Ask ANY kid and they’ll tell you their favorite holidays go in this order: Christmas, birthday, Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day.
So to the 5th-highest kid-ranked holiday of fun, we salute you, Valentine’s Day!
And so do a number of metro Indianapolis spots who have plenty of Cupid-loving activities on deck. Here’s where to…
Get {artsy} crafty
Check out the Fishers Parks and Rec Two Times The Fun program: Two year olds and a parent/guardian are invited to Two Times the Fun: Sealed with a Kiss! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart and love bug inspired crafts, songs and activities. This program also features Valentine themed sensory bins and games.
WHERE: Billericay Park, 12690 Promise Rd, Fishers
WHEN: Thursday, February 4. 10am
Enjoy Cookies and Canvas with Little Green Bean Boutique:Â Grown At Home Art & Design will teach kids step-by-step how to paint their very own Valentine’s day inspired canvas. Preschoolers-age 10 are welcome; $15/child. Reservations required.
WHERE:Â Little Green Bean Boutique, 2809 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis
WHEN: Saturday, February 6. 11am and 1pm.
*NEW* Let the kids make and take Valentines at Garfield Conservatory: Join in to make some unique Valentine’s Day cards using natural materials. $5/child; best for ages 3-12. Registration required.
WHERE:Â 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis
WHEN:Â Saturday, February 6. 11am
Create your own cards with Eagle Branch Library:Â Families and school-age children are invited to drop in anytime and join Miss Roberta to create recycled Valentine’s Day cards. All materials will be supplied. FREE.
WHERE: Eagle Branch Library, 3325 Lowry Road, Indianapolis
WHEN:Â Tuesday, February 9. 4-6pm
Have a Love-In with The Urban Chalkboard:Â Decorate cookies with love, listen to love music, and create lovely Valentines for moms, dads, grandparents, and friends. Win a free admission in our conversation hearts candy guess. Free hugs for all!
WHERE:Â The Urban Chalkboard, 452 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel
WHEN:Â Saturday, February 13. 11:30am-1:30pm
Take your preschooler to Prairie Tykes at Conner Prairie: The regular program for preschoolers transforms into a Valentine’s Party with a festive craft and cookie decorating fun. {Related post: “To Prairie Tykes or not at Conner Prairie?”} Recommended for ages 2-5. $12/ea nonmember; $11/member.
WHERE:Â Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers
WHEN: February 11 9:30-11am. February 12 9:30-11am and 12:30-2pm.
Visit Nickel Plate Arts of Noblesville for Family Valentine’s Day fun: Bring the kiddos to Nickel Plate Arts for children’s activities, crafts {$5/ea} and sweet treats. Admission is FREE.
WHERE:Â Nickel Plate Arts, 107 S. 8th St, downtown Noblesville
WHEN: Sunday, February 14. 1-5pm
Enjoy a little something special
Catch the magical Valentine’s Cabaret at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio: Bring your sweethearts to a fun filled cabaret show! Admission price includes a drink and gourmet cookie for all. Tickets $13/ea. Children under two FREE. Visit their website for showtimes and dates.
WHERE:Â Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio, 25 E. Henry St, downtown Indianapolis
WHEN:Â February 12-15.Â
Have a royal high tea at The Indianapolis Propylaeum: It’s a special afternoon children’s tea with your Duke and Duchess: This delectable date includes tea served in vintage tea cups with savory and sweet treats. Tour the Victorian Mansion and create a regal experience to remember. Tickets $19/ea and up. Reservations required.
WHERE: Indianapolis Propylaeum, 1410 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis
WHEN: Saturday, February 13. 12-2pm
*NEW*Â Let the kids eat free at The Rusty Bucket: Kids ages 10 and under are invited to eat free, be treated to a little Valentine’s candy and try a kid-friendly Cupid Cocktail {a mix of OJ, pineapple juice, grenadine and Sierra Mist with a Twizzler}.
WHERE:Â 1130 West 86th Street, Indianapolis
WHEN: Sunday, February 14. All day
Get active together
Splash into Family Swim at Goldfish: Join both Indy-area Goldfish Swim School locations for a Valentine’s Day Family Swim: Includes open swim, crafts, and snacks. Cost: $5/pp or $15/family. {If this date doesn’t work for your fam, watch for the announcement of the Indy’s Child POP-UP Play: Playtime in the Pool event coming up 2/22!}
WHERE: 271 Merchants Square Drive, Suite A-110, Carmel OR 11581 Geist Pavilion Dr #114, Fishers
WHEN: Friday, February 12. 6:30pm
Volunteer with Pack Away Hunger: This wonderful nonprofit will host a Valentine’s Day Packing Event to pack 200 Nutri-Plenty Meals for local food pantries. Open to families with children ages 5 and up, this activity works best for families of assorted ages able to focus on the assembly-style packing needs for the hour. Registration requested.
WHERE: Pack Away Hunger, 5230 Park Emerson Dr. Suite A, Indianapolis
WHEN: Sunday, February 14. 1-2pm
Try out a new storytime
Fete Valentine’s with a party at Carmel Clay Library: They’ll be reading Valentine stories, singing love songs, making love bugs, and playing Valentine’s Day games. Program will be held in the Storytime Room and is for children ages 2-5. FREE.
WHERE:Â Carmel Clay Library, 55 4th Avenue, Carmel
WHEN: Thursday, February 11. 11am
Love Monster & The Last Chocolate Storytime at Barnes & Noble: Monster comes home from vacation and discovers a box of chocolates on his doorstep. Join in a special Storytime featuring Love Monster and the Last Chocolate with activities and coloring following.
WHERE: Multiple Barnes & Noble stores in the Indy area. See website to find the location closest to you.
WHEN: Saturday, February 13. 11am
Valentine-themed stories at Pottery Barn Kids: One of our secret favorite spots for storytime, each Tuesday morning storytime from now through 2/9 will be Valentine’s-themed. Visit five storytime hours and receive a $10 coupon good off any book.
WHERE: Pottery Barn Kids Fashion Mall, 8702 Keystone Xing, Indianapolis
WHEN: Tuesdays, 11am
See any activities that we missed? Tweet us at @indyschild and let us know so we can update! And please know that while Indy’s Child does our best to include accurate information, sometimes details may change. We recommend calling the venue first before visiting to confirm.Â
