By Emily Metcalfe Smith
Kids come in different packages, and we (mostly) love them all. You’ve got your bookworm, your athlete, your little princess, your artist, your mad scientist — sometimes all wrapped up into one. Find that perfect way to say “I love you” with these great local Valentine’s activities for the whole family. (Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know at calendar@parentmap.com.)
For Nature Lovers
Seattle Bug Safari, Valentine’s Day Special
Ewwwww, bugs. Just what you need to counter all those yucky hugs and kisses. Join them for a special Valentine’s Day Weekend. Enjoy checking out and learning about the cute and creepy creatures they have on display.
Where: Seattle Bug Safari, downtown Seattle
When: February 10, 11, 12, and 14, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: $7-$8, one child free per adult
Valentine's Day Animal Enrichment, Woodland Park Zoo
Creatures need treats too! Otters, red pandas, snow leopards, gorillas and other animals at the zoo celebrate Cupid's holiday the wild way with heart-shaped ice pops made of fruit juice, honey, strawberries and cranberries, herbal bouquets, heart-shaped steaks and more animal favorites. The romantic treats are part of the zoo's excellent animal care program to enrich the lives of the zoo's animals, promote natural behavior, keep animals stimulated and engage zoo visitors.
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free with admission or membership
Valentine’s Day at the Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Mmmmmmm, the lucky beasts get heart-shaped treats, whipping-cream hearts, strawberries and watermelon valentines and heart-shaped “scented enrichments.” Not sure what those are, but apparently the Red wolves love them.
Where: Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma
When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free with admission or membership
Octopus Blind Date, Seattle Aquarium
What happens when sixteen arms, six hearts (three hearts each) and two giant Pacific octopuses meet on Valentine’s Day? Aquarium biologists set the mood with decorative hearts, roses and romantic music at the octopus exhibit. But it’s up to the octopuses to decide whether or not love is in the water!
Where: Seattle Aquarium
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon-1 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free with admission or membership
All Girl, All the Time
Valentine Card Craft at American Girl Seattle
As American as a box of Sweethearts. Make your own Valentine — a handmade card with matching envelope. Stickers and decorative paper provided. While you are there you can shop and have lunch or tea in the American Girl Bistro.
Where: American Girl Seattle, Lynwood
When: Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, 4 p.m.
Ages: 8 and up
Cost: Free
Date with Dad at American Girl
Make memories to last a lifetime while you are still her main man. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal and special time with your daughter. Includes an American Girl book, a commemorative photo and frame, and keepsakes to take home as a reminder of your day together. Trust me, she’ll think you are the coooolest.
Where: American Girl Seattle, Lynwood
When: Sunday, Feb. 12, during Bistro hours, reservations required
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: $35 per person
Children’s Tea
Pinkies up! Experience the elegance of a Victorian-style tea at Queen Mary, complete with a tiara or crown for the guest of honor and coloring sheets and crayons for children of all ages. Children can choose between juice or tea and cocoa while parents savor healthful teas, a delicious meal, and mouthwatering desserts. Oh, you know how to roll. But get fancy, and make a reservation.
Where: Queen Mary Tea, Seattle
When : Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Last seating: 4:30 p.m. on weekends, doors open until 5:30 p.m.)
Ages: All ages
Get Your Heart Racing
Love ‘em or Leave ‘em Valentine’s Day Dash
A 5K full o’ love. Kids 10 & under can participate in the free Kid's Dash, and will receive a free bib with the #1 to wear and a free ribbon when they cross the finish line. Be sure to check out the "TUNNEL OF LOVE" area near the 3-mile mark of the route where spectators, friends, loved ones and anyone else can post heart shaped signs of encouragement to those participating in the event.
What: Greenlake Valentine's Day Dash
When: February 12, 8-11 a.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free for 10 and under, $30 to preregister, $40 day of race
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoeing Basics
Pluck that controller out of your teen’s hand and get them out the door. They can make fun of you while you try out your diagonal stride and double poling. Join REI as they share information and tips for getting into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Register in advance, limited spots available.
Where: REI Seattle
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (two separate classes)
Ages: 12 and up
Cost: Free
The Art of Love
Little Masters, Story and Craft Time
Glitter? Glue? Bright paper? You never know what the craft divas at Space to Create will come up with, but we know you’ll luuuuuuv it. Explore different media and materials in a non-directed story and art time at this small, light-filled studio in Ballard.
Where: Space to Create, Seattle
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10-11 a.m.
Ages: 3 - 5
Cost: $8
Village Playdays, University Village
Feel free to shop while you’re there (my ring size is a 7, in case you were wondering). Free story time, crafts and fun activities for kids. Attend a Village Playdays event and receive a Playdays Pass featuring special offers to select U Village shops and restaurants.
What: Village Playdays
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10-11 a.m. (ongoing event)
Ages: 3-5
Cost: Free
Heart Hullabaloo
On Valentine's Day, The Children's Museum Seattle will have special activities all day long, and what do you know? This month’s theme is all about hearts! From the human heart to humanitarians – you can laugh, love and learn your way through the whole month!
Where: The Children's Museum, Seattle
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free with admission-$7.50
Chocolate Kiss Roses, Planet Happy Toys
Your kids can learn how to turn ordinary chocolate kisses into a colorful bouquet of five long-stemmed roses. Choose from different colors, add leaves, a bow and even make a custom heart gift tag! All materials are provided, but you can bring in photos for a personal touch.
Where: Planet Happy Toys, Seattle
When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Ages: 4 and up
Cost: $7
Free Valentine’s Day Concert
What's Valentine's Day without music? At Seattle's Central Library, the Ritz Chamber Players will perform a series of short romantic classics by Beethoven, Dvorak and more, and answer questions from the audience. Who doesn’t love Beethoven?
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon–1 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Emily Metcalfe Smith is an aspiring writer, wannabe supermom and ParentMap’s Out & About intern.
