Valentine’s Day is known for roses, candlelit dinners, and romantic rendezvous. This holiday is surrounded by love. One of the people we love the most is our children. Thurston County has a plethora of activities to help parents celebrate their littlest Valentine during the holiday weekend.
For the Active Family
There are many options for a family on the go. First, check out the Valentine’s Day 5k. This running event takes place at the beautiful Priest Point Park on Saturday, February 13. The whole family can sprint into the holiday spirit with the Free Kids Dash at 8:50 a.m. followed by the adult run at 9:00 a.m. The $30 registration fee for this event raises to help hungry children in our community through the Thurston County Food Bank’s FORkids program.
One of the go-to spots for an active family has to be the Hands On Children’s Museum. Boasting 150 exhibits spread out over two floors and an outdoor space that includes a replica of a Puget Sound beach, this museum is packed with pint-size fun. Plus, HOCM is celebrating Dental Health Month in February. Have a local dentist check for “sugar bugs” on Saturdays throughout the month.
For the Crafty Family
Arts and crafts are wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts made from the heart. The first stop is the highly popular, Painted Plate. Kids and their parents can choose from a variety of items to personalize with their artistic abilities. For $30, a child and an adult can enjoy The Parent & Child Art Escape. This package includes two pieces of pottery and two Olympic Mountain Ice Cream cones or beverages of choice.
Another option for hands on fun is a very special craft class from Michael’s Crafts. Kids over the age of three can create Valentine Dreamcatchers from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Lacey location on February 13. The cost for the class is $2 which includes the supplies and instruction.
For the Performing Family
If music is your forte, take the kids for a Valentine’s Day performance at the Oly Old Time Music Festival. Free workshops, dancing, and sing-a-longs are on the agenda for the weekend long event. Check out the full schedule of old time musical delight here.
If your heart is connected to the stage, children and adults alike are sure to enjoy Olympia Family Theater’s Presentation of Charlotte’s Web. Take the part of audience member to this classic novel’s recreation on stage. The story reminds us of the beauty in simplicity and the deep seeded love instilled in friendships. Valentine’s Day weekend is the final run of the show. Adult tickets are $19, seniors and military members are $16, and Children under 12 are $13. Visit the official Olympia Family Theater website for more information.
For the Sweet Family
One of the highlights to any Valentine’s Day is something sweet and delicious. Stop in at Miss Moffet’s Mystical Cupcakes to devour one of the special holiday offerings including Cupid’s Kiss, Red Velvet Fantasy, Sweethearts, and Red Hot. The downtown storefront will host a Build-Your-Own Cupcake Bar on Saturday, February 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. There will be fillings, frosting, and toppings galore. The cost for this sugary affair is $10 and includes two cupcakes.
No matter what you decide to do with your little one, celebrating love with the entire family is a must in Thurston County for Valentine’s Day.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, visit our complete event calendar.
