Heart of Brooklyn wrote in with these Special Valentine’s events that will be taking place at the leading cultural institutions located near Grand Army Plaza in central Brooklyn through Sunday, February 14:
“Take the whole family to Prospect Park’s Wollman Rink for their Valentine’s Day Special. A treat for all ages, love is in the air and Wollman Rink, Brooklyn’s only outdoor skating rink, is cutting its admission prices in half! Sunday, February 14, 10am-1pm; skate rental charge not included.
“Hop on The HOB Connection old-fashioned trolley for a free guided tour between Heart of Brooklyn’s cultural partners and through Prospect Park. Learn some history about the area and enjoy free candy on board! Free between 10am-3pm February 14; visit Heart of Brooklyn’s website for routes and times.
“Animal enthusiasts can warm up at Prospect Park Zoo this Valentines Day with an “Animal Dating and Mating” program. Make valentines treats for Brooklyn’s furriest couples, discuss reproductive strategies on a zoo tour, and learn why size really does matter! Games, a live animal demo and tasty treats included. 2-3:30pm, February 14; advance registration required at ppzeducation@wcs.org or (718) 399-7339 x326. $10 non-members, $8 members; ages 18 and over. For loving families, be sure to visit a troop of Geoffroy’s tamarins, a favorite of Brooklyn families who can certainly relate monkey behaviors to their own.
“For “budding” love, join a Seasonal Highlights Tour (free with admission) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Steinhardt Conservatory is the place to visit in February, where you’ll see a magical procession of South African bulbs – including lachenalias, moraeas, and clivias – in the Helen Mattin Warm Temperate Pavilion. Meet outside the Visitors Center at 1pm Saturday or Sunday.
“Double date: see two new exhibitions at Brooklyn Museum, both opening February 12. To Live Forever explores the Egyptians’ beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. In the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, experience Kiki Smith: Sojourn, a site-specific installation exploring ideas of creative inspiration and the cycle of life in relation to women artists.
“At Brooklyn Children’s Museum, kids young and old can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special “Love Potion #9” brew at the greenhouse (1:30pm) and “I Love You Because…” story time (2:30pm) for younger kids. Visit website for details.
“Have a sweet tooth? Stop by Joyce Bakeshop (646 Vanderbilt Avenue) to pick up sugar cookies with Valentine sayings, heart-shaped chocolate cakes and red velvet cakes for two, raspberry heart-swirled cheesecakes, chocolate-covered strawberries or heart-shaped marshmallows. Valentine’s pastries are available through Valentine’s Day weekend.
“Kids and their families can make a Valentine’s Day Craft at various Brooklyn Public Library sites throughout the borough; check website for details. On Sunday at 4pm, begin your Valentine’s evening on a musical “note” at Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center (Central Library) and enjoy an interlude with violinist Jessica Lee.
“For couples who want to eat to a beat, Ortine Cafe (622 Washington Avenue) will have live music at 8pm on Saturday, February 13. Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day and enjoy this restaurant’s delicious local fare.”