Valentine’s Day is all about showing love to those important people in your life – kids included! And what better way to show them some extra love than by spending quality time with your precious little ones? Of course there are many opportunities to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other, but there are also several events and activities throughout Cincinnati that are perfect for celebrating as a family.
Check out these 10 Family Friendly Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cincinnati:
My Furry Valentine
Feb. 15 and 16 at Sharonville Convention Center
If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, February is the perfect time to make the leap! Feb. 9 and 10, head to Sharonville Convention Center for My Furry Valentine, Cincinnati’s largest pet adoption event, which has found forever homes for thousands of animals since 2012.
Cincinnati Museum Center’s OMNIMAX Theatre
Take your Valentine’s Day movie date to the next level at CMC. Their OMNIMAX puts your kids there, whether it’s alongside Neil Armstrong in Apollo 11, doing awesome things with Man’s Best Friend in SuperpowerDogs or chugging through the Canadian Rockies in Rocky Mountain Express.
Cincinnati Ballet’s Swan Lake
This February, Cincinnati Ballet brings to life one of the most beautifully tragic tales of all time: Swan Lake. The story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer, is the epitome of classical ballet. The production is choreographed after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov by Kirk Peterson, former Cincinnati resident choreographer, set to Tchaikovsky’s haunting and majestic score. It’s a production guaranteed to take your breath away.
Broadway in Cincinnati’s Les Misérables
If your family is into musicals, definite check out Les Miz. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Third Sunday Funday at the Taft Museum
Science meets art at February’s Funday. On Feb. 16, learn about the tools painters use at the Art Cart and create a masterpiece using erupting paint. Join Scientific Mayhem for hands-on show, Newton’s Discoveries that will answer the age-old question “Why is the sky blue?” at 2 pm. Bonus: this family-friendly event is FREE.
Great Parks of Hamilton County – Maple Sugar Days
Feb 22 and 23 at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve
Tap into the sweet fun of Ohio maple sugaring during Maple Sugar Days at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve on Feb. 22 and 23 from 12-4 pm. A sensory-friendly hour will be offered at 11 am on Sunday. The tradition of maple sugaring has been passed down through the generations. Families can discover how the sticky sap from the maple tree is turned into a sweet delicacy with fun activities, crafts, hikes and a sampling of tasty maple treats. Event is free for all ages.
Cincinnati Public Library – Events at Various Branches
The public library is always a great place for free, festive fun to enjoy any holiday with your family. For Valentine’s Day, branches are offering a variety of activities, from themed story times, to valentine making, to chocolate tasting events for teenagers! Visit the library’s event page here for all of the details!
Penguin Days at the Cincinnati Zoo
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with the cutest dates in town: the penguins! Catch the Penguin Parade on Feb. 15 &16 at 11 am (with a special President’s Day parade on Feb. 17) at the Cincinnati Zoo, where you’ll also enjoy half-price admission as part of Penguin Days.
Krohn Conservatory – Bloom & Grow exhibit and events
Krohn’s Bloom & Grow is an exuberant celebration of life, and is perhaps the most kid-friendly seasonal show to date. Check out this must-see exhibit Tuesday-Sunday (through March 8), and note the special family-friendly Flowers, Chocolate and Romance event Feb. 14-16.
SkyStar Wheel
The SkyStar provides million-dollar views of downtown Cincinnati, Covington and the Ohio River that will make you just weak in the knees for our beautiful city. The SkyStar is a well-worth-it splurge that your whole family can enjoy together. We love the SkyStar Wheel because it gives Cincinnatians an opportunity to play “tourist” in their own hometown!
