14 Heartwarming Family-Friendly Valentine's Day Activities to Share Love and Joy

Welcome to the season of love! Valentine's Day isn't just for couples; it's a wonderful time for families to come together and celebrate the bonds they share. Whether you're a parent, a sibling, or a grandparent, there are countless ways to spread love and joy with your loved ones. So, put on your cupid's wings, grab some chocolate hearts, and get ready for 14 delightful family-friendly Valentine's Day activities that will warm your hearts and make memories for years to come.

1. DIY Valentine's Day Cards: Gather some colorful paper, markers, stickers, and glitter, and spend the day creating personalized Valentine's Day cards for each family member. Let your creativity flow as you write heartfelt messages and decorate each card with love. (PS: A half-dozen paper hearts with all the reasons why you love them goes a long ways ;)

2. Bake Sweet Treats Together: Whip up some delicious Valentine's Day treats in the kitchen with the whole family. From heart-shaped cookies to chocolate-covered strawberries, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to add extra sprinkles of love!

3. Family Movie Marathon: Cozy up on the couch with blankets and popcorn for a family movie marathon. Choose heartwarming classics or romantic comedies that everyone will love. Our favorite? Lady and the Tramp, of course. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together while enjoying some cinematic magic.

4. Love Notes Scavenger Hunt: Hide little love notes around the house for each family member to find. Write sweet messages or clues that lead to a special Valentine's Day surprise at the end of the hunt. It's a fun way to show appreciation and spread love throughout the day.

5. Create a Family Love Jar: Start a new tradition by creating a family love jar. Decorate a jar and fill it with notes of appreciation, gratitude, and love for each other. Throughout the year, take turns reading the notes and reminiscing about all the wonderful memories shared together.

6. Valentine's Day Crafts: Get crafty with Valentine's Day-themed arts and crafts projects. From making paper heart garlands to creating handmade gifts, there are endless possibilities for creativity. Set up a crafting station and let your imaginations soar.

7. Family Game Night: Host a Valentine's Day-themed family game night with games like Valentine's Day bingo, minute-to-win-it with candy hearts, or heart-shaped tic-tac-toe. It's a fantastic way to bond as a family while having loads of fun.

8. Spread Kindness in Your Community: Embrace the spirit of Valentine's Day by spreading kindness in your community. Bake cookies for your neighbors, create handmade cards for nursing home residents, or treat the car behind you to their coffee order. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.

9. Valentine's Day Book Club: Choose a selection of heartwarming books to read together as a family leading up to Valentine's Day. Curl up with a cozy blanket and take turns reading aloud chapters each night. It's a wonderful way to share stories and create lasting memories together.

10. Family Photo Shoot: Dress up in your favorite Valentine's Day outfits and have a family photo shoot. Capture precious moments together, whether it's silly poses or heartfelt embraces. These photos will serve as cherished mementos for years to come.

11. Create a Family Recipe Book: Compile all your favorite family recipes into a personalized recipe book. Include special dishes that hold sentimental value and memories associated with past celebrations. It's a wonderful way to preserve family traditions and pass them down through generations. Of course, Valentine’s Dinner has got to be Spaghetti and Meatballs… in honor of Lady and the Tramp (see above.)

12.Valentine's Day Picnic: Now every once in a while, we get a sunny, lovely Valentine’s in the middle of February. If this is the year, make good use of it! Bundle up, pack a picnic basket with delicious snacks and a thermos with your favorite warm beverage, and head outdoors for a Valentine's Day picnic. Spread out a cozy blanket, enjoy the fresh air, and bask in each other's company surrounded by nature's beauty.

13.Family Dance Party: Turn up the music and have a family dance party in the living room. Create a playlist filled with love songs and dance the night away together. Let loose, laugh, and make unforgettable memories on the dance floor.

14. Express Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for each family member and all the love they bring into your life. Whether it's through spoken words, handwritten notes, or acts of kindness, let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. Maybe today is the day to pick up the phone and finally make that call?

Valentine's Day, or any day, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the love and joy that fills your family's hearts. And if February 14th just doesn’t fit with your agenda - don’t worry! Simply do what our dear friend Patrick does (which might actually be our favorite):

He refuses to celebrate his sweetheart on command. Instead, he chooses his own surprise  Valentine's Day, which might happen at any time throughout the year. He might send flowers on May 7th, or make Valentine's dinner reservations on August 24th - you never really know. And that is part of the joy. So whether you celebrate today or in 6 months - may your day be filled with love and happiness!

