Winter is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still have a few chilly activities up our sleeves. Enjoy spending time with your little ones this weekend getting lost in the magic of the New Jersey Flower & Garden Show in Edison, learning about the fuzzy Arctic creatures at International Polar Bear Day at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, or opening a time capsule at Bloomingdale’s 100th Anniversary Winter Celebration, plus so many more kid-friendly things to do around New Jersey this weekend.
While you’re out and about in New Jersey, be sure to tag #NJMOM and @njmom, and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 15 Things To Do This Weekend in NJ:
1. New Jersey Flower and Garden Show
Thursday, February 22 – Sunday, February 25, 2018 | Thursday 1:00PM to 8:00PM, Friday & Saturday 10:00AM to 8:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Better Homes and Garden, right this way. Get lost in the magic of the 16th annual New Jersey Flower & Garden Show. This four-day flower show, themed “Magical Adventures,” at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center will showcase hundreds of colorful exhibits judged by nationally-accredited judges. Eight clever displays may inspire your own springtime garden, ranging from Alice in Wonderland and Disney resort-themed gardens to The Jungle Book adventures and Coco’s Land of the Dead. (Don’t forget to head over to the Moana-inspired island gardens – there’s a tiki bar with adult refreshments and a “volcano” in the water display!)
Sunday’s itinerary features a special children’s storytime and activity for ages 5 and older. There will be a reading of children’s book “The Saved Seed” by Brenda Moore. Your child will also learn where seeds actually come from by examining various fruits. From 1:00PM to 2:00PM your child will plant seeds in a paper container that they can take home and watch grow. Event registration is from 12:00PM to 12:45PM on Sunday. Seats are limited and you can sign-up at the youth section of the Garden Club.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, New Jersey 08837
Cost: $8 Kids/Teens ($15 at the Door), $15 Adult ($25 at the Door)
Tickets can be purchased here
2. Family Fitness with the Fishes – Pound Workout
Friday, February 23, 2018 | 5:00PM to 7:00PM
Forget about yoga and Zumba and instead try something new: POUND. POUND is a cardio jam session inspired by playing the drums using lightly weighted drumsticks… you become the music! From 5:00PM to 6:00PM enjoy Jenkinson’s Aquarium all to yourself, then get ready for a fun hour of Family Fitness with the Fishes. It’ll be heart-pumping dance fun – surely an alternative kind of workout vibe that your family will love!
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742
Cost: $10 Child, $20 Adult
Please call 732-899-1659 to register. Please bring your own yoga mats and drinking water.
3. Polar Bear Plunge Seaside Heights
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 12:00PM to 2:00PM
What is life if you don’t do more than just dip your toes in the water? Take the plunge – in the Atlantic Ocean, that is. By doing so, you are helping to support Special Olympics New Jersey and its 25,000 athletes statewide. All funds raised go towards programming, year-round sports training, and events for the organization. Check-in opens at 9:00AM and the plunge is at 1:00PM.
Seaside Heights
50 Blaine Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Cost: $25 Registration Fee
Click here to register
4. The Morristown Armory Antiques Show
Saturday, February 24 & Sunday, February 25, 2018 | Saturday 10:00AM to 6:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM to 5:00PM
If antiques-hunting is your thing, then The Morristown Armory Antiques Show will be up your alley. Over a hundred booths to browse containing American, European and Asian furniture, silver, paintings, pottery, porcelain, bronzes, kimonos, timepieces, scientific instruments, trunks, Victorian glass… well, we’ll just let you discover all the treasures – the possibilities are endless at this antiques show!
The Morristown Armory
430 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Cost: Free for Kids 11 & Under, $10 General Admission
Get $2 off admission when you print and present this coupon
5. Laurita Winery Mardi Gras Celebration
Saturday, February 24 – Sunday, February 25, 2018 | Saturday 12:00PM to 9:00PM,
Sunday 12:00PM to 7:00PM
If Bourbon Street is too far away for you, head no further than Laurita Winery for a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration. Break out your wildest costumes, masks, and dancing shoes because the upbeat music and lively atmosphere at this event will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to NOLA. Then take a break and enjoy Laurita’s award-winning wines paired with Cajun-inspired dishes and other tasty delectables at The Marketplace.
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, New Jersey 08533
Cost: Free
6. Skating with Rapunzel & Belle
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 1:40PM to 3:10PM
Didn’t know Princesses could skate? We didn’t either. Come open-skate with Rapunzel and Belle at Ocean Ice Palace this weekend and find out if these beloved princesses can jam with the rest of us. Raffles, face painting, and a lot of photo opportunities with the belles of the ball – or should we say, the rink?
Ocean Ice Palace
197 Chambersbridge Rd, Brick Township, New Jersey 08723
Cost: $8 Child, $4 skate rental
7. Bloomingdale 100th Anniversary Winter Celebration
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 2:00PM to 4:00PM
We think 100 years of anything is generally a pretty big deal, but when it’s a town’s centennial celebration, “go big or go home” is totally appropriate. Join the borough of Bloomingdale for its 100th Anniversary Winter Celebration with a day of ceremonial activities headlined by the big revealing of the 50th and 75th-time capsules, followed by performances from American Legion Color Guard, Walter T. Bergen school band, Cornet band, reading of the town poem, and historical exhibits. Fun winter activities include horse & carriage rides, a B.Y.O.S. open ice skating rink (Bring Your Own Skates), live entertainment, hot cocoa, and s’mores pit.
