We’re halfway through winter, and it’s time to beat those winter blues with lots of FREE things to do with the fam all month long. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making crafts, shopping, and more at the Valentine’s Vendor and Craft Fair in Old Bridge, celebrate the diverse cultural expressions of music and dance at the Lantern Festival Gala at American Dream, or learn how to tap trees and make maple syrup at Tap the Sugar Maples in Lambertville. (Featured Photo Credit: istock/ RyanJLane)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
South Orange Downtown Celebrates Black History Month
February 1 at 7 PM
Celebrate the start of Black History Month by enjoying live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar for all the adults.
Cost: Free
Papillon 25, 25 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
14th Annual Greek Winter Feast
February 2-4
Don’t worry about being cold at this winter event. The 14th annual feast is filled with fun for the whole family, all indoors, including authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, traditional dance performances, and a DJ on Saturday night.
Cost: Free admission
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
East Brunswick Lunar New Year Celebration
February 3 at 11 AM
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with traditional cultural performances, magic, pop-up photography, local artists and vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling, Civic Center Drive, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Valentine’s Craft Market
February 3 at 10 AM
Come for a fun day of shopping, crafting, music, baked goods, and so much more. Bring your little ones and enter the Squishmallow giveaways happening all day.
Cost: Free
The Blue Moon Theatre, 13 West Avenue, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Tap the Sugar Maples
February 3 at 10 AM
Join the farmers as they collect the sap from the maple trees and make maple syrup. Learn how to tap trees in your own backyard.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Black Culture Celebration
February 3 at 2 PM
This is a great event for all ages to learn more about African American history and culture. There will be a performance from the Fair Lawn High School Step Team, an exhibit, a book display, and more.
Cost: Free
Fair Lawn Public Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Lunar New Year Celebration
February 3 at 6:30 PM
Looking for something unique to do with the fam? This fun and cultural event delivers an evening of Chinese acrobatics, dance performances, cultural experiences, and the rich culture of the Lunar New Year.
Cost: Free
Verona High School, 151 Fairview Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044
Lunar Fest NJ 2024
February 4 at 12 PM
This is a unique event that will celebrate the Year of the Dragon. There will be a lion dance, performances representing Chinese and Korean culture, children’s activities, and delicious food trucks.
Cost: Free
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Winterfest
February 4 at 2 PM
Bundle up with the whole family for Winterfest. Watch ice carving on the patio and enjoy activities like cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and arts and crafts.
Cost: Free
Livingston Public Library, 10 Robert Harp Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039
Cutting, Splitting, and Hewing
February 4 at 12 PM
Head to Longstreet Farm and warm up this winter using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Valentine’s Vendor and Craft Fair
February 4 at 11 AM
Get a head start on your Valentine’s Day shopping for the loved ones in your life at this fun event. There will be door prizes, vendors, crafts and activities, food and refreshments, and a photo booth.
Cost: Free
Old Bridge High School, 4209 County Road 516, Matawan, NJ 07747
2024 Bell Works Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
February 7 & 10
Head to this pop-up market and find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. There will be handcrafted items, including jewelry, clothing, and more.
Cost: Free
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Red Bank Sweet Stroll
February 10 at 11 AM
In the mood for some sweets? Wear your Valentine’s Day colors, shop great sales, gather delicious treats, and enjoy sweet experiences with the whole family.
Cost: Free to attend
Red Bank RiverCenter, 46 English Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
February 10 at 12 PM
Don’t have a gift for that special someone yet? Head to this fun event in two locations where you can grab items from local vendors, delicious food, photo stations, a flower bar, kids’ activities, and more.
Cost: Free
The Asbury Hotel, 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Avenue N, Unit C-4, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Year of the Dragon 2024
February 10 at 3 PM
It’s the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing power, luck, honor, and success. Celebrate these unique events at both locations next door to each other. There will be Asian cuisine, a costume show, Chinese folk music, an art show, and more.
Cost: Free
Summit YMCA, 67 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07092
Summit Library, 75 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07092
Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day
February 10 at 10 AM
Make sure you dress warm and head to the farm, where you can partake in a heartwarming Valentine’s Day ride. Families will have the chance to ride in a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a team of drafts past the wintery landscape. Back at the farmhouse, stop in for soup on the stove and a children’s craft.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 700 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Lunar New Year at Bridgewater Commons
February 10 at 1 PM
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional Asian performances, a dragon dance, kids’ arts and crafts, and the traditional giving of red envelopes filled with treats and special offers.
Cost: Free
Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Sandy Hook Beach Cleanup
February 10 at 10 AM
Spend the day helping the Save Coastal Wildlife Nonprofit members clean up and restore the tip of Sandy Hook.
Cost: Free
Parking Lot M, N Bragg Road, Sandy Hook, NJ 07732
Historical Valentines
February 11 at 1 PM
It’s the season of love, and what better way to celebrate than by making historical Valentines? You will discover how penmanship has changed as your little ones view letters from the 18th and 19th centuries before creating their own using historically inspired materials.
Cost: Free
Historic Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
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
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
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
Free Cardiac and Concussion Screenings for Young Athletes
February 24 from 9 AM-12 PM
When preliminary testing to identify serious cardiac problems is provided to young athletes, sudden cardiac arrest and tragic deaths may be avoided. Ninety percent of sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes occur during or after athletic activities, and hidden heart conditions are often the cause. This cardiac screening will help to identify players aged six to 18 years of age, who may require further testing or intervention. The concussion baseline screening is for young athletes, ages 12 to 18 years old. Having a concussion baseline study (ImPACT) for young athletes can help identify issues in the future. If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury, this screening test may be used to evaluate the severity of the head injury and determine when it is safe to return to play. Screenings are free of charge and a parent or guardian is asked to be present. To register and schedule an appointment time, please email teamlink@rwjbh.org.
Cardiac Screening, 6-18 years old (open to the first 130 athletes)
Concussion Screening, 12 years old and up (open to the first 80 athletes)
Cost: Free
South Toms River Recreation Center, 1 Drake Lane, South Toms River, NJ 08757
Moonlight Walk
February 24 at 7 PM
Bundle up and bring the whole family for a beautiful walk at night. The trails can be bumpy and sandy, so make sure you come prepared. The walk is around 3-5 miles in length.
Cost: Free
Whitesbog Historic Farm and Village, 120 W. Whites Bogs Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Tri-State Summer Camp Fair
February 25 at 12 PM
Not sure where the little ones will be doing this summer? Don’t miss this fair, where over 50 summer camps will participate, from day camps to sleepaway camps and everything in between. There will also be games, prizes, activities for kids, and food.
Cost: Free
Rutgers University – Newark Campus, 195 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102
Lantern Festival Gala
February 25 at 2 PM
Celebrate the diverse cultural expressions of music and dance with this exceptional performance hosted by Sunflower Dance and Music Center. There will also be a model show.
Cost: Free
American Dream, The Dream Stage, Court A, Level 1, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
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