Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and we've curated an exciting list of heart-warming activity ideas to make this Valentine's memorable for kids! If you're in charge of planning or running kids' activities, then this blog is your one-stop-shop for all ideas, fun and love-filled. We've got STEM-tastic ideas from creating Valentine's Day GIFs and designing e-cards to self love journaling and heart-shaped sweet treats. Find plenty of ideas for all types of before and after-school clubs, holiday camps, classes and childcare centres.
1. Create Heart-Shaped LED Light Circuits (STEM)
Who says Valentine's Day can't be educational? For those running STEM programmes, have kids design and build heart-shaped LED circuits. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that teaches kids about simple electronics while creating something they can show off! You’ll need a basic circuit kit, some creativity, and a heart-shaped template. This activity is perfect for sparking curiosity and a love for science. Have a go at crafting this heart-shaped LED light circuit.
2. DIY Valentine's Day E-Cards
For tech-savvy or digital-based businesses, set a challenge for kids to design and print their own Valentine's Day cards. Use free design tools like Canva and let them create their own graphics and text from scratch. This is a great way to encourage creativity and teach basic design skills!
3. Mix Up Some Love Potions (Science Fun)
Bring some magic into your classroom with a "love potion" science experiment! Kids can mix colourful (and safe) ingredients to create their own bottled love potions. Check out this experiment. They can keep them as a Valentine's souvenir or give them as gifts to friends or family. Get creative with quirky potion ingredient suggestions like edible glitter, coloured water, or even candy hearts.
4. No-Bake Valentine's Treats
For an easy and tasty activity, try no-bake Valentine's snacks! Have kids create white chocolate and sprinkle-dipped apple sticks or strawberry and frozen yoghurt fruit bites. These treats are simple to make and perfect for a before or after-school club snack. Plus, they can take some home to share!
5. Self Love Journaling and Scrapbooking
Encourage kids to start a self-love journal. Provide prompts like, "Write about a moment you're proud of," or "What memory makes you feel loved?" Journaling helps children build self-esteem and reflect on their personal achievements. Or use this blog example and set aside time for your group to share heart-shaped sticky notes on what they appreciate about each other.
6. Heart-Shaped Appreciation Notes
Set up a heartwarming activity where kids can write positive messages about their friends or classmates on heart-shaped sticky notes. These notes can be displayed on a wall or shared anonymously. It's a simple way to foster kindness and appreciation within your group.
7. Valentine’s Bike Decoration Day
Host a Valentine’s-themed “Wheelie Day” where kids can deck out their bikes, scooters, or skateboards with love-themed decorations. Craft tassels from streamers, tie balloons to handlebars, and create flower baskets for an extra romantic touch. Kids will love showing off their “blinged-out” rides!
8. Valentine’s Trail Mix Party
Let’s get snacking! Have kids work together to create a Valentine's Day trail mix with their favourite ingredients. Watch this TikTok for yummy trail mix ideas. Provide options like pretzels, chocolate chips, dried fruit, and colourful candy hearts. They can take their trail mix home as a sweet treat!
9. Cupid’s Archery Game
Get kids moving with this fun Cupid’s archery activity. Craft heart-shaped targets from cardboard and have kids design their own bow and arrows using soft-tipped materials. It’s a fun and safe way to bring some excitement and friendly competition to your Valentine’s Day celebration. Check out this Pinterest tutorial for themed bow and arrow instructions.
10. Create New Valentine’s Day Traditions
Encourage kids to come up with their own Valentine’s Day traditions. Whether it’s picking fresh flowers for the table every year, planning a special Valentine’s theme breakfast for their family, or sending thoughtful appreciation cards or even texts, these traditions help kids make the holiday meaningful in their own way.
Bonus Idea: Love Language Lesson
Teach kids about the 5 love languages—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. After learning, ask them to come up with ways they can show love to someone using each love language. Check out this easy-to-read love language resource for kids. It’s a great way to build emotional intelligence and strengthen relationships.
Do you have any other Valentine’s Day ideas that have worked well in your programmes? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s spread love, creativity, and fun this Valentine’s Day! 💖