Sloan Park
Bloomingdale, NJ 07403
Cost: Free
8. International Polar Bear Day
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Every habitat has its own king, and the polar bear is King of the North. Join Jenkinson’s Aquarium on International Polar Bear Day to learn more about these fuzzy Arctic creatures, what threatens their habitat (climate change is not fake news!), and the simple, surprising steps everyone can take (like lowering your thermostat) to ensure their survival. Educational displays, activities, and crafts will be available.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742
Cost: $8 Child (Ages 3-12), $14 Adult
9. Maple Sugaring Fest
Sunday, February 25, 2018 | 1:00PM to 4:00PM (Rain/Snow Date Sunday, March 4)
We’ll be savoring the sweetness of the weekend at Reeves Reed Arboretum – literally, because at Maple Sugaring Fest you will have hands-on opportunities to learn how to tap maple trees, turn sap into maple syrup, and taste-test different ones. An aptly named scavenger hunt, “Maple Syrup Challenge,” will entertain families, along with cooking demos, games, and hot cocoa. Be sure to wear boots and dress for the winter weather!
Reeves Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Cost: Maple Sugaring Fest is FREE for RRA Members and children under 3. The cost for Non-Members is $5 per person, $25 maximum per family.
10. Dr. Seuss Read and Play Day
Sunday, February 25, 2018 | 9:00AM to 11:00AM
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Celebrate America’s favorite kid’s book author with a reading and roller-skating party at ISC Cherry Hill. Free admission includes a Read & Roll free skating pass, access to FunZone, a special snack, and a Dr. Seuss book reading. For kids 10 and under.
ISC – Cherry Hill
650 Kresson Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-1404, United States
Cost: $8 Child
11. Jersey City Spring Sports Expo
Sunday, February 24, 2018 | 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Need a reason to get your sporty self on? Come join us at the Jersey City Armory and try out dozens of sports all under one roof – convenient, right? From baseball and soccer to hockey and lacrosse, you’re sure to get warmed up for the spring season. This event is popular and will fill up to capacity, so make sure you send your RSVP email to ecupo@jcnj.org.
Jersey City Armory
678 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ
12. Dine Out Westfield
Sunday, February 25 – Thursday, March 8, 2018 | Times vary by location, please click here to view times and locations
Calling all real-life and Instagram foodies – Dine Out Westfield is here. From February 25 through March 8, close to 25 of the city’s best restaurants are offering prix-fixe lunches and dinners for special prices. You will have nearly two weeks to experience as many menus as you can, ranging from Thai and taqueria to American casual comfort and Cuban cuisines. Be sure to check out the published menus beforehand to find a restaurant that suits your family’s appetite and budget – and remember, wine and liquor options vary by restaurant. (NJMOM pro tip: local liquor store NosVino will deliver wine bottles tableside to those who order in advance!) Do it for the ‘gram and hit up as many of these as you can while hashtagging #dineoutwestfield.
Westfield, NJ
Click here to view participating restaurants, menus, and pricing
13. Dr. Seuss Party at Deptford Skating Center
Sunday, February 25, 2018 | 9:30AM to 11:30AM
What do Dr. Seuss and roller skating have in common? The Dr. Seuss party at Deptford Skating Center, that’s what! While it may be a stretch, it’s not unbelievable when we say that this kids’ party will be one for the books. Free admission includes free skate, a Dr. Seuss book reading, and birthday cake. There is an additional $3 fee for admission to the Funzone & inflatable houses.
Deptford Skating Center
510 Deptford Ave, Westville, New Jersey 08093
Cost: Free, $4.65 Skate Rental
14. Frozen Ball
Sunday, February 25, 2018 | 1:00PM to 3:00PM
Liberty Hall has been “Frozen” over by Queen Elsa and her icy powers! This Frozen-themed event includes plenty of craft-making, themed games, and a delicious hot chocolate sweet treat bar. A special guest will also make an appearance (we’re betting it will be one of the icy duo), so come dressed as your favorite Frozen character! Recommended for ages 3 to10.
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave, Union, New Jersey 07083
Cost: $25 Child & One Adult, $5 Additional Adult
Tickets can be purchased here click here to purchase tickets
15. Jersey Shore Toy Show
Sunday, February 25, 2018 | 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Calling all vintage toy enthusiasts! Take a trip down memory lane and pick up some of your favorite toys from yesteryears at the Jersey Shore’s newest Toy Show featuring 75+ tables of vintage and modern toys, comic books, video games, pop culture inspired art, crafts, 3-D printed items, action figures, diecast cars and trucks, dolls, Marvel Superheroes, GI Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hot Wheels, Barbie, LEGO, and so much more.
South Wall Fire Company Banquet Hall
2605 Atlantic Ave, Manasquan, New Jersey 08736
Cost: Free admission with online ticket here.
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- 50 Free Family-Friendly Events in NJ
- Top 12 Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey
- Best Ski Resorts in NJ
- 25 {Must Know} Kid-Friendly Landmarks in NJ
- Museums in North, Central, & South NJ
- Aquariums in NJ
- 20 Family Friendly Hiking Trails in NJ
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Plan ahead by checking NJ Mom’s 60+ Things to Do in New Jersey
- Free Museum Days in NJ (the first weekend of each month)
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
