Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to gather your little ones for some heartwarming entertainment that celebrates love, friendship, and kindness. Whether you’re looking for sweet specials on Netflix, educational episodes on PBS Kids, or delightful adventures on Disney+, we’ve got you covered with the best Valentine’s Day programming for children.
This comprehensive guide features age-appropriate content with detailed information about what makes each show or movie suitable for kids, complete with age ratings and content descriptions.
Why Valentine’s Day Content Matters for Kids
Valentine’s Day programming offers children much more than simple entertainment. These specially crafted episodes and movies help young viewers:
- Understand Different Types of Love: Family bonds, friendship, self-love, and community care
- Develop Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and expressing feelings in healthy ways
- Learn Social Skills: Sharing, caring for others, and showing appreciation
- Practice Kindness: Emphasizing thoughtfulness and compassion toward others
- Celebrate Differences: Understanding that everyone shows love in unique ways
Understanding Age Ratings
Before we dive into our recommendations, here’s what the ratings mean:
- TV-Y: Designed for all children, appropriate for ages 2-6
- TV-G: Suitable for general audiences, appropriate for all ages
- G: General audiences, all ages admitted
- PG: Parental guidance suggested, some material may not be suitable for children
Netflix Valentine’s Day Specials
Free Rein: Valentine’s Day (Netflix)
Age Rating: TV-G
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 8-14
This charming special follows Zoe and her friends at Bright Fields Stables as they navigate Valentine’s Day drama, horse care, and teenage friendships. When romantic tensions arise and Valentine’s plans go awry, the group learns valuable lessons about communication and what truly matters in relationships.
Why It’s Suitable: Free Rein focuses on wholesome friendship dynamics and responsible pet care. The Valentine’s Day special handles romantic feelings with age-appropriate sensitivity, showing characters who respect boundaries and value honesty. Horse lovers will appreciate the beautiful stable settings and the emphasis on animal welfare.
Content to Know: Mild romantic tension and friendship conflicts are presented but resolved positively. The show teaches problem-solving, responsibility, and the importance of being true to yourself.
Parent Tips: This is an excellent choice for preteens who are starting to navigate their own social dynamics. The equestrian setting provides conversation starters about responsibility and caring for animals.
True Happy Hearts Day (Netflix)
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 2-6
In the magical True Rainbow Kingdom, Bartleby and True celebrate Happy Hearts Day by spreading love and happiness throughout the kingdom. When things don’t go as planned, True uses her kindness and creativity to make sure everyone feels special on this important day.
Why It’s Suitable: True and the Rainbow Kingdom excels at teaching emotional intelligence through colorful animation and relatable scenarios. The Happy Hearts Day special emphasizes that love comes in many forms and that everyone deserves to feel appreciated. The show’s gentle pacing and vibrant visuals captivate young viewers while delivering important social-emotional lessons.
Content to Know: Zero scary content, no violence, and completely age-appropriate themes. The show focuses on problem-solving through creativity and working together as friends.
Parent Tips: Perfect for Valentine’s Day morning viewing. The bright colors and positive messages make this an ideal choice for toddlers and preschoolers. Parents can use the episode as a springboard for discussions about showing kindness to friends and family.
PBS Kids Valentine’s Specials
PBS Kids offers some of the highest-quality educational programming for children, and their Valentine’s Day specials are no exception. Each show below has been carefully designed to teach social-emotional skills while celebrating the holiday.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – “It’s Love Day” (Season 5, Episode 6)
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: 27 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 2-5
Platform: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime
This beloved PBS Kids show celebrates “Love Day” (their version of Valentine’s Day) in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. In this double-segment episode, Daniel and his friends discover special ways to show love and care for one another through dancing, singing, and heartfelt gestures. In the second segment, “Daniel’s Love Day Surprise,” Daniel creates a treasure hunt for Grandpere to show how much he loves him.
Why It’s Suitable: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is specifically designed for preschoolers and excels at teaching social-emotional concepts through the “strategy songs” that help children remember important lessons. The Love Day episodes teach that there are many ways to express love and that the thought behind a gesture matters more than its grandness. The show models healthy family relationships and emotional expression.
Content to Know: Absolutely no scary content. The show addresses feelings of excitement, slight disappointment (when little sister Margaret finds the hearts first), and joy. Every emotion is validated and worked through with parental support.
Key Songs: The catchy “Find Your Own Way to Say I Love You” song helps children understand that everyone expresses affection differently.
Parent Tips: This is an excellent first introduction to Valentine’s Day for very young children. The 27-minute runtime is perfect for toddler attention spans. Parents can pause the show to discuss the “strategy songs” and help children apply these lessons to their own lives. Great for teaching children to make homemade cards or small gestures of appreciation.
