Remember when Valentine’s Day simply meant a dozen roses from your sweetheart and fighting for a table at a crowded restaurant? Those were the good old days! Now you have kids, so we’ve rounded up local, Portland activities to help your whole family celebrate love all month long. Take in a show, experience a Victorian Tea, or make Valentine’s creations together! Here are nine activities to enjoy with your kids this February, the month of love.
1. Odd Squad Live!
A fun idea for a family date is Odd Squad Live! This interactive mystery show enlists the math skills of kids in the audience to help solve a case. Some lucky guests will even get invited onstage to participate! Reserve seats now for February 7th at 7 p.m. at the Keller Auditorium. Tickets range from $37.50-$80.00
2. Victorian Tea at ECHO
Enjoy a Victorian Tea with your Valentine, for a good cause, at The East County Historical Organization (ECHO). High tea consists of finger sandwiches, scones, desserts, and of course tea! It takes place February 13th at 1 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and just $12 for kids under 10, and proceeds support the mission, services, and preservation efforts of ECHO. Make a reservation today: seating is limited and the 2016 tea sold out! (Reservations close February 8th).
3. The Tale of Sleeping Beauty Puppet Show
Take your kids on a Valentine’s date to The NW Children’s Theater and School. Catch “Sleeping Beauty” puppet show performance all month long! Shows are at 12 and 3 p.m., February 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26. Tickets range from $16-$25, and shows are most enjoyed by ages 5 and up.
4. Craft Valentines at the Library
The Multnomah County Libraries want to help you spread love! Come create valentines at several local libraries on different dates with paper, ribbons, and glue. Check the link for the best time(s) for your family to join in. Lots of activities are going on at your local Washington and Clackamas County libraries, too!
5. Make a Circle of Love Wreath
Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Lake Oswego Lakeshore Learning Center hosts a craft class for kids three and up! Enjoy the Valentine’s edition on February 11th and make a Circle of Love Wreath.
6. February KidsClub Classes at Michaels
Looking for something for your kids to do while you shop? Head to your neighborhood Michaels any Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and drop your kids off in a fun craft class while you shop! Most Portland area Michaels stores are offering a February 11th “Valentine Cookie” class. Check their website for availability and to reserve a spot (classes cost $2 per kid, max 8 kids per class).
7. Valentine’s Day Dance-O-Rama!
Parents, bring your kids six and under and dance your cares away together at the Tualatin Library! Snacks, crafts, and valentines provided on Valentine’s Day, February 14th 10 a.m. to noon at the Tualatin Library.
8. Oregon Zoo
When it comes to kids, animals always entertain. This year Valentine’s Day coincides with the Oregon Zoo’s popular Second Tuesday Program, where visitors pay only a $4 entrance fee! So take your own little animals (the human kind) on a Valentine adventure at the zoo!
9. Family Date
Check out our list of 28 family date night ideas to spend this holiday of love as a family!
