Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. From longstanding traditions of passed cards at school to enjoying heart-shaped candy, the holiday can be just as special for kids. While they may not want flowers and truffles or expect a fancy dinner out, there’s plenty of ways to make the holiday special for younger members of the family.
Kid-friendly events and activities
Sweetheart dances at local community centers and schools fill gym floors this time of year, but that’s not the only way to celebrate. From library parties to themed crafts, there’s plenty of ways to make the season extra sweet and get into the Valentine’s Day spirit in St. Louis with your younger family members this year.
Yucandu Art Studio
Feb. 7 | $45-55
Three workshops throughout the day will give kids the opportunity to try their hands at mosaic-making and create special gifts.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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Pal-Entines Day Party Parent Survival Night
Little Gym of Fenton
Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. | $40 for non-members, 10 percent off for members enrolled in weekly classes. 50 percent off for siblings
Parents can drop off their kids ages 3-10 for a fun-filled night of activities and a pizza dinner.
Be Our Valentine: A Storybook Breakfast Party
Silo Point at Brookdale Farms
Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 at 8:30 a.m. | $20 kids, $15 adults
Families can enjoy a breakfast buffet, hot cocoa, crafts, storybook character moments, and photo ops.
Mother Daughter Galentine’s Day
Fizz Facial Bar
Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. | $29 per pair, $15 per additional child
This event specifically for the girls will feature a wide variety of vendors that kids and moms can appreciate while enjoying festive drinks and snacks.
St. Louis County Library: Clark Family Branch
Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. | Free
This sweet crafting event is aimed toward children 2–5 and provides the opportunity to make Valentine’s Day cards with an assortment of themed craft supplies.
St. Louis County Library – Thornhill
Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. | Free
Tweens and teens can stop by to make jewelry, keychains, and charms for themselves or a loved one at this relaxed crafting event.
Painting with a Twist–Brentwood
Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. | $42 per person
Kids and adults alike will get the chance to hone their artist skills while painting an axolotl with step-by-step guidance while enjoying non-alcoholic beverages.
St. Louis Family Playdate: Cookie Decorating
Fennel Cooking Studio
Feb. 27 at 12–2 p.m. | Two sessions | $15 per child; $12 with donation
Kids can roll up their sleeves for a hands-on cookie decorating session hosted by St. Louis Magazine. During each hour-long class, children will decorate two cookies of their own, mixing creativity with a sweet reward. With two sessions to choose from and space limited, it’s an easy, festive way to let kids get messy in the kitchen and make something delicious to take home.
Locally found gifts to make your kiddo feel loved
From plushies and crafts to sweet treats and cozy finds, these gifts from local shops make Valentine’s Day extra special for kids of all ages.
Ages 0-5
Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool Book
Imagination Toys | $12.99
This sweet, seasonal story features a beloved character.
City Sprouts | $34
Your toddler can spend Valentine’s Day in style in this sweet sweatshirt.
Happy Up, Inc | $24.99
This colorful plushie will be adored far past the Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Pink Seersucker XOXO Toy/Gift Tote
JA Whitney | $36
It’s a perfect gift-carrying case turned play purse.
Ages 5-9
Cartwheels and Cupcakes Speak Emoji
Imagination Toys
This playful plush lets kids express themselves in the cutest way.
City Sprouts | $24
This practical gift has a fun Valentine’s twist.
City Sprouts | $6
This budget-friendly pick is great for kids who love to draw, color, and create their own masterpieces.
Valentine’s Day Sensory Dough Jar
JA Whitney | $16
This combination of slime and small trinkets make for an entertaining gift with a long shelf life.
Ages 9-13
City Sprouts | $21
This kit is perfect for kids who love crafting and creating their own accessories.
iScream Fuzzy Journal, Stanley Bag Charm & Valentine Mail Plushy
Imagination Toys | Prices vary
This assortment is made for kids who love fuzzy textures, journaling, and trendy accessories.
Valentine’s Bow Sprinkle Bracelet
JA Whitney | $18
This sweet accessory is ideal for the bow-obsessed.
Dopeslimes Valentine Slime Swirl Cake
Imagination Toys | $16.99
This sensory favorite feels festive and fun.
Ages 13+
Fleece Pullover Oversized Blanket Hoodie
Cakewish | $46
This sweatshirt is the coziest choice for movie nights, reading, or lounging at home.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Candle
Cakewish | $36
This fun Valentine’s candle feels special but still age-appropriate.
Cakewish | $28
Try a thoughtful gift focused on comfort and self-care.
Flower Bouquet Chenille Craft Kit
Happy Up, Inc. | $15.99
This DIY flower bouquet craft is one artistic tweens and teens can make themselves and display.
All Ages
City Sprouts | $40
These whimsical yet trendy plushies have been all the rage the past few years.
Valentine’s Chocolates and Gummies
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company | Prices vary
From bags of foil wrapped hearts and lips that can be added to lunch boxes to sweet and sour gummies, there’s delicious candy for every kid’s taste at this shop. Try out one of their chocolate heart-shaped lollipops for a classic all children will love. Grabbing a gift the whole family can enjoy? Try a box of their iconic chocolate-covered strawberries.
The Saint Louis Zoo | $60 when purchased online including shipping and handling, $50 on-site
This special Valentine’s Day adoption package includes a 12-inch sloth plush toy and greeting card from you, with a personalized adoption certificate, color photo with animal facts, car decal, your name on the Zoo Parents Donor Wall and Zoo website for one year, and an invitation to the Zoo Parents Picnic.