Clifford the Big Red Dog – “Clifford’s Valentine’s Day Special” (PBS Kids)
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: 26 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 3-7
Platform: PBS Kids
Emily Elizabeth and Clifford celebrate Valentine’s Day on Birdwell Island! In “Clifford’s Valentine Collection,” it’s Clifford’s birthday (which falls on Valentine’s Day), and Emily Elizabeth still doesn’t have the perfect gift for him. She and her friend Samantha embark on a quest filled with errands and adventures to find something special for everyone’s favorite big red dog.
Why It’s Suitable: Clifford the Big Red Dog teaches children about kindness, empathy, and community through gentle storytelling. The Valentine’s special emphasizes thoughtful gift-giving and shows that the perfect present often comes from the heart rather than a store. The show celebrates the special bond between Emily Elizabeth and Clifford, demonstrating unconditional love and acceptance.
Content to Know: No violence or scary content. The show presents mild problem-solving challenges as Emily Elizabeth searches for the perfect gift. Everything resolves happily, teaching persistence and creativity.
Educational Value: Designed for ages 3-7, Clifford reinforces social skills, community values, and the importance of helping others. The Valentine’s episode specifically teaches that showing love doesn’t require expensive gifts—thoughtfulness matters most.
Parent Tips: This is wonderful for children who love animals and stories about friendship. The episode provides a perfect opportunity to discuss with children what makes a gift special and how they can show appreciation to those they care about.
The Berenstain Bears – “Valentine’s Blessings” (Season 3, Episode 7, PBS Kids)
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: 12 minutes (half episode)
Perfect for: Ages 2-7
Platform: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime
Brother Bear has a secret admirer! When he receives a Valentine’s Day card from Sweetie Bear, complete with pink hearts and flowers, tough hockey-playing Brother doesn’t know what to do—especially with Sister Bear teasing him. Papa Bear saves the day by sharing a story from his own youth about secret admirers, reminding the cubs that all love comes from caring about others.
Why It’s Suitable: The Berenstain Bears has taught family values for generations, and this Valentine’s episode is no exception. It handles the topic of childhood crushes with gentle humor and wisdom, showing that it’s okay to have special feelings for friends. The episode normalizes these emotions while keeping everything age-appropriate.
Content to Know: Mild sibling teasing (Sister teases Brother about his valentine) that’s resolved through parental guidance. The faith-based “Living Lights” version includes a mention that all love comes from God, which may or may not align with your family’s beliefs (the PBS version is secular).
Life Lessons: The episode teaches that everyone experiences special feelings of friendship, that it’s okay to be shy about expressing emotions, and that family members can help us navigate new experiences.
Parent Tips: Perfect for families with multiple children, as it shows healthy sibling dynamics and parental guidance. This episode can help parents start age-appropriate conversations about friendship, kindness, and how we treat people we care about. The 12-minute runtime makes it easy to fit into busy schedules.
Curious George Valentine’s Day (YouTube/PBS Kids)
Age Rating: TV-G
Runtime: 23 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 4-7
Platform: PBS Kids, YouTube, Peacock
In “Happy Valentine’s Day, George!”, the curious little monkey wants to make Valentine’s Day cards for all his friends. But even with four paws, creating homemade cards for everyone takes far too long! Using his trademark problem-solving skills, George invents the first-ever monkey Valentine’s printing press using sponge shapes, red paint, and a waffle iron.
Why It’s Suitable: Curious George excels at teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts through engaging stories. This Valentine’s special demonstrates problem-solving, simple engineering, and the value of creativity. George’s solution to his Valentine’s dilemma teaches children that there’s often a clever way to solve problems if they think creatively.
Content to Know: No scary content or inappropriate themes. The episode includes a catchy Valentine’s song and demonstrates basic engineering principles in a way young children can understand. George’s experiments might make a mess, but he learns and succeeds through trial and error.
Educational Value: The show continues its ninth-season focus on science, technology, engineering, math, and the five senses. Children learn about cause and effect, problem-solving strategies, and the importance of persistence.
Parent Tips: This episode is perfect for inspiring hands-on Valentine’s Day activities. After watching, children might want to create their own Valentine’s cards using stamping or printing techniques. The show provides a great opportunity to discuss the value of homemade gifts and the thought that goes into creating something special for others. George’s friendship with The Man with the Yellow Hat models caring relationships beautifully.
