Trade the wine for juice boxes and flowers for crayons. You're going on a date with your kid. Some good news? The gift of chocolate still applies here — and (just to teach basic manners) must be shared. Whether it's your own children or a niece and nephew, bring some excitement into their lives this Valentine's Day and treat the young crowd to the pleasures of one-on-one attention. There is plenty of fun to be had and love to spread from Broadway shows to skate dates. If you do decide to stay in, order up a heart-shaped pizza, craft handmade Valentines and in the name of all that schmaltz just snuggle!
Valentine's Skate
Millennium Park Ice Rink, 280 Romence Rd., Portage
Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m. / $10/per person
portagemi.gov, (269) 329-4522
Warning: You have reached maximum cuteness. The picture opportunities will be out of control at this Valentine's Skate held at Millennium Park Ice Rink in Portage. Parents can pair up as mother and son duos or fathers and daughters can spend time together on a skate date at the outdoor refrigerated ice rink. The $10 fee includes skating, shoe rental, dinner, juice and a floral gift. Look forward to dinner from Barrett's Smokehouse and quench your thirst with grape juice that is sparkling. "Ice skating time is a real family activity. It's an opportunity to be outdoors during the wintertime and socialize. It's a nice activity that's not too strenuous," says Tricia Keala of the Portage Parks Department. When you've reached your falling down limit, sit and chat while snacking on popcorn and hot chocolate. Preregistration is required for the dinner and skate event.
Marvel-ous Mother Son Dance
East Rockford Middle School Cafeteria, 8615 Nine Mile Rd., Rockford
Feb. 17, 6:30-8 p.m.
$10 per person / rpssignmeup.com, (616) 863-6322
Who wants to wait for the wedding day mother/son dance? Moms now have the chance to groove and dance with their darling sons or embrace during a slow song at the Marvel-ous Mother Son Dance at East Rockford Middle School. This year's theme will be "Super Heroes Unite" and sons are asked to come dressed as their favorite alter ego or super hero. Costumes are not required but in the spirit of things, they should be a big hit. "It's so typical that boys have more bonding opportunities with the other parent, especially with sports," says Event Coordinator Kris Wolpert, "We were looking for something different, not just a formal dance." Head out to dinner before the dance, enjoy pictures at 6 p.m. and make sure to catch the night's special performance with the 61Syx Teknique group featuring break dancing moves and mini lessons after the show.
Mary Poppins
DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Feb. 22-26, show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
$28-$75 / broadwaygrandrapids.com, (800) 745-3000
Every good date should have a little bit of magic to it and you can thank Broadway Grand Rapids as it brings huge doses of it with the irresistible story of Mary Poppins. The musical is about family and features hum-worthy songs, spectacular stagecraft and delightful dance numbers. This is the perfect time for parents to introduce their children to theatre. Mary is "very funny and loving and warm. It's similar to the more modern story of Nanny McPhee," says Nicole King, director of marketing and public relations. Hearts will become full with the "magical aspect of the show and seeing how the children use their imagination." The Feb. 26 performance features a special kids' night event with buy one (adult) get one (child) free tickets. A night out on the town taking in an enchanted show filled with a flying nanny is, well, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Disney Live: Three Classic Fairy Tales
Wings Stadium, 3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo
Feb. 25, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.
$14-$40 / wingsstadium.com, (269) 345-5101
Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown at Wings Stadium. Take your funny little Valentine to a show filled with beloved storytelling, award-winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects. "From the colors to the music, it should be a really good show for the kids," says Event Coordinator Andrea Pluta. The prominently featured princesses should appeal to the little girls while the scary Beast and silly dwarfs bring boys around. Let your child into a world where dreams really do come true — it's the perfect sentiment during the Valentine's holiday.
Pictured: 61Syx Teknique group, who will be performing and teaching break dance moves at the Marvel-ous Mother/Son Dance. Photo byVince Dudzinski.
