There may have been disagreement today about the groundhogs’ predictions, but we can all agree that whether we find ourselves with an early spring or a lingering winter, we can always look forward to Valentine’s Day!
So this year we’ve tapped all our resources to put together this handy Valentine’s Day Guide for 2017 filled with activities and events for your children that will teach, engage, inspire and encourage creativity. From hands-on projects and handmade gifts to snuggly storytimes, get ready to cuddle up with your little lovebirds and create some magical memories in honor of the official day of love 🙂
As usual, we’ve tried to keep this list of events to places that we have also been to and blogged about so that you can get a little “venue preview” and all those signature OAAM details before you head out. But if there is an event that you think we should add to our list (whether we have been there or not), please leave a comment on this post or email us at outandaboutmom@gmail.com.
Enjoy!
**FEATURED ACTIVITY**
JumpingClay USA
76 Palomba Drive, Enfield, CT 06082; 860-698-2337
We are not kidding when we say you’ll get a one-of-a-kind experience at JumpingClay USA in Enfield, CT! This is the very first studio of its kind in the entire country! Kid-friendly materials and techniques make this a perfect destination for families with children of all ages. Now is a perfect time to check them out! JumpingClay will be offering various Valentine’s Day themed classes. Pre-School Workshops are just $8/child and all other 1-Hour Workshops are $15/child. All supplies are included! Call 860.698.2337 to register for a workshop. You can always find their most up-to-date schedule on their Facebook Page. Upcoming workshops include:
- Saturday, February 4 1:30pm “Love Birds”
- Sunday, February 5 1:30pm “Teddy Bears” and 2:30pm “Puppy Love”
- Friday, February 10 10:00am Pre-School Valentine Bracelet and 11:00am Pre-School “Valentine Frame.”
JumpingClay USA is an Out and About Mom sponsor. All opinions expressed are 100% our own. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that make Out and About Mom possible! Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get more info here.
The Little Green Tambourine
166 Albany Turnpike, Suite 3, Canton, CT 06019; 860-352-5504 or contact@tlgtcanton.com
- Valentine’s Day Candy Making: Thursday, February 9, 4:15-5:30.
- Suggested ages: 5-10 (drop off), $30 ($20 for each additional sibling) Come to TLGT and make some delicious Valentine’s chocolates with Ms. Suzanne. After the chocolates have cooled, put them in a beautiful heart shaped box for Valentine’s Day.
- Kid’s Night Out – Valentine’s Day: Friday, February 10, 5:00-8:00.
- Suggested ages: 4-10 (drop off), $45 ($35 for each additional sibling)
- Sweetheart Dance: Monday, February 13, 5:45-7:15.
- All ages with caregiver, $30 per family. Bring your family to TLGT for an evening of dinner and dancing. Prepare dinner while you and your kids dance and do a Valentine’s craft. After dinner, each family will prepare chocolate fondue for dessert.
- Mommy and Me Valentine’s Day Candy Making: Tuesday, February 14, 1:30-3:00.
- All ages with caregiver, $25 ($20 for each additional sibling). Come to TLGT and make some delicious Valentine’s chocolates with Ms. Suzanne. While the chocolates are cooling, make a fun heart craft. After the chocolates have cooled, put them in a beautiful heart shaped box for Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate Works
25 Old Kings High Way North, Darien, CT 06820; 203-202-7067 or chocolateworksdarien@yahoo.com
OAAM Post; Website (Also check their Facebook page for schedules and event information.)
- Make your own chocolate Valentine’s Day gift; Daily during business hours. Prices vary by activity. Drop-in or by appointment. All ages.
- Take your child to Chocolate Works of Darien to make a present for their family or teacher. What better gift than a gift you can create yourself made out of chocolate! Projects include a chocolate heart mold with decorations, heart lollipops, rice krispy treats with chocolate and sprinkles, and marshmallows with hearts and sprinkles.
Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355; 860-572-5955 or info@mysticaquarium.org
- February 11 & 12 Valentine’s Weekend Special Discounts and Activities.
- Download a coupon on MysticAquarium.org for a visit on February 11 or 12 to receive one complimentary admission with the purchase of any higher full-priced ticket.
- Pucker up and pose in the sweetheart’s photo booth or meet with a poet who will write a personalized love poem.
- Kids are invited to make a heart-shaped bird feeder with fruity cereal rings or craft a love bug.
