Ah Valentine's Day.

You sit opposite your beloved, candle light reflecting gently off your carefully brushed hair. A glass of something warm (or ice cold) in hand. A gentle shout of 'Mummmmeeeeeee, are there any more chips? Can I have the ipad yet? Can I have a sip of your coke?'

Yes, if you're anything like me there is no romantic dinner on Valentine's Day. It's Sunday, and a family day.

But it doesn't mean it can't be special. I've picked out my 5 favourite things that you can do this Valentine's Day in Chiswick and nearby. Things you can do with your partner AND your kids. After all – family is the biggest love of your life!

1. Go and see the Magical Lantern display at Chiswick House

Bit pricey, but looks amazing. And such a wonderful thing to do in the long dark evenings.

From 5pm to 8:45pm, entry every 15 minutes..at the time of writing the ticket site seemed to be down, but I've contacted them and hopefully it will be up again soon.

http://www.chgt.org.uk/?PageID=595

2. Go and see the Camilla show at Chiswick House

This one's free. And you can combine it with a cup of tea and then a play in the sandpit and on the swings.

11am-3pm.

http://www.chgt.org.uk/?PageID=545

3. Go and see a family theatre show at the Watermans

Curious Creatures, 50mins, £7 a ticket. Starts at 3pm

https://www.watermans.org.uk/events/curious-creatures-5yrs/

4. Catch a cheap kids film

I'm considering Hotel Transylvania 2 at the Richmond Odeon. Starts at 10am, and tickets are a bargainous £2.50 each.

Drinks in the cinema are pricey (and fizzy), so stock up on what we call an M&S picnic on the way – crisps, buns and Percy Pig sweets.

You can get a decent cappuccino in the cinema, in the coffee shop. Take it in with you and enjoy the film!

5. Visit the London Water & Steam Museum

Okay, so Valentine's Day with kids about isn't going to get too steamy. Unless you visit the Water & Steam Museum that is. Although actually there won't be any steam this weekend as they have a technical fault.

It's still a good day out though – I particularly love the sewage exhibition. What could be more romantic than learning about all the poo that clogs up our sewers? You know the kids will love it!

A bit pricey, but pay a couple of quid more and you can turn your ticket into an annual ticket. So that's the option to go for. That's around £15 per adult and £9 per child.

http://www.waterandsteam.org.uk/