It’s a new month (hello, February!) and a fresh start with a bunch of family-friendly things to do this weekend. Celebrate the beauty of winter with ice sculptures and demonstrations, animal exhibits, music, and fire pits at the Winter Fire & Ice Festival in New Egypt, celebrate the Year of the Snake with a beautiful concert at the 2025 Lunar New Year Gala at American Dream, or join Wally the Woodchuck to see when spring will make an appearance at the Groundhog Day Celebration in Pennington. And for more winter things to do, check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo credit: iStock/Liudmila Cheklova)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
2025 Lunar New Year Gala
January 31 at 2 PM
Bring the whole family and celebrate the Lunar New Year with a beautiful concert that showcases diverse cultural expressions and interpretations of music. You’ll learn about the season’s rich history and vibrant energy through the performances.
Cost: Free
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, United States, New Jersey 07073
My Little Man and Me: Valentine’s Day Party
February 1 at 3 PM
A Valentine’s Day party that celebrates sons, grandsons, and nephews. Enjoy games, crafts, snacks, punch, and a photo booth area while making special memories.
Cost: $5-$30; recommended for ages 4-8.
Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Groundhog Day Celebration
February 1 at 10 AM
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Join Wally the Woodchuck and celebrate winter, learn about groundhogs, enjoy a hike to a groundhog hole, and try your hand at chucking wood.
Cost: $7 for everyone ages 5 and up
Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
National Day of the Mexican Axolotl
February 1 at 1 PM
Have you heard of axolotls? They have become one of the most beloved creatures, mainly due to their unique appearance, which makes them look like they are always smiling. During the day, you can learn more about these cute creatures through special crafts, activities, and chats.
Cost: Free with admission
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Winter Fire & Ice Festival
February 1-2
Celebrate the beauty of winter at this fun event for the whole family. There will be ice sculptures and demonstrations, animal exhibits, music, fire pits, food trucks, and so much more.
Cost: $5 per person; kids 10 and under are free
933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
February 1-2
At this event, you’ll identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. The syrup will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Cost: $6 per person; Pre-registration is required for ages 6 and up.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928
Maple Sugaring at Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge
February 1-2
Take part in a 60-minute outdoor program at the Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the Environmental Center. See how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods from the past and today, and see the boiling process used to make maple syrup.
Cost: $6 per student/senior or $7 per adult
190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
February 2
Make a day of it at this popular nature center, where you can learn how to identify a maple tree, hear about the history of maple sugaring, and see how the technology has changed.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, members are $8, and non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Groundhog Day Hike at Jakes Branch County Park
February 2 at 10 AM
Strap on your sneakers, bundle up and take a Groundhog Day hike. This hike is 3+ miles and easy, making it great for little legs.
Cost: Free
James Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood, NJ 08722
Asbury Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Market at Porta
February 2 at 12 PM
Need to shop for V-Day gifts? Visit Porta in Asbury Park, where you can shop among artisans and makers while enjoying yummy drinks and food.
Cost: Free
Porta, 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Year Of The Snake
February 2 at 2 PM
This beautiful show brings all the cultural elements of the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake to life on stage. You won’t want to miss this event.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Valentines for Veterans
February 2 at 11 AM
What better way to get a head start on Valentine’s Day than by bringing the kids to make Valentine’s Day valentines that will be delivered to the Menlo Park Veterans Home? Supplies will be provided, and it’s a great way to teach kids about giving back.
Cost: $5 suggested donation
951 Lincoln Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
NJ Audubon: Groundhog Day Walk at Hawk Rise in Linden
February 2 at 9 AM
Head out for a morning walk at Hawk Rise Sanctuary, where you will discuss how mammals survive and thrive in the cold winter.
Cost: Free
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, 1811 Lower Road, Linden, NJ 07036
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
