February Themes, Holidays & Activities

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Today we found some of our favorite February themes, holidays and activities. February is not just about Valentine’s Day; it’s a month rich with diverse themes and learning opportunities for kids.

Welcome to February, a month brimming with love, historical significance, and the continued joys of winter.

This month is an excellent opportunity for parents and educators to engage with children through a variety of thematic activities and learning experiences.

February Themes for Learning

Love and Friendship: This theme focuses on the importance of emotions and relationships. Activities include crafting handmade Valentine’s cards and discussing famous love stories in literature.

Black History Month: Dive into the rich history and contributions of African Americans. Suggested activities include reading biographies, discussing civil rights movements, and exploring African American art.

Continuing Winter Wonders: Keep the winter spirit alive with activities related to winter sports, hibernation of animals, and the science of snow.

Special Days and Holidays in February

National Freedom Day (February 1st): Commemorate the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Discuss its historical significance and ongoing impact.

Groundhog Day (February 2nd): Explore weather predictions and the cultural role of the groundhog. Engage in activities like making a groundhog craft or predicting your local weather. You can grab our printable Groundhog day word scramble as a fun activity or our Groundhog day coloring pages.

Super Bowl (Date varies): Discuss the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Organize a family-friendly football game or a Super Bowl-themed art project.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (First Wednesday in February): Highlight achievements of female athletes. Create a project featuring famous sportswomen.

Thank your Mailman Day (February 4th): Show appreciation for mail carriers. Encourage kids to write thank-you notes or create small appreciation crafts.

Send a Card to a Friend Day (February 7th): Foster friendships by creating and sending handmade cards.

Make a Friend Day (February 11th): Encourage social skills and the importance of friendship. Organize interactive group activities.

Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12th): Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy. Create a Lincoln-themed craft or write an essay.

Valentine’s Day (February 14th): Engage in crafting Valentine’s cards and discussing the day’s history of celebrating love and affection. We’ve got lots of great Valentine’s Day Printables to explore like our I love you because template.

Presidents Day and Washington’s Birthday (February 17th): Discuss George Washington and other U.S. Presidents. Create presidential portraits or timelines.

Do a Grouch a Favor Day (February 16th): Promote kindness by encouraging kids to do a good deed for someone having a bad day.

Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th): Foster a culture of kindness with activities that involve helping others without expecting anything in return.

National Love Your Pet Day (February 20th): Celebrate pets by discussing responsible pet care. Create pet-themed art or write stories about pets.

Tortilla Chip Day (February 24th): Explore the origins of tortilla chips and engage in a cooking activity to make homemade salsa or guacamole.

Tell a Fairy Tale Day (February 26th): Encourage creativity by reading or writing fairy tales. Host a fairy tale-themed dress-up or storytelling session.

International Polar Bear Day (February 27th): Learn about polar bears and their habitats. Discuss climate change and its impact on polar regions. You can grab our Polar bear templates to incorporate in learning activities.

Mardi Gras (Date varies): Celebrate this vibrant festival known for its colorful parades and festive atmosphere. Discuss its origins and how it’s celebrated around the world, particularly in New Orleans. Engage kids in Mardi Gras-themed activities such as: Crafting beaded masks (You can use our mardi gras mask templates), then have fun with a mini-parade where kids can showcase their masks and costumes.

Fun and Educational Activities

Craft Corner

Why not whip up some fun crafts that align with the February themes.

• Black History Month Posters: Create a poster gallery featuring influential African American figures. Include short biographies and their contributions.
• Heart Wreath: Use various materials (like paper, fabric, or natural elements) to craft wreaths. Add a learning element by discussing the history of Valentine’s Day symbols.
• Printable Snowman Craft: This activity involves a printable template for creating a cute snowman. It’s a fun and easy craft for kids, allowing them to cut, color, and assemble their own snowman. A perfect activity for exploring winter themes.
• Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes: This craft involves using pipe cleaners to create unique snowflake designs. It’s a great way for children to learn about snowflakes’ symmetry and engage in creative design.

Kitchen Experiments

Or express the themes in the kitchen!

• Red Velvet Cupcakes: Turn this into a science lesson about food coloring and chemical reactions in baking. Decorate with themes of love or famous African American chefs.
• African American Cuisine: Explore traditional dishes like soul food or Creole cuisine. Discuss the cultural and historical significance of these foods.

Outdoor and Indoor Games

Winter Sports Fun

• Ice Skating: Discuss physics concepts like friction and balance. Combine with an art project, like designing your own skates.
• Snow Fort Building: Teach about construction and insulation. Follow up with a history lesson about igloos and Arctic living.

Indoor Puzzle Hunts

• Themed Treasure Hunts: Include riddles or puzzles based on February’s holidays. For example, use historical facts for Presidents Day or love poems for Valentine’s Day.

Educational Field Trip Ideas

Local Museums: Look for exhibits on Black History Month or presidential history. Prepare a scavenger hunt related to the exhibits.

Virtual Tours: Explore historical presidential landmarks or museums dedicated to African American history online. Have discussions or quizzes afterward.

Monthly Challenge for Kids

28 Days of Kindness Challenge: Each day, have a different kindness theme, such as “Help a Neighbor” or “Write a Thankful Note.” Keep a kindness journal to reflect on these acts.

Grab the Free Printable

To grab our free printable of February holidays and activity ideas, put your email in the pink box below. We’ll send it straight to your inbox.

This is for personal or classroom use only please. Not for commercial use. Thank you!

February offers a unique blend of themes to explore with children.

From the love-filled celebrations of Valentine’s Day to the reflective and educational journey of Black History Month, there’s an abundance of opportunities for fun and learning.