Families looking for a low-key Valentine’s outing in Chicago can spend Saturday afternoon skating and creating at a family-friendly fundraiser supporting youth arts programs hosted by the Chicago Art Renaissance Foundation.
The event, called “Bear in Mind: Where Cupid Bow Meets Creative Art Flow,” combines open skating, food and hands-on art activities while raising money for youth arts initiatives across the city.
The fundraiser runs from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Roller Skating and Bowling Center on West 76th Street.
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What the event is and who it’s for
“Bear in Mind” is designed as a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon rather than a formal fundraiser. According to the event listing, children and adults can skate together, eat on site and take part in creative activities led by the foundation.
The Chicago Art Renaissance Foundation, often called CARF, focuses on youth development through art, creative wellness and leadership programs. Organizers say the event offers families a simple way to spend time together while supporting youth arts programs, with no prior arts experience required.
While the theme centers on Valentine’s Day, the event is scheduled earlier in the month, which may appeal to families looking to avoid busier holiday weekends.
When and where it happens
The fundraiser takes place at a long-standing South Side community facility that includes both roller skating and bowling spaces. Doors open at noon, and activities run until 3 p.m., giving families flexibility to arrive and leave as needed rather than committing to a set program schedule.
Because the venue is indoors, it may be especially appealing to parents planning winter outings with younger children.
What admission covers
Each ticket includes general admission, skate rental, food and drinks, along with entry into a raffle for prizes.
The event listing does not outline a fixed schedule of activities, suggesting the afternoon is meant to be casual, with families moving between skating, eating and art-focused stations at their own pace. Parents of children new to skating may want to plan to supervise on the rink, as no instructional skating program is listed.
Why the fundraiser is being held
Proceeds from the event support CARF’s Project 2026 Youth Internship Fund, which helps provide paid creative internships and mentorship opportunities for teenagers interested in the arts.
Organizers frame the fundraiser as part of a broader effort to support youth development and emotional wellness through creative programs. The Valentine’s theme, including the “Bear in Mind” name, emphasizes connection and care through shared experiences rather than gifts or performances.
Families unable to attend can still support the project through donations, though attending the event is the primary fundraising activity.