Disney+ Valentine’s Specials
Fancy Nancy (Season 4, Episode 2) – Disney+
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: 22 minutes (two 11-minute segments)
Perfect for: Ages 4-8
Platform: Disney+, Disney Junior
Fancy Nancy celebrates Valentine’s Day in her own magnifique way! In the first segment, Nancy breaks a promise to her little brother JoJo on Valentine’s Day and must find a way to make things right. In the second segment, Nancy helps her friend Lionel find the courage to express what’s in his heart on this special day.
Why It’s Suitable: Fancy Nancy celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression while teaching valuable life lessons. The Valentine’s episodes specifically address keeping promises, apologizing when we make mistakes, and helping friends express their feelings. Nancy’s advanced vocabulary introduces children to new words in context, and her love of all things “fancy” encourages imaginative play.
Content to Know: The show handles common childhood situations—breaking promises, feeling nervous about expressing feelings, and making amends—with sensitivity and age-appropriate solutions. Nancy always learns from her mistakes and models sincere apologies. The show includes catchy songs and beautiful animation that appeals to young viewers.
Character Strengths: Six-year-old Nancy is intelligent, creative, and caring. She values family, friendship, and being true to herself. While she sometimes makes mistakes (like breaking her promise to JoJo), she always takes responsibility and makes things right.
Parent Tips: Fancy Nancy is excellent for children ages 4-8, particularly those who love dress-up, art projects, and creative expression. The Valentine’s episode provides opportunities to discuss the importance of keeping promises and showing up for people we love. Nancy’s emphasis on making Valentine’s Day “special” can inspire families to create their own fancy celebrations. The show’s French vocabulary words add an educational element that many children enjoy.
SuperKitties Valentines Day (Youtube/Disney+)
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: 11 minutes (first segment)
Perfect for: Ages 2-7
Platform: Disney+, Disney Junior, YouTube
In “Vanishing Valentines,” the SuperKitties face a Valentine’s Day crisis when Mr. Puppypaws uses his glitter dragon to steal all the Valentine’s Day cards in Kittydale! Ginny, Sparks, Buddy, and Bitsy must use their super skills and teamwork to save the holiday and ensure everyone gets their valentines.
Why It’s Suitable: SuperKitties combines adorable superhero cats with important social-emotional lessons. This Valentine’s special teaches children about the joy of giving to others, working as a team, and making things right. The show is specifically designed to model empathy, kindness, and friendship while providing age-appropriate adventure.
Content to Know: Very mild superhero action with no scary violence. The “villain” Mr. Puppypaws (a puppy who wants attention) always learns from his mistakes by the episode’s end. The SuperKitties use understanding and empathy rather than force to solve problems. The glitter dragon might seem slightly intense to very sensitive toddlers, but it’s presented in a silly, non-threatening way.
Educational Value: Each episode teaches social-emotional skills. This Valentine’s episode specifically reinforces that “the best thing about valentines is giving them to those you love.” Children learn about teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, and showing kindness even to those who’ve made mistakes.
Parent Tips: Perfect for preschoolers who love superheroes, cats, or both! The 11-minute segment length is ideal for short attention spans. After watching, families can discuss what makes a valentine special and why giving to others feels good. The show’s positive messages about forgiveness (the villains always make amends) provide excellent teaching moments.
YouTube Valentine’s Specials
Peppa Pig Valentine’s Day Special – “Hugs and Kisses” (YouTube)
Age Rating: TV-Y
Runtime: 5 minutes per segment (compilation)
Perfect for: Ages 2-5
Platform: YouTube (Peppa Pig Official Channel), Nick Jr.
Peppa Pig celebrates Valentine’s Day in several charming episodes! Peppa learns about the meaning of Valentine’s Day when she receives a pretty card from Zoe Zebra. She decides to show all her friends just how special they are. The compilation includes multiple Valentine-themed segments perfect for little ones.
Why It’s Suitable: Peppa Pig’s simple animations and straightforward storylines are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. The Valentine’s episodes teach basic social concepts: receiving cards graciously, making friends feel special, and understanding that Valentine’s Day celebrates all the people we care about. The show’s gentle British humor and short segments keep young children engaged without overwhelming them.
Content to Know: Completely age-appropriate with no scary content. Episodes may include very mild sibling rivalry (Peppa sometimes argues with little brother George) but conflicts are always resolved kindly. The show includes educational elements about letter writing, friendship, and social courtesy.
Popular Valentine’s Segments Include:
- Peppa receiving her first Valentine’s card
- Making valentines for friends at playgroup
- George dealing with attention from admirers
- Family valentine traditions
Parent Tips: The short 5-minute segments are perfect for toddlers’ attention spans. Parents can easily watch one or several segments depending on time available. The Peppa Pig Official Channel on YouTube often compiles Valentine’s content into longer videos. After watching, children might enjoy making their own valentines or discussing their friendships. Peppa’s emphasis on including everyone provides good lessons about kindness and consideration.
