Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, which means you might be in need of some unique date night or family ideas. Regardless of who your particular “boo” might be this year (S.O., bestie, mini-me, etc.), planning the right, meaningful activity for celebrating not just them, but more importantly your partnership together, can be a major undertaking. Which is exactly why we’ve rounded 20 Valentine’s Day themed events around New Jersey that are more than your typical candle-lit evening. From a fun chocolate walk and a family date night at an aquarium to a magical masked ball and a family skate night, these 20 unique Valentine-themed happenings are meant to be enjoyed by more than just one sweetheart.
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 20 fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in New Jersey:
Annual Valentine’s Day Plunge in Manasquan
February 2, 12PM
Are you ready to take the plunge? We’re not talking about tying the knot, but rather the 13th Annual Valentine’s Day Plunge in Manasquan. Dubbed “the Ultimate Ice Bucket Challenge”, all donations and proceeds from the fundraiser go towards supporting ALS patients. The event offers options for individual or team registration, or you can be a spectator if jumping into the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean isn’t your thing.
Main Beach in Manasquan, NJ
Cost: free to spectate, please donate
Family Date Night at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
February 8 – 9, 6PM – 9PM
Enjoy a fun-filled evening at the boardwalk by celebrating Valentine’s Day with the whole family. This family date night package includes admission to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, pizza and soda at the Pavilion, vouchers for the arcade, and treats from the Sweet Shop. Forget about “Be Mine” hearts and go for some salt-water taffy instead at the shore.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Cost: $54.95 for package of four
Name a Roach
February 2019
The museum keepers at Insectropolis, the NJ Bugseum, have created a new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s for your special someone or for someone who makes your skin crawl, this year, you can name a hissing cockroach after that person. Call 732-349-7090.
Insectropolis
Toms River, NJ
Cost: $10 email, $15 card
Annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Walk
February 8, 6PM – 9PM
Eat chocolate while getting fit. Kidding, a leisurely stroll arm-in-arm with your sweetheart will be the hardest pace you’ll do as you check out the local businesses in downtown Bordentown and sample sweet treats. For added fun, you’ll receive a “passport” from the Downtown Bordentown Association, which will be stamped by each business as you stop in. Hand over your fully-stamped passport to be entered for a chance to win a gift certificate!
Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505
Cost: $5
Love Letters
February 8 – 10, Fri & Sat 8PM, Sun 2PM
Watch a performance of touching love story with your sweetheart the weekend before Valentine’s Day. This play is about the “near misses” of a relationship through a lifetime of love letters. Watch the love story unfold in front of you and hold your honey tight.
Kelsey Theatre
1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ 08550
Cost: Adults $18, Kids $14
Moms, Malas, & Me Bracelet Workshop
February 9, 12:30PM – 2PM
Enjoy a mommy and me activity making Mala beads during this workshop. The Mala is typically used during meditation, but it can be worn wherever, whenever and many people wear them to be reminded of their intentions, dreams, and goals. Tap into your creative side this V day.
Bee You Kids Yoga Studio
74 Main St., Manasquan, NJ
Cost: $30 mother/daughter pair
Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend
February 9 – 10, 12PM – 5PM
What’s better than a weekend of wine and chocolate to get you in the Valentine’s spirit? The Garden State Wine Growers Association has an entire weekend planned for you and your sweetheart to taste all of NJ’s wineries best wines. Many NJ wineries are participating in the trail, with special tasting events, live music, and special chocolate pairings from local chocolatiers. Take your pic at where you’ll go, you’ll be warm, cozy, full, and there will be plenty of love in the air. Check out the list of participating wineries and events here.
participating NJ wineries
Cost: varies
Student Advisory Board Presents: Failed Love
February 14, 7PM
Bring your sweetheart to a fun art event at Princeton University Art Museum. It’s a night of live music, poetry readings, chocolate, and great art that was inspired by heartbreak. Who knew heartbreak could be so successful and artistic!
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton, NJ 08544
Cost: free
Valentine’s Day Skate
February 14, 6PM – 9PM
For a cool night filled with retro vibes, kick it back old-school and go skating at BBP Valentine’s Day Skate. Fun for the whole family or just for two, this event is the perfect pre-bedtime outing – and what screams “LOVE” more than couple-skating to “The Time of My Life”?
BBP Skating
7th Ave at Clifton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104
Cost: $3 admission, $4 skate rental
A Night of Yoga and Salsa
February 15, 7PM – 9PM
Dance, laugh, and play at this yoga-salsa combination workshop. Bring a friend, bring yourself, or bring a partner to this fun night out for Valentine’s Day. Take Kerry’s hip-opener class and then shake your hips like Shakira with 1 hour of salsa dancing.
