We’ve all felt cabin fever before, but this February you can save your family from the phrase every mom fears: “I’m bored.” Now more than ever, it is important for children to exercise, be active, and burn off built up steam. Get them out of the house and on the go this month with one of our 10 outdoor activities, including Palmer Square on Ice in Princeton and a Full Moon and Owl Prowl in Tenafly.
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 10 outdoor activities to do in February in New Jersey:
Explore a nature trail
via @njhiking
Discover the organic side of New Jersey at your local park. One of our favorites is the Richard W DeKorte Park in Kearny, NJ. With its different themed trails, (like the Marsh Discovery Trail and Kingsland Overlook,) there is a little something for everyone. Need a break? Step inside the Environmental Conservation Center and learn about your carbon footprint on the environment. It’s a chance to get the kids running around outside, appreciating nature, and learning.
Hop on NJ’s best hills with your sled
via @erinmsims
There’s nothing more relaxing than hot cocoa after playing in the snow. From building a snowman to throwing snowballs to finding the biggest hill, the possibilities of a snow day are endless! In fact, we made a list of our favorite sledding hills — how many has your family conquered? Check out NJMOM’s Guide to the 50 Best Sledding Hills NJ Has to Offer.
Spend time with your favorite critters
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t visit your family’s favorite zoo. While some animals enjoy the warmth indoors, a majority of animals bask in the fresh snow and brisk winter air. In fact, most zoos offer activities specifically for children in the winter, like the Cape May County Zoo, which offers “Crafts with Critters.”
Go snowboarding, skiing, and tubing
A cabin, some skis, some snow, and your family… sounds like a perfect weekend getaway to me. So many family-friendly resorts are within an arms reach of New Jersey and this month is a perfect time to take advantage of that. With so many resorts to choose from, it is easy to personalize your vacation to perfect fit your family’s needs. To maximize your time on the slopes, NJMOM made a list of our favorite ski resorts for you and your family.
Palmer Square on Ice
February 4, 2017 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Your child will official be one step closer to Elsa at this year’s Ice Wonderland in Princeton, NJ. With plenty of photo opportunities, ice sculptures, and hot chocolate at no cost, you do not want to miss this. Make a day out of it and enjoy all the whimsical shops and cafes Princeton has to offer.
Palmer Square
40 Nassau St, North Princeton, New Jersey 08542
Go shopping
February 4 | 8 AM – 4 PM
Now is the perfect time to reward your child for a good report card or to just browse for the perfect throw rug. NJ’s Premier Flea Market offers a trendy and unique way to shop, as well as delicious food, free entertainment, and games. With free admission and parking, you can finally have the opportunity to treat yourself and your little ones.
MetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073
Full Moon and Owl Prowl 
February 11 | 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Just because it gets dark earlier, does not mean the fun stops when the sun goes down. Do you like owls or are you a night owl yourself? Look no further than Tenafly, NJ for the perfect activity for you and your family. Join a Tenafly Nature Center Environmental Educator to learn more about owls before see a live owl for yourself. It’s a great way to end a fun day with your loved ones.
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, New Jersey 07670
See a Horse Show
February 12 | 9 AM – 5 PM
Did you know horses gallop at around 44 kph (27 mph)? Don’t believe me? See it in person at the Bergen Equestrian Center’s Horse Show! This showcases both children and adult riders with information booths and snack stands for perspective horse owners, equestrians, or children who love horses!
Bergen Equestrian Center
40 Fort Lee Rd, Leonia, New Jersey 07605
Learn about Airplanes 
See some of the coolest, most influential planes and helicopters in the world here in Teterboro, New Jersey! The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey was founded in 1972 and it has been teaching families about the history of aircrafts ever since. With a free electronic tour and interactive exhibits both indoors and outdoors, the museum is definitely something you do not want to miss.
Learn about Astronomy
February 25 | 12 PM – 2 PM
If your SUN (or daughter) loves looking up at the sky or if you have a soft spot for astronomy, Our Magnetic Sun is for you. Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ puts the “fun” in fundamental hands-on activities. Your child will learn fact about the sun and even look through specialized telescopes (weather permitting.) At only $5 per person, this activity is out of this world!
Duke Farms
1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844
Visit Liberty State Park on President’s Day
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
More fun things to do this weekend:
13 Top Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey
20 Winter Markets Around NJ
Diggerland’s Winterfest at the Park
Aquariums around New Jersey
Museums around New Jersey