A Scooby-Doo Valentine Bouquet (YouTube)
Age Rating: Not officially rated (estimate TV-Y7)
Runtime: Varies (compilation)
Perfect for: Ages 6-10
Platform: YouTube
This compilation brings together Scooby-Doo episodes with romantic or Valentine’s themes. The Mystery Inc. gang solves mysteries involving love potions, haunted Valentine’s parties, and mysterious admirers—all with their trademark humor and mild spookiness.
Why It’s Suitable: Scooby-Doo has been teaching children that things aren’t always as scary as they seem for generations. The Valentine-themed episodes maintain the show’s formula: seemingly supernatural events that turn out to have logical explanations. The “scary” elements are played for laughs, and the show emphasizes friendship, bravery (even when you’re scared), and working together as a team.
Content to Know: Mild cartoon spookiness with “monsters” that are always revealed to be people in costumes. Some chase sequences and mild peril, but nothing genuinely frightening. The humor is silly and slapstick. Valentine’s themes include crushes, romantic mix-ups, and friendship bonds—all handled with cartoon comedy.
Classic Scooby Elements: Mystery solving, teamwork, comedy relief from Shaggy and Scooby, Velma’s intelligence, Fred’s leadership, and Daphne’s resourcefulness. The Valentine’s episodes add romantic subplots or Valentine’s Day settings to the standard mystery format.
Parent Tips: Best for elementary school children who can handle mild cartoon scares. Not recommended for very sensitive or young children. The Valentine’s compilation works well for older siblings while younger ones watch something gentler. After viewing, families can discuss how the gang solves mysteries using teamwork, observation, and critical thinking. The show’s message that most “monsters” have rational explanations can help ease childhood fears.
Classic Valentine’s Favorites
Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You (Disney+)
Age Rating: TV-G
Runtime: 22 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 3-7
The gang in the 100 Acre Wood becomes jealous when Christopher Robin spends all his time making a Valentine’s Day card for a girl. Owl convinces them that Christopher Robin is “lovesick” and needs a “smitten” to cure him, leading to an adorable adventure through the forest.
Why It’s Suitable: This Winnie the Pooh special perfectly captures the innocence and sweetness that has made these characters beloved for generations. The story addresses childhood fears (like thinking your friend doesn’t have time for you anymore) with gentle humor and heartwarming resolution. Young viewers learn that friends can have other friends and that love comes in many forms.
Content to Know: No scary content, gentle humor, and simple storylines perfect for preschoolers. The 22-minute runtime is ideal for young children’s attention spans. The misunderstanding about Christopher Robin being “lovesick” provides innocent comedy without any inappropriate content.
Parent Tips: This classic special has been teaching children about friendship for years. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day morning viewing. Parents can discuss with children how Pooh and friends felt when they thought Christopher Robin didn’t have time for them and how communication helps solve misunderstandings.
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (Amazon Prime)
Age Rating: TV-G
Runtime: 25 minutes
Perfect for: Ages 4-10
Charlie Brown hopes for a mailbox full of valentines at his school’s Valentine’s Day party, while Linus wants to give a special present to his teacher. This classic Peanuts special tackles disappointment and unrealistic expectations with gentleness and heart.
Why It’s Suitable: Peanuts specials have a unique ability to address real childhood emotions with honesty and compassion. This Valentine’s special doesn’t shy away from showing Charlie Brown’s disappointment when he doesn’t receive valentines, but it balances that with messages about friendship, kindness, and finding value in yourself even when things don’t go as planned. The relatable scenarios help children process their own feelings about special occasions.
Content to Know: Charlie Brown experiences disappointment, but it’s handled age-appropriately with hope and friendship. No violence or scary content. The show includes subtle humor that appeals to both children and adults. Some children might feel sad for Charlie Brown, providing an opportunity for parents to discuss empathy and resilience.
Parent Tips: This classic special can prepare children for the reality that not every holiday goes perfectly. It’s an excellent choice for discussing realistic expectations, how to handle disappointment gracefully, and the importance of showing kindness to others—especially those who might be feeling left out.
