February might be the shortest month of the year, but there's certainly no end to the events and holidays to celebrate this month!
We've rounded up 10 special family-friendly holidays and events that you and your kids will want to celebrate in February:
Black History Month
Frederick Douglass. Booker T. Washington. Toni Morrison. Barack Obama. Martin Luther King, Jr. The list of influential African-Americans goes on and on. Choose an influential African-American your family can learn more about. Feb. 1-29
National Children's Dental Health Month
Many organizations and dentists offer free or reduced-cost care to kids during February to mark National Children's Dental Health Month. Feb. 1-29
Groundhog Day
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? If he does, it's six more weeks of winter. This year the groundhog is set to make his appearance at 7:25 a.m. Follow along on the Visit Pennsylvania live stream of the illustrious event. Feb. 2
Chinese New Year
This is the year of the Dragon! In Chinese culture, dragons are a symbol of strength, wisdom, luck, and prosperity. Celebrate by decorating with the colors gold, silver, and gray-ish white. Feb. 10
Super Bowl LVIII
It's the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, which will start at 6:30 p.m. EST on CBS, Paramount+, and a few other streaming services. We'll be there for the commercials, the food and, oh yeah, the game itself. (Check out our three easy game dip recipes, sure to please your crowd.) Feb. 11
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a celebration of spring and fertility that dates back to ancient pagan festivals. It is also known as "Fat Tuesday" in French, because it is the last day of eating rich foods before the fasting and penance of Lent. Mardi Gras was incorporated into Christianity by the Roman church, and is now observed with parades, costumes, music, and revelry in many parts of the world. Feb. 13
Valentine's Day
We see the jewelry store ads too, but heartfelt words and a thoughtful simple gesture like planning an evening together -- even if it's at home for you exhausted young parents! -- can mean the most. (Make your own Valentine wreath!) Feb. 14
Random Acts of Kindness Day
No reason to complicate it. Random acts of kindness can be so simple: Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line. Give your UPS driver a cold drink. Compliment a coworker on a job well done. Feb. 17
Presidents Day
Presidents Day was started to recognize the birth date of George Washington following his death in 1799. Who's your kids' favorite president? Can they tell you why? Research together to find new facts about our nation's leaders. Feb. 19
National Love Your Pet Day
I mean, OK. You don't have to tell us twice. Feb. 20
Kara Murphy is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa.
