Valentine’s Day with the family doesn’t have to revolve around packed theme parks or last-minute crafts at home. Across Southern California, creative places, parks and community hubs are leaning into the holiday with family-friendly experiences. If you’re looking for Valentine’s activities for kids that feel extra special, these are worth the drive.
Valentine’s Day at Pretend City Children’s Museum
In Irvine, Pretend City Children’s Museum transforms Valentine’s Day into a playful exploration of hearts and imagination. Instead of just handing out stickers, the museum weaves heart-themed activities and story moments into its interactive exhibit spaces so kids can create on their own terms. Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA; tickets and reservation required; pretendcity.org
A Valentine craft party in North San Diego County
In Escondido, you can find one of the best Valentine’s activities for kids who don’t enjoy chaos and loud places. CoLabCrafts is hosting a Valentine’s workshop and party on Feb. 8 focused on sensory play and themed art projects. Kids ages 4 and up will work with festive materials, textures and colors in a guided setting that feels special without being overwhelming. Parents appreciate that everything is set up — and cleaned up — for them. Sunday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. to noon; CoLabCrafts, 143 W Grand Ave, Escondido, CA; $25, registration required; colabcrafts.com
Western-style Valentine making at the Autry Museum
The Autry Museum of the American West puts a cultural spin on Valentine’s season with a Family Fun day on Feb. 7 full of creative projects inspired by Western art and traditions. Instead of stepping straight into generic crafts, kids can make themed Valentines that tie into exhibits and outdoor spaces. Saturday, Feb. 7. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA; free with museum admission, reservations required; theautry.org/events
Local art classes and paint nights
For families who want Valentine’s activities for kids with a creative twist, local art classes and paint nights are an easy way to turn the holiday into a shared experience. Studios like Pinot’s Palette offer scheduled parent-child painting sessions and kid-friendly classes around Valentine’s Day. Multiple dates; Pinot’s Palette locations across Southern California; class pricing varies; pinotspalette.com
Botanical strolls and outdoor play dates
Botanical gardens and park spaces are great places to create your own Valentine’s activities for kids centered on fresh air and room to roam. Visit the Fullerton Arboretum, The Huntington in San Marino, or the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas to spot seasonal blooms and enjoy time together outdoors. Bring a picnic lunch or a thermos of hot chocolate, snap a few photos, and pair the outing with a sweet treat stop afterward for an extra dose of fun. Flexible dates; admission varies by location.