Valentine's Day is always on February 14, and yet somehow it seems to sneak up on our family each year in plain view, taking us by slow motion surprise. For weeks we've known that we need to come up with Valentine's Day cards for every kid in the class (and we all know what's happened to class sizes). Putting two and two together to make 27 construction paper hearts, though, always proves harder than we think. To avoid a late-night glue stick session on February 13, or a last minute defeated run to Target for a package of Dora and Diego cards, we have assembled a list of events to get help and inspiration for Valentine's Day card craft projects—before February 14. And the photo above? It speaks for itself.

You know the drill: You're planning a NYC birthday party, and the kids are all over the clowns, magicians, and balloon-benders. They’re all creators these days, and they want hands-on fun with a definite takeaway at the end. That means two hours of running around for parents, right?

Or you can just hire someone to do the heavy lifting for you. You’ll end up a hero if you stick with any of these six awesome arts-and-crafts-inspired party people—all of whom bring supplies, set things up at your apartment or rented space, get crafty with the kids, and clean up for you. It is as amazing as it sounds.

Sweethearts of all kinds are celebrated on Valentine's Day, and there are plenty of ways for families to celebrate together in and around Boston. From libraries to bookstores, craft shops to bakeries, kids can make cute Valentines, hear stories about love and friendship, and enjoy a sweet treat or two. 

If you're looking for an at-home activity, we also have 10 DIY Valentines ideas for kids to make (with a little help).

It's already shaping up to be a great year for Houston with the Super Bowl right around the corner (and a ton of new restaurants opening in its wake). In the coming months, you can expect to see the re-opening (and grand opening) of three fabulous parks with amenities like splash pads and shaded trails. And for those of you with a need for some serious speed, a new race track has opened in east Montgomery County. Here are four new places to have fun with kids in Houston opening this Spring:

For parents with kids of wide-ranging ages, it can be difficult to find activities that occupy everyone. Choose something too young and the older one gets bored. Skew older and the little one gets frustrated. Poughkidsie in Dutchess County solves that dilemma with its indoor play-space-slash-art-studio. 

Looking for more activities that appeal to the whole family? Consult our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook! 

If you love chocolate, Philly has no shortage of this sweet treat. Chocolate shops and even chocolate restaurants abound in the city of brotherly love. Just in time for celebrating Valentine's Day, we've got some great places to enjoy this delicious treat. Because what kid (or parent) doesn't love chocolate?