The groundhog may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but that isn’t stopping us from having fun all weekend long. Feed the alpacas and roast s’mores at Smooches & S’mores in Pemberton, watch a laser light show set to Taylor Swift’s hits at Laser Taylor Swift in Toms River, or bundle up with the fam for a walk through nature at Winter Nature Walk at Lusscroft in Sussex. And for more winter things to do, check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo credit: iStock/Rana Mirzayeva)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Cabin Fever Festival
February 7 at 8 PM
Who said helping out can’t be fun? Bring the whole fam to this lively fundraiser sponsored by the NJ Elks MC. There will be live music and delicious food, and the proceeds will go towards the annual Elks Bikers Rally for Brain Injured Children.
Cranford Elks Lodge, 951 Lincoln Ave E, Cranford, NJ 07016
Cost: $20 per person
S’more to Love in Merchantville
February 7 at 6 PM
Did someone say s’mores? Bring the fam and enjoy an evening in downtown Merchantville filled with music, a Valentine’s Day craft, s’mores by the fire, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Chestnut Avenue & Centre Street Gazebo, Merchantville, NJ 08109
Laser Taylor Swift
February 7 at 8:15 PM
Have a Taylor Swift fan in the family? Head to the planetarium to experience a Taylor Swift playlist set to laser lights. Make sure you bring your singing voice to belt out the tunes.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Toms River, NJ 08753
Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
February 7 and 8
Stroll the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall to enjoy live music, find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, and enjoy food and libations. There will also be a photo wall, a fresh flower bar, activities for kids and pets, and workshops.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Sandy Hook Beach Cleanup
February 8 at 9:30 AM
Spend the day volunteering with Save Coastal Wildlife Nonprofit members to clean up and restore the tip of Sandy Hook.
Cost: Free
Parking Lot M, N Bragg Road, Sandy Hook, NJ 07732
KidsFit in Motion
February 8 at 9 AM and 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
Valentine’s Sweet Stroll
February 8 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family dressed in Valentine’s colors and enjoy a sweet experience in Red Bank. Gather treats, shop sales, and enjoy a day out.
Downtown Red Bank, NJ 07701
Bell Works FRESH Valentine’s Day Pop-Ups
February 8
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping and visit over 25 local artisans and makers with jewelry, handmade gifts, and clothing.
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Maple Sugaring
February 8 at 10 AM
Help farmers at Howell Living History Farm collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and taste whole wheat pancakes. Be sure to dress for the weather, as it can be muddy.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Mac & Cheese Mayhem
February 8 at 11 AM
Love all things macaroni and cheese? This is a fun-filled day of delicious macaroni and cheese, vendors and kids activities, hatchet throwing, face painting, a petting zoo, and more.
Cost: $7 per person when purchased ahead of time or $10 at the door the day of the event. Kids 3 and under are free.
Morristown Armory, 430 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Baba Kazi Oliver: African Drummer Extraordinaire
February 8 at 7 PM
Learn about the cultural and historical importance of the drum as Baba Kazi Oliver performs the African drum. There is no cost to attend.
Englewood Public Library, 31 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
Smooches & S’mores
February 8-9
Is there anything better than cuddling some adorable alpacas? There will be fire pits to roast s’mores, alpacas that you can hand feed, gifts to shop in the farm store, and as many alpaca kisses as you can handle.
Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 10
Dancing Horse Farm, 221 Fort Dix Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068
Hoboken Italian Festival’s Super Sunday 5K
February 9 at 10 AM
Bundle up for a morning of fitness and fun at the Hoboken Italian Festival’s Super Sunday 5K. This race, which features professional time trials with age group rankings, music, and giveaways, is a great way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday.
Cost: Prices vary
Pier A Park, 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Winter Beach Walk at Fisherman’s Cove
February 9 at 11 AM
Grab your winter gear and enjoy a fun winter walk. You will go with a Park System Naturalist who will help you explore the cove, and you can collect the ocean’s natural treasures along the way.
391 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Historical Valentines Historic Walnford
February 9 at 1 PM
Create a Valentine and write a letter to a friend with historically inspired materials. Also, learn how penmanship has changed as you view letters from the 18th and 19th centuries.
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
Valentine Breakfast
February 9 at 8 AM
Get a head start on your Valentine’s Day celebrations with a delicious breakfast with the fam. There will be made-to-order omelets and a FREE Valentine’s carnation for the women who attend while supplies last.
Cost: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for kids under 12, Free for kids under 5
Flemington NJ Moose Lodge 1829, 81 Barley Sheaf Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Winter Nature Walk at Lusscroft
February 9 at 2 PM
Bundle up with the fam for a walk through nature. You will have the chance to look for wildlife, learn some of the history of Lusscroft, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
Cost: Free
Lusscroft Farm, 50 Neilson Road, Sussex, NJ 07461
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
