February is the month of love, and it’s fitting since we love all the FREE things to do this month with the fam. Connect with nature and enjoy some maple syrup at Maple Sugaring in Hopewell Township, try some sweets and take a stroll at the Valentine’s Sweet Stroll in Red Bank, or watch the Kid’s Mini Theater Show featuring Lilly The Mouse at Deptford Mall in Deptford. And for more winter fun, check out everything on our seasonal bucket list. (Featured photo credit: iStock/manonallard)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Tap the Sugar Maples
February 1 at 10 AM
In February, farmers begin the annual work of sap collection and maple syrup production. Visitors can visit the farm to see expert tree tappers for a lesson on tapping a backyard maple tree and making syrup.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Take Your Child To The Library Day
February 1 at 10 AM
Take your child to the library day and drop in for free arts and crafts. Children ages 12 and under will receive a free book while supplies last.
235 32nd Street, Avalon, NJ 08202
Free Robotics Workshop for Kids
February 1 at 10:30 AM
This free hands-on program will introduce children ages 7-14 to the world of robotics. Participants will learn about robotics, coding, and educational experiences. Please bring a laptop for the workshop.
848 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ 08820
2025 Porta Valentine’s Day Pop-up
February 2 at 12 PM
Bring your crew to an afternoon of shopping and visit over 25 local artisans and makers with jewelry, handmade gifts, and clothing.
911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
NJ Camp Fairs at Montclair Art Museum
February 2 at 12 PM
Learn about over 25+ camps in the Essex County Area all in one place. This event will include traditional, specialty, and sleepaway camps for PreK through high school students. Camps will also be looking to hire camp counselors (a great way for teens to secure that summer job). Look out for February events at the Ridgewood Community Center and Morris Museum.
3 Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042
Walking Tour of the Monmouth Battlefield
February 2 at 1:30 PM
Meet the Friends of the Monmouth Battlefield at the Visitor Center and take a free guided afternoon walk through the Monmouth Battlefield. Make sure to dress for hiking.
20 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Wondrous Winter Walk at Manasquan Reservoir
February 5 at 10 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 park in winter.
Environmental Center Parking lot, 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, NJ 07731
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
Valentine’s Sweet Stroll
February 8 at 11 AM
Wear 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 and 12
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 and 22 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
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
Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day
February 15 at 10 AM
Families can ride in a bobsled or hay wagon around the farm. At the farmhouse, there will be soup on the stove and a children’s craft available for a small fee.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Parlor Games for Wintery Weather at Historic Longstreet Farm
February 16 at 12 PM
Head to the farm, where you can play board games from the 1890s called Halma and Basilinda. They will also have classics like Checkers, Backgammon, and Reversi.
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Wondrous Winter Walk at Big Brook Park
February 19 at 10 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 park. Make sure to meet in the lower parking lot.
521 Route 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746
Messy Masterpieces
February 20 at 10 AM
Families can bring their children ages 2-5 to explore their creativity and to make a mess in the library with their art.
6300 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
February Kid’s Mini Theater Show
February 27 at 10 AM, 11 AM and 12 PM
Music, dance, and storytelling all in one place—who could ask for more? Your kids can experience the show Lilly The Mouse based on the children’s book. Register early to reserve a seat—giveaways, snacks, and even photo ops will be available.
Lower Level, JCPenney wing, Deptford Mall, 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
Ramadan Moon Lighting
February 28 at 5 PM
Celebrate the first day of Ramadan. The moon will be lit at sunset and remain lit for the month of Ramadan. Refreshments and kids’ activities will be available for everyone.
Springfield Avenue Gazebo, 1688 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Under the Stars at Dorbrook Recreation Area
February 26 at 7:30 PM
Search in the sky for constellations, and don’t forget to bring a chair to sit in and a flashlight to light your way. Ages 18 and under must be with an adult.
353 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
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