Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and who said that it’s only meant to spend doing something romantic with your significant other? Here at NJMOM, we’re all about getting the whole family in on this day of love, but also having that time with that special someone that’s so not the usual dinner out. Whether you choose family time or couples time, we’ve got some awesome ideas—from a yummy chocolate walk and a family date night on the boardwalk to a foodie festival and murder-mystery dinner with your S.O., these 18 unique Valentine-themed happenings are sure to be fun for more than just one sweetheart in your life.
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 18 ways to share the love this Valentine’s Day:
For Families:
Annual Valentine’s Day Plunge in Manasquan
February 2, 12PM
Are you ready to take the plunge? We’re not talking about tying the knot, but the 14th Annual Valentine’s Day Plunge in Manasquan. Dubbed “the Ultimate Ice Bucket Challenge”, all donations and proceeds from the fundraiser go towards supporting ALS patients. The event offers options for individual or team registration, or you can be a spectator if jumping into the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean isn’t your thing.
Main Beach in Manasquan
Cost: free to spectate, please donate
Family Date Night at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
February 7 & 8, 6PM-9PM
Enjoy a fun-filled evening at the boardwalk by celebrating Valentine’s Day with the whole family. This family date night package includes admission to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, pizza and soda at the Pavilion, vouchers for the arcade, and treats from the Sweet Shop. Forget about “Be Mine” hearts and go for some salt-water taffy instead at the shore.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach
Cost: $54.95 per family of 4. $10 for each additional child.
Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
Saturday, February 8, 12PM – 6PM
This lively bazaar promises to be a fun afternoon for you and the littles: Check out local vendors selling handmade gifts ranging from art and candles to accessories and home goods. There will be oysters, chocolate and plenty of sweets to sample and don’t forget to stop by the kissing “photo” booth.
Asbury Park Convention Hall
1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Cost: Free
Annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Walk
February 7, 6PM – 9PM
Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around downtown Bordentown with your whole fam or just your sweetheart, as you check out the local businesses and sample sweet treats. And the best part is, you’ll receive a “passport” from the Downtown Bordentown Association, which you’ll have stamped at each business as you stop in. At the end of the night, hand in your fully-stamped passport for a chance to win a ton of different prizes, including gift certificates to your favorite stores.
Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown
Cost: $5
Morristown Cupid’s Chase 5K
February 8, 10AM – 1PM
Help give back and support people with disabilities through Morristown’s annual fundraiser, the Cupid’s Chase 5K. Walkers, runners, and rollers alike (and of course, strollers and wheelchairs) are all welcome to participate. For those not keen on running, you can watch from the sidelines to support the cause.
150 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
Bell Works Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
February 12, 12PM – 5PM
Hit up this special Valentine’s edition of Bell Works Fresh, a weekly, indoor, makers and farmers market, with even more vendors this week, offering unique and thoughtful gifts for your special someone. Make sure to pick up the sweet treats and fresh flowers just in time for the big day.
Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel
Cost: free
Create With Me: Valentine’s Day
February 8, 4:15PM – 5:30PM
During this 90-minute DIY Valentine’s Day Workshop, you’ll get creative with your little ones and make a beautiful metal heart ornament to take home. You and your child will also learn all about texturing, soldering, clean up, and finish.
EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery and Metals Studio
720 Monroe St., Ste E511, Hoboken
Cost: $60 per pair (30 per additional person)
Valentine’s Day Skate
February 14, 9PM – 12AM
Kick it old-school with the kiddos at the BBP SKATING’s Valentine’s Day Skate, “with a twist of love.” Skate with the whole family or just your special somebody, at this perfect pre-bedtime outing – and what screams “LOVE” more than fam skating to “The Time of My Life”?
BBP SKATING
7th Ave at Clifton Ave, Newark
Cost: $10 admission, $4 skate rental, $2 for spectators not skating over 18 years old
Valentine’s Day For Kids!
February 14, 4PM – 5:30PM
Join in on all the V-Day fun for your little ones at Tiny Town in Metuchen. Enjoy open play, while also creating flower crowns and beading necklaces.
