February has entered the chat, and we’re feeling the love with a bunch of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Kick off Black History Month with entertainment, food, and shopping at Black History Month Expo in Union, celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early with an afternoon of sweet treats and experiences at RiverCenter’s Valentine’s Sweet Stroll in Red Bank, or if you have a little one who loves reptiles, then head to the 2nd annual NJ Reptile Show in Port Monmouth, where you will find reptiles and exotic animals up close. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: iStock/kali9)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
NJ Reptile Show
February 8, 9 AM to 4 PM
We’re bringing the excitement and energy back to the Port Monmouth VFW on Sunday, February 8th, for the 2nd Annual New Jersey Reptile Show, cultivating a friendly & fun-filled reptile event. Where your friends and family can have a blast wandering the magnificent world of reptiles! This family-friendly Reptile Expo will be an exclusive, one-day showcase where hobbyists, breeders, families, and the reptile-curious can come together to explore the amazing world of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals. With appearances from some of the top exotic pet shops, licensed breeders, trusted vendors, and animal care professionals from across the Garden State, and over 70 tables to browse and shop from. Get up close to real reptiles and exotic animals in one unforgettable day. Perfect for young animal lovers, curious kids, and families looking to experience something they’ll be talking about long after the show ends.
Cost: Kids 5 and under are free, general admission is $20 per ticket
VFW Port Monmouth, 460 NJ-36, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
Winter Wonderland Skating
February 6-8
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
February 6-8
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
The Underground Experience: A Walk-Through Black History
February 6 at 4 PM
This Black History Month event is an interactive, immersive live museum where you can walk through and engage with historical Black figures portrayed by actors.
Papillon 25, 25 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
Black History Month Expo
February 7 at 1 PM
It’s the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and this annual expo is a great way to celebrate. Watch local performers, listen to live music, shop from over 40 Black-owned vendors, and try local specialities from on-site food trucks.
155 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Under the Winter Stars at Dorbrook Recreation Area
February 7 at 7:30 PM
Search for constellations under a winter night sky. Bundle up, and don’t forget a camp chair to sit on and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Ages 18 and under must be with an adult.
Cost: Free
353 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Red Bank RiverCenter’s Valentine’s Sweet Stroll
February 7 at 11 AM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early with an afternoon of sweet treats and experiences in downtown Red Bank. You will receive a complimentary map and tote bag.
Cost: Free
Begin at 6 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Love at First Bite Valentine’s Day Asbury Fresh Pop-Up
February 7 at 12 PM
It’s the month of love, and this is a great event to bring the whole family to that celebrates Valentine’s Day. You will find a mix of local makers, delicious sweets, and hands-on moments.
Cost: Free
66 South Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Maple Sugaring at Watershed Institute
February 7
Give your kids a lesson on the history, folklore, and science of maple sugaring. Visit maple trees, find out how they are tapped using drills and spiles, and try a sample of sweet maple sugar. You will have an up-close view of the evaporation process and how sticky sap transforms into sweet maple syrup (dependent on the amount of sap produced).
The cost is $12 per child and $12 per adult. It is for children ages 5 and up, and adult attendance is required.
31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
The Valentine Plunge
February 7
Brace yourself for fun at the 20th annual Valentine’s plunge—meet up at Manasquan Main Beach and plunge into the icy Atlantic Ocean for a good cause–donations for ALS patients. If you can’t brave the cold, you can come to cheer on the participants.
Cost: Free
E Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
February 7-8
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
Parlor Games for Wintery Weather at Historic Longstreet Farm
February 8 at 12 PM
Head to the farm, where you can play board games from the 1890s called Halma and Basilinda. They will also include classics such as Checkers, Backgammon, and Reversi.
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Maple Sugaring at Howell Living History Farm
February 8
On this historic farm, you’ll get to see the sugar tapping process up close. 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
Winter FRESH
February 8
This indoor food and farm market is perfect for shopping with all your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Sap to Syrup at Tenafly Nature Center
February 8
Make a day of it at this popular nature center during their annual Sap to Syrup seasonal event, where you can learn how to identify a maple tree, hear about the history of maple sugaring, and get to try it yourself with real tapping tools.
Cost: Children under 2 are free; members are $8; non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
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