The Brightside - Family Valentine’s Day Fun: 7 Ideas You’ll Love

1 day ago

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The Brightside - Family Valentine’s Day Fun: 7 Ideas You’ll Love

1 day ago

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Written by

THE BRIGHTSIDE: FAMILY VALENTINE'S DAY FUN: 7 IDEAS YOU'LL LOVE

Forget the Babysitter—Celebrate Love with the Whole Crew!

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day for love, romance, and ... kids climbing all over you while you try to share a bite of dessert! If you’re a parent, the traditional candlelit dinner for two might be on hold for a few years. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate love in all its chaotic, messy, beautiful forms—with your kids right by your side.

So, ditch the babysitter and embrace the madness with these family-friendly Valentine’s Day date night ideas that’ll make everyone feel the love.

1. DIY Pizza Night: Love at First Slice

Forget heart-shaped chocolates—this year, it’s all about heart-shaped pizzas. Set up a mini pizza bar at home with pre-made dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and all your family’s favourite toppings. Let everyone design their own Valentine’s masterpiece. Bonus points for the most creative topping combo or the best “I love you” spelt out in pepperoni.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to save some adult-only toppings (hello, prosciutto and arugula) for a late-night slice after the kids crash.

2. Outdoor Movie Night: Under the Stars, Over the Moon

If the weather’s kind, turn your backyard into a cosy movie theatre. String up fairy lights, grab beanbags or blankets, and pick a movie the whole family will love (or tolerate). Romantic classics like The Princess Bride or animated gems like Wall-E hit that perfect sweet spot. Don’t forget popcorn, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. It’s cheaper than the cinema, and you can pause the movie for potty breaks—because, let’s be real, you’ll need to.

3. The Great Valentine’s Bake-Off

Channel your inner millennial love for reality TV and have a family baking challenge. Divide into teams or work together to create Valentine’s-themed cupcakes, cookies, or even a cake. Give the kids free rein with pink frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Sure, your kitchen will look like Cupid exploded, but you’ll have sugary treats to show for it.

4. Family Dance Party: Love on the Dance Floor

Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can turn your living room into a dance floor? Create a playlist of family favourites—throw in some old-school love songs for the adults (Can’t Help Falling in Love, anyone?) and Disney bops for the kids (Love Is an Open Door is a must). Dim the lights, and let everyone bust out their best moves ... kids it’s time for your dance floor education!

5. Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt around the house or yard, with Valentine’s-themed clues leading to small treats or a family gift (think board games, books, or a new movie for future family nights). Get creative with your riddles, and make them age-appropriate for your little ones. For example: “I’m warm and snuggly, where you rest your head” could lead to a clue hidden under someone’s favourite pillow. It’s like a rom-com meets The Amazing Race.

6. Takeout and Fort Night: A Cosy Classic

Order your favourite takeout (sushi, anyone?) and build a family fort in the living room. Use blankets, cushions, and fairy lights for maximum cosiness. Eat your dinner picnic-style inside the fort, then pile in for story time or a family-friendly movie.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack dessert—chocolate-covered strawberries are a Valentine’s must.

7. Star Gazing and Love Stories

After dinner, grab some blankets and head outside to stargaze. For younger kids, tell them about the constellations and make up silly love stories about them. For older kids, talk about how you met and fell in love (yes, even if they roll their eyes). It’s a sweet, low-key way to end the night with some quality family bonding.

Valentine’s Day as a parent might look a little different, but it’s no less special. With these family date night ideas, you can create memories filled with love, laughter, and maybe a bit of frosting on the couch. And if you’re lucky, you might even squeeze in a moment to hold hands with your partner amid the chaos of the big big love you created.

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