Valentine’s Day isn’t just for adults – in our family we spread the love and take the opportunity to hugs our kids even more! Let’s share some ideas among one another of how to make this holiday kid-friendly to celebrate love for Valentine’s Day in CT …
For Couples:
Rent a Suite for Your Sweetheart with the Hartford Yard Goats:
Wednesday, February 14 and Saturday, February 17
Head to Dunkin’ Park for a private rental in a luxury suite, with a 4 Course Valentine’s Day dinner, full service ball available, and a visit from the Yard Goats Mascots. Couples who send in a photo of them with their sweethearts will be displayed on the 80 foot wide video board.
$200 per couple.
Valentine’s Dinner Train Aboard the Essex Steam Train
February 10, 11, 14, 17 & 18
The romance of the rails and vintage train cars set the scene for a memorable expression of your affection. Shrimp Cocktail and a Custom Cheese Plate will be served as you begin your journey with us before feasting on your choice of Filet Mignon, Chicken Milanese, Seared Salmon or Mushroom Ravioli. Be sure to indulge yourself with one of our special desserts, and a glass of champagne from our full service bar.
This unique and limited capacity dining experience is sure to impress. $139.99 per person.
1928 Cocktail Bar and Speakeasy
Open Tuesdays-Saturdays
1928 is CT’s first, true speakeasy bar & lounge. They specialize in Craft Cocktails & Great Hospitality- check their Instagram daily for the password to get in!
Gothic Romance Masquerade with Edgar Allan Poe at Middletown’s Wadsworth Mansion:
February 17- 4-6:30
Fancy costumes, dancing and drinks are only the beginning as the evening’s host spins guests into a dark mystery, accompanied by some comedic and excitable characters who bring the guests into the story
Connecticut Ballet: Be My Valentine
February 17 at 7:30
Connecticut Ballet returns to The Bushnell for a dynamite evening of romantic duets and commissioned ballets just in time for Valentine’s Day. Artistic Director Brett Raphael curates this Saturday-night showcase of ‘dance romance’ performed by the company’s awe-inspiring soloists. Immediately following the show, join the dancers on the dance floor for the Be My Valentine after-party featuring DJ Doctor Arvolyn Hill spinning music and hula hoops. Dress in your favorite red!
The $15 additional charge includes a rose for your Valentine, delectable strawberries dipped in chocolate, and a champagne toast. Everyone attending the party must purchase a performance ticket.
Mission: Masquerade – A Murder Mystery Dinner at Lyman Orchards
January 27 & February 17
Sleuthing Season has returned to Lyman Orchards with Mission: Masquerade at the legendary Lyman Homestead. Immerse yourself in a masquerade murder mystery as you take on a secret agent persona and travel from room to room with a team of fellow agents in your mission to gather evidence and solve this top-secret murder mystery.
The Scene: The agents of Eclipse have been gathered at a classified location for a masquerade ball to celebrate their newly appointed leader. Could this be the beginning of a new chapter or the beginning of the end? Can you expose the rogue agent?
For the Whole Family:
FREE Family Program: Valentines for Kids at Connecticut Museum
February 3, 11AM-2PM
Happy Valentine’s Day! Using historic valentines from the Museum’s collections as inspiration, create one-of-a-kind cards to give to your loved ones!
This program is FREE and great for children of all ages. For more information, please contact Katerina Mazzacane, Youth and Family Programs Manager, at 860-236-5621 x222, or email kmazzacane@connectcutmuseum.org.
FREE Family Program: Make Your Own Valentine’s Basket at Home Depot
February 3, 9-12
Head to the Home Depot to Make an adorable Valentines Basket during their kids workshops.
Valentines Workshop at the Giggling Pig, Bethel
February 7
From sculpting Valentine gifts of clay to painting lovely Valentine cards, we will feature a fun project to spread the love of this festive holiday!
Sweetheart Ball- Newtown Community Center
February 9 at 6:30
Children and their favorite adults are invited to spend the early evening at this Valentine’s Dance!
American Girl Valentines Party- Dance with Miss Alicia
February 10
Crafts, games, dancing, snack, American Girls, and a whole lot of fun!
Sweetheart Ball- Stepping Stones Museum for Kids
February 10, 3-7PM
Sweetheart Ball at Stepping Stones is your time to shine! Dress to impress and get ready for a night of music, dancing and hands-on fun as we celebrate love— of friends, of family and of ourselves too.
Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival*
February 10 from 11-3PM
Join your community for the annual Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Fest!!!! Featuring fun activities, a road race, cake contest, decorations and treats at many downtown businesses! Fun for the whole family!!!
Fire and Ice Festival: Putnam*
February 10 from 12-9PM
Free Fire & Ice Valentine’s Festival is the largest single ice-block competition in the United States – this blockbuster event boasts more than five dozen ice carvings, ice photo opportunities, a 30-foot inflatable igloo, character meet and greets, roaming stilt and LED Light Walkers, glowing fire torches, fire dancing performances, a cake decorating contest and more! The Annual Fire & Ice Festival can’t be missed!!
Valentine’s ‘Baby Loves Rave’ Family Glow Party at Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center
February 10
Valentine’s ‘Baby Loves Rave’ Family Glow Party is an event you don’t want to miss. Get ready to dance, laugh, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. A DJ will be spinning your kid’s favorite tunes, ensuring that the dance floor is always rocking. From funky beats to classic hits, there will be something for everyone to groove to. So grab your little ones and let’s boogie together!
But that’s not all! We’ll have plenty of fun games to keep the whole family entertained. From face painting to balloons and bubbles, there will be something for everyone. And don’t forget to capture the moment at our Valentine’s Day photo booth, where you can strike a pose and take selfie or two of this special night.
Lyman Orchards Valentines Celebration*:
February 10-11
Feel the love at The Apple Barrel Farm Market during Valentine’s Day Weekend on February 10 & 11 from 10am-4pm. Decorate Valentine’s Treats, Make Cards, and have a sweet treat tasting.
Free Eco Friendly Valentine Making Workshop at Ansonia Nature Center*
February 11
Create gifts for your loved ones out of recycled materials – Valentine boxes, cards, paper bracelets, and some other sweet surprises at Ansonia Nature Center’s Free Eco Friendly Valentine Making Workshop. This will be a fun day to share with your family and friends! Call to register for this FREE program. For all ages.
Valentine Workshop For Kids- Stew Leonard’s Newington
February 9-13
Come join us for some fun valentine making for kids ages 2-12!
Valentine’s Toddler Art Playgroup- Fun With Nature LLC
February 11
Valentine’s themed art and sensory exploration.
Kids Candy Making Workshop, Pequot Library
February 12
Kids ages 4-13 can make professional-looking chocolate treats, complete with a gift box and card to celebrate Valentine’s Day at a Kids’ Candy Making Workshop!
Half Day Hangout: Valentine’s Treasure Boxes at Essex Library*
February 14
It’s a half day from school and Valentine’s Day! Come to the library and decorate a festive heart-shaped treasure box!
Valentine’s Craft at Westport Library*
February 14
Visit The Westport Children’s Library this Valentine’s Day from 11 am to 6 pm and create your own Valentine Heart Envelopes.
A lot of effort is made to give you accurate information but it’s always best to “be safe than sorry” by calling the organizations ahead of your visit!