It’s a long weekend, but rest assured, there’s plenty of family fun to keep everyone from feeling bored. Watch as two baby pianos are carved entirely out of ice before taking on a frosty musical showdown as the sun sets at Dueling Pianos On Ice in Princeton, meet all kinds of reptiles and create reptile-themed Valentine’s cards at Valentine’s Critters in Eatontown, or head to the farm and help the farmers collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and more at Maple Sugaring in Lambertville. And for more ideas on family fun this President’s Weekend, don’t miss our guide. (Featured photo: @iceicephilly)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
SPONSORED
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Astronomy Observing Session
February 16 at 6:30 PM
Want to enjoy some stargazing? Bring the whole family and take a look at the winter sky through the STAR Astronomy Club’s telescopes. No registration is required.
Cost: Free
Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Valentine’s Critters
February 17 at 10 AM
Have a little one who loves reptiles? Head to this event, where your kids will have the chance to meet all kinds of reptiles, from turtles to lizards, and create their own reptile-themed Valentine’s cards.
Cost: Free
40 Christopher Way, Suite 103, Eatontown, NJ 07724
The Magic of Maple Trees
February 17 at 2 PM
It’s the perfect time of year to learn about what maple trees do and how you can tap them to make food and medicine. Everyone will have the chance to learn about the cycles of nature and how to tap trees.
Cost: Suggested donation of $25
Email dan@returntonature.us for the location of the class – Wantage, New Jersey 07419
Valentine Party
February 17 at 7 PM
The day of love may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate. Gather the fam and head to this fun party with a DJ, food, refreshments, and fun.
Cost: $15 per person
Clayton Elks Lodge #2132, 350 S Broad Street, Clayton, NJ 08312
Bald Eagle Walk
February 17 at 10 AM
Bundle up and take a walk with the fam. Learn about the history and wildlife in the area while keeping your eyes peeled for the bald eagles that live there.
Cost: $3 for non-members; members are free
Maurice River Bluffs, Silver Run Road, Millville, NJ 08332
Follow the Drinking Gourd
February 17 at 3 PM
Visit the planetarium to find the Big Dipper and then go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression, based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title. The show describes the astronomy behind the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and includes a sing-along. This show is recommended for ages 6-12.
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Maple Sugaring
February 17 at 10 AM
Head to the farm and help the farmers collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and finish the morning by tasting some whole wheat pancakes after visiting the farmhouse kitchen. Make sure you dress for the job.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Winter Beach Blast at the Ocean County Mall
February 17 at 1 PM
Celebrate winter in the best way—with summer fun featuring crafts, interactive tables, Twister, and the chance to win prizes. You won’t want to miss this one.
Cost: Free
Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo
February 17
If you have a little one obsessed with dinosaurs, you won’t want to miss this fantastic show. Life-like dinosaurs and other creatures will take you on an adventure that starts in pre-historic Australia.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Celebrating Black History Month
February 17 at 1 PM
All ages are invited to spend the afternoon learning all about Black History Month with crafts, refreshments, and a presentation from renowned architect William M. Brown III, sharing his journey about how he got his start at the first African American architectural firm in Newark and how he has always prioritized community service.
Cost: Free
Verona Public Library, 17 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044
5th Annual Causeway CARes Summer in Winter Carnival
February 18 at 12 PM
Beat the winter blues with carnival games, delicious food, face painters, balloon artists, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Holiday Inn Manahawkin/Long Beach Island, 151 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Mommy & Me Superhero Valentine’s Date
February 18 at 12 PM
Bring your little valentine for a fun date filled with a personal heart-shaped pizza, two medium fountain drinks, an arcade SURF card, and a meet and greet with superheroes with face painting.
Cost: $20 special package
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
The Lucky Leprechaun Breakfast
February 18 at 10 AM
Get the luck of the Irish and enjoy a traditional breakfast menu, including Irish-themed food and drinks. The event will support the 10th Annual Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Cost: $10 for kids 12 and under, $20 for adults
Kim Marie’s Eat n Drink Away, 1411 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Tour the Historic Village Inn Englishtown
February 18 at 1 PM
Bundle up and tour the Historic Village Inn, an important meeting place during the Battle of Monmouth in the Revolutionary War. Walk around while you take in the gift shop and new historical displays.
Cost: $6 per person
The Historic Village Inn, 2 Water Street, Englishtown, NJ 07726
Dueling Pianos On Ice
February 18 at 3 PM
Head to the green for an evening that will make unforgettable memories. Watch as two baby pianos are carved entirely out of ice before taking in a frosty musical showdown as the sun sets. There will also be wintry activities and warm beverages available.
Cost: Free
On The Green At Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Guided House Tour: Eyewitness To Black History
February 18 from 12 PM – 3 PM
Explore 200 years of Black history during this Guided House Tour at the Montclair History Center. The tour includes first-hand accounts, rare source documents, unique artifacts, and more. Tours begin at the Nathanial Crane House & Visitor Center.
Montclair History Center, 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042
Winter Model Train Show
February 18 at 10 AM
Come to the last show of the season and see the world’s largest 3-rail model train set that features as many as 20+ trains operating at once. There will be food to enjoy while you are there.
Cost: $9 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 5-11, and free for ages 5 and under
The New Jersey Hi-Railers Train Club, 185 6th Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07501
World Whale Day
February 18 at 12 PM
Celebrate whales big and small at the Aquarium. You will learn about these magnificent creatures through crafts, activities, table displays, and keeper chats.
Cost: General admission
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
ONGOING EVENTS
Skating on the Square
Now-February 25, open Thursday-Sunday
Bundle up and bring your ice skates for a fun day of skating outside. This eco-friendly, outdoor synthetic skating rink is so much fun for the whole family.
Cost: $10 per person
19 Hulfish Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Maple Sugaring
Now-March 17, Sundays
All ages are welcome to this fun and educational event. Learn how to identify a maple tree, discover the history of syrup making, and see how technology has changed how it’s done. You will tap trees and boil the sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup.
Cost: Prices vary
Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
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