Valentine’s Day. Some reveal in it. Some revile it. And when you’re kidless—whether your chick has left the nest for college, or said chicks have been tucked under Grandma’s watchful wing—Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful chance to spend a few precious hours alone with your husband or wife.
But when you Grandma’s off on a hot date of her own and can’t take the chicks, you may have to make Valentine’s Day a family event. Not to despair! There are countless ways to celebrate the day of love with your children right here in the OC. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, you can even make an entire weekend out of gazing affectionately into each other’s eyes. If you’re taking the love-is-in-the-air route with your kids, here are some ways to make your Valentine’s celebration unforgettable.
For Younger and School-Aged Children:
Orange County is a wonderful place for young children; between the mountains and the sea, there are countless things to do to make your little one’s Valentine’s Weekend special!
February 13th:
- Junior Biologist Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 9:30 - 11:30 am, ages 7-10
- Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915. (cost is $3 for members & $5 for non-members)
- The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am
- FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
- Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
Sunday, February 14th:
- Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
- Valentine's Day & Chinese New Year at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
- Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
- Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
- Valentine Cruise at Dana Wharf, 4-6pm
- Valentine’S Day Party at Bowers Museum Kidseum, 5:00p to 9:00pm
If You’re Dragging Your Tween or Teen Along
Older kids may roll their eyes that the suggestion they spend Valentine’s Day with their family, but these community events will peak their interest, even if the prospect of spending time with Mom and Dad doesn’t.
Saturday, February 13
- The Great Park FREE Ice Skating at Orange County Great Park, Irvine, CA
- Harlem Globetrotters at the Honda Center 1 & 7pm.
- AMA Supercross at Angel Stadium, 7:00pm
- Astronomy Night, Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Sunday, February 14
- Valentine's Day Hike, Crystal Cove State Park, 9:00am
- Free Valentine's Day Hot Air Balloon Ride, Irvine Great Park, 9:00am - 3:00pm, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
- Tet Festival. Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Ave, Garden Grove, CA. $5 Adults at the door, $4 Children under 4 feet.
- Scottish Festival. Queen Mary, Long Beach
When it comes right down to it, Valentine's Day is a day to take an extra moment or two to show someone you care about, "Hey, I think you're pretty cool." And what better way to show it to your family than with a day together?
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