February is filled with love. Whether you’re waiting on the groundhog’s prediction for spring, placing your bets for the Super Bowl, making plans for Valentine’s Day or learning about our past during Black History Month, there are plenty of ways to spend your days without spending a dime.
February 2
Black History Month Festival
Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville
Shop from art vendors and clothing vendors, listen to music and have some food with members of the school’s RVille Black Culture Club.
Darwin Late Night
Rutgers Geology Museum, New Brunswick
This free event will include evolution-themed activities and crafts for all ages. Kids 8+ can make their own science-based arts and crafts and take part in other activities.
February 3 – 5
Deep Cut Orchid Society Show
Dearborn Market, Holmdel
Friday – Sunday
A weekend of exhibits, speakers, tours and orchids to view or purchase will add some beauty to this cold winter.
Saturdays in February
Legends of the Night Sky: Orion
Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium, Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Explore the myths and legends of one of the most visible constellations in the winter night sky: Orion, the Hunter. This fun-filled, animated production based on Greek mythology is great for kids 6 and up.
Experience the Aurora
Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium, Newark Museum of Art, Newark
See nature’s most stunning light show as the winter sky comes to life before your eyes. This immersive show, filmed over the course of seven months in the Arctic Circle, features spectacular views of the northern lights and examines the science behind it. Great for kids 12 and older.
February 4
Flower Power Flea Market
Main Street, Butler
North Jersey artists, businesses and organizations will come together for this first-ever pop-up event in collaboration with Zink Modern Tattooing. Shop custom accessories, home goods, handmade jewelry, art, ceramics and vegan baked goods.
February 4 – 5
Patcong Valley Model Railroad Open Houses
Patcong Valley Model Railroad, Richland
During the open house events, take in all the sights and sounds of the model railroad exhibits. You can also choose a seek-and-find puzzle, ranging from easy to hard.
Sundays in February
Winter Market
Convent Train Station, Morris Twp.
Grow it Green Morristown holds a winter farmers market every Sunday through April. There are selections of fresh locally grown produce and microgreens, farm raised meat and eggs, seafood, fresh baked goods, artisan bread and cheese, mushrooms, honey, syrups, sauces, seasonal items, specialty ethnic items, prepared food and probiotic drinks. There will be food trucks on site, plus wares by local artisans.
Family Sundays at the Nature Center
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton Twp.
Each weekend will have a different theme, including sharing stories by the fireside, taking care of some animals and making nature crafts.
Candlemas Family Drop-In Event
Indian King Tavern Museum, Haddonfield
Visit the museum to learn how French and other European ancestors celebrated Candlemas, which is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. There will be activity stations set up throughout the museum for families.
February 5
Was Molly Pitcher From Allentown?
Crossroads Youth Center, Allentown
The iconic vision of Molly Pitcher at the Battle Monmouth has been shared with history students for generations. Although part of Revolutionary War lore, questions about Molly abound: Who was she? Where did she come from? Is the story we’ve all been told true? Resident historian John Fabiano will delve into the legend of Molly Pitcher.
February 8
Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Makers Market Series
Bell Works, Holmdel
You’ll find a wide selection of handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artisans. From jewelry and pottery to candles and artisanal foods, you’ll be shopping ‘til you drop in a cozy atmosphere with live music. The dates this year are Feb. 8 and 11.
February 11
Year of the Rabbit Celebration
Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan
Celebrate Lunar New Year with food samplings from local restaurants, a Lion Dance, a Kung Fu demo and arts and crafts.
Valentine Plunge
Main Beach, Manasquan
Watch as “Plungers” dive into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean in an effort to raise awareness of and money for ALS. If you feel so inclined, get a team together and join the party! If you prefer to stay bundled up you can watch from the sand.
Valentine’s Bazaar
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall and The Asbury, Asbury Park
Celebrate ahead of Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day by shopping and strolling along the boardwalk. There will be lots of vendors selling the perfect gift for your sweetheart. Bring a date, your friends or your kids for a lovely day by the beach.
Valentine’s Day Paper Crafts
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts Education Annex, Madison
Join Fairy Art Mother Shari Seltzer and create Valentine’s Day handmade valentines from vintage and everyday materials that capture the spirit of friendship. This activity is appropriate for students currently attending kindergarten through fifth grade.
Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Grab your love and take a romantic spin in a two-seater sleigh or carriage pulled by a team of light workhorses. Or families can ride in a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a handsome team of drafts. At the farmhouse there will be soup on the stove, plus kids can make a Valentine’s Day card.
A Place for All Seasons
Sunset Beach, Cape May
This monthly walk includes birding opportunities. Part of the world-famous Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, the area is home to sparrows, warblers, hawks and waterbirds. You’ll also explore nearby areas including the Magnesite Plant, Davey’s Lake and Pond Creek Marsh.
