments or characters.
This family movie night isn’t just about the films; it’s about strengthening our connections and celebrating love in all its forms. At the end of the night, I make sure to take a group selfie, capturing our smiles and the cozy atmosphere.
We started this Valentine’s tradition as a couple, and now we have a family its a tradition that everyone looks forward to each year.
Create a Love Jar
A love jar is a fun and heartfelt way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids. Start by finding a jar, which can be anything from a mason jar to a decorative container. Together, you can decorate it with stickers, ribbons, or paint to make it truly our own. This becomes a special project that gets everyone excited.
Next, gather your kids and brainstorm love notes or kind words you want to share with family and friends. Each note can express what you love about someone or a happy memory you share. Encourage your kids to write down their thoughts, and help them if they need it.
Once you’ve filled the jar with our notes, take turns reading them aloud. It’s a great way to reflect on the love and positivity in our lives. You often end up laughing and reminiscing about the moments that inspired your notes.
After Valentine’s Day, you can also keep the jar in a special place, and I suggest you add to it throughout the year. This way, you can continue to celebrate love and appreciation every day, not just on Valentine’s Day.
Go on a Nature Walk
Nature walks can be a great way to bond with my kids on Valentine’s Day. Instead of the usual gifts, take time to appreciate the beauty around you. I love that you can even start this Valentines tradition as new parents.
You can pack a simple picnic, grab some water bottles, and head to your favorite park or nature reserve. As you walk, encourage your kids to notice the little things like the colors of the leaves, the sounds of birds, and the textures of tree bark.
To make it even more special, you could even suggest a scavenger hunt. To do this, simply create a list of items for your kids to find, such as a pine cone, a feather, or a heart-shaped stone. This keeps the kids engaged and excited as they search for treasures in nature.
During your walk, you can talk about what you love about each other and share your favorite memories. It’s heartwarming to hear their thoughts and feelings, and it strengthens your family bond.
Host a Valentine’s Day Party
Hosting a Valentine’s Day party can be a fantastic way to create lasting memories with your kids and their friends. Start by picking a fun theme, like a heart or rainbow colors, and decorating the space with balloons and streamers. It instantly sets a festive mood!
You can get the kids involved in sending out cute invitations, either handmade or digital, so everyone knows they’re invited.
On the day of the party, prepare a mix of simple snacks like heart-shaped sandwiches, fruit skewers, and cupcakes with pink frosting. You can also get the kids helping with the food prep, making it a fun family activity.
To keep everyone entertained, plan in some simple but fun games, like a Valentine’s scavenger hunt or a craft station where kids can create their own cards. It’s amazing to watch their creativity shine!
Make DIY Gifts for Friends
Another simple tradition can be to get your kids involved in making DIY gifts for their friends. It’s a wonderful way to keep the Valentine’s spirit alive and teach them the joy of giving. Gather supplies like colorful paper, stickers, markers, and glue, letting their creativity shine.
One of our favorite projects is making personalized friendship cards. Each child picks a theme, maybe their friend’s favorite color or hobby, and decorates the card accordingly. They write sweet messages inside, reinforcing their bond with thoughtful words. It’s heartwarming to watch their excitement as they craft something unique for each friend.
You can even take it a step further by creating small gift bags filled with homemade treats like the heart shaped cookies.
Involving kids in DIY gifts not only fosters creativity but also helps them understand the importance of thoughtfulness. Seeing their friends’ faces light up when they receive these gifts is priceless.
It’s a tradition you can start this year and continue to pass it on for years to come.
Write Love Letters to Each Other
Writing love letters to each other is another cute Valentine’s Day traditions to do with your kids. There’s something truly special about putting pen to paper and expressing our feelings.
You can start this tradition by writing the love letters on your baby’s first Valentine’s Day, and then continue it as your family grows.
Each year, gather your kids around the kitchen table, and encourage them to think about what they love most about each family member and then write it down.
It’s heartwarming to see them articulate their thoughts, whether it’s a compliment, a favorite memory, or a simple “I love you.” After writing, take turns reading our letters aloud, and the room fills with laughter and hugs.
This tradition not only strengthens your bond but also teaches your kids the importance of expressing emotions. It’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate one another, especially in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Plus, you can keep these letters in a special box, so you can revisit them in the future, reliving those sweet moments.
