A Valentine’s Weekend, Family-style
A few simple ways to spend time together — from heart-forward crafts to easy Peninsula outings.
Hi parents,
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it doesn’t have to mean big plans or pink everything. Sometimes it’s just about doing something small, together — especially when your family includes a mix of kids, moods, and schedules.
This guide leans family-first, with ideas that work for mixed ages and different energy levels. Pick one thing, pick none at all — either way, you’re doing it right.
💌 Small Ways to Mark Valentine’s (All Ages, No Prep)
A few simple ideas if you want to acknowledge the day without adding anything new to your to-do list:
A shared treat stop after whatever you’re already doing — hot chocolate, donuts, or a favorite bakery you all agree on.
A family walk or drive with no destination, just time together (bonus if everyone gets to pick one song).
A cozy night in — movie, board game, or cards — something everyone can tolerate, not necessarily love.
Small moments count. Especially the ones that feel easy.
💖 Happening All Weekend
Hidden Villa Self-Guided Farm Visit
Dawn–dusk | 📍 26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills
A peaceful farm stroll with goats, chickens, gardens, and wide-open trails. Easy to explore at your own pace — stay 30 minutes or make it a longer wander.
All ages | Free (parking reservations encouraged) | Learn more
Walt Disney Family Museum — “Happiest Place on Earth” Exhibition
10:00 am–5:30 pm | 📍 104 Montgomery St, Presidio of San Francisco
Explore Walt Disney’s life through immersive galleries, original sketches, and a stunning miniature Disneyland model. A good mix of history, creativity, and nostalgia for all ages.
All ages | $25 adults, $15 youth (6–17), free under 5 | Learn more
Napa Lighted Art Festival (Final Weekend)
6:00–10:00 pm (Fri–Sat), 6:00–9:00 pm (Sun) | 📍 Downtown Napa
Fifteen glowing, interactive light installations line a walkable downtown route. A memorable after-dark outing if you’re up for the drive.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Friday
LOVE IS LOVE — Valentine’s Dance Spectacular
8:00–10:00 pm | 📍 500 Castro St, Mountain View
A sweeping celebration of love through ballet, folklórico, contemporary, and cultural dance. A beautiful evening out for older kids and teens.
All ages (great for 5+) | $58.50–$85.50 | Get details
Saturday — Valentine’s Day (Feb 14)
San Mateo Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo
A spacious Saturday staple with fresh produce, prepared foods, and room for strollers and wandering little legs.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more
Millbrae Lunar New Year Festival
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 Broadway & Victoria Ave, Millbrae
Lion dances, multicultural performances, food vendors, and a lively kids’ area make this a festive Peninsula tradition. Also runs Sunday.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair
10:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍 Grant Ave, Chinatown, San Francisco
Flowers, cultural performances, magicians, and interactive art installations line the streets. A vibrant city outing.
All ages | Free | Learn more
February Second Saturday at Gamble Garden — Lunar New Year
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Lion dance, scavenger hunts, storytime, and crafts in a beautiful garden setting. Pre-registration recommended.
All ages | Free (registration requested) | Learn more
Penguin Valentines at Cal Academy
10:30 am & 3:00 pm | 📍 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco
Watch penguins receive red felt hearts for nesting season — a charming Valentine’s tradition. Included with museum admission.
All ages | Included with admission | Learn more
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach — Peninsula Youth Theatre
11:30 am & 1:30 pm | 📍 500 Castro St, Mountain View
A lively bilingual production based on the beloved children’s book, followed by a talkback with the cast.
All ages | $17 | Learn more
SF Symphony: Music for Families — “Music of the Heart”
2:00 pm | 📍 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco
An interactive family concert featuring Tchaikovsky, Puccini, and more — a thoughtful introduction to live classical music.
Best for ages 5–12 | $19.50–$89 | Get details
Kids’ Night Out at Hiller Aviation Museum
5:00–9:00 pm | 📍 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos
A Valentine’s-themed evening of crafts, games, and museum exploration — perfect if parents are planning their own night out.
Ages 5–10 | See website for pricing | Learn more
Vitamin String Quartet — Billie Eilish, Bridgerton & Beyond
8:00 pm | 📍 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
Pop hits reimagined through strings in an intimate theater setting. A polished evening out for tweens, teens, and parents.
Best for ages 10+ | ~$150 | Learn more
Sunday
California Avenue Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 California Ave, Palo Alto
Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and live music — an easy Sunday stroll.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more
Storytime at The Foster Museum — “Mae Among the Stars”
10:30–11:30 am | 📍 940 Commercial St, Palo Alto
Crafts and imaginative play lead into a nature-themed story, followed by a gallery scavenger hunt.
Best for ages 2–6 | Free (registration suggested) | Learn more
Bark at SPARK: Puppy Love!
11:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, San Francisco
A lively outdoor gathering with pet vendors, costume contests, and kid-friendly crafts — fun even if you’re just watching the pups.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Stories in Bloom at Filoli — “The Accidental Vineyard”
2:00–3:00 pm | 📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Author talk in a beautiful garden setting — pair with a stroll through Filoli’s winter grounds for a slower Sunday outing.
Best for ages 10+ | Free with admission | Learn more
Coming Up Later This Month
Once Upon a Mattress — Youth Edition
February 28 | 📍 99 Moraga Ave, San Francisco
A 50-minute musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea, with cast photos afterward. A sweet option to mark on your calendar.
Best for ages 3–10 | $15 child, $20 general | Learn more
Until Next Week
However this weekend unfolds — busy, slow, heart-shaped, or completely ordinary — I hope you find a small pocket of time together.
If this guide helped you narrow things down, feel free to share it with another parent who might appreciate having the legwork done.
Wishing you a warm (and manageable) Valentine’s weekend 💛