10 Family-Friendly Activities to Savor Before School Starts Again

You might be familiar with the popular tune “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again” - but the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s don’t have to be a waiting game until the school bus comes to the rescue. It can be the most magical time of the year, filled with laughter, bonding, and a treasure chest of memories. Here are our top 10 favorite family activities to make this winter break truly memorable:

The Wingfeather Saga

1. Audiobook Adventures:

Winter break is the perfect time to get into the habit of listening to audiobooks together. Whether you snuggle up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa, or follow your favorite hero’s adventures in the car - audiobooks, with their captivating narrations, allow everyone to immerse themselves in enchanting stories. Choose tales that cater to various age groups, ensuring that each family member is engaged. Whether it's the magical world of Harry Potter or heartwarming classics like "Winnie the Pooh," audiobooks bring families together, creating lasting memories. Our current favorite? The Wingfeather Saga, written and read by Andrew Peterson, is sure to take you on an epic adventure that will make the time fly by. We’re not lying when we tell you that we’re all enthralled, from the 9-year-old to the 49-year-old.

2. Get Outside

Beat the winter blues by heading out for some fresh air every day. Whether it’s a short visit to the zoo or park (bring a ball, a frisbee, or send your fleet of toy trucks down the local playground slide) or a multi-mile loop through the woods, our Pacific Northwest home boasts a plethora of breathtaking outdoor spaces that help you come alive, rain or shine. And who are we kidding - post-adventure hot chocolate tastes better if you got rained on a little bit, wouldn’t you agree? Make it interesting by incorporating a fun Scavenger Hunt, or challenge your teens to an award-winning outdoor walk photo contest.

3. Puzzling Pursuits

Challenge your family's problem-solving skills with an assortment of puzzles. From jigsaw puzzles depicting winter scenes to brain-teasing riddles and “Escape Room” games, these activities provide hours of wholesome entertainment. Set up a dedicated puzzle station in your living room, complete with comfy cushions and blankets. As you piece together the puzzle, you'll also be putting together cherished moments and fostering teamwork among family members.

4. Family Time Capsule

Create a family time capsule by gathering items that represent your current interests and activities. Seal them in a box or container and decide on a future date to open it together. It's a unique way to capture memories and reflect on how things have changed over time.

5. Indoor Obstacle Course:

Design an indoor obstacle course using household items. Set up challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, or balancing on a designated line. Time each family member as they navigate the course, and see who can complete it the fastest.

6. Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling

Create a makeshift bowling alley in your living room using glow sticks. Set up empty plastic bottles as pins, activate the glow sticks, and use a soft ball as the bowling ball. Turn off the lights and enjoy a glow-in-the-dark bowling experience.

7. Cook Up a Storm

After all the Holiday sweets, do you crave something salty, tangy or pickled? Yep, us too. Now’s a great time to get a head start on your new year health goals, and maybe pick up a new skill or two. As for us, we can’t make up our minds whether to first quick-pickle the night away or explore the secrets of lacto-fermentation. Probably, both. Yum.

8. Create a Family Art Piece

Invest in the biggest canvas you can find, agree on a style and color palette, then set it all up in the garage and produce a family collaborative art project to display in your home. Trust us. Chances are that you will be amazed by the outcome, and each family member will fondly remember the fun time you had over winter break. (Don’t forget to hid your names in your masterpiece.) It will be a piece of heart, soul and memory.

9. Have a Family Sleepover in the Living Room

Have everyone set up their bedstead in the living room and celebrate togetherness. Whether you watch a movie, or pretend there’s a power outage and tell scary stories by the glow of the flashlight - the point is to enjoy a little adventure together. PS: This is not about quality sleep ;) but it’s sure to be a sleepless night you’ll cherish to remember.

10. Go Get ‘Em Tiger

Why not spend some time discussing what each family member is looking forward to next year, and how you can help support each other? Goals can help us get motivated and stay focused, which in turn supports a positive mindset. Looking forward to a big trip or event? Training for a new accomplishment? Share it with your loved ones. Setting individual and family goals helps create stronger bonds and deeper relationships through accountability, encouragement and celebration.

Autumn Backyard Bash: Fun Ideas for a Fantastic Family Fall

As autumn paints the world in hues of gold and red, there's no better time to host a family-friendly backyard party. The crisp air, falling leaves, and cozy atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Allow us to inspire you with ideas that will make your gathering a seasonal sensation!

Rustic Harvest Table

Any good fall party features a long rustic table for family and friends to gather. Don’t overthink it! A board and a couple of sawhorses will do the trick. Cover it with burlap and decorate with leaves, mason jars and battery-operated twinkle lights and you’re well on your way. PS: The more mismatched the chairs, the better. Just add some pillows and blankets here and there to set a cozy and inviting mood.

