Looking for something fun to do in Portland with kids on Valentine’s day? 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.
Eat Cake. Cake Hoopla delivers DIY cake and cupcake kits right to your door (you can also pick up at their storefront), and their seasonal cakes for February are swoon-worthy. We especially love the “I Flippin’ Love You” penguin cake! If you want to keep the mess out of your house, check out one of Cake Hoopla’s events or sign up for the Valentine cupcake decorating class at Bob’s Red Mill on February 8. Love these ideas? See our full list of places to decorate cakes and cookies with kids for even more inspo.
Escape Reality. Instead of splurging on dessert, spend out on an experience! Find all the Portland-area escape room options here.
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. Check out special crafting events at Reader Favorites Winner venues SCRAP PDX (February 9) and Multnomah Arts Center (February 7).
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.
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.
Play (at) Hopscotch. One of our favorite things about Portland is how many incredible local businesses are fun for both kids and adults. If you haven’t made it out to Hopscotch Portland yet, you’re missing out. Here’s why it’s one of our favorite places for both date night and/or a family outing.
Treat Yourself. If chocolate is not your thing, satiate your sweet tooth at a kid-friendly dessert shops. We recommend Toasted S’mores Bar, where your marshmallow treat will be toasted before your eyes, or Soro Soro, where every single dessert is adorable AND delicious. For something a little bit quirky and a lot delicious, visit Pix Patisserie’s Pixomatic vending machine.
Attend a themed storytime. Valentine Storytimes are free, someone else entertains your kids, and it checks the we-did-something-for-this-holiday box, so, yes please! Check out our favorite spots for storytime right here. All of these venues are sure to have at least one love-themed read aloud.
Get a free LEGO heart! Speaking of free, Washington Square Mall is giving away free Valentine LEGO kits on February 9, while supplies last. (Limit 1 per guest.)
Afternoon Tea. If you’re looking for a special celebration, treat your child to an afternoon tea 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, if you’re up for a road trip, valentine glass floats in Lincoln City.
Have Dinner (or Lunch) at a New Spot. Check out our list of family-friendly places to eat with your little ones, or try these truly-kid friendly restaurants for a stress-free dine-in experience. We love Buranko for its incredible food and sweet play space for the kids.
Make Valentine Pancakes. Head to Reader Favorites winner Slappy Cakes and order their seasonal red velvet batter for Valentine’s Day. You make the pancakes right at the table, and there are lots of fun topping options. Kids love creating shapes with the squeeze bottles of batter, and parents love that they don’t have to stand at the stove while everyone else eats pancakes.
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.
Looking for more like this? Check out our Valentine’s Day Event Guide.