Renew Your Vows
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend by saying “I do” all over again! Brides will receive a carnation and grooms will get to sample some Chocolate Therapy wine.
Go RED Fashion Show
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Heart disease survivors and healthcare practitioners will wear various outfits in red during this fashion show, which will bring attention to the importance of heart disease screenings, especially for women. Listen to guest speakers and listen to music from an electro-violinist.
Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Makers Market Series
Bell Works, Holmdel
You’ll find a wide selection of handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artisans. From jewelry and pottery to candles and artisanal foods, you’ll be shopping ‘til you drop in a cozy atmosphere with live music. The dates this year are Feb. 8 and 11.
Valentines For Nature
Have you ever worried about the animals during the cold, winter months? Have you ever wished you could provide them with a warm space that wasn’t your living room? Join the Mercer County Park Naturalist in creating animal shelters. These shelters will be made from natural materials and will be taken home to be placed in your backyards.
Valentine’s Skating in Summit
Elm Street Parking Lot/Village Green, Summit
Grab the kids’ skates and take them down to the Village Green for skating, music, a bonfire, a Valentine’s craft table and chocolate-covered strawberry making.
Hispanic Heritage Expo
Y&F Pop Up Events, New Milford
Local Hispanic-owned businesses will showcase their wares, such as food, desserts, crafts and apparel. Kids can get their face painted, too.
February 12
Historical Valentines
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
February is the season of love! Discover how penmanship has changed as you view letters and valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries. Create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials. This project is for kids 10 and up.
Fresh Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Makers Market Series
Porta, Asbury Park
You’ll find a wide selection of handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artisans. From jewelry and pottery to candles and artisanal foods, you’ll be shopping ‘til you drop in a cozy atmosphere with live music.
Black and Native American Troops at the Battle of Monmouth
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 16 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan
Learn about the roles Black and Native American soldiers played in the Battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War.
February 12 – 14
Valentine’s Day With the Animals
Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
Kids 12 and under will receive free admission when they bring in a handmade valentine for one of the resident animals.
February 14
Valentine’s Day Bird Walk
Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes
Grab your lovebird and enjoy a walk through the forest. This free guided walk will include beginner techniques for finding early nesters. Bring your own binoculars.
Afterschool Adventures: Won’t You Be My Valentine?
Liberty Hall Museum, Union
Drop off the kids and they’ll learn the history of St. Valentine. They will make their own valentines cards to bring home while listening to a favorite Valentine’s Day story. The program is designed for students in grades 1-5 and includes a snack.
Valentine’s Day Family Walk & Campfire
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland
Join a Park Naturalist for a short walk on the trails to experience forest life at night. After, you’ll sit by the campfire and share fire-popped popcorn and mint tea.
February 17
Teen Nights: Valentine
The Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Teens will dance during a silent disco. During Teen Nights, they also create art, listen to music, capture the moment in a photo booth, dance, win raffles, enjoy refreshments and meet new people.
February 18
The Great Backyard Bird Count
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
There will be two sessions held today to count birds on the property so that data can be used by scientists to determine bird populations around the world. Your kids in grades 6-9 can come earlier, while anyone is welcome to join the afternoon count.
South Jersey Health and Wellness Expo
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
Join The Sun Newspapers and learn how to live a healthier life. This event will provide information, resources and interactive activities for people of all ages.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
You’ll learn how you can be part of a citizen science project that counts birds in the wild, and how to apply what you learn to your own backyard the next day. Loaner binoculars will be available so you can count the birds at the Scherman Hoffman feeders.
Black History Month Reading Event
McDonald’s, Neptune City
Bring your kids to hear books read by Black authors, teachers, police officers, principals and nurses. They will also be giving out 50 tote bags, books and Happy Meal cards.
February 19
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Make sure the kids are wearing sturdy shoes and pack a light backpack for this easy hike through the beautiful woodlands of the gardens.
February 26
Owls of New Jersey
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society will offer an indoor presentation on these fascinating and important raptors, touching on the many different species that inhabit the region. However, there will be no live birds shown during the presentation. But it’s still a great way to learn what to spot in the woods!
Day of Games
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
You and the kids can compete in a Spelling Bee, Monopoly, Hangman, Connect Four, bingo and other fun family games.
Frost Fest
Downtown Princeton, Princeton
The “nICEst” festival in the area includes “glice” skating, shopping, entertainment, ice carvings, a deejay, caricature drawings, an igloo-themed photo booth and more winter activities.
The outdoors are a beautiful place to spend the winter. Maple sugaring events take place around the state. Or rent some equipment and try your hand (and feet!) at snowshoeing.