Groundhog Day Events, Books, Crafts, and More

groundhogDid you know that in Alaska they observe Marmot Day instead of Groundhog Day? And did you know that all groundhogs are marmots, but not all marmots are groundhogs? Learn all sorts of interesting facts about groundhogs, work on groundhog-themed arts and crafts, or go searching for a real-life groundhog at these Groundhog Day celebrations in