Valentine’s Day is coming, so why not fill the next few weeks with sweet treats, crafts, and memorable things to do with the family? Shop, craft, enjoy delicious baked goods and more at the Valentine’s Craft Market in Woodstown, make Valentine’s Day cards inspired by Historical Valentines at Historical Walnford in Upper Freehold, and celebrate the season of love with a Valentine’s Day Family Walk and Campfire in Roseland. And if you’re lucky enough to carve out some alone time, check out our guide to romantic things for the two of you to do at home or out. Scroll down to make this Valentine’s Day week and weekend fun for the whole family. (featured photo credit:istock/RyanJLane)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Valentine’s Craft Market
February 3 at 10 AM
Bring the whole family for a fun day of shopping, crafting, music, baked goods, and so much more. There will be kids’ activities, and everyone can enter the Squishmallow giveaways happening all day.
Cost: Free
The Blue Moon Theatre, 13 West Avenue, Woodstown, NJ 08098
My Little Man and Me: Valentine’s Day Party
February 3 at 1 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
(908) 527-0400
Just in Time for Valentine’s Day Vendor and Craft Fair
February 4 at 11 AM
Pick up that special gift with over 50 vendors at this fair, which is filled with crafts and activities, door prizes, food and refreshments, a photo booth, and free admission for all.
Cost: Free
Old Bridge High School, 4209 County Road 516, Matawan, NJ 07747
Valentine’s Crafts & Snacks
February 5 at 4:30 PM
Stop by the Cape May County library and enjoy some Valentine’s Day crafts and delicious snacks to celebrate the day of love.
Cost: Free
2050 Tuckahoe Road, Petersburg, NJ 08270
2024 Bell Works Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
February 7 & 10
Head to this pop-up market and find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. There will be handcrafted items, including jewelry, clothing, and more.
Cost: Free
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
February 10 at 12 PM
Don’t have a gift for that special someone yet? Attend this fun event in two locations where you can grab items from local vendors, delicious food, photo stations, a flower bar, kids’ activities, and more.
Cost: Free
The Asbury Hotel, 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Avenue N, Unit C-4, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day
February 10 at 10 AM
Bundle up for a memorable and heartwarming Valentine’s Day ride. Families can ride in a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a team of drafts as you go past a wintery landscape. Back at the farmhouse, stop in for soup on the stove and a children’s craft.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 700 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Historical Valentines
February 11 at 1 PM
It’s the season of love, and what better way to celebrate than by making historical Valentines? You will discover how penmanship has changed as your little ones view letters from the 18th and 19th centuries before creating their own using historically inspired materials.
Cost: Free
Historic Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
The Valentine Plunge
February 10
Brace yourself for fun at the 17th annual Valentine’s plunge—meet up at Manasquan Main Beach and plunge into the icy Atlantic Ocean for a good cause–donations for ALS patients. If you can’t brave the freezing cold ocean, you can come to cheer participants on.
Cost: Free
E Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Asbury Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Market at Porta
February 11 at 12 PM
Need to shop for V-Day gifts? Go local and shop among artisans and makers while indulging in yummy drinks and food at Porta in Asbury Park.
Cost: Free
Porta, 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
After-School Adventure: Won’t You Be My Valentine?
February 13 at 4 PM
Make after-school an adventure and learn about the history of St. Valentine at Liberty Hall Museum. Attendees will make their own Valentine’s Day cards to bring home while enjoying Valentine’s Day stories. This program is designed for students in grades 1st to 5th and includes a snack—reservations are required.
Cost: $10-$12
Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Valentine’s Day Family Cookie Decorating
February 13 at 5:30 PM
Make the day sweet by decorating Valentine’s Day cookies with the whole fam. Cookies and supplies will be provided.
Cost: Free
55 Pemberton Browns Mills Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Valentine’s Day Family Walk & Campfire
February 13 at 6 PM
Take the family out on Valentine’s Day to experience the wonders of forest life at night. You will join a park naturalist for a short walk on the trails and then enjoy a campfire, fire-popped popcorn, and mint tea. Make sure to dress for the weather.
Cost: The fee is $30 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $10 per child and $12
per adult
Essex County Environmental Center, 621b Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
Valentine’s Day Bird Walk
February 14 at 9:30 AM
Bring your love and binoculars to this free guided bird walk at Lorrimer Sanctuary. Learn about beginner techniques for birdwatching and looking for early nesters. This program is entirely outside; please dress appropriately.
Cost: Free
Lorrimer Sanctuary, 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Pier Village Kissing Booth
February 14 at 10 AM
Bring your furry friend and members of your family for fun photos this Valentine’s Day. All photos are free, and walk-ins are welcome.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Teen Nights: Love at Last
February 16 at 6 PM
Get your teens excited for Valentine’s Day at The Newark Museum of Art after dark, when the museum will be closed to the public. Attendees will dance the night away at a silent disco, create art, listen to music, win raffles, enjoy refreshments, and meet new people.
Cost: Free; teens ages 13-18 only
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Valentine’s Critters
February 17 at 10 AM
Have a little one who loves reptiles? Head to this sensory-safe event for everyone, where your kids will have the chance to meet all kinds of reptiles, from turtles to lizards, and create their own reptile-themed Valentine’s cards.
Cost: Free
Bierman Autism Center, 40 Christopher Way, Suite 103, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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