5 Cheap Family Valentine's Day Activities

Related Content

• Make a Valentine Pocket
• Valentine's Day Bracelet Craft
• Mini Valentine Cheesecakes

These love-focused activities are big fun for the 12-and-under set and – huzzah! – easy on your bank account too

By Liz Bruckner

Don’t let commercialism take precedence on a day dedicated to love! This Valentine’s Day, keep things easy, affordable and unique with these fun ideas.

1. Bathing Suit Bash

Ideal Audience: 0 to 5 years

Looking to amp up your V-Day fun? Throw a family bath bash, where everyone piles into a warm, bubble-filled tub in their favourite bathing suit. Bring boats to sail, toys to float and patience for the undoubtedly tight quarters. “It’s likely to be a bit crammed once everyone gets in, but try to make the best of it,” says Nora Spinks, chief executive officer for The Vanier Institute of the Family in Ottawa. “If nothing else, kids will be thrilled to see you doing something so unexpected and silly.”

2. Cookie Bakeoff

Ideal Audience: 2 to 12 years

It’s a classic, no-fail holiday activity: Rustle up your kids, set out the baking supplies and let the games begin. This Valentine’s, make the undertaking extra special by having kids whip up different types of cookies, shape them into hearts and once they’re baked and ready to eat, hand out ribbons for specific categories, says Judy Arnell, Calgary-based parenting educator, speaker and bestselling author. A few to try: Most Innovative, Most Chocolate-y/Raisin-y/etc. and Most Likely To Be Stolen From The Counter.

3. Get Crafty

Ideal Audience: 2 to 6 years

One word: Valentines! And lots of ‘em. Make a list of friends and family to fete, gather your crafting supplies and let kids go wild. Encourage them to be as creative as possible, and help them customize cards based on their loved ones’ interests. Grandpa Sam likes dogs? Bend a pipe cleaner into the shape of a bone. Neighbour Sue reads a lot? Glitter-ize a drawing of a book. “Making it personal adds another layer to the already sweet gesture,” says Spinks.

4. Love-ly Movies

Ideal Audience: 4 to 12 years

What’s Valentine’s Day without some sap? Dig out, rent or stream a sweet, love-laced movie — Lady and the Tramp and Up are great options, says Arnell — and settle in on the couch for a viewing with those you love most.

5. Junk Food Picnic

Ideal Audience: 4 to 12 years

Guaranteed to earn you Coolest Mom on the Planet billing, the focus of a Junk Food Picnic is to dedicate one meal on Valentine’s Day to all things non-nutritious, says Arnell. “Let kids stroll the aisles of a grocery store until they find the junk of their choice. Parents should do the same and once everything is paid for, rain, snow or sunshine, head for the park with your blanket and goodies to let the feast begin,” she says.