New England Carousel Museum
95 Riverside Ave Bristol, CT 06010; 860-585-5411 or manager@thecarouselmuseum.org
- Family Sundays Program: Victorian Valentines; Sunday, February 12, 12:00pm-4:00pm. FREE with museum admission.
- Discover the history of Victorian Era Valentines. Make & take your own love note home at this family event!
Connecticut Historical Society
One Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105; 860-236-5621
- Family Program: Valentines for Kids; Saturday, February 4, 10:00am-1:00pm; FREE!
- Come to CHS to create old-fashioned, handmade Valentines! Be inspired by Valentines from long ago, then use your creativity to make your own Valentine’s Day cards to give to your friends and family. This program is great for all ages!
Michaels Stores
Locations nationwide. Visit their website to find a store near you. Please call to confirm availability at your location.
- Michaels Kids Club: Valentine’s Day Crafts; $2 per child. Recommended for children ages 3+ (or younger children with the help of a caregiver).
- Valentine Treat Bag: Saturday, February 4 , 10:00am-12:00pm
- Valentine’s Day Cookies: Saturday, February 11, 10:00am-12:00pm
- Valentine’s Make Event: Card-Making; buy your blank cards and the rest of the supplies are free; Saturday, February 11, 1:00pm – 3:00pm. All ages.
Jack & Allie’s Children’s Bookstore
520 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066; 860-375-8465 or barbara@jackandallies.com
- Valentine’s Party; Saturday, February 11, 11:00am.
The Home Depot
Stores nationwide. Visit their website to find one near you. Please be sure to call to confirm availability at your location.
- Home Depot Kids Workshop: Valentine’s Photo Box; Saturday, February 4, 9:00am-12:00pm. FREE.
Stew Leonard’s
3475 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111; 860-760-8100
- Valentine’s Day Workshop: Sweetest Goodies; Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 4:00 -5:00 p.m. & 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Ages 2-12. $10 per child.
- Celebrate this sweet holiday at Stew’s! Make a chocolate dipped marshmallow wand and decorate three Valentine’s Day-themed cupcakes.
- Must register in advance by calling (860) 760-8100 or stopping by the customer service desk.
- Valentine’s Day Treats (Toddler Classes). Get into the Valentine’s Day spirit! Make cherry pie pops, red velvet cake balls, and hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries. Each child will also create a love bug craft stick. Ages 2-5. $15 per child (adult must accompany child).
- Friday, February 10; 9:30 -10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 11; 9:00 -10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 14; 9:30 -10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
- Must register in advance by calling (860) 760-8100 or stopping by the customer service desk.
- Valentine’s Day Treats. Get into the Valentine’s Day spirit by making cherry pie pops, red velvet cheesecake brownies, red velvet cake balls, strawberry white chocolate chip cookies, and hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries. Ages 6-12. $25 per child.
- Friday, February 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 11, 6:00 -8:00 p.m.
- Must register in advance by calling (860) 760-8100 or stopping by the customer service desk.
- Valentine’s Day Workshop: Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Monday, February 13, 4:00 -5:00 p.m. and 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Ages 2-12. $15 per child.
- Each child will hand-dip and decorate a half dozen chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered pretzels to take home!
- Must register in advance by calling (860) 760-8100 or stopping by the customer service desk.
Barnes & Noble
Stores nationwide. Check their website to find one near you. Please be sure to call to confirm availability at your location.
- Valentine’s Day Storytime: Storytime and activities in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Featured titles are The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story and Valentine’s Day Is Cool. Saturday February 11, 11:00am. FREE.
The Cookie Workshop
100 Corporate Drive, B104, Trumbull, CT 06611; 203-452-8872 or info@cookieworkshop.com
- Drop-in cooking making. Make a homemade Valentine’s gift of cookies! Weekly, Wednesday-Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm (the last seating for cookie-making is 2pm). Pricing starts at $12/person and includes all baking and decorating materials. All ages.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
***As of the posting date, all information is current. Please be sure to confirm details with each individual venue as you make your plans.***
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Megan Kelley CT coLABS says
You can also come check out the All You Need Is Love…and Crafts! Fair this sunday Feb 12 for some shopping, music, entertainment, food and tons of fun! Check out all the awesome vendors that will be there right here: https://www.facebook.com/events/276134382802861/?ti=cl
Hope to see you there!
Parenting Pod says
What a great resource! So many fun things to do. Thanks for sharing!