It may be peak winter (enough already), but we’re not letting that get us down with fun, kid-friendly things to do all weekend long. Find winter fun with crafts, hot cocoa, games, and more at the Beat the Winter Blues Party! in Mendham, bundle up to cheer on the brave at the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights, or watch dancers and performers at the Black History Celebration in Flemington, check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo credit: iStock/FatCamera)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Sunflower 2025 Spring Piano Recital
February 21 at 12 PM
Spring is right around the corner, and this is a great event to celebrate the spirit of the season. This recital features skilled pianists playing timeless classics and contemporary pieces.
Cost: Free
American Dream Mall, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Bernardsville Farmers Market
February 22 at 10 AM
At this annual outdoor Winter Market, vendors sell homemade bakery goods, soup, nuts, coffee, and produce. Many of these items are also sold at the popular summer one.
Route 202 and Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights
February 22 at 9 AM
Get freezin‘ for a reason—the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state to come out in the cold and support the Special Olympics of New Jersey. It’s a great way for everyone—individuals, teams, organizations, and businesses—to help raise money for programming and events for more than 26,000 athletes statewide. Even if you don’t plan on jumping in, consider coming to watch and donate to your favorite team. Participants must register in advance.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Spare Some Love Bowling Fundraiser
February 22
Lace up your bowling shoes and play some games for a good cause. This 8th annual event will help fund the stays for families at the Ronald McDonald House Southern New Jersey and help them continue their mission.
Cost: $20 per person
Laurel Lanes, Rt. 73, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
KidsFit in Motion
February 22 at 9 & 10 AM
This lively weekend class will help young children improve their mobility, flexibility, and coordination through various fitness games and dance moves. Fun Fitness is for children ages 5-7 with a parent or guardian. Wear sneakers! For more information or to register, contact Kerri Likakis, MS, RDN, at 973-926-7371 or Kerri.Likakis@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Maple Sugaring at The New Weis Center
February 22
Learn about maple sap and syrup’s process, history, and ecology. Take a short hike to see how to tap, collect, and evaporate the sap. Finish off the day with a syrup taste test.
Cost: prices vary per event
150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
5th Annual African American Read-In
February 22 at 11 AM
This event is perfect for the whole family, giving everyone a chance to enjoy great literature and explore cultural heritage together. Feel free to bring a selection to share with the group or just come and listen. There will be a special craft for all ages.
Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Maple Sugaring at Howell Living History Farm
February 22
On this historic farm, you’ll watch farmers collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and then taste it on top of whole wheat pancakes after visiting the farmhouse kitchen. Take your newfound knowledge home to tap maple sugar in your backyard.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Montclair Farmers Market
February 22 at 9 AM
Gather your crew and head to this year-round farmer’s market. You’ll find treats like baked goods, micro-greens, meatless meals, herbs, spices, soups, and other locally-made specialty items.
Walnut Street Train Station, 86 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Maple Sugaring at Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge
February 22-23
Take part in a 60-minute outdoor program at the Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the Environmental Center. See how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods from the past and today, and see the boiling process used to make maple syrup.
Cost: $6 per student/senior or $7 per adult
190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Ramsey Farmers Market
February 23 at 10 AM
This outdoor market boasts a variety of specialty food purveyors—check out the Greek specialties, sea salt, kimchi, fermented veggies, and more on the alternating schedule. There are also many non-food vendors, including alpaca and llama wear, skincare, and knife sharpening services.
Main Street Train Station, Ramsey, NJ 07446
Denville Farmers’ Market
February 23 at 10 AM
Join 25+ vendors with food and artisan products. There is a market in the summer too.
Bloomfield Ave. parking lot, Denville, NJ 07834
Black History Month Celebration
February 23 at 2 PM
Spend the afternoon learning about Black history at this family-friendly celebration with food, speakers, poetry, music, and community. Local musicians, refreshments, and artists will be at this event, open to all ages.
Cost: Free
Stangl Center, 4 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Maple Sugaring at Rancocas Nature Center
February 23
Take a self-guided hike with multiple interactive stations along the Rancocas trails, where you will learn about the sugar maple tree and the history of maple sugaring in NJ. At the end, watch a tapping demo and taste the rewards. A campfire will be burning to keep you warm and toasty, too.
Cost: prices vary per event
794 Rancocas Road, Westhampton, NJ 08060
13th Annual Chili Cook-Off
February 23 at 3 PM
Bring your appetite and enjoy this delicious chili cook-off, including performances by bagpipe bands and Irish dancers. All proceeds will benefit the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Highlands, NJ.
Cost: $40 per person
Saltwater Social, 128 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732
Beat the Winter Blues Party!
February 23 at 2 PM
Winter blues got you down? Bring the whole fam and have fun to beat those blues. There will be games, arts and crafts, prizes, a hot cocoa bar, therapy pups to cuddle, snacks, a magic show, and more.
Cost: Free
The Brookside Community Club, 1 E. Main Street, Mendham, NJ 07926
Washington’s Birthday Ball
February 23 at 1 PM
Celebrate Washington’s birthday with the Bergen County Historical Society. Watch the reenactments celebrating General Washington through song and dance in the 1752 Steuben House. After, gather your crew to participate in a Washington-themed scavenger hunt or trivia contest for prizes.
Cost: $12.50 for adults, $7.50 for students 6-21.
Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ 07661
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
February 23
Make a day of it at this popular nature center, where you can learn how to identify a maple tree, hear about the history of maple sugaring, and see how the technology has changed.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, members are $8, and non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Winter Market by Grow It Green Morristown
February 23 at 9:30 AM
This Sunday morning market is a partnership with Grow It Green Morristown. Each week, you’ll find a revolving list of local vendors who offer a great assortment of cheeses, produce prepared foods, and baked goods.
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
