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Gearing up for the big game and Valentine’s Day? Get ready for a bunch of family-friendly things to do to keep your crew happy all weekend long. Snap selfies and listen to live music at the Garden of Love at American Dream in Rutherford, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods at the Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, make a dragon puppet at the Family Fun Day: Lunar New Year at Liberty Hall Museum in Union, or learn all about penguins at Penguin Pointers at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach. And for more things to do this Valentine’s Day weekend, check out our family-friendly guide.

Featured Photo Credit: American Dream 

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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)

Wonderous Winter Walk
Manasquan Reservoir, February 9 at 10 AM and Clayton Park, February 23 at 10 AM
Bundle up and lace up your boots—a Park System Naturalist will guide you through the wintry park. This event is open to all ages, but under 18 must be with an adult.
Cost: Free
Manasquan Reservoir – 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, NJ 07731 (732) 751-9453
Clayton Park – 161 Emley’s Hill Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08526 (609) 259-5794 

Asbury Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Market at Bell Works
February 9 from 11 AM – 4 PM and February 12 from 2 PM – 7 PM
Spend an afternoon shopping with your fam. Explore the 70 vendor shops that feature artisans, makers, and more for Valentine’s Day.
Cost: Free
Bell Works – 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 226-8818

Bark, Branches, and Buds
February 10 and 14 at 3:30 PM
Identifying trees in winter can be difficult without the leaves to help you, but differences in bark, buds, and branching patterns can become apparent once you begin to look closely. Learn the tricks to identify trees on a guided walk with a naturalist.
Cost: Free
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, 472 Boonton Avenue, Montville Township, NJ 07045 (Intersection of Mars Court and Boonton Avenue)
(973) 635-6629

A Tiger New Year
February 10 at 4:30 PM
Visit the Somerville library for a drop-in program all about tigers to celebrate the 2022 Lunar New Year.
Cost: Free
35 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 458-8445

Valentine’s Day at American Dream
February 11-14
Head to American Dream for a memorable Valentine’s Day for the whole family. Lace up your skates and glide into Valentine’s Day with the Date Skate, and then fuel up on treats at the Valentine’s Day Cutest Candy Chute. After, snap photos for the ‘gram in American Dream’s Garden of Love decorated with fragrant mini rose bushes, beautiful arching trees, and feathered plumes, complemented by live music.
Cost: Skating prices vary, free for other events.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(833) 263-7326

The Year of the Tiger at American Dream
February 11-20
Bring the whole crew to watch these Lunar New Year performances ranging from classical chamber to instrumental music and vocals on the Dream Stage, by Sun Wei band, YANG FeiFei band, Lunar New Year Celebration: Tiger Dreams of America, and Band of Guo Zhao-Shun and Sun Yu-qi.
Cost: Free
Dream Stage Court A1  American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(833) 263-7326

My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
February 12 at 9:30 AM
Hands-on cooking for ages 4-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. In this fun and interactive class, even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Emily Ho, RDN at emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371

Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day at Howell Living History Farm
February 12 at 10 AM
Cozy up for Valentine’s Day ride on a two-seater sleigh or carriage, or families can take a bobsled or hay wagon. There will be soup on the stove, and a children’s craft is available for a small fee between 11 AM and 3 PM.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299

Valentine’s Weekend: Free Child Admission with Valentine at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
February 12 at 10 AM through February 14
Show your love with a Valentine’s Day card, and children ages 12 and under will receive free admission with a handmade valentine for one of their resident animals. They will display all cards in the Nature Center.
Cost: Kids under 12 free with Valentine, adults $10
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Road, Medford, NJ 08055
(856) 983-3329

Metuchen Lunar New Year
February 12 at 11 AM – 1 PM
Come to Town Plaza in Metuchen to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Learn about the culture, watch Lion Dancers, and enjoy crafts and stories at this family event.
Cost: Free
Downtown Metuchen, NJ 08840
(732) 515-9660

Black History Month Pop Up
February 12 at 11 AM
Support local Black-owned businesses at this maker and artisan pop-up market. Shop from vendor stalls, discover new businesses in the area, and then grab something to eat with the fam.
Cost: Free
Pop Up Next Door, 1169 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 

Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
February 12 at 11 AM
A mommy and me-style virtual cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/grandparent/loved one.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group

6th Annual Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar 2022
February 12 at 12 PM
Shop local and regional vendors selling goods and gifts handmade with love at both The Asbury Hotel and Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. There will be handcrafted jewelry, art, home goods, and chocolates for your Valentine’s Day sweetheart.
Cost: Free
The Asbury Hotel – 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall – 1300 N. Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Valentine’s at Historic Walnford
February 12-13 at 12 PM
Make your own valentine and get inspired by the historic 19th century Valentine’s on display at Historic Walnford.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
(609) 259-6275

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
February 12-14
All children ages 12 and under will receive free admission to the refuge when they bring a handmade Valentine to one of the resident animals.
Cost: Free for 12 and under with a handmade Valentine
4 Sawmill Road, Medford, NJ 08055
(856) 983-3329

Family Fun Day: Lunar New Year
February 12 at 1 PM
Celebrate The Year of the Tiger by making lots of crafts- from dragon puppets to “porcelain” plates- that emulate traditional Chinese craftsmanship and icons. Come craft and learn, and begin the New Year with lots of good fortune and prosperity.
Cost: $4-$10; recommended for ages 4-8.
Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
(908) 527-0400

Winter Tree ID: It’s NUTS!
February 12 at 1 PM
Bring the whole family to learn how to identify some tree species and the tree’s age by looking at their leaves, bark, buds, and nuts. Test your newfound knowledge into the park and see if you can identify the tree species in Roebling Park.
Cost: Free
Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave., Hamilton, NJ 08610
info@abbottmarshlands.org

Penguin Pointers at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
February 12 from 5:30 PM – 6 PM
Meet a famous feathered friend while learning about them and the wild cousins. You’ll pay general admission for the day and have exclusive access to view the aquarium from 5 PM-5:30 PM. The program begins at 5:30 PM sharp, for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $20 Adults (13 years and up), $15 Children (Ages 5-12); pre-registration and payment is required.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0600

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Maple Sugaring Demos February 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27, March 5, 6, and 12 at 1 PM or 2:30 PM
Maple Sugaring for Seedlings March 19 at 10 AM
Kids can identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. The program will be held entirely outdoors this year, so dress for the weather. Littles ages 2-5 can join the Maple Sugaring for Seedlings program.
Cost: $5 per person
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928
(973) 635-6629

The Watershed Institute
February 12 and 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

Winter’s Day on the Farm
February 13 at various times
Bring the whole family to see how an old-fashioned Winter’s Day is on the farm. Learn how to cut and harvest ice, help the staff saw wood, pet the cows and see an outdoor cooking demonstration. Don’t miss the wagon ride around the farm.
Cost: $10 per person, free for 3 and under
Fosterfield’s Living History Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 326-7645

Vintage Valentines plus Story Time and Craft
February 13 at 2 PM
The Miller-Cory House Museum presents “Vintage Valentines,” where you can see a display of vintage Valentines dating back to the 1800s. There will also be a children’s craft and storytime.
Cost: $5 for adults and children 13 and older, $3 for children ages 3-12. Free for 3 and under
614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 232-1776

Maplewood Arts & Culture’s Black History Month 2022
February 13 and 22
Get out and about by heading to Maplewood anytime this month in honor of Black History. Watch the Harlem Chamber Players present A Black History Month Concert At Woodland on February 13, or make sure to check out Jubilee! A Celebration of Black Composers on February 22, performed by the Columbia High School Virtuosi and Haraambee Chamber Orchestra.
Cost: Prices may vary for some events
Maplewood, NJ

Tenafly Nature Center
February 13, 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. All ages are welcome, and an adult must accompany children. The program will be indoors and outdoors. Space is limited, and preregistration is required.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, member $8, member family $30, non-member $10
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
(201) 568-6093

Valentine’s Day at Pier Village
February 14
There is so much to do in Pier Village for Valentine’s Day with the fam. Plan a dinner, go shopping, skate on the ice skating rink, or take Horse and Carriage rides (on Valentine’s Day only) while listening to singers in the village. Don’t miss the Love Package at the Wave Resort if you want to stay and play even longer.
Cost: Prices vary per activity
1 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100

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 WinterFest Ice 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

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