Tiny Town
438 Main Street, Metuchen
Cost: $10 for open play
Name a Roach
February 1 – 15
The museum keepers at Insectropolis, the NJ Bugseum, have created a new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s for your special someone or for someone who makes your skin crawl, this year, you can name a hissing cockroach after that person.
Insectropolis
1761 Route 9, Toms River
Cost: $5
For Couples or Friends:
Valentine’s Day Foodie Festival
February 14, 6:30PM – 12AM
Bring that special someone or your best girlfriend for a night of tapas, drinks, dancing, and games. With so many samplings, you can try a ton of new food trends and exotic dishes. And have a single friend? Bring them over to Cupid’s Corner for some single mingling.
Harborside Atrium
210 Hudson Street, Jersey City
Cost: $10-$25
Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show
February 14, 8PM
Head over to NJPAC for a star-studded stand-up performance that is sure to keep you laughing all night long. Laugh the night away with Bill Bellamy, Luenell, Don “D.C.” Curry, Blaq Ron, and Sheryl Underwood. Check out this amazing and hilarious lineup here.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
1 Center St., Newark
Cost: $49 – $99
Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend
February 7 – 9, 14 – 17, 12PM – 5PM
Can you think of anything better than a weekend of wine and chocolate to get you in the spirit of V-Day? The Garden State Wine Growers Association has two entire weekends planned for you and your sweetheart or girlfriends to taste NJ wines. The trail will offer special tasting events, live music, and special chocolate pairings from local chocolatiers. Take your pick at where you’ll go, you’ll be warm, cozy, full, and there will be plenty of love in the air. Check out the list of participating wineries and events here.
Participating NJ wineries
Cost: varies
Student Advisory Board Presents: Failed Love
February 13, 7PM
Whether you’re happily in love or single, bring your sweetheart or a friend to this lovely event that focuses on how heartbreak inspires art. You’ll enjoy a night of live music, poetry readings, chocolate, and great art.
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton
Cost: free
Valentine’s Day Cruise
February 14 – 15
Enjoy a cruise along the New York Harbor with stunning views of the NYC skyline that will surely make you snap a few selfies against the gorgeous backdrop. The 3-hour cruise includes a delicious dinner buffet, a complimentary champagne toast, a rose and DJ entertainment to dance the night away. All aboard!
Lincoln Harbor Marina
Weehawken
Cost: from $124.90 per person
Valentine’s Murder Mystery
February 16, 2PM – 5PM
Enjoy a romantic dinner while also working with your team to help solve a murder mystery (and you can be the victim or the murderer!) Enjoy a formal wine tasting and a buffet-style dinner that includes salad, chicken parmesan, roasted veggies, and dessert.
Four Sisters Winery
783 County Route 519, Belvidere
Cost: $45 per person
VDAY Latte Art Class
February 14, 7PM – 9PM
Grab a buddy and head to Hidden Grounds Espresso Bar for a night of learning how to pour beautiful latte art designs just like the ones that you see in their shop. Find out what it takes to be a barista—in this completely hands-on class, you’ll learn all about latte art theory and technique, the mechanics of an espresso machine, how to pour and even take part in a little latte art throwdown.
Hidden Grounds Espresso Bar
4 Easton Ave, New Brunswick
Cost: $60
Date Night at Turtle Back Zoo
February 22, 6PM – 10PM
Can’t get a sitter for the main day? Try a Tuesday for this adults-only event that will definitely be an out-of-the-box date night. You’ll hear about the mating rituals of resident animals during this lively and cheeky discussion, all while learning about species breeding programs. Also included in your night is buffet-style dinner, complimentary drink, dessert, behind the scenes tour, up-close animal presentation and education program. And you’ll most likely need a drink after all that R-rated talk, so a cash bar is also available.
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange
Cost: $70 for single tickets, $130 for couples’ tickets
More fun things to do this weekend:
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Top Romantic Getaways in NJ
13 Top Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey
10 Best Ski Resorts for Families
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Museums around New Jersey
Lighthouses around New Jersey
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