Bistro Lights

Is there any time that doesn’t lend itself to cafe string lights? We think not. However, fall with its early twilight and soft hues will get an extra dose of magic with a couple lines of bistro lights hung above your table. Another option: Paper lanterns or hand-made tin can lanterns can provide a family craft activity and add a personal touch.

Pumpkin Patch Vibes

Set the mood by creating your own pumpkin patch (doubles as photo booth) at the entrance to your backyard. This doesn’t have to be expensive! A bale of hay, some pumpkins, stalks of corn and mums, and you have the most inviting entrance to your party.

Blankets and Pillows

More is more here. Set out cozy blankets and pillows galore for guests to stay warm as temperatures drop.

Prepare Activities and Games

What’s a fall party without a pumpkin decoration station? If you don’t want the mess of pumpkin carving, decorate with paints, markers and craft supplies. And maybe this is the one time of the year to use some glitter? It’ll be outside after all. ;)

Not into pumpkin crafts? Use leaves. Leaf rubbings are a classic, and leaf collages on canvas make for fantastic seasonal art pieces.

Pinecone birdfeeders. Ok, they are a little messy to make. But remember it’s outside, and you’ll make the birds happy :)

Sack races are hilarious. Seriously, when was the last time you participated in a sack race? Exactly. It takes us straight back to the good old days.

Pumpkin bowling or pumpkin bocce will provide hours of autumn-themed entertainment… Promise!

Bobbing for apples is messy, yes - but it is SO. MUCH. FUN. Refreshing, too. Who dares to dunk first? Also remember an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so there are real health benefits to playing this game.

Minute-to-Win-It Autumn Style! Work in teams or compete individually, but don’t forget to set out prices!!

• Candy corn relay races are a fun activity if you’re looking for some friendly family competition.

• Leaf blower: How many dry leaves can your team down a table - with a straw? (This activity is right up DAPrDAN’s ally!!)

• Candy Pumpkin Toss. How many can your team accurately toss into a cup?

• Buckets of Acorns: How many acorns can you squirrel from one basket into another using only tweezers? (Make it harder by forcing competitors to wear oven mitts)

• Chop Chop Candy Corn: Same concept as your acorns - but transport your kernels from one plate to the other using chop sticks

Seasonal Specialties

Nothing says “fall” like a cast-iron dutch oven full of chili on a tripod over a campfire. Have someone watch the meal so it doesn’t burn while you play.

Alternatively, bring in your trusty crock pot for a soup bar potluck, and recruit your baking friend to bring a loaf of homemade sourdough. Yum!

You might, however, need your crock pot for Caramel Apples… and there is no shame in that. After all, an apple a day…

End the day with smores and (spooky?) stories by the bonfire.

Whatever you do, you’ll be sure to create warm and fond memories for years to come. Enjoy!

DAPrDAN’s Favorite Family Summer Activities

Sometimes, the long days of summer can get pretty … long. After all, there are only so many popsicles one can eat, so many sprinklers to run through, before a bit of change is needed. But a little bit of summer planning goes a long way and makes for fantastic memories. Plus, there are the repeat opportunities (aka “Do you remember when we went to ___? We should go there again!”)

So without further ado, here are our 14 Favorite Things To Do in Summer:

1.Hike Lake 22

This 5.5-mile round trip hike takes you 1,350ft up the side of Mt Pilchuck through mountain forests, wetlands, and old-growth groves. It’s an impressive hike even for younger kids and it ends with a fabulous boardwalk hugging the alpine Lake. (Where are the other 21 lakes? We don’t know, but pondering this question makes for great conversation on the trail.) Find what you need to know here.

2. Visit Artist Point 

This one takes a little while to get to, but its beauty is absolutely worth every minute spent in the car. High alpine meadows are dotted by smaller lakes and reveal stunning views of Mt Shuksan and Mt Baker. Mostly known for winter snowshoeing hikes, we love it in the summer (wildflowers!) Various trails depart from the main parking area, but the area lends itself to some simple exploring of this spectacular corner of the Cascades, especially if you’re bringing a stroller or a wheelchair. On the way back, we like to stop at Chair 9 Pizza. Click here for all the info.

3. Explore Fort Casey and Port Townsend

Whose summer doesn’t get better by visiting a fort? Bring a flashlight and get ready for some exploring, or make it an outing with a bunch of friends and a game of Capture the Flag. (PS This outing can serve as a fabulous history lesson, too!)When you’re tired, explore the beach or catch the ferry (walk-on) over to Port Townsend for some ice cream or burgers and shakes at PT Soda Fountain & Diner.

