And just like that, January is over, but there’s no stopping the family fun with plenty of things to do this weekend with the kids. Take in ice carving, live music, and local vendors all in one place at the 33rd Annual Fire and Ice Festival in Mount Holly, enjoy authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, and traditional dance performances at the Greek Winter Feast in Egg Harbor Township, or make Valentine cards for those who’ve served our country at the Valentine’s for Veterans in Cranford. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: @fireandicefestivalnj)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Winter Wonderland Skating
January 30-February 2
Grab your ice skates and head to this brand-new outdoor skating rink. This winter wonderland includes ice skating, igloo rentals, and fire pits to warm up to with the whole family.
Cost: $20 per adult and $15 per kid, additional fees for skate rentals, igloo rentals, and fire pit rentals
Middletown Sports Complex, 214 Harmony Road, Middletown, NJ 07748
WinterFest Ice Skating
January 30-February 2
Is there anything better than lacing up some skates and hitting the ice with the family? Bundle up for the cold winter weather and spend the day enjoying gliding across the ice.
Cost: Skate rentals and rink admission prices vary
Copper River Park, Cuthbert Boulevard and Park Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Fire and Ice Festival
January 31
Get ready for a wintry day of ice carving, delicious food, live music, and local vendors at this annual festival. There will be a chili cookoff, ice carving, performances, a beer garden, vendors, and lots of family fun.
Downtown Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Groundhog Day Celebration
January 31 at 10 AM
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Join Wally the Woodchuck and celebrate winter, learn about groundhogs, enjoy a hike to a groundhog hole, and try your hand at chucking wood.
Cost: $7 for everyone ages 5 and up
Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
Cutting, Splitting, and Hewing
February 1 at 12:30 PM
Head to Longstreet Farm and warm up this winter using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Greek Winter Feast
February 1 at 11:30 AM
Don’t worry about being cold at this winter event. The annual feast is filled with fun for the whole family, all indoors, including authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, and traditional dance performances.
Cost: Free admission
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Bell Works FRESH Valentine’s Day Pop-Ups
February 1 at 11 AM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at this pop-up market featuring unique jewelry, clothing, and other handcrafted items from local artisans. There will be live music and interactive experiences, and feel free to bring your furry friend.
Cost: Free
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Sap to Syrup at Tenafly Nature Center
February 1
Interested in learning more about how maple syrup is made from tapping trees? Head to this fun event for the whole family, where you will head outdoors to identify tree species, learn how sap flows, and practice using tapping tools.
Cost: Children 2 and under are free
Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
National Day of the Mexican Axolotl
February 1 at 1 PM
Have you heard of axolotls? These amphibians have become one of the most beloved creatures, mainly because of their unique appearance, where they always appear to be smiling. During the day, you can learn more about these cute creatures through special crafts, activities, and chats.
Cost: Free with admission
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Valentines for Veterans
February 1 at 12 PM
What better way to get a head start on Valentine’s Day than by bringing the kids to make Valentine’s Day cards that will be delivered to those who’ve served? Spread love, gratitude, and smiles to the residents of the Menlo Park Veterans Home by making handmade Valentine cards filled with kind messages and appreciation. No artistic skills needed, and all ages are welcome. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided, and it’s a great way to teach kids about giving back.
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Cranford Elks Lodge, 951 Lincoln Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
NJ Audubon: Winter Wonder Walk at Hawk Rise Sanctuary
February 1 at 9 AM
Head out for a morning walk at Hawk Rise Sanctuary, where you will discuss how mammals survive and thrive in the cold winter.
Cost: Free
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, 1811 Lower Road, Linden, NJ 07036
Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
February 1
At this event, you’ll identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. The syrup will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Cost: $7 per person; Pre-registration is required for ages 6 and up.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928
Maple Sugaring at Howell Living History Farm
February 1
On this historic farm, you’ll get to see the sugar tapping process up close. The first step takes place in the sugar bush, where you can join Howell Farm’s expert tree-tappers for a lesson in how to tap a backyard maple tree and make syrup. The following two weekends, come back to head to the sugarbush to help collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and then taste it on whole wheat pancakes. Take your newfound knowledge home to tap maple sugar in your backyard.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
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