Boston's Best Valentine's Day Activities For Kids

Valentine's Day is all about lovers, but that does not mean kids have to be completely left out. In fact, it is traditional to find ways to include children in this loving holiday. Boston parents and family members have the option of taking their kids on dates, going to a party, enjoying sweet treats that are synonymous with amore or taking in a celebratory show. A lot of these options are available during the day so there is still time left for parents to have a more grown-up date later.

Flour Bakery
12 Farnsworth St.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 338-4333
www.flourbakery.com

It is Valentine's Day and kids deserve more than a run-of-the-mill cookie. They will get much more at this bakery located less than two miles from the Children's Museum. What's great is that vegan parents can bring their children and even children with gluten allergies will find something on the menu. Make it a date and check out Flour Bakery's lunch menu, which includes lamb, hummus and even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Charles Hotel
1 Bennett St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 864-1200
www.charleshotel.com

When weather permits, and February weather does, the Charles Hotel boasts a 2,900-square-foot ice skating rink. It is open to the public for a fee. Both adults and children can rent skates and even get skating lessons on Valentine's Day. It is a great opportunity to enjoy this pastime or teach a child a new athletic skill. It is right in the midst of Charles Square, so dining at restaurants such as Legal Sea Foods is easy after a day of skating.

Related: Boston's Best Places For Unique Valentine's Day Gifts

Disney On Ice: "Let's Celebrate"
TD Garden
100 Legends Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 624-1050
www.tdgarden.com

Date: Feb. 14-23, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Little ones who love Disney will love this massive party at TD Garden. "Let's Celebrate!" from Disney on Ice is a celebration of celebrating. It portrays a number of celebrations children will recognize and be able to appreciate. They will see birthdays, Halloween, Christmas and even a Hawaiian party courtesy of the little island girl Lilo. All of the best Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Buzz Lightyear, will be there to make this Valentine's Day the biggest party of the year.

Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3050
www.mikespastry.com

Since Valentine's Day is all about sweets for kids, it is a good thing there are quite a few great bakeries in Boston. The North End's best bakery, according to most, is Mike's Pastry. The array of cannoli is sinful. The cookies range from biscotti to soft chocolate chip. Cakes available by the slice include a layered chocolate cake with cheesecake that manages to be both dense and fluffy. Take a walk from Faneuil Hall or just hit the pastry shop for a treat.

Riverview Cafe
Museum of Science
1 Science Park
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 723-2500
www.mos.org

There are two good reasons to take a child to the Museum of Science for lunch on Valentine's Day. Firstly, there are several small restaurants that offer items like tacos, pizza and ice cream. Secondly, seating puts diners in front of large windows overlooking the city and the Charles River. Diners do not even have to have admission to the museum to eat at the cafe. Just go straight past the ticket booths and it will be ahead across from the store. Of course, it is possible to see the exhibits or an IMAX show before or after eating to make it an even better date.

Related: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Valentine's Day