Have a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt
A fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids is by organizing a scavenger hunt that’s filled with love-themed clues and surprises. Start by creating a series of clues that lead them from one spot to another, each hint expressing something sweet or fun about love. For example, you could hide a clue in a teddy bear’s arms or under a plate of heart-shaped cookies.
As they solve each riddle, watch their excitement build, and it brings me so much joy. You could even sneak in little treats or notes at each location, like a small toy or a heartfelt compliment. It’s not just about the prizes; it’s about the journey you take together.
When they finally find the last clue, make sure it leads to a special surprise like a homemade card or a fun activity you can do together. This scavenger hunt not only sparks creativity and teamwork but also allows you to talk about love in a lighthearted way.
Decorate Your Home Together
There’s something magical about transforming our home into a Valentine’s Day wonderland together. You can go a simple or as big as you like.
In my home, we keep it simple with a few garlands and decorations we make together hung around the living room. Big or small, seeing their proud smiles as they hang their creations fills my heart with joy.
Plan a Family Picnic
Looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family? Plan a simple outdoor picnic!
Start by getting the kids involved in choosing a menu. Think easy, kid-friendly options like sandwiches, fruit, and cookies. Let everyone pick a favorite dish as it makes them feel included and excited for the day.
Pack a cozy blanket and some outdoor games, then head to a nearby park or even your own backyard. While the kids explore or play, set up the picnic and enjoy some quality time together.
For an extra touch, ask everyone to share something they love about one another. It’s a small gesture that brings the family closer and makes the day even more memorable.
Wrap it up with games or a quick nature walk, and you’ve created a Valentine’s tradition your family will cherish for years to come!
Share Favorite Love Stories
Love stories have a magical way of connecting, so why not share your favorites with your kids.
Choose a mix of classic and modern tales. Simplify timeless stories like Romeo and Juliet or Pride and Prejudice so they can understand the themes of love and sacrifice. Then, add modern favorites like The Fault in Our Stars or The Notebook to showcase love’s depth and complexities.
As you share, encourage questions and discussions about friendship, family, and kindness. These conversations can be surprisingly meaningful and help deepen your family’s connection.
This simple tradition not only teaches kids about the many forms of love but also creates lasting memories. Give it a try, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your celebrations!
Volunteer Together
Make Valentine’s Day extra meaningful by volunteering as a family! Choose a local charity or organization to support, whether it’s serving meals at a shelter, organizing a food drive, or helping at an animal rescue.
Kids will love seeing how their actions can make a difference, and it’s a wonderful way to teach kindness and empathy. Afterward, take time to reflect on the experience and what it meant to everyone.
This simple tradition fosters gratitude, strengthens family bonds, and makes the day about giving love in the best way possible. It’s an idea you’ll want to revisit every year!
Start a Love Journal
This Valentine’s Day, create a love journal as a family! Use it as a space to write down what you love and appreciate about each other, your friends, and even yourselves.
Make it fun with colorful pens and stickers, and take turns sharing your entries aloud. It’s heartwarming to hear what everyone values, and the journal becomes a beautiful keepsake to look back on in years to come.
This simple activity not only encourages gratitude and kindness but also sparks meaningful conversations. It’s a tradition you’ll treasure and one that’s easy to start!
Celebrate With a Special Dinner
Make Valentine’s Day extra special with a family dinner you can plan and prepare together. Choose a favorite dish, like homemade pizza, and let everyone customize their toppings for a fun and creative activity.
Get the kids involved in the kitchen as no doubt they’ll love helping with the dough, sauce, and toppings. Once the meal is ready, set the table with your best dishes and a few candles to create a festive atmosphere.
During dinner, take turns sharing what you love about each other to strengthen your family bond. Don’t forget to snap a few photos to remember the moment! This simple tradition turns an ordinary meal into a heartwarming celebration.
Final Thoughts on Valentine’s Day Traditions for Kids
Starting these Valentine’s Day traditions with your kids can truly deepen your family bonds and create cherished memories. Whether you’re crafting cards, baking treats, or enjoying a cozy movie night, each activity fosters love and togetherness.
Don’t forget to sprinkle in a little creativity and community service to make the day even more special. I hope you find joy in these traditions and create lasting smiles with your loved ones year after year!
Make sure to share your favorite Valentine’s Day traditions in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you celebrate with your little ones and any unique ideas you have. Let’s inspire each other to make this Valentine’s Day extra special!
