Family Tides
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romance — for families, it can be a simple excuse to slow down and celebrate the love they share through play, creativity and time together. If you’re looking for sweet, hands-on ways to celebrate with your littlest loves, several local, kid-friendly spots are offering events designed to do just that.
Celebrate love through music, movement and crafts
Celebrate with your little valentine at The Kindly Co in Linwood at the Montessori studio’s Sweethearts Dance Party on Feb. 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Designed for children up to age 5, the event includes a guided music and dance class, a Valentine craft station, access to the indoor play space and a grown-up-and-me photo booth. Light bites will be available for children, while canned lattes from Jessie’s of Linwood and treats and sourdough from Ruby Moon will be available for purchase. Cost is $37 per child; siblings under 1 are free with a paid registration.
Older children can join the Made With Love: Big Kids Valentine Party on Feb. 14 for ages 5 to 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. The afternoon features hands-on activities, including a patch party to design a canvas travel bag, Polaroid frame decorating with charms and beads, styled Valentine photo opportunities and a themed, kid-friendly charcuterie spread. Tickets are $45. Register for either event at thekindlycoplay.com.
Savor sweet memories
Head to Electric Donuts in Northfield for two Valentine-themed events that pair playtime with plenty of sprinkles. On Feb. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m., children can meet Cinderella, make a Valentine with her and enjoy open play, donuts and juice boxes. Tickets are $35.
Then on Feb. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m., Electric Donuts will host Sprinkled With Love, a Valentine’s Day sensory party featuring Valentine-themed sensory play, festive crafts, open play and donut decorating. Tickets are $30. Tickets are limited for both events and can be reserved at electricdonutsplaycafe.com.
Check out some heartfelt fun at the library
The Atlantic County Library System is offering several free Valentine-themed events for kids. The Craft-Tastic Kids Club invites children ages 5 to 12 to make conversation heart picture frames at the Absecon branch on Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Mays Landing branch will host a Valentine’s Day Crafterama on Feb. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. for children ages 4 to 12, featuring themed crafts. Then, on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Ventnor branch will host a felt heart craft event. Registration is required for all events. For details and more Valentine-themed events, visit atlanticlibrary.org.
Share the love with pizza and play
Mini Minds Playtime is serving up a full weekend of Valentine fun. On Feb. 14, the Galloway-based indoor play space will host its Love at First Slice pizza party from 12 to 3 p.m. Kids can grab a slice, create Valentine crafts, explore a themed sweets table, enjoy sauce sensory fun and games, dance to music and take home party favors, all while enjoying three hours of open play. Tickets are $35 per child or $15 for children under 18 months.
The fun continues Feb. 15 with the Love Bug Playdate from 3 to 6 p.m. Designed for ages 1 to 5, the event features open play, a Play-Doh station, a Valentine-themed sensory table, a candy jar bar, themed snacks and a group craft. Children will decorate a love bug cupcake to take home. Tickets are $25 per child. Families can bundle both events for $50. For details and registration, visit minimindsplaytime.com.
Create something sweet
Bright Stars Academy is embracing some hands-on Valentine’s Day fun with two creative evening events for children ages 4 to 7. The fun begins Feb. 6 with Valentine Slime Time from 6 to 8 p.m. Kids will mix and stretch slime to take home, enjoy a snack and burn off energy with gym time.
The celebrations continue Feb. 13 with a Valentine Paint Party, also from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening includes canvas painting, a snack and gym time. Both events cost $35 per child and require preregistration. For more information, visit brightstarsgym.com.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
