Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, kindness, and connection. Whether it’s with family, friends, or classmates, it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that bring joy. For children of all abilities, including those with sensory sensitivities, creating a fun and inclusive environment is key. Here are some sensory-friendly and engaging Valentine’s Day activities that the whole family can enjoy!
1. DIY Textured Valentine’s Cards 💌
Handmade cards are a wonderful way for children to express their creativity while also engaging in sensory play. Using a variety of textures can make this activity even more enjoyable for children with sensory processing differences.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ Colored card or paper
✔️ Cotton balls, felt, sandpaper, or bubble wrap (for texture)
✔️ Stickers, buttons, or sequins
✔️ Glue sticks and child-safe scissors
✔️ Texta’s, pencils or crayons
How to Do It:
✂️ Cut out heart shapes or card-sized pieces of paper.
🎨 Let your child decorate with different textures by gluing felt, cotton, or sandpaper onto the card.
💖 Write a sweet message inside, or let your child express themselves through drawings!
This activity supports
fine motor skills, self-expression, and sensory exploration—perfect for all kids!
2. Sensory Bin Treasure Hunt 🔍
A sensory bin filled with Valentine’s-themed items can be a fantastic way for kids to explore different textures while having fun.
What You’ll Need:
🩷 A large plastic bin or tray
🩶 Rice, dried beans, kinetic sand, or shredded paper
❤️ Small Valentine’s-themed items like heart-shaped toys, pom-poms, or plastic gems
🩷 Scoops, spoons, or small cups for digging
How to Play:
🔍 Hide the small Valentine’s items in the sensory bin.
🎉 Let kids dig and discover each hidden treasure.
🏆 Turn it into a counting or matching game!
This activity is excellent for
tactile sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and cognitive development while keeping kids entertained.
3. Love-Themed Story Time 📖
Reading together is a calming and bonding activity that can be tailored to any child’s interests or sensory needs. Choose books that celebrate love, kindness, and friendship.
Recommended Books:
📘
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn – A comforting story about love and reassurance.
📕
“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney – A classic about expressing love in big ways.
📗
“Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle – A colorful and engaging Valentine’s book.
Make storytime more interactive by using
soft blankets, dim lighting, and a quiet space for a cozy and sensory-friendly reading session.
4. Acts of Kindness Chart ❤️
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about gifts—it’s also about showing love and kindness to others. A kindness chart can help children learn the importance of small, thoughtful gestures.
Kindness Ideas:
✅ Give a compliment to a friend or family member.
✅ Help set the table for dinner.
✅ Make a card for a teacher or neighbor.
✅ Share a toy or play nicely with a sibling.
✅ Say “thank you” and “please” more often.
Use stickers or checkmarks to track acts of kindness throughout the week, encouraging kids to spread love beyond Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is a beautiful time to foster love, connection, and creativity with your little ones. These
sensory-friendly and inclusive activities are perfect for children of all abilities, offering fun ways to celebrate while supporting development and emotional well-being.
How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day with your child this year? We’d love to hear your ideas! 💕
