Long weekend plans? If you’re staying home, we’ve got you covered with plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids from feeling bored. Go on a winter walk scavenger hunt at February Festitives at Trailside in Mountainside, enjoy the last weekend of WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River in Cherry Hill, go back in time for maple sugaring collection at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, or watch ice sculpting at Palmer Square on Ice in Princeton.
Featured Photo Credit: Howell Living History Farm
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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
February 18 at 3 PM
Take a 45-60 minute interactive program that will teach you all about nature on the move. Learn through games and activities along the way. Meet at Shark River Park in the main parking area.
Cost: Free
1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall, NJ 07753
(732) 922-4080
February 19 at 9 AM at Freneau Woods Park, February 20 at 9 AM at Huber Woods Park, and February 22 at 9 AM at Crosswicks Creek Park
In celebration of the Great American Backyard Bird Count, search for winter birds with a Park System Naturalist and learn to identify different birds in this interactive program.
Cost: Free
Freneau Woods Park – 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen, NJ 07747 – (732) 264-7277
Huber Woods Park – 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust (Middletown), NJ 07760 – (732) 872-2670
Crosswicks Creek Park – County Route 537, Upper Freehold, NJ 08514 (609) 259-5794
February 19 and 26 at various times
Spend the day outside for an old-fashioned maple sugaring collection. You can learn how the farmers collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and then taste the fresh syrup with whole wheat pancakes in the farmhouse kitchen.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Maple Sugaring at The Watershed Institute
February 19
Learn about the history, folklore, and science of maple sugaring. Find out how to tap the trees while using drills and spiles, and then try a sample of the sweet maple sugar. Kids will be fascinated by the evaporation process and how sap transforms into maple syrup.
Cost: $10 per adult and $10 per child 5 and up
31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-3735
Montclair Art Museum Public Tour: African American History Month
February 19 at 11 AM
In honor of African American History Month, this tour will explore the experiences of Black historical and contemporary artists. An advanced online RSVP is required, and it’s recommended to book admission tickets beforehand.
Cost: Free
3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 746-5555
February Festivities at Trailside
February 19 and 20 at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2 PM
Get ready to spend some time outdoors and learn about the journey of sap to syrup, and take a winter walk scavenger hunt. Kids will also learn about wildlife and their winter habits.
Cost: $5 per person per class for Union County residents and $6 per person per class for non-county residents
Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
(908) 789-3670
Fire and Ice Festival and Chocolate Walk
February 20 at 8 AM
Explore the New Egypt Flea Market to see ice sculptures, hang by the firepit, and taste handmade chocolates. There will also be a Pet Adoption at Doggie Sweets. The rain dates are February 25 and 27.
Cost: Free
933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Leading by Mission LLC- Black History Month
February 20 at 2 PM
It’s a pop-up Black History Month Celebration. There will be a combination of poetry, singing, shopping, and guest speakers, all promoting this year’s theme of unity.
Cost: $10, $15 at the door
The Neighborhood House Association, 644 West 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Palmer Square on Ice
February 20 and 21 at 12 PM
Ice Sculpture Philly will be back for a two-day live ice sculpting event in Palmer Square. You can watch giant ice blocks transform into 3D figures. Princeton University’s all-male a cappella group, the Tigertones, will also be there to entertain the crowd.
Cost: Free
On the Green at Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
(609) 921-2333
Maple Sugaring At The Tenafly Nature Center
February 20, 27, March 6, 13, and 20 with a variety of session times
Identify a maple tree, learn about the history of maple sugaring and see how the technology has changed at this program for all ages.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, member $8, member family $30, non-member $10
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
(201) 568-6093
Maplewood Arts & Culture’s Black History Month 2022
February 22
Bring the whole family out to see Jubilee! A Celebration of Black Composers performed by the Columbia High School Virtuosi and Haraambee Chamber Orchestra.
Cost: Free
Maplewood, NJ
Skating on the Square
Now-February 27, dates and times vary
Kids want to learn to skate? Head to downtown Princeton on a synthetic ice skating rink complete with cute whale gliders that help with balance (and look great on insta). You don’t have to worry about having skates either, since rentals are included in the ticket price.
Cost: $10 (cash) or $12 (credit); tickets must be purchased at the door, no reservations
40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
(609) 921-2333
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River
Thursdays-Sundays and some special holidays through February 21
Tie up your skates for this last weekend of skating at Cooper River Park. After, grab a hot cocoa and snack and warm up in the lodge.
Cost: Adults $7.50 and Children 5-12 are $5.50 rentals $6 and sharpening $6.50
Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
1-866-CAMDENCOUNTY
King George’s Winter Walk
Now-February 22
Run, walk, or roll 22 miles at your own pace through Washington’s Birthday (February 22). This walk is open for all ages. Return a completed walker’s log by March 1 to enter a lottery for a Washington’s Birthday surprise.
Cost: Donations appreciated
Virtual
(908) 725-1015
Grounds For Sculpture Night Forms
Now-February 27, select dates at 5 PM
Glowing trees, sounds, art—it’s a multi-sensory experience at Grounds For Sculpture. Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective takes place after hours, and it is a combination of video projection, light, sound, and storytelling.
Cost: $14 and up
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
(609) 586-0616
Harbaugh Village
Tuesdays-Sundays in February
Head to an adorable winter wonderland featuring live bands, firepits, igloo rentals, skating, sleigh rides, and more packed with family fun. A part of the proceeds supports Harbaugh House, a foundation that helps displaced families with the resources and tools they need to get back on their feet.
Cost: Tuesday-Wednesday $5 Thursday- Sunday $10, ice skating, igloos, and fire pits areas are extra
174 Route 77 Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
info@harbaughvillage.org
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Every weekend until March 12
Learn all about identifying and tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and making real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. You can even bring home the freshly made syrup for pancakes. Make sure to bundle up since you’ll be outside the whole time.
Cost: $5 per person—this program is for ages 5 and up, and preregistration is required.
Great Swamp Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, NJ 07928
973-635-6629
Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market – Grow It Green
Now-March 27 (except December 26) at 9:30 AM
The Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market features more than 20 farmers and local food vendors to develop a local food system that patrons can eat locally and seasonally. There will be freshly grown produce, farm-raised beef, pork and poultry and fresh seafood, baked goods, farm eggs, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
Edelman Planetarium Family Show
Sundays until March 27 at 2 PM
Families with younger kids can enjoy the planetarium for shorter family shows with themes that change monthly. February kicks off “Peter and the Wolf,” a fantastic laser show.
Cost: $2 per person
Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000
Now–into Winter 2022
Wrap yourself in the warmth of the season as the grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum—the Emlen Physick Estate—will be lit up and glowing all winter. Take a self-guided walk on the grounds and view these fun and whimsical display of winters’ past.
Cost: Free
1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5404
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