The best time to start teaching your kid that Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic love is right now!
Here are some of our favorite ideas for how to make your little Valentine feel loved this month — including the best spots to eat (and drink) chocolate and other sugary delights.
Escape Reality. Mindtrix Escape Room is offering Valentine discounts on groups of 4 or more at their family-friendly escape experience. Get 14% off for groups of four or more with the code LOVEGAMES, valid February 13-16. Find even more escape room options here.
Eat Cake. Cake Hoopla delivers DIY cake and cupcake kits right to your door, and their seasonal cakes for February are swoon-worthy. We especially love the “I Flippin’ Love You” penguin cake!
Create Together. February is the perfect time for a handmade art project to show your love. These local art studios have all the supplies you’ll need to make something special. SCRAP PDX is also hosting a Valentine’s Day craft event on the 12th.
Celebrate by Giving Back. There’s no better way to celebrate love than to offer some to those most in need! Whether your kid wants to help pets, people, or the planet, there are plenty of kid-friendly volunteer opportunities the whole family will enjoy.
Drive by a Valentine Display. Holidays on Franklin Street is known for its Halloween and Christmas displays, but they also go all out for Valentine’s Day, too! Drive by for free.
Eat Chocolate. Let’s be honest here. A Valentine’s Day celebration isn’t complete unless some form of delicious chocolate is consumed. And thankfully, our city has some stellar chocolate makers and shops, like Woodblock, Ranger Chocolate, or the tasty dairy- and gluten-free Missionary Chocolates. At Creo Chocolate, you can tour the factory and even make your own chocolate bar, or just stop by for some already made truffles and bars. Ranger Chocolate also offers a build-a-bar tour.
Treat Yourself. If chocolate is not your thing, satiate your sweet tooth at a kid-friendly dessert shops. We recommend 1927 S’mores Company, where your marshmallow treat will be toasted before your eyes, or Soro Soro, where every single dessert is adorable AND delicious. Or for a no-contact treat, visit Pix Patisserie’s Pixomatic vending machine.
Afternoon Tea. If you’re looking for a special celebration, treat your child to an afternoon tea at Emperor Georgiou’s Tearoom of Portland or the Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium, a fun steampunk tea room in Beaverton. Be sure to make reservations. And why not dress up, too? If your kiddos (or your budget) aren’t ready for a fancy tea, grab a cup of cocoa instead. Try one of these spots for cocoa foam art.
Move Together. If you are looking for something more active — especially after all those treats! — go on a family hike or visit the Oregon Zoo. You can also hunt for glass hearts in Tualatin (finders keepers!), or try to find all seven of Cupid’s hearts in Wilsonville city parks.
Have Dinner (or Lunch) at a New Spot. Check out one of our recent kid-friendly takeout spots, complete with kid-approved burgers, pizzas and tacos, plus, family-size Mediterranean, Indian and Italian meals. Or try these truly-kid friendly restaurants for a stress-free dine-in experience.
Go Roller Skating at Oaks Park. Life is better on eight wheels. Relive the classic date night (or day) with your littles during a roller skating session at Oaks Park Roller Rink.
Show How Much You *A-door* Them! On the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, add a heart with a message — a compliment or something you love about your kid — to their bedroom door. If you don’t start on the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, you can always add a bunch of heart messages on the day — or you and your kiddos can plan this sweet surprise for someone else.
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