Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you might be thinking of some ways you could celebrate. This holiday used to be about going out to a romantic dinner and being pampered, but now that you’re a mom, there’s only two things that are really important to you on Valentine’s Day: making sure you get some of the good chocolate (I’m looking at you Whitman’s) and making a memorable kid’s Valentine’s Day. 

Maybe you spent the first few Valentine’s Days as a mom doing crafts with your kids, but when your kids are at an age where you can no longer cover them in paint and make crafts out of their handprints, what’s a mom to do?

Lucky for you, we’ve got a few ideas about what you can do with your kids this Valentine’s Day to make it a day they will never forget. 

Here are ten ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids in 2020:

1. Heart-themed Breakfast

Heart-shaped pancakes are a classic that kids of any age will enjoy. It sounds like such a simple idea (only because it is!), but it really makes kids of all ages smile. Especially since Valentine’s Day this year is on a Friday, a heart-themed breakfast will be a pleasant surprise for your children before you send them off to school. Plus, pancakes just taste better when they’re in the shape of a heart! 

2. Movie Night

Lady and the Tramp – Movie

A simple and inexpensive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids is to have a special movie night. You could even add fun sweet toppings to the popcorn such as white chocolate or sprinkles. Watching a movie is something the whole family can do together, and there are so many great love-themed movies like Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, Lady and the Tramp, and Enchanted.

3. Dinner at Home

Just because you may not be having a candlelight dinner with your spouse, doesn’t mean you can’t have a special dinner with your kids. Why not grab some sparkling grape juice, light some candles, and get out the nice dishes you never let the kids near? Not only will it make them feel special, it will also make them feel so grown up to have a fancy dinner with mom. Some of the best moments with our kids are the ones that take place in our very own homes. 

4. Coffee/Hot Chocolate Date

Another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to take your kiddos to your favorite coffee shop and buy them a hot chocolate (with extra whipped cream and sprinkles!). This can be an inexpensive but very memorable date with your kids, and they will love getting to see one of mom’s favorite places. Plus, it means you get to sip on your favorite coffee drink as well. 

5. Valentine’s Cards

Creating Valentine’s Day cards for kids is a tradition for many families. Although there are so many different premade cards out there, showing your kiddos how to make homemade cards allows them to express their creativity, and it’s just another way to spend quality time with your kids this Valentine’s Day. 

Even if your child is past the age where they want to pass out Valentine’s Cards to their entire class, they might still enjoy making cards for their friends and family. This is a craft you can do together, and you can get as creative as you want. You might even try making some Valentine’s decorations together that you can hang around the house. 

6. Valentine’s Day Puzzle

If you’re looking for something low-key to do inside, a Valentine’s Day puzzle is the way to go. This personalized name puzzle is great for a toddler to work on Valentine’s Day and can even be customized with your child’s name.

If your children are a bit older, this cupcake puzzle is a great one to do as a family. This Mickey and Minnie Mouse is a great option if you’re looking for a puzzle that is a little more challenging.  

7. Bake Valentine’s Cookies

Baking cookies with your kiddos is a fun activity everyone benefits from. You get to have fun with your kids, and everyone gets to eat some yummy cookies when you’re done. All you need is a couple heart-shaped cookie cutters and a good sugar cookie recipe. Don’t forget the food coloring and heart-shaped sprinkles, of course. 

8. Tell Each Other Jokes

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to share a laugh? You might have fun coming up with some jokes of your own, or even reading a joke book such as The Try Not to Laugh Challenge Joke Book. This Valentine’s Day themed joke book will definitely have you and your kids laughing, and it even makes a great Valentine’s Day gift for kids as well.  

9. Have a Picnic

If the weather is nice outside, you may enjoy grabbing a picnic blanket and having a picnic at the nearest park. Your kids will enjoy the novelty of getting to eat out, and the proximity to a playground makes the experience even better. You could prepare a heart-themed lunch to make the day extra special, and it can be as simple as cutting sandwiches in the shape of a heart. 

10. Read a Book Together 

Reading a book together will always be a memorable experience. For your little ones, they may enjoy some of the classic Valentine’s Day books like Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse or Llama Llama I Love You. If you have older kids who like reading, ask them to grab their favorite book and cuddle up on the couch together while you all have some reading time as a family. 

Maybe you’re not expecting a romantic dinner out this Valentine’s Day or any fancy jewelry, but spending time with your loved ones is what’s most important. 

There are so many ways to make this Valentine’s Day fun, exciting, and memorable for your kids. Whether you are playing a Valentine’s Day game or having a picnic , remember to be present, in the moment, and enjoy the time you have. With just a little bit of planning, you can make this Valentine’s Day 2020 a day your kids will always remember.