Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about extravagant gifts or elaborate plans. By focusing on simple, nature-inspired activities, your family can create lasting memories filled with love, creativity, and appreciation for the world around you.
Plan a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Print this Valentine’s-themed scavenger hunt of things that symbolize love in nature. Look for heart-shaped rocks, leaves, or patterns in tree bark.
Create Handmade Nature Valentines
Spend time together crafting valentines using natural materials like pressed flowers, leaves, or moss.
These handmade valentines are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or community members.
Make a Heart-Shaped Bird Feeder
Show love to your feathered friends by crafting heart-shaped bird feeders. Cut a heart shape into cardboard, tie a string to it, cover it with peanut butter then birdseed. Hang them from trees and spend time watching the birds together.
Have a Love-Themed Picnic or Charcuterie Board
Use heart-shaped sandwiches, fresh fruit, and warm teas to create a cute charcuterie board using heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Forage Rose Hip for Tea
Rose hip tea has a tangy, slightly sweet, and floral flavor. Rose hips are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support immune health and overall well-being. Pick rose hips after the first frost, as this enhances their sweetness. Look for firm, brightly colored hips (red or orange) from unsprayed wild or garden roses. Remove the stems and flower ends. Slice the rose hips open and scoop out the seeds and fine hairs. Add 1-2 tablespoons of washed rose hips to a cup of simmering water. Strain after ten minutes, and add honey or cinnamon for extra warmth and sweetness.
Read Nature-Inspired Poetry
Gather around and share stories or poems that highlight love and connection in the natural world, like poems by Mary Oliver.
Create a Garland
Using twine, small clothespins, and pieces of paper, create a garland that features notes of gratitude and love. Repurpose damaged clothing into heart-shaped decorations. Encourage each family member to write messages about what they love and appreciate about one another. Add leaves, feathers, or small flowers as decorations.
Plant “Seeds of Love”
Begin a family tradition of planting something on Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s flower seeds, a tree, or an indoor herb garden, planting together symbolizes growth and nurturing love. Choose seeds that will bloom in the coming season as a reminder of the day.
Watch the Sunset Together
Conclude the day by bundling up and watching the sunset with warm drinks. This peaceful moment can be a beautiful way to reflect on love and connection.
