This year, make a date with your Little Valentine
Many Valentine's Day celebrations are all about champagne, roses and couples, but the holiday is still a great time to show your kids that they're your sweethearts. These parties will let you make a real date out of family time.
Daddy Daughter Princess Ball, Corron Elementary School, 455 Thornwood Way, South Elgin, (847) 622-0003; southelgin.com
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28
Ages: 3-12
Price: $35 residents, $40 nonresidents
After years of having a wait list for the ball, South Elgin expanded the event to two parties for 75 people each. The offerings are also upgraded, featuring a balloon artist, snacks and drinks from Chili's and a tiara and goody bag for every girl. Kids will make wands and a DJ runs games like limbo and teaches dances. Suits and fancy dresses are the encouraged attire and a photographer will be on hand to take pictures for $10.
Daddy Daughter Date Night, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle, (630) 894-4200; roselleparkdistrict.com
Time: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 15
Ages: 10 and under
Price: $25 residents, $37 nonresidents
The prom themed party includes a professional DJ, dancing, a raffle and a giant balloon drop. Everyone can enjoy the refreshments which include a chocolate fountain and ice cream. Reservations are required.
Dad and Daughter Valentine Date Night, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, (847) 490-7020; parkfun.com
Time: 4-6:30 p.m. Feb. 14
Ages: 4-10
Price: $28 residents, $42 nonresidents, $14-$16 for each additional child
Dates often go all out for this Valentine's Day party, with girls sporting corsages and dressing in their best. The night includes dinner and dancing with a DJ running party games including quizzes, hula hoop contests and limbo. Each couple can take a picture with a backdrop and will get a framed photo to take home. Make sure to register early as the event typically fills up.
Valentine's Party Open Swim, Arctic Splash 333 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling, (847) 465-3333; wheelingparkdistrict.com
Time: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 6
Ages: All ages
Price: $5.75 residents, $7.50 nonresidents
Bring along a Valentine for the price of regular admission and splash around at the indoor aquatic center. Kids can play games and do Valentine's Day-themed activities along with just relaxing in the leisure pool with a lazy river, polar bear slide and water-spraying play structure or showing off their skills in the four lane lap pool.
Daddy/Daughter Date Night, Rotolo Middle School, 1501 S. Raddant Road, Batavia, (630) 879-5235; bataviaparks.org
Time: 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 8
Ages: 3-11
Price: $12-$16
Batavia's date night was so popular that they moved the party to a bigger location this year to allow more families to come. One of the park district's biggest events of the year, it includes a magic show, dessert, punch and a dance with a DJ playing to the kids' tastes. Each couple gets to take home a picture and girls can guess how many candies are in six jars around the gym, with the winner keeping the sweets. For more together time families can also go to a buffet dinner at The Venice Tavern, 31 N. River St., Batavia at 4:45 p.m. The meal is $11-$13 for kids 9 and under and $17 to $23 for adults.