Free Things to Do in NJ in February

Looking for some fun but don’t want to spend too much hard-earned cash? No problem. We found some free things to do in NJ this month. If you’re looking for more fun with your 5-and-under kid, check out these February events especially for preschoolers.

Spend some time at the library

Enjoy a variety of activities with your little ones, from celebrating Mo Willem’s birthday on Feb. 1 at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill to spending time with the Pokémon Club on Feb. 20 at the Warren County Library in Hackettstown. On Feb. 16, your tweens grades 4-6 can get locked in the Bridgewater library (so cool!) and play some games.

Get your Valentine on

Your little loves can celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early at the Warren County Library in Hackettstown on Feb. 2. Play some carnival games, try bowling, pin the tail on the donkey and more. They may have you wrapped around their fingers, but on Feb 3., your 10-and-ups can treat you at a cookie decorating workshop at the Morris County Library in Whippany. Get down on Feb. 10 at the State Museum’s Valentine’s Craft Making Event, where they can make cards, Cupid Arrows, Cheerio heart bird feeders and more. Unwrap a Valentine at the North Plainfield library on Feb. 12  and see what surprise lies under the cover.

Hit an exhibit

It may be cold outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t venture out for some fun. Hit the Princeton University Art Museum Feb. 1-2 for interactive tours and art projects relating to Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Ancient Greece and Egypt. Show the kids works created by budding artists at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge on Feb. 4. Families can drop by the Rubin Museum of Art in NYC on Sundays to participate in family-friendly activities designed for kids ages 3 and up. Head to the Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick on Feb. 4 for interactive workshops that help families spend quality creative time together. Or take your mini-archaeologists to the Rutgers Geology Museum in New Brunswick on Feb. 7 to explore mummies, learn about ancient Egyptian culture and craft. The Staten Island Children’s Museum’s Presidents Day activities celebrate the Winter Olympics. The kids can make medals, then tour the museum with the whole fam, thanks to free admission.

Try your hand at STEM

On Feb. 3, all ages are welcome to try rocket building at the Warren County Library in Hackettstown. On Feb. 24, venture to the Morris County Library in Whippany to explore the world of science with a fun activity (grades 1 and older). Hit EMS STEAM Team Maker Day at the Brownstone Pancake Factory in Edgewater on Feb. 15 for free pancakes and STEAM activities.

Do something outside the box

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned birdwatcher, the family can check out different birds and help scientists collect data on various avian populations at the Plainsboro Preserve in Cranbury during the weekends. Spend some time working with a local charity—Sussex charity Project Help is hosting an “I Love America” poster contest, which will inspire creativity and generosity in your little ones (runs until Feb. 23). Travel to the city (specifically Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden) to honor Presidents Day with a storytime—listen to funny stories about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and make a presidential finger puppet.