Looking for fun ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with kids? We've been going on local, family dates for 5 years, so I have a bunch of festive ideas for you to try with your crew. And don't worry -- these RVA restaurants and activities are just as fun for grownups!
I've rounded up 6 spots to grab a bite this February, and these Richmond restaurants are pulling out all the red and pink stops! From love-themed pop ups and heart-shaped beignets to Valentine's Iced Coffee Flights, there is something for everyone!
*Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Richmond and around Virginia!
Here are 6 RVA restaurants with Valentine's Specials:
1. Superstar's Pizza: This locally owned restaurant has been serving the #richmondva community “take and bake” pizzas since 1994!
On Valentine's Day, they have heart shaped “take and bake” pizzas. Just call ahead on Valentine's and request the heart shape for pick up. Pizzas start at $11.99.
*Check here for my review.
2. Cafe Beignet: This locally owned cafe has dine-in and carry out options. But with the flowered wallpaper and flowers hanging from the bar, you'll most likely want to dine it! They have lattes and hot beignets. From now through February 12, you can order heart-shaped beignets.
It's also located next to Main Street Station, so you can walk over to watch the trains.
*Cafe Beignet is currently closed (2/8/24)
3. Cameo Cakery & Cafe: Located on Libbie Ave., this full service cafe serves breakfast, lunch & dinner… plus it has carryout window! You can order hot beverages, adult beverages, croissants, cinnamon rolls, charcuterie boards, savory cakes, or cupcakes, cookies & ice cream sandwiches. Cameo also offers vegan & gluten free option.
Cameo is decked out in pink and red flowers, pink trees, and Valentine's desserts. They even have heart-shaped sprinkles for your hot cocoa!
It's located across the street from The Bunny Hive, too. If you've got kiddos 4 or younger, check out one of The Bunny Hive's Valentine's Day parties. They have four options on three days: February 11 from 9am-11am, February 13 from 11am-1pm, and February 14 from 11am-1pm or 3pm-5pm.
*Check here for my review.
4. SB's Love Shack: This locally owned restaurant serves brunch *until 2pm* on Tuesday-Sunday at the Lakeside location. You can grab brunch *until 3pm* every day at the Main Street location. It is first come, first serve - no reservations! Arrive early because it is popular (they open at 7).
Besides having love in it's name, you'll find our RVA love shacks with eclectic decor and lots of hearts. The Main Street location has heart garland up, too!
There are two locations: Lakeside and Main Street.
*Check here for my review.
5. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: This is one of our favorite treat spots on rainy days & special occasions. I like it because we can watch doughnuts being made - easy entertainment for kids! I also love the mini doughnut options - these are perfect for little hands! There are two locations in Richmond: one on Broad Street & one in Midlothian on Tim Price Way.
Now through February 14, you can pick up Valentine themed donuts.
*Check here for my review.
6. Coco & Hazel: This locally owned ice cream shop and cafe is always whipping up amazing and festive treats. With the toddler Mickey ice cream cup and crazy shakes to their breakfast pastries and coffee, this is the perfect spot for a Valentine's Day date.
Now through February 14, grownups can order Valentine's themed iced coffee flights. Both the Bon Air and Ridge locations have them. Kiddos can order a Mickey ice cream cup or crazy shake.
*Check here for my review.
Want more ideas for quality family time in RVA? Here are some of our favorite family dates. These are (almost) always open, so you can visit them year round.
1. Visit Unplugged Games Cafe. This locally owned cafe serves up snacks, lunch, dinner & drinks. But what makes this one of the most unique cafes in town is the games! Unplugged Games Cafe has play passes that allow you access to over 900 board & card games. You can play as many games as you want for as long as you want! Games range from low complexity to high complexity, so it’s perfect for a family date night or a grownup one!
It's open every day for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday. You can't visit it on Valentine's Day this year!
*Check here for my review.
2. Experience The Park RVA: This indoor wonderland spans 55,000 square feet with food, treats, drinks & entertainment! You can play *Wonderball* - 18-hole indoor putt putt with Insta-worthy decor. The 18 lanes of Duckpin Bowling comes with full service, so you can eat & drink while playing. Adults can also enjoy the self-serve drink stations in the beer garden, karaoke & virtual golf. It also has the *longest bar* in Virginia - 60 feet! The best part? You can visit for just one activity or make an entire day of it!
It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can't visit on Valentine's Day this year!
*Check here for my full review.
3. Visit the Park & Grab a Treat. Explore the indoor nature center & eat treats in the heated tent at Shyndigz.
While Maymont Park is open daily, the nature center is only open on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Shyndigz is open every day from 9am-9:30 except on Mondays.
*Check here for my review of Maymont, and check here for my review of Shyndigz.
4. Go Bowling. We love River City Roll and Uptown Alley because both spots have bowling & a restaurant. You can order your food to your lane too!
*Check here for a review of River City Roll, and check here for a review of Uptown Alley.
5. Go to the movies. Byrd Theater has discount tickets, CineBistro is open for kiddos before 6pm, and Bow Tie Cinemas has lots of food and beverage options.
6. Visit Downtown Ashland. Watch the trains, play at Pufferbelly Park, and eat at Ironhorse Restaurant (it has front row views of the tracks).
*Check here for my guide to Ashland.
7. Explore a Garden & Eat Brunch. Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. We love the updated Children's Garden (a fantastic TREE HOUSE!), and everything around the garden is stroller friendly. Then grab brunch at SB's Lakeside Love Shack.
*Check here for a review of Lewis Ginter, and check here for a review of SB's Lakeside Love Shack.
8. Create something special. We like All Fired Up where you can paint pottery, fuse glass & sculpt clay (Midlo & West End). Uptown Alley s 4 minutes from the Midlo location, so you could even try both spots.
*Check here for my review.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Richmond? Follow along on our weekly adventures on @thewestendmom !