Sweet Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ottawa
Valentine’s Day has changed over the years for many parents. Sometimes we are able to still plan a night out thanks to babysitters or family watching the kids. Other times, we create a plan for when the kids are asleep, and often we make plans as a family to include the kids in our celebration of love (or, we just skip the celebrations and wait for the chocolate to go on sale. Right?)
If you do want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ottawa, we’ve gathered some creative and sweet ways to say “I love you” as a family this year, or, if you do get a babysitter, as a date night.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Ottawa with the kids
Explore Ottawa
Want to take the kids out to explore the city for Valentine’s Day after school has ended? Or maybe instead gift them a mini vacation right here in the Nation’s Capital for the Family Day long weekend? There is so much for families to do in just a few short days (and when you are away from home, even when it’s close by, no one is thinking about homework or the dishes!) We’ve put together a 48 hour itinerary you can use!
Visit a local Museum
Even though Valentine’s Day is on a weekday, exploring one of the local museums in Ottawa is always a welcome experience for kids of all ages and many have just recently opened. The Canada Science and Technology Museum is a great place to start with many attractions for your kids to enjoy.
Go on an Escape Room Adventure
Family-friendly escape rooms have become more popular and family’s can build their love of working together cooperatively when participating in an escape room experience. Check out Unlocked Adventures in Kanata and choose one of their live-action adventures (their Shipwrecked story has reopened this month!).
Dine Together
Share your love of great food by ordering something the entire family will celebrate and enjoy. One place that we think families will love is Nonna’s Famous Pizza Box. Not only do their pizzas look amazing, but they are constantly giving back to the community with each sale. That’s true love! The pizza kits can be delivered or picked up, the kids can help create the pizzas and everyone will love eating them together.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Ottawa when the kids are with a babysitter
A Quick Getaway
An overnight escape may be the romantic getaway parents are looking for for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa. We love how nearby the Wakefield Mill is, with luxurious accommodations and outdoor hottub. The outdoor starlight dining chalets are private, heated and provide a unique dining experience under the stars.
Another staycation option is the Brookstreet Hotel. They have a multi-course Valentine’s Day menu (with the option to add a wine flight service) and offer special room packages as well.
Restaurant Dining and Cocktails at Home
If you want to create a restaurant experience at home after the kids have gone to sleep, order from one of the many local restaurants offering Valentine’s Day take out this year. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out the menu from Dinewell Catering, Thyme and Again, or the special Valentine’s Day menu from Taj Indian Cuisine! If you are looking to experience fancy cocktails, order cocktail kits from Bar From Afar, Mobile Cocktail Bartenders, or Top Shelf Distillers. All of them can deliver cocktail kits to your door and you can be your own mixologists together!
No matter how you decide to spend Valentine’s Day in Ottawa, we hope it’s filled with love!