Pure Yoga
Toms River, NJ
Cost: $30 per person or $50 per couple
Valentine’s Day Cruise
February 14 – 16
Cruise the New York Harbor with Spirit Cruises. Unmatched views of the city skyline, an organic dinner menu, and DJ entertainment and dancing will sweep you off your feet. Hop aboard now!
Lincoln Harbor Marina
Weehawken, NJ 07086
Cost: from $99 per person
Morristown Cupid’s Chase 5K
February 18, 10AM – 1PM
The Cupid’s Chase 5K supports people with disabilities through their annual fundraiser. Walkers, runners, and rollers alike are all welcome to participate! For those not keen to cold weather, Community Options, Inc. offers a virtual participant option to still support the cause.
Strawbridge Lake
1226 Passmore Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Cost: $30
Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show
February 14, 8PM
Head over to NJPAC for a star-studded stand-up performance that is sure to keep you laughing all night long. Laugh the night away with Michael Blackson, John Witherspoon, Luenell, and Smoky Suarez. Check out all about this lineup here.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
1 Center St., Newark, NJ 07102
Cost: $49 – $99
Date Night at Turtle Back Zoo
February 16, 6PM – 10PM
Get wild at Turtle Back Zoo for an adults-only date night to get you out of any couple’s rut. You’ll learn all about the dating habits and mating rituals of resident animals at the Turtle Back Zoo, while learning about species breeding programs. A buffet-style dinner, complimentary drink, dessert, behind the scenes tour, up-close animal presentation and education program are all included with the purchase of a ticket. A cash bar will also be available.
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
Cost: $55 for single tickets, $100 for couples tickets
Valentine’s Bazaar 2019
February 9, 12PM – 6PM
The third annual Valentine’s Bazaar, hosted by the Asbury Park Bazaar, will feature countless vendors, food, activities, and crafts. Local vendors will sell handmade gifts ranging from art and candles, to accessories and home goods. There will be live music and a kissing “photo” booth.
Convention Hall
1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Cost: Free
Valentine’s Murder Mystery
February 10, 1PM – 4:30PM
This plated dinner has limited seating so sign up as soon as you can. Your team works together to solve the murder mystery, and you can be the victim or the murderer. This event features a choice of Chicken Marsala, Tilapia, or Vegetable Lasagna, two sides, salad, bread, and a complimentary glass of wine. Your partner will receive a rose.
Four Sisters Winery
783 County Route 519, Belvidere, NJ
Cost: $50 per person
That’s A-Moray: Love Below Sea Level
February 14, 7PM – 11PM
Wander the Adventure Aquarium after-hours and be treated to a dreamy experience only for adults at the 4th Annual Valentine’s Event hosted by Center for Aquatic Sciences. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at ocean realm exhibits and learn about the “Wet & Wild” mating habits of your favorite ocean animals. Includes wine or beer, buffet dinner and dessert, and a cash bar. Add a “diver” gram to the night – a message that will be displayed from inside the Ocean Realm!
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Cost: $175 per couple, $150 for members
DIY Valentine’s Day Workshop
February 15, 6PM – 9PM or February 16, 1:15PM – 4:15PM
Get creative with your sweetheart at a DIY Valentine’s Day Workshop, where you’ll make his and hers textured sterling silver band rings. You’ll learn texturing, soldering, clean up, and finish.
EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery and Metals Studio
720 Monroe St., Ste E511, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Cost: $165 per couple
Family DIY Pizza & Doughnuts Night
February 15, 6PM – 7:30PM
Head to Montclair for a fun family event where you’ll stretch pizza dough and add toppings. Then each group gets a box of plain doughnuts to decorate with their favorite toppings and glazes. Each child ticket receives a personal pizza and each adult ticket receives a personal pizza and box of doughnuts.
Montclair Bread Company
16 Label St., Montclair, NJ 07042
Cost: $24-$45
Dinner at The Windlass, Lake Hopatcong
February 14 – 17
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. No doubt this will be the case when you enjoy a decadent Valentine’s Day dinner at the Windlass prepared by their renowned executive chef and culinary team. Prized pianist Annie Abrams will be upping the ambience to another level. As Alan Wolfelt says, “food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” A children’s menu will also be available, making the evening inclusive for your whole family.
The Windlass
45 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Cost: Entrees range from $20 to $40
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:
10 Outdoor Activities To Do in January and February
Top Romantic Getaways in NJ
13 Top Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey
10 Best Ski Resorts for Families
Aquariums around New Jersey
Museums around New Jersey
Lighthouses around New Jersey
Zoos around New Jersey
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