Enjoy dance, craft and ice skating events for all ages
CHICAGO—Love grows on trees at the parks, even amid the bitter cold. Chicagoans of all ages can celebrate Valentine’s Day with rose-adorned neighborhood ice rinks, family friendly dances, and compelling crafting and baking sessions. View all events at chicagoparkdistrict.com/valentines-day.
“Valentine’s Day in Chicago may be cold, but the parks remain a warm place to socialize and celebrate all there is to love about family, friends, and community,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “Adorable dances, enchanting ice skating moments, and creative crafting sessions allow families to enjoy the month of February at an approachable cost.”
LOVE IS IN THE AIR ICE SKATING SESSIONS:
On Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at five neighborhood ice rinks, Warren, Wentworth, Midway Plaisance, McKinley and patrons can enjoy a romantic atmosphere with roses, sweet treats, and fun Polaroid photo opportunities to capture the moment. Patrons can glide along to their favorite love songs and take advantage of half-priced skate rentals during the first skating session.
Reservations are required and available on the Ice Rinks page.
VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS:
Friday, February 6, 2026
Family Movie Night
Movie: Encanto | PG, 2021, 1hr 42min
Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport Ave., Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Join us for a Family Movie Night inside the park! Popcorn will be provided.
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -- every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
Family Valentine’s Dance
Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave., 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$5.00 event fee, All Ages
Put on your dancin' shoes and join us for our annual Family Valentine's Day Dance at the park. Our family friendly dance features: DJ, dancing, crafts and photo opportunity. Beverages and food will be available for an additional cost.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Daddy Daughter Dance
Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport Ave., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
$10.00 admission, Youth Age Range
This event brings daddy and daughters together for an unforgettable night of dancing.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Valentine’s Day Art Workshop
Morgan Park Sports Center Park, 11505 S. Western Ave.
6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., $12.00 event fee, Early Childhood Age Range
In this hands-on, Valentine's Day-themed, art workshop, artists will discover the power of different art mediums as a tool for creativity and self-expression. Artists will craft their very own art project using various materials giving them a unique, personal space for their ideas to grow!
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Valentine’s Day Ceramics Paint Party
Donovan Park, 3620 S. Lituanica Ave., 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
$10.00 per child, Youth Age Range
Nothing says love like a heartfelt craft. Children will enjoy creating the sweetest Valentine’s art project as they decorate an adorable ceramic cupcake bank. This is a drop-off event, and parents do not need to stay.
Valentine’s Day Dance
Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free admission, Youth Age Range
Join us for our annual Valentine Family Dance! Enjoy dancing, crafts, games, music, and more! Registration is per person, including adults! Adult participation is required. This event is recommended for children 13 and under.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Cookies & Crafts
Peterson Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
$5.00 per child, Early Childhood Age Range
Come join us at the Peterson Park field house for some cookies and crafts. There will be a few make & take valentine crafts along with some sweet treats. Sign up today!
Friday, February 13, 2026
Family Valentine’s Dance
Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave., 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
$5.00 event fee, Youth Age Range
Put on your dancin' shoes and join us for our annual Family Valentine's Day Dance at the park. Our family friendly dance features: DJ, dancing, light refreshments and a photo opportunity. The fee for this event is per person. This event is co-sponsored by the Welles Park Advisory Council.
Valentine’s Dance
West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St., 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free Admission, Youth Age Range
Put on your dancin' shoes and join us for our Valentine's Day Dance. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Must register in advance.
Valentine’s Day Dance
Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Dr., 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Love is in the air! Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Dance with your family and friends. There will be dancing, treats and crafts. Don't forget to bring a camera for the photo booth and to capture memories of the evening. Children must be accompanied by adult or guardian.
Family Valentine’s Dance
Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$5.00 event fee, All Ages
Come out and dance the night away to the Horner Park Jazz Band, take photos at our photo station, and enjoy light snacks and refreshments. Fee is per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Co-Sponsored by The Horner Park Advisory Council.