15 Fun Valentine's Day Activities for Kids in Tampa Bay
Valentine's Day isn't just for couples! Tampa Bay offers plenty of kid-friendly Valentine's Day activities that celebrate love, family, and friendship. Whether you're looking for free Valentine's crafts, special family outings, or sweet treats to share, this guide covers the best ways to celebrate with your little ones in 2026.
Free Valentine's Day Activities
1. Library Valentine's Craft Events
Hillsborough County Public Libraries host free Valentine's craft programs throughout February. Kids can make cards, heart-themed art, and friendship bracelets—all supplies provided.
What to Expect:
- Card-making stations with stickers, stamps, and glitter
- Age-appropriate crafts for toddlers through elementary
- Valentine's story time readings
- Free to attend, no registration required
Top Locations:
- John F. Germany Public Library (Downtown Tampa)
- Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library (South Tampa)
- Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library (Town 'N Country)
Pro Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for popular craft times—supplies are first-come, first-served.
2. Valentine's Scavenger Hunts at Local Parks
Create a free Valentine's adventure at Tampa Bay parks! Download heart-themed scavenger hunt printables and explore together.
Best Parks for Valentine's Hunts:
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park - Downtown Tampa with Riverwalk access
- Philippe Park (Safety Harbor) - Beautiful waterfront setting
- Al Lopez Park - Large open spaces perfect for running and playing
DIY Hunt Ideas:
- Find something red, pink, and white
- Spot heart shapes in nature (leaves, rocks, clouds)
- Count the number of couples holding hands
- Find a flower to give someone you love
3. Free Craft Store Workshops
JOANN and Michaels craft stores offer free or low-cost Valentine's workshops for kids throughout February.
Typical Activities:
- Card-making classes
- Heart-themed slime or playdough
- Painted picture frames
- DIY gift boxes
Registration: Check store websites for dates—popular times fill quickly.
Museum Valentine's Events
4. Glazer Children's Museum Valentine's Party
The Glazer Children's Museum in Downtown Tampa hosts special Valentine's programming with themed activities throughout their exhibits.
Features:
- Heart-themed art projects
- Special sensory-friendly activities
- Valentine's photo opportunities
- Themed snacks available for purchase
Details:
- Location: 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost: $24.95 general admission ($19.95 FL residents, members free)
- Ages: Best for toddlers through age 10
5. MOSI Science of Love Event
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) often hosts Valentine's-themed science programming exploring the chemistry of candy, heart anatomy, and color mixing.
Activity Ideas:
- Make "love potion" chemistry experiments
- Learn about the human heart
- Create Valentine's slime with science
Details:
- Location: 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL
- Cost: Regular admission ($20 adults, $15 kids ages 3-17)
Sweet Treats & Culinary Fun
6. Strawberry Picking in Plant City
Nothing says Florida Valentine's like fresh Plant City strawberries! February is peak season, making this a perfect family outing.
Popular Farms:
- Parkesdale Farm Market - Famous farm market with fresh strawberries (primarily retail, call ahead for U-pick availability)
- Wish Farms - Family-friendly with playground
- Keel Farms (formerly Keel & Curley Winery) - U-pick plus wine tasting for parents
Tips:
- Arrive early (8-9 AM) for best berries
- Wear closed-toe shoes (fields can be muddy)
- Bring containers—most farms charge extra for theirs
- Perfect for Valentine's dessert-making at home!
7. Cookie Decorating Classes
Several Tampa bakeries offer Valentine's cookie decorating workshops for kids.
Where to Book:
- Sur La Table (Hyde Park Village) - Kids' cooking classes
- Williams-Sonoma (International Plaza) - Occasional family classes
- Local bakeries - Check Facebook for pop-up events
What Kids Learn:
- Royal icing techniques
- Color mixing and design
- Food safety basics
- Take home their creations!
Cost: Typically $25-$45 per child, includes all supplies and treats.
8. Family Dessert-Making at Home
Skip the crowds and create sweet memories at home! DIY Valentine's treats are budget-friendly and fun.
Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries (with supervision)
- Heart-shaped Rice Krispie treats
- Pink pancakes for Valentine's breakfast
- Decorated sugar cookies
- Fruit kabobs with heart-shaped fruit
Pro Tip: Dollar Tree has affordable Valentine's sprinkles, cupcake liners, and cookie cutters.
Family Outings & Experiences
9. Valentine's Dinner at Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Several Tampa restaurants offer Valentine's family specials that welcome kids.
Top Picks:
- Ulele - Waterfront dining with kids' menu
- Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) - Historic setting, Spanish cuisine
- Oxford Exchange - Beautiful atmosphere, weekend brunch
- Splitsville (Water Street Tampa) - Bowling + dinner combo
Reservations: Book 1-2 weeks early—Valentine's weekend fills fast!
10. Tampa Riverwalk Sunset Stroll
A free Valentine's tradition the whole family can enjoy. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset over the water.
Route Suggestions:
- Start at Curtis Hixon Park
- Walk toward Tampa Convention Center
- Stop at Sparkman Wharf for dinner
- End at Water Works Park playground
What to Bring:
- Blanket for sunset viewing
- Heart-shaped sandwiches (use cookie cutters)
- Sparkling juice for a "fancy" toast
- Bubbles for kids to play with
11. Florida Aquarium Love Connection
The Florida Aquarium celebrates Valentine's with special animal encounters and educational programming about love in the animal kingdom.
Special Activities:
- Learn how sea creatures find mates
- Meet animal ambassadors
- Valentine's-themed crafts
- Photo opportunities with heart decorations
Details:
- Location: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost: Plan-ahead pricing varies by date (book online for best rates)
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM weekends
Creative & Craft Activities
12. Paint-Your-Own Pottery
Pottery painting studios offer a relaxed Valentine's activity where kids can create lasting keepsakes.
Local Studios:
- Color Me Mine (multiple locations)
- Painting with a Twist (family sessions)
Popular Valentine's Projects:
- Heart-shaped dishes
- "I Love You" mugs for grandparents
- Painted frames with family photo
- Valentine's treat boxes
Cost: $15-$40 depending on piece size + studio fee
13. DIY Valentine's Card Party
Host a card-making party at home and invite friends. Kids love making personalized valentines for classmates and family.
Supplies Needed:
- Card stock or construction paper
- Stickers, stamps, and ink pads
- Glitter glue and markers
- Washi tape and ribbon
- Small candy or treats to attach
Age-Appropriate Ideas:
- Toddlers: Fingerprint hearts on pre-folded cards
- Preschool: Sticker collages with simple messages
- Elementary: Pop-up cards and envelope decorating
- Tweens: Hand-lettered quotes and watercolor designs
14. Valentine's Movie Marathon
Cozy up for a family movie night with love-themed films perfect for all ages.
Kid-Friendly Valentine's Movies:
- Tangled (Disney+)
- WALL-E (Disney+)
- The Princess Bride (various streaming)
- Hotel Transylvania (Netflix)
- Shrek (Peacock)
Make It Special:
- Pink popcorn (with candy melts coating)
- Heart-shaped pizza
- Hot cocoa with marshmallow hearts
- Build a blanket fort
15. Acts of Kindness Challenge
Teach kids that Valentine's Day is about spreading love beyond just receiving cards and candy.
Family Kindness Ideas:
- Make cards for nursing home residents
- Bake cookies for neighbors
- Collect supplies for pet shelters
- Write thank-you notes to teachers
- Donate books to Little Free Libraries
Local Drop-Off Options:
- Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center - Accepts donations
- Metropolitan Ministries - Family volunteering opportunities
- Ronald McDonald House - Accepts pop tabs and wish list items
Valentine's Day Timeline for Parents
Week Before (February 7-8)
- Make restaurant reservations
- Buy craft supplies
- RSVP for museum events
- Order any specialty ingredients
Early Week (February 10-12)
- Make cards for classmates
- Prepare treat bags for school
- Confirm any bookings
- Shop for Valentine's dinner ingredients
Valentine's Day (February 14)
- Special Valentine's breakfast
- School party (if applicable)
- Family activity or dinner
- Bedtime with Valentine's stories
Budget-Friendly Valentine's Ideas
Celebrate without breaking the bank:
| Activity | Cost | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Library craft event | FREE | 2-12 |
| Park scavenger hunt | FREE | 3-10 |
| Home cookie decorating | $10-15 | 3-12 |
| Card-making at home | $10-15 | 2-12 |
| Movie night | FREE (streaming) | All |
| Kindness challenge | FREE | All |
| Strawberry picking | $5-15/person | 2+ |
| Craft store workshop | FREE-$10 | 4-12 |
Related Valentine's Planning Resources
- Free Things to Do in Tampa - 50+ budget-friendly family activities
- Tampa Family Restaurants - Best kid-friendly dining options
- Tampa Creative Activities for Kids - Art, crafts, and creative play
- Indoor Activities Tampa - Perfect for any weather
- Tampa Activities Hub - Complete family activities directory
Make Valentine's Day Memorable
Valentine's Day with kids is about creating memories together, not spending a fortune. Whether you're crafting at the library, picking strawberries in Plant City, or simply making heart-shaped pancakes at home, the magic is in the togetherness.
Pro Tip: Start a Valentine's Day tradition your family can repeat each year—whether it's a special breakfast, a nature walk, or making cards together. Kids remember traditions more than presents!
Have a favorite Tampa Valentine's tradition we missed? Let us know at hello@kidapprovedtampa.com!