4. Camano Island State Park / Cama Beach State Park

We are partial to this little gem right in our own backyard, but for good reason! That’s why we invite you to enjoy it, too. While you’re here on the “easy” island (aka doesn’t require a ferry boat ride), why not spend the night camping at Camano State Park or next door in one of the quaint little cabins at Cama Beach State Park. Bustling with Art, good food, and even an 18-hole golf course, Camano Island transports you into vacation mode in no time. (Don’t forget to inquire with the Park Ranger about Kids Activities,interpretive events and scavenger hunts, and be sure to check out the Center for Wooden Boats.)

5. Berry Picking / Jam Making

Whatever your favorite jam, find a u-pick berry farm (organic is best - but you know that already) and don’t forget to take ALL THE PICTURES! Then, bring home crates and crates of beautiful fruit and make your own jam. It couldn’t be easier! Just prepare by purchasing sugar, mason jars, pectin (if desired and to guarantee the outcome) and a waterbath canner. Channel your inner homesteader and hey - get a headstart on homemade Christmas presents, too!

6. Jetty Island

Fancy a soft sandy beach and shallow warm water in the Puget Sound? Jetty Island is a man-made island just off the Everett waterfront, and it lends itself perfectly for a day at the beach. With plenty of room to roam, this little island offers summer vibes all the way.

7. Woodland Park Zoo | Pacific Science Center | Burke Museum of Natural History

Whatever time of year, you can’t go wrong with this fabulous trifecta. The annual pass is your best friend if you’re planning to visit each of these at least twice over the course of the year (and we do.)

Woodland Park Zoo | Pacific Science Center | Burke Museum of Natural History

8. Paint a Rock. Or a Driveway.

Or a flower pot. A bird house. A pair of shoes. The options are endless, and not only do you have an activity for the day, but also a personalized souvenir of the summer. (Well, minus the driveway… but you can channel your inner DAPrDAN to clean that off with a refreshing blast from the hose.) Try one of these art projects on your driveway, level up some plain ole’ rocks, or produce an exhibit-worth art piece that might score you a ribbon at your local community fair.

27+ FUN ROCK PAINTING IDEAS | 10 CHALK ART IDEAS TO TAKE SIDEWALK PLAY TO THE NEXT LEVEL | 15 SUMMER ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS

9. Kubota Garden and Seattle Arboretum

Two of our favorite Seattle outings, featuring a relaxing atmosphere, spectacular landscaping, and even boardwalks!

KUBOTA GARDEN | WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM LOOP & FOSTER ISLAND TRAIL

10. Stay at Home and Read Classic Adventure Stories

Sometimes, you’ve just got to not go anywhere, and enjoy your happy place at home. For us, that happens with a warm chocolate milk (and a cup of coffee) and a blanket on the front porch with a good, classic adventure story read-aloud. Jules Verne takes you Around the World in 80 Days or 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. Follow the Call of the Wild and let Jack London take you to Alaska, or witness the slow decline of Captain Ahab on his hunt for Moby Dick. Bonus points if you stretch your limbs and build a reading fort - before diving back into the story! (Don’t forget the movie night when you’re done with the book.)

11. Olympic Game Farm / Olympic Peninsula

OK - don’t do this outing if you love your car a lot (inside and out). But DO ABSOLUTELY DO this outing if you (or your favorite family members) love petting, feeding and getting up close with friendly animals. Make it a weekend and enjoy the summer lavender fields in Sequim and most importantly, the White Chocolate Raspberry French Toast at the Oak Table Cafe in Sequim.

12. Long Beach WA International Kite Festival

This has been our family’s traditional summer camping destination for years. We fly kites, we build sand castles, we ride bikes on the trail (and sometimes horses on the beach), we eat as many Streetside Tacos as possible, we explore nearby Fort Stevens State Park and Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, and then we eat double-salted licorice and make friends and enemies.

13. DIY Science Projects

Yes, we’re talking baking soda and vinegar, mentos and diet Coke, pencils stabbed through water-filled sandwich baggies and traveling rainbows. Bring out the stomp rockets! Shoot the balloon zipline! Watch an egg plop through a bottleneck! And one of our all-time favorites: Make a drawing float! Backyard science projects promise hours of fun and wonder… worth setting a day aside for.

14. Silverwood Theme Park | Coeur D’Alene

A quick trip east is one way to prolong the days of summer and soak up a little more warmth and fun… so this might be our way to end summer with one last hurrah!