With the hearts, chocolate, and of course love, Valentine’s Day is a great day to celebrate with your family. Here in Lake County, we have plenty of ways that you can spread the love with your family and make it your best Valentine’s Day yet.
Valentine’s Day Events for Families
Valentine’s Crafting | Valentine’s Food | Valentine’s Books | Valentine’s Storytimes | Other Valentine’s Events
Valentine’s Day Crafts & Crafting Events
Valentine’s Day is one of the best crafting days for kids. There are so many things you can make to decorate your house or to use as gifts. Most of them are fairly simple and can be made from things just found around the house.
We have a full Pinterest board full of easy ideas. Just open your Pinterest App and click on the camera button (top) and hold the circle over the image above. It will take you right to all our ideas!
There are also several crafting events for families and kids here in Lake County:
Please click the links for full information. Some events require pre-registration, Little Lake County is not responsible for canceled or sold-out events.
6 February 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Scrappy Art
Antioch Public Library District
Stop in and enjoy making a Valentine craft to take home
8 February 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lowe’s DIY Kids Workshop: Love Note Holder
registration recommended
Lowe’s Vernon Hills
DIY Kids’ Workshops are free, monthly, in-store events designed to inspire the next generation of builders while growing their confidence and DIY skillset.
8 February 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sweets for Sweetie
Lambs Farm, Libertyville
The Magnolia Cafe & Bakery will be transformed into a boutique filled with several crafts. Guests can decorate a sweet treat, beautifully package a container, personalize a Valentine’s Day card and more. There is no cost to attend, pricing is per item as you go. The Cafe will offer an optional breakfast buffet ($6.95 for adults, $3.95 for children 2-10).
8 February 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Valentine’s Day Crafts
registration required
Fox Lake District Library
Create an assortment of cute and simple Valentine’s Day crafts and cards and enjoy a sweet treat. Families welcome.
8 February 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kids Valentine’s Craft Party
registration required
One Crown Studios, Waukegan
Kids Valentine’s Craft party. Bring the kids out to decorate a wooden picture frame. We’ll provide all the supplies needed for festive fun decorating. $7 per child.
9-14 February All Day Valentine Drop-in Craft
Lake Bluff Library
Drop-in and express your creativity by making your own Valentine. We will have all the supplies you need to make beautiful Valentine’s for all your loved ones. Open to children through grade 8.
9 February 2-5:00 p.m. Valentines 4 Vets
Waukegan High School-Brookdale Campus
registration requested
Honor our brave soldiers by making Valentine’s day cards for them. This is a free vent and refreshments will be given.
12 February 11-11:30 a.m. Preschoolers Valentine’s Day Crafts
Waukegan Public Library
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with fun crafts for your preschooler (ages 3, 4, 5) to create!
12 February 4-5:00 p.m. Valen-SLIME
registration required
Lake Bluff Public Library
(Ages 7-12) Create and customize a variety of ooey gooey slime to play with and then take home!
13 February 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. Galentine’s Day Party
registration required
Fox Lake District Library
No, that’s not a typo! Galentine’s Day is a special holiday that celebrates the joy of female friendships. Join us for waffle decoration, Galentine’s Day card-making, and friendship bracelets! All genders welcome!
13 February 6-7:00 p.m. I Heart You
registration required
Lake Villa District Library, Lindenhurst
(Grades 4-6) Make a simple, beautiful heart project using wood, nails, and string.
14 February 9 – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day Art Party
registration required
Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art, Barrington
A Valentine-themed art party with Miss Jody. We will be doing a painting project. Grades 1-3 9-10:30 a.am. and Grades 3-5 11-12:30 p.m. Registration is $25 per child.
14 February 9-11:30 a.m. Valentine’s Day Pillow Workshop
registration required
Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest
Spend your Valentine’s Day sewing with Ciao Bella! Join us for a morning of sewing fun & make your very own Valentine’s Day Pillow. This is a great way to learn about the sewing machine and have some fun. Sewing supplies, including fabric, thread, needles, and pins, will be provided. For ages 8-13, $60 per child.
14 February 1-4:00 p.m. Hearts a Flutter
registration required
Wauconda Area Library
Sweeten up your home this Valentine’s Day with an art project you will love year-round.
14 February 1-10:00 p.m. Sweet as Candy Valentines art Party
registration required
Divine Studio, Waukegan
Divine Studio is hosting a Valentine’s Day Art Party for the kids while you go wine & dine with your loved one, friends or enjoy “me time”. Registration includes Valentine’s day themed canvas painting, pizza, cupcake and cookie decorating, Valentine Gift for parents and loads of fun! $30 per person.
Cold weather getting you down? You can also check out Kari’s article for more ideas for DIY Valentine’s Crafts you can do at home.
Back to TopValentine’s Day Food
While chocolate is thought of as the main treat of Valentine’s Day, heart-shaped pizzas are also a great way to show some love. Many local restaurants around here, annually serve up these heart-shaped pies on Valentine’s Day, check your local pizza place to see if they do as well.
Other ideas for Valentine’s Treat are to attend one of these tasty events:
8 February 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. LCHF Valentines for Veterans Pancake Breakfast
Forrestal Elementary School, Great Lakes
You’re invited to come out for an all-you-can-eat Valentine’s Day-themed pancake breakfast to support these memorable trips for veterans! Enjoy a 50/50 raffle too. Proceeds support the Lake County Honor Flight. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children in advance. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults and $13 for children.
9 February, 11:30 a.m. Valentine’s Love Shacks
registration required
Taste Buds Kitchen, Bannockburn
$39 per child with one caregiver included.
Bring your little Valentine and get creative decorating your very own Love Shack in our signature Valentine’s Day Workshop. Enjoy cheerful love tunes while sipping pink hot cocoa and experiencing quality family time.
10 February 4-7:00 p.m. Kids Valentine’s Party
Timothy O’Toole’s Gurnee
Kids Valentine’s Day Party with Mark the Magician. Kids Eat Free, Make and Take Valentine, Sweetheart Sundae Bar for Dessert.
10 February 4-8:00 p.m. Kids Valentine’s Party
O’Toole’s of Libertyville
Kids Valentine’s Day Party with Holly the Balloon Artist. Kids eat free, make and take valentine and sweetheart sundae for dessert.
12 February 4-7:00 p.m. Kids Valentine’s Party
Timothy O’Toole’s Gurnee Lake Villa
Kids Valentine’s Day Party with Holly the Balloon Artist. Kids eat free, make and take valentine and sweetheart sundae for dessert.
13 February 5-5:45 p.m. Valentine’s Day Ice Cream Social
registration required
Midtown Athletic Club, Bannockburn
Join Midtown for a sweet Valentine’s Day treat with a delicious ice cream sundae bar where kids can choose their own toppings and mix-ins. While we enjoy our treat, we’ll make Valentines for our loved ones. $10 for members and $20 non-members.
14 February 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day Tea Party
registration required
Midtown Athletic Club, Bannockburn
Join Midtown for a royal good time this Valentine’s Day. We’ll have a special visit from Cinderella while we enjoy tea, lemonade, and finger foods. $15 for members and $25 non-members.
15 February Valentine’s Day Berry Pop Tarts Class
registration required
Taste Buds Kitchen, Bannockburn
For children ages 2-8 with a caregiver. Celebrate Valentine’s day with a fun-filled culinary adventure! We’ll whip up fresh pie dough and oh-so-delicious strawberry filling to create scrumptious pop tarts from scratch you’ll fall in love with. This class is designed for kids and parents to cook together! Register for the number of children, a spot for the caregiver is included in the price. Fee is $29 per adult/child pair.
Valentine’s Day Books
Snuggle up and enjoy these love-themed books! There are so many great books about Valentine’s Day for all ages.
Babies & Toddlers:
- I love you Spot by Eric Hill. In this heart-shaped board book, Spot is planning a special Valentine’s Day surprise.
- Llama Llama I Love you by Anna Dewdney Little llama shows his friends and family how much he loves them with heart-shaped cards and lots of hugs.
Preschoolers & School Age:
- The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
One day it rains hearts, and Cornelia Augusta catches them. Each heart is special in its own way, and Cornelia Augusta knows exactly who to send them to. - Lilly’s Chocolate Heart by Kevin Henkes
On Valentine’s Day, Lilly has one red-foil-wrapped chocolate heart left and she wants to find the perfect hiding place for it. However, every place the little mouse considers is not quite right.
- Pete the Cat Valentine’s Day is Cool Pete the Cat thinks Valentine’s Day isn’t cool . . . that is, until he realizes how many special cats there are in his life
Other Valentine’s Day Events
If you are more of a doer than a maker head out to one of these Valentine’s Day-themed events for families in Lake County and let someone else plan the heart-filled fun (and clean-up!)
10 February 10-10:30 a.m. Toddler Valentine Party
registration required
Antioch Public Library District
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a Valentine Party! Children will make a craft, dance to music, enjoy bubbles and watch a movie. For children ages 18-39 months with a caregiver.
14 February 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. –Valentine’s Event at Rockin Tots
Rockin Jump- Buffalo Grove
1st Parent & Child: $ 10 $5 each additional Child or Parent
*Registration Recommended*
Enjoy Valentine Arts & Crafts, coffee, treats, and bouncing on the trampolines.
14 February 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day Open Jump
Bella’s Bouncies Jump Center, Volo
Valentine’s Day Open Jump Only $10 Wear Red, Save $2 on Admission
14 February 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. AND 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. Valentine’s Day Open Jump
Bella’s Bouncies Jump Center, Lake Villa
Wear red and save $2 on the $10 admission.
14 February 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Skate
Centennial Ice Arena, Highland Park
Families can enjoy Valentine’s Day together. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for children, skate rental is $3.
14 February 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Sweet Valentine’s with Cookie Decorating
registration required
Whimsy Playcafe, Buffalo Grove
Join us on Valentine’s day to decorate V-day themed cookies! Regular admission is included in the price of this event. There will also be a backdrop with Vday props so you can take pictures of your littles! For children ages 1-8 and a caregiver, $15 per couple.
14 February 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Valentine’s Kids Night Out
registration required
Clay Monet, Lake Zurich
A fun Valentine’s Kids Night out for children ages 4 & up. $25 per child includes pizza, popcorn, pottery, and a movie. Multiple child discount is avilable in the studio.
15 February 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Valentine’s Parents’ Night Out
registration required
Vernon Hills Gymnastics
Sign up your kiddos for a night of gymnastics fun while you go out for Valentine’s Day! Only $15/child and $10 for each additional sibling!
15 February 7:00 – 10:00 p.m Valentine’s Special Skate Session
Bella’s Bouncies Skate on Grand, Fox Lake
Games, Bounce House, Selfie Booth, and more! $11 per person, $18 per couple for regular skate rental and admission.
16 February 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. Valentine’s Skate with Mickey & Minnie
Just for Fun 2 Roller Rink, Mundelein
Bring your Valentine and come meet Mickey & Minnie at our Skate Party. There will be a spot for special photos; tons of games; Raffles & Prizes. $10 Admission (Ages 2 and under are free) $3 Skate Rental
How will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day with your family?
Leave a Reply