Celebrate Valentine’s Day in NYC: 5 Fun & Festive Ideas for Nannies and Babysitters
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity for nannies and babysitters to plan fun crafts and activities in the city that never sleeps. Here’s a quick history of Valentine’s Day, followed by five easy, kid-friendly ideas – plus a bonus tip or two – to make this holiday extra sweet.
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A Super-Short History of Valentine’s Day
You may think Valentine’s Day was concocted by the Hallmark corporation, but this mid-winter celebration of love has roots way back into pagan times, mixing Roman traditions with later Christian customs. Over the centuries, February 14 transformed into a day of exchanging heart-shaped notes, gifts, and sweet sentiments in celebration of love and friendship.
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5 Fun Valentine’s Day activities for nannies and kids
Want to stay home and make cute crafts for the kiddos’ friends or parents? Or are you a New York nanny who would prefer a day of adventure out on the town? Don’t worry, this list has a little bit of everything, so you’re sure to find something you and your kiddos will love.
1. DIY Valentine’s Cards
Crafting heartfelt cards is a timeless Valentine’s Day activity, and it’s so easy to adjust it to your charges’ ages.
What you’ll need: Construction paper, markers, stickers, glitter, and child-safe scissors.
Pro tip: Encourage kids to add a personal touch—like writing a few words about what they appreciate about the recipient or just practicing writing their name. It’s not only adorable, but also great writing practice.
2. Heart-Shaped Cookie Decorating
Nothing says “I love you” like a sweet treat! Let the children’s creativity shine with festive cookie designs. Bake together for extra teaching moments, or buy dough to go straight to the creative decorating stage.
How to do it: Use sugar cookie dough, which is both delicious and easy to decorate; shape your cookies with heart-shaped cutters and decorate with pink or red icing. Sprinkles, candy hearts, and edible glitter add extra flair.
3. Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt in Central Park
Plan an outdoor adventure for some fresh air and fun. This one takes a little more work on your part, but woah, will the parents be ready to give you a gold star.
Getting started: Hide clues around Central Park landmarks—like the Alice in Wonderland statue, Belvedere Castle, or near the carousel.
Valentine’s twist: Incorporate love-themed riddles (“Name something you love about your sibling!”) before moving on to the next spot.
Final prize: Treat the kids to a spin on the ice at Wollman Rink once they’ve solved the last clue!
4. Arts & Crafts at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Bring on the Upper West Side creativity with special Valentine’s-themed workshops, free with paid admission!
What’s happening: Among the activities in their public programming include making Stained Glass Love Vases and Valentine Pop-Up Bouquets – how fun does that sound!
Why we love it: This hands-on experience fosters creativity and fine motor skills while celebrating the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
5. Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamps
Recycling meets creativity in this easy-peasy Valentine’s craft, super even for the littlest crafters.
How to make them:
Crease a clean toilet paper roll length wise so that the short end turns into a heart shape.
Tape around the roll to keep the shape in place.
Dip the “heart” end into child-safe paint.
Stamp onto paper or cardstock to create heart patterns.
Pro tip: Decorate gift bags, notebooks, or even t-shirts (with fabric paint!). Perfect presents for parents who will proudly carry their kids hearts on their sleeve (literally).
Bonus Tips for NYC Valentine’s Day Activities in 2025
Check Out Your Local NYPL Branch
Most New York Public Library branches host fun Valentine’s Day-themed events or crafts for different age groups. It’s a perfect (and free) way to celebrate without having to travel far.
Visit the Bryant Park Winter Village
Think the winter festivities end with with the holidays? Think again! Parts of Bryant Park’s Winter Village stay open through March 2. Enjoy ice skating at the rink and warm up in the food hall with a cup of hot chocolate: an ideal treat for a chilly winter date with the kiddos.
Looking for a nanny job this Valentine’s Day?
Are you an awesome nanny or babysitter full of kid-friendly ideas for Valentine's Day – but without any kiddos to do them with? We’ve got you.
As a long-time nanny agency in New York and beyond, we’ve helped countless babysitters and nannies find their next great job. We always get to know you, your skills, and what you’re looking for, before we match you with families where you’ll be a great fit.
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