11 Kid-Friendly Things to Do: February 14-17

This weekend learn about nature and animals at Outdoor Adventures: Animals Signs at Van Vleck Gardens in Montclair, start your collection at Seashell Sunday in Port Monmouth, or taste over 20 chilis at the Annual Cape May Chili & Chowder Cookoff in Cape May.

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 fun, kid-friendly things to do around New Jersey this weekend:

Wondrous Winter Walk
February 14, 10AM – 11:30AM
Your family can take in the serenity of the season while on a guided tour of the Highlands. A Monmouth County Park System Naturalist will lead this winter walk through the Hartshorne Woods Park; meet at the Rocky Point section of the Highlands. Get outside, get your body moving, and spend quality time in nature.
Hartshorne Woods Park
Highlands, NJ
Cost: free

Hot to Trot 2.14 Mile Fun Run
February 15, 10AM
This fun, 2.14 mile run is sure to keep you and your littles smiling this Valentine’s Day weekend. Dress up, exercise, and receive a custom Hot to Trot award.
Cape May Running Company
Cape May, NJ
Cost: $20

Maple Sugaring Weekends at the EEC
February 16, 17, 23, 24, 10AM – 2PM
Maple sugaring is a tradition in the Northeast that began centuries ago with the Native Americans and colonists. People of all ages are invited to see this tradition brought to life at the Environmental Education Center (EEC). You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods past and present, and see the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This 90-minute program is conducted at the Sugar Shack, a ½-mile hike from the EEC. Please arrive at the EEC 20-30 minutes before the program start time and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Boots are recommended as the trails can be wet, muddy, and/or covered by snow.
Environmental Education Center
Basking Ridge, NJ
Cost: free

Outdoor Adventures: Animal Signs
February 16, 10AM – 1PM
Head over to Van Vleck Education Center for a fun, educational Saturday morning with your family. An environmental educator will be on deck teaching you about various topics in nature and in the gardens. This event features a craft and supplies for a guided activity on the property.
Van Vleck House & Gardens
Montclair, NJ
Cost: $5 per child, $10 per family

Seashell Sunday
February 17, 1PM – 2PM
Starting a shell collection this year? It’s the best way to get to know the Jersey Shore. Want to know where shells come from? Can’t figure out what you found on the beach? Bring it in and we will tell you all about seashells, how to collect them without harming the environment, and feature an assortment of live mollusks, crustaceans, and cool beach finds and artifacts.
Bayshore Waterfront Park
Port Monmouth, NJ
Cost: free

Hackettstown Winterfest
February 17, 12PM – 5PM
Enjoy a day of foodie fun in Hackettstown with your family during Winterfest. Local food merchants invite you to a day of $2 tastings, soups, and chili. Your littles will love the live ice carving from Decorative Flairs Ice Sculpting, it’s Winter Olympics themed! Vendors include Kilhaney’s Pickles, Enjoy Creperie, The Sizzle BBQ, and more.
Hackettstown Business Improvement District
Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: free, $2 tastings

9th Annual Cape May Chili & Chowder Cookoff
February 17, 12PM – 3:30PM
Enjoy Cape May’s Chili & Chowder Cookoff and try over 20 tastings from participating vendors! 20 different chilis and chowders means full bellies and happy kids. This event features local vendors selling handmade goods and crafts. There’s a cash bar too!
The Grand Hotel of Cape May
Cape May, NJ
Cost: $10

Beehive Family Yoga with Carly Cosentino
February 16, 9AM – 10AM
Start Saturday with a calm, relaxing yoga class with your family. You’ll learn yoga poses and breathing techniques, as well as spend time bonding with your littles. This class is meant for little bees age 4 and up.
Bee You Kids Yoga Studio
Manasquan, NJ
Cost: drop in $17 per class

WNC Lego Club
February 16, 10AM – 11AM
Need an hour away from the kids to get some shopping done or cleaning? Bring them to the Westfield Neighborhood Council where they’ll enjoy a whole hour of Lego fun with their fellow Lego fanatics.
127 Cacciola Place
Westfield, NJ
Cost: $10

Brunch & Bingo at the Beach
February 17, 9:30AM – 11:30AM
One thing’s for sure, kids LOVE bingo. Bring your littles to Brunch & Bingo at the Beach on Sunday morning to start the day off right. Watch a mini fashion show too and be entered for a chance to win some cool prizes. Enjoy a delicious brunch at Aleathea’s Restaurant and play your best game of bingo.
Aleathea’s Restaurant
Cape May, NJ
Cost: $25

Make Your Own Button Party
February 16,1PM – 5PM
Kids and adults alike can have fun at this event, where you can make your very own buttons for your jean jackets, backpacks, or hats. Create your own buttons with your own designs to make special buttons that are as unique as you.
East Side Mags
Montclair, NJ
Cost: $6 per person for 5 buttons

Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.