Valentine’s Day celebrations conjure images of candlelit dinners and walking arm-in-arm on a street light lined avenue. The epitome of two people in love spending time staring into each others eyes. But what if you have a gaggle of kids and no babysitter? Couples with children sometimes let these special days pass them by because of parental responsibilities. But trust me, it is possible to carve out a few loving moments with kids present.

Picnic in the Park (for us in the warmer regions of the U.S.)

Eating outside is always fun for kids – something about taking their shoes off gets them excited. Find a nearby park, beach, or grassy knoll and set up a buffet of finger foods and drinks. A park with a kids play area is optimum. Kids can go off and play with light supervision while you and your love can have a little quality time.

Backyard Camping

If you have a great backyard, use it in the evening for a urban campfire (kinda like candlelight). Lay out comfy pillows, blankets, and chairs, start a small fire (I suggest a slate fire pit), and roast hot dogs, s’mores, and whatever else you can think of. If you really want to get fancy, take this to an actual camping ground for the real deal. When the kids go to sleep, you have the fire to yourselves.

Art and Crafts

If braving the elements is out of the question, try a Valentine’s Day arts and crafts project. Head to your nearest craft store for inspiration. Create a family time capsule, a selfie collage with your phone and home printer, exchange homemade holiday cards, or re-purpose the faux Christmas tree with personalized Valentine’s ornaments. Another idea, you and your spouse can take a walk down memory lane by scrapbooking old photos.

Couples Date Night Play Date

If you are in this V-Day pickle, there are probably two or three other couples you know having the same problem. Call up some of your parent friends and invite them over for a couples night play date. Stock your house with toys, pizza, juice, and movies for the kids, and wine, appetizers, and couple games for the parents. Everyone to their areas and check back at the end of the night. You aren’t alone, but you are surrounded by loving couples.

Get in the Kitchen

Kids love to cook. Allow them to help create your Valentine’s Day dinner. Let them pick the menu and do the prep work, with your help. If not the main course, find an easy cake recipe and prep it together. They place it in the oven, then it is off to bedtime. Once they are asleep, you and your honey can enjoy dessert together. The kids can have their dessert the next day.

BMWK, Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your children?