Planning the Perfect Valentine’s Movie Marathon
By Age Group
For Toddlers (Ages 2-4):
- Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You (22 min)
- True Happy Hearts Day (25 min)
- Peppa Pig Valentine’s compilation (15-20 min)
For Preschoolers (Ages 4-6):
- Daniel Tiger’s “It’s Love Day” (27 min)
- SuperKitties “Vanishing Valentines” (11 min)
- Clifford’s Valentine Collection (26 min)
- Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (25 min)
For Early Elementary (Ages 6-8):
- Curious George Valentine’s Day (23 min)
- The Berenstain Bears “Valentine’s Blessings” (12 min)
- Fancy Nancy Valentine’s episodes (22 min)
- A Scooby-Doo Valentine Bouquet (30 min)
For Tweens (Ages 8-12):
- Free Rein: Valentine’s Day (45 min)
- Charlie Brown Valentine special (25 min)
- Scooby-Doo Valentine compilation (30 min)
Valentine’s Day Activities Inspired by Shows
After Watching Daniel Tiger:
- Make handmade Valentine’s cards
- Create a “treasure hunt” with hearts around the house
- Sing the “Find Your Own Way to Say I Love You” song
After Watching Curious George:
- Make valentine prints using sponges or stamps
- Experiment with different ways to create multiple cards quickly
- Try simple science experiments together
After Watching Fancy Nancy:
- Have a “fancy” Valentine’s tea party
- Create elaborate Valentine’s decorations
- Learn French words related to love and friendship
After Watching SuperKitties:
- Play superhero dress-up
- Make valentines to “save the day” for friends
- Practice teamwork activities
After Watching Peppa Pig:
- Make simple Valentine’s cards with stickers
- Have a “jump in muddy puddles” adventure (weather permitting)
- Practice writing friends’ names on valentines
Where to Find These Shows:
Netflix:
- Free Rein: Valentine’s Day
- True Happy Hearts Day
PBS Kids (Free):
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
- Clifford the Big Red Dog
- Curious George
- The Berenstain Bears
Disney+:
- Fancy Nancy
- SuperKitties
- Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You
Amazon Prime:
- Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
- The Berenstain Bears
YouTube (Free):
- Peppa Pig Valentine’s specials
- Curious George
- SuperKitties clips
- A Scooby-Doo Valentine Bouquet
- Various PBS Kids content
Note: Availability may vary by region and can change. Check current availability on each platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best Valentine’s show for very young children?
A: For children under 4, “Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You” (22 minutes) or “True Happy Hearts Day” (25 minutes) are ideal. Both have simple storylines, familiar characters, gentle pacing, and zero scary content.
Q: Are there Valentine’s shows that focus on friendship instead of romance?
A: Absolutely! Most of the shows listed emphasize friendship and family love. “Daniel Tiger’s Love Day,” “SuperKitties,” “Curious George,” and “Clifford” all focus primarily on friendship and kindness rather than romantic love.
Q: Which shows teach the best lessons about handling disappointment?
A: “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” is excellent for discussing disappointment and resilience. Charlie Brown doesn’t receive the valentines he hoped for, but learns that friendship and self-worth aren’t dependent on cards received.
Q: Are any of these shows available completely free?
A: Yes! PBS Kids content (Daniel Tiger, Clifford, Curious George, Berenstain Bears) is available free on the PBS Kids website and app. YouTube has free compilations of Peppa Pig, SuperKitties clips, and Scooby-Doo content, though you may encounter ads.
Q: What if my child has seen all the Valentine’s specials?
A: Many regular episodes of these shows feature themes of friendship, kindness, and caring that work perfectly for Valentine’s Day even if they’re not specifically Valentine-themed. PBS Kids shows especially excel at social-emotional learning year-round.
Q: Should I preview shows before my children watch them?
A: For children with specific sensitivities or if you’re unfamiliar with a show, previewing is wise. This guide provides detailed content information, but every child is different. Start with shows rated TV-Y for the safest bets with very young children.
Q: How can I make Valentine’s viewing special without just parking kids in front of the TV?
A: Create an event! Serve special snacks, dress in Valentine’s colors, make it cozy with blankets and pillows, pause for discussions, and follow viewing with related activities like making cards or having a “fancy” tea party.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity to explore themes of love, friendship, and kindness with your children through quality entertainment. Whether you choose the gentle sweetness of Winnie the Pooh, the educational value of PBS Kids programming, the problem-solving fun of Curious George, or the superhero action of SuperKitties, you’re creating memories and teaching valuable lessons.
Remember, the best Valentine’s Day content for your family is whatever brings you together and sparks meaningful conversations. These shows and specials provide jumping-off points for discussing emotions, relationships, and showing care for others—lessons that last far beyond February 14th.
The most important ingredient isn’t finding the perfect show—it’s the time spent together. Whether you watch one short special or create an all-day marathon, you’re celebrating what Valentine’s Day is really about: the love shared within your family.