It’s funny when I worked as a therapist, my caseload was made up of kids of all ages, kids with learning disabilities, and even a handful of neurodivergent kids who had me running in circles. I loved it, and I felt like I was making a real difference in the lives of those families. I don’t have kids, but that didn’t stop me from brainstorming fun and interactive ways to help families bond. Valentine’s Day is one holiday I always come back to when thinking about families. My mom was always the queen of holidays, and my brother and I would wake up on Valentine’s Day morning to a massive stack of heart-shaped pancakes. With whipped cream hair and syrup smiles, we’d dive into those sugary treats, getting ready to make homemade cards for all of our friends and classmates. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of some Valentine’s party ideas that will make your kids smile while creating lasting memories and unique traditions.
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Let the Creativity Flow: Sensory-Friendly Options
Valentine’s Day parties can be a joy, but what if your child has sensory needs? Don’t worry! Here are some ideas to make your party inclusive and enjoyable for everyone:
- Playdough Hearts: Instead of slime (a nightmare for some kids!), provide soft, colorful playdough and heart-shaped cookie cutters.
- Tactile Sensory Bin: Fill a large bin with dried beans, rice, or spaghetti. Add in small heart-shaped objects for kids to discover.
- Calming Corner: Designate a quiet corner of the room with soft pillows, blankets, and fidget toys for kids who might need a break from the party’s hustle and bustle.
Let’s get those hearts pumping with some excitement! Here are a few game ideas to get your Valentine’s Day party started:
- Musical Hearts: Cut large construction paper hearts and tape them to the floor. Play music, and have kids dance around. When the music stops, they find a heart to stand on. Kids without a heart are out for that round – a fun and inclusive twist on musical chairs!
- Valentine Scavenger Hunt: Hide Valentine-themed items (candy hearts, stickers, small toys) around the party area. Give kids a list or pictures of what to find, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
- Heartfelt Obstacle Course: Use pillows, blankets, and boxes to create a simple obstacle course. Have kids crawl, climb, and jump through, ending with a fun heart-themed prize.
Read more: 12 Valentines Day Activities for Kids
Valentine’s Day Crafts
- Valentine’s Day Cards: Provide construction paper, markers, glitter, stickers, and other fun supplies for kids to create unique cards for friends, family, or even their favorite teachers.
- Salt Dough Ornaments: Make a simple salt dough recipe (flour, salt, and water), and let kids use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create ornaments. After baking and cooling, they can paint and decorate them, creating lasting keepsakes.
- Beaded Bracelets: Set out colorful beads and pipe cleaners. Kids can string beads to create friendship bracelets in Valentine’s Day colors, practicing fine motor skills and expressing creativity.
- Sweet Treats: Yummy Delights for Little Tastebuds
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
No party is complete without some tasty treats! Here are some fun Valentine’s Day snack ideas:
- Heart-Shaped Pizzas: Order individual heart-shaped pizzas or get creative and make them home using pre-made dough and cookie cutters. It’s a delicious and interactive activity for the whole family.
- Fruit Kabobs: Cut strawberries, bananas, and other fruits into heart shapes and slide them onto skewers for a healthy and colorful snack.
- Valentine’s Day Cookies: Decorate heart-shaped sugar cookies with frosting, sprinkles, and candies. Kids will love getting creative with their edible masterpieces.
- Making Memories: Beyond the Party Valentine’s Day isn’t just about one Day; it’s about spreading love throughout the year.
Here are a few ways to keep the spirit alive:
- Random Acts of Kindness: Encourage your kids to perform small acts of kindness towards others, like writing a thank-you note to a teacher or helping a neighbor.
- Gratitude Jar: Start a family gratitude jar where everyone writes down one thing they’re thankful for each Day. Read them aloud together on Valentine’s Day.
- Volunteer Together: Choose a local cause and volunteer as a family. This helps instill empathy and a sense of community in kids.
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Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Valentine’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to shower your kids with love, create lasting memories, and teach them about kindness and compassion. Remember, according to a recent University of Michigan study, family time, more than money or toys, leads to emotionally adjusted and well-behaved kids. With some planning and a dash of creativity, you can make this Valentine’s Day one they’ll cherish forever.
- Parents.com – A comprehensive resource for all things parenting, including creative Valentine’s party ideas.
- The Spruce – Offers a wealth of tips and strategies for throwing a memorable Valentine’s party for kids.
- Good Housekeeping – Provides a variety of Valentine’s party ideas, from decorations to games and treats.
FAQ’s About Valentine Party Ideas
What are some creative Valentine's Day party ideas for kids? Some ideas include a heart-themed craft party, a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt, or a cookie decorating party. How can I make a Valentine's Day party fun for all ages? Include a variety of activities, such as games, crafts, and a photo booth, to cater to different age groups and interests. What are some Valentine's Day party food ideas? Heart-shaped sandwiches, red and pink fruit skewers, and Valentine's Day-themed cupcakes are all fun and festive options. How can I decorate for a Valentine's Day party? Use lots of red and pink, heart-shaped balloons, and Valentine's Day-themed tablecloths, plates, and napkins. What are some good Valentine's Day party games for kids? Games like "Pin the Heart on the Cupid", a Valentine's Day-themed treasure hunt, or a heart relay race can be fun and engaging for kids.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
