Fun Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to say “I Love You” than to do something fun together with those you love most? Whether it’s baking up a batch of cute Valentine’s cookies, making a personalized handprint bouquet, or checking out a local Valentine’s themed event in the area, you’ll be sure to feel some love with your little ones this holiday!

Arts & Crafts - Handprint Valentine Bouquet

What you’ll need:

  • red/pink/purple/green watercolor or washable paint
  • construction paper
  • scissors
  • markers/pens

To Make:    

  1. Use the paintbrush to cover your child’s hand in paint from palm to fingers. (Be sure to have a wet wipe or paper towel ready to remove and change colors.)
  2. Press the hand onto the paper in a bouquet-type fashion, leaving enough room at the bottom to paint your stems.
  3. Write a sweet Valentine’s Day note at the bottom of your bouquet!

Recipe - Be-My-Valentine Cookies

What You’ll Need:

Cookies -

  • 1 cup butter
  • 3 oz. cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 cups flour

Chocolate Glaze -

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Using electric mixer, beat at medium speed, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour. Continue beating until well mixed. Divide dough in half; wrap each half in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate dough for 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Roll out half of the dough (keep the remaining dough refrigerated) to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out cookies using a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on un-greased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets; cool completely on wire rack.
  3. Line cookie sheets with waxed paper. Combine the butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat and stir until melted. Stir the sifted confectioners' sugar into the melted butter and chocolate. Beat the mixture, adding small amounts of boiling water until thinned as desired. Dip half of each heart into the chocolate glaze. Place cookies on lined cookie sheets and refrigerate until chocolate is firm. Store refrigerated in airtight containers, with waxed paper separating layers of cookies

Portions of this recipe adapted from www.womansday.com

Valentine Events

Nature’s Valentines  -  Halyburton Park

February 9 - 10, 2/9: 10am – 10:30am and 11am - 11:30am, 2/10: 10am – 10:30am

Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through activities, stories, songs and a small hike. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Classes are outside. Ages: 2-5 Cost: $3/child, pre-registration is required. 

Hearts & Hugs Valentines Party - Fit For Fun Center

February 14, 9am – 12pm

Register for a special play date with someone you love. Join us for some lovely activities, art and a sweet treat. Ages 5/under, $5/child,adults free.

Valentine's Day Storytime  -  Pleasure Island Library

February 14, 10:15am – 10:40am

Stories and songs for children 5 and younger and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

Heart-y Party  -  Children's Museum of Wilmington

Feb 14, 9am - 12pm

Create heart-themed crafts, learn about chocolate, engage in fun games, and learn how to love yourself and others through different stations around the Museum.