Do you feel it? Love is in the air! This Valentine’s Day, go to your closet and pull out all the reds and pinks, don your attire, and celebrate love — not just the love you have for your significant other, but your family too!
Not sure what to do but want to include the kiddos? Here are a few ideas to consider when planning your 2020 Valentine’s Day outing.
For the Love of Ice Skating
Winter makes Valentine’s Day (or night) magical when you can get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and spend some quality family time. There is something special about bundling up, lacing up ice skates, and hitting the ice rink, trail, or park. In Michiana, there is no shortage of options, either.
The Elkhart River provides a lovely backdrop as you glide away at the NIBCO Water & Ice Park. NIBCO Water & Ice Park is located at 301 Nibco Parkway in Elkhart.
In Mishawaka, a long-time family favorite is the Merrifield Ice Rink. Located at 1000 E Mishawaka Ave., this landmark rink is sure to put a smile on your face.
The newest kid in town, Howard Park’s 16,000 square foot ice trail and pond, features rolling hills and soft curves that provide skaters with a diverse terrain when making their way around the loop. You’ll find this gem at 219 S. St. Louis Blvd.
A Bowl Lotta Love
This Valentine’s Day, head to the bowling alley for a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening with family. Cosmic bowling. Bowling with bumpers. Funny bowling. Throw in a little friendly competition. The sounds of a bowling alley with its pins dropping, and people laughing, will bring smiles to one and all, old and young. With so many choices, just Google “bowling near me” for locations.
Calling All Pizza Lovers
We all know skating and bowling work up an appetite, so why not finish your Valentine’s Day outing with some delicious pizza, sandwiches, or salad at a local favorite, Barnaby’s? Conveniently located at 3724 Grape Road in Mishawaka, this old-school pizzeria will warm up your bellies this Valentine’s Day. Its quintessential family-friendly atmosphere means no stress and all love this Valentine’s Day.
CONTEST: Enter now for a chance to win free Barnaby’s pizza!
Chocolate? Did Someone Say Chocolate?
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a tour of South Bend Chocolate’s Factory and Chocolate Museum. You and your kids will be treated to a history lesson of chocolate as a guide leads you through the factory. Best part? You get to dip a chocolate spoon at the end!
Elkhart’s Eco-Valentine’s Day Fun
The Elkhart Environmental Center at 1717 E Lusher Ave., is hosting an Eco-Valentine’s Day event on February 14 from 10 a.m. – noon. This family-friendly holiday program starts off with a craft inside (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.) and then heads out for a holiday scavenger hunt (11 a.m. – 12 p.m. weather permitting). You and your kiddos can make a holiday-themed recycled planter from old soup cans, jars, and plastic bottles. This event is free and open to the public. Families welcome! Make sure you register ahead of time.
Warm and Cozy
Seriously? A candlelight dinner at home with kids? Absolutely! Your kids will get a kick out of a romantic family dinner. Make it memorable by having them dress in their fancy clothes, fix their hair, and bring out the wine glasses (for juice, of course). Your kids will love decorating the table with heart-shaped name cards. Don’t worry about food. Any food looks great by candlelight! Heck, make it really simple and order a pizza from Barnaby’s!
