COVID Safe Valentine’s Day for the whole Family!
Fun Covid-Safe Valentine’s Day Ideas for the Whole Family
Even though we may still be in lockdown, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great Valentine’s Day. With all the challenges we’ve had to face over the past year, a day to focus on how much we love each other is something everyone could use.
We’ve gathered up some great family-friendly activities to help you get the ball rolling this February 14th. Don’t let the current restrictions dampen your fun. Instead, try these seven great Valentine’s Day ideas to make the day extra special this year!
1. Spread Love with Homemade Cards
This activity packs twice the holiday spirit. First you get to spend quality time crafting together, then you get to deliver joy to friends and neighbours. Ask your kids to make cards for each family member and share something they love about each person. This is a great activity to bring the family closer together and make everyone feel good about themselves.
Then take it one step further and craft cards for friends and neighbours. Be sure to spread the love to any neighbours who live alone and seniors who might not be able to see their family this Valentine’s Day. These small gestures can really make a big difference in someone’s life right now.
2. Dress the Part
Get everyone in the spirit with a family Valentine’s Day costume contest! Set a start time and give everyone 20 minutes to get into costume. Go for an all red or pink ensemble or see who can cover themselves with the most hearts.
If you don’t have the right attire on hand, why not try a Valentine’s shirt design contest instead? Pick up plain white T-shirts for everyone, then get out the paint, markers, glitter, and ribbons. Give everyone free-reign to design their most creative and “heart-felt” Valentine’s Day T. Instead of physical prizes, let the winner pick the movie or game for your next family night.
3. Decorate Outdoors for Valentine’s Day
With all this social distancing, a little extra cheer around the neighbourhood is something we can all appreciate. All you need is some snow or water, food colouring, and a lot of creativity to turn your yard into a dreamy Valentine’s Day display.
Gather up your heart-shaped trays, pans and molds, head outdoors and get creative. With Ottawa’s winter temperatures all you have to do is add water and food colouring to your molds and wait for them to become glittering ice hearts. Add loops of string or twine before they freeze so you can hang the hearts in trees around the neighbourhood.
4. Make a Meal Together
Get the whole family involved in making Valentine’s Day dinner. Let each family member pick a favourite food to add to the meal. Then work as a team to create a dinner everyone will love. Go through the menu together to help children learn how to read a recipe and prepare ingredients. Then assign each person a task so everyone has a role in creating Valentine’s Day dinner.
5. Host a Family Paint Night
You don’t have to be an artist to have a lot of fun painting with the family. Virtual paint classes are set up so that everyone can create a masterpiece regardless of their skill levels. Online services such as YayMaker and Pop Up Painters will help you plan a virtual paint night. All you have to do is give them the details and they’ll send you a paint kit with everything you need. Or if you prefer a more DIY approach, you can find paint night tutorials on YouTube. Just be sure to plan in advance so you have time to place a curbside pickup order for supplies.
6. Go on An Outdoor Adventure
We may not be able to go visit our loved ones, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get out to enjoy the day! Whether it’s skating, tobogganing, or just a walk around the neighbourhood, Ottawa has a lot of great outdoor activities to offer. Plus, spending quality time together outdoors is good for the whole family. But remember to bring your mask and follow social distancing guidelines to keep everyone safe.
7. Hunt for Love Notes
Why should the Easter Bunny get to have all the fun? Set up a Valentine’s Day themed scavenger hunt to get everyone moving. Write fun little notes to your kids letting them know what you love about them. Then hide them around the house along with some heart-shaped candy and cinnamon hearts. If you have more than one “hunter”, colour code the notes to ensure each child finds the right messages.
These fun and Covid-safe Valentine’s Day ideas are the perfect way to have a great day with the whole family.