Hello, February, we’ve been waiting for you—this may be officially known as Superbowl Weekend, but there are still so many ways to get in some family fun before the big game. See if spring is coming sooner than later at the Groundhog Day Celebration in Pennington, sample sweet syrup at the Maple Sugar Demonstrations in Chatham or relive the history of the early 20th century by spending a Winter Day’s on a Farm in Morristown. And don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of time to get the fam home before kick-off.
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
feature image via @alovelyshadeofjade
Here are 7 family-friendly things to do this weekend in New Jersey:
Groundhog Day Celebration at the Watershed Institute
Saturday, February 1, 10AM – 11:30AM
Who doesn’t want to know if spring is coming early? Bring the littles to meet the resident woodchuck, Watershed Wally at this festival that celebrates all things groundhog. Your kids will love to learn all about these furry creatures, hike to a groundhog hole, play the hibernation game, and try their hand a chucking wood with a catapult. Don’t worry about the cold as you warm yourself by the campfire and enjoy some treats.
The Watershed Institute
31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, NJ
Cost: $5
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market: My Punk Rock Valentine!
Saturday, February 1, 10AM – 5PM
Want to get a jump start on V-day shopping? Check out this lively market, offering three floors vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry, clothing, antiques, art and so much more. While you shop, kids will feast on treats from House of Cupcakes and taters from The Tot Cart (there will be over 10 local food trucks on-site), and check out the toys and comic books for sale.
Trenton War Memorial
Trenton, NJ
Cost: Kids 10 and under are Free, $5
Maple Sugar Demonstrations at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Saturday and Sunday, February 1 & 2, 1-2PM, 2:30-3:30PM
They’ve tapped the trees and chopped the firewood—it’s maple sugaring season at the Great Swamp. Kids will get the chance to see and partake in the entire process from tree to plate. Watch as staff members tap maple trees and collect sap and then make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. And the best part—you get to taste-test different grades of the delicious syrups, including syrup made on-site.
Great Swamp OEC
247 Southern Blvd
Chatham Township., NJ
Cost: $4
Groundhog Day at Historic Walnford
Sunday, February 2, 11AM – 3PM
Have we done this before? The groundhog doesn’t remember! February 2 is the halfway mark to spring. Bring the whole fam to Historic Walnford and get a glimpse of whether we can expect an early spring. They’ll be activities for all ages to celebrate Groundhog Day and chances to explore the 19th-century house and gristmill.
Historic Walnford
62 Walnford Road Upper Freehold, NJ
Cost: Free
Winter’s Day on the Farm
Sunday, February 2, 12PM – 4PM
Make the most of the winter and bring the littles to this exciting, outdoor family adventure where you can experience traditional farm life as it was in the early 20th century. After an open-air, tractor-pulled wagon ride, you’ll learn about the importance of ice harvesting, and littles can pet the friendly farm animals. After head to the gristmill where kids can make crafts and everyone can enjoy seasonal dishes cooked over the woodburning stove.
Friends of Fosterfields & Cooper Gristmill
73 Kahdena Rd, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $8 per adult, $7 per senior (65+), $6 per child age 3 – 16. Free for under age 3.
Disney Children’s Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo
Sunday, February 2, 2PM – 3PM
Disney+ may be streaming 24/7 at your house but hearing those classic songs in person takes it to a whole other level. At this one-hour concert, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will feature music from some of the best Disney movies of the modern era—”Star Wars”, “Frozen”, “The Lion King”, “Moana”, “Coco” and many others that you can hum along to. After the concert, stop by the unique “Instrument Petting Zoo”, where you’ll get a chance to chat with the musicians and see and hear the instruments up close.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School
600 Garretson Rd, Bridgewater, NJ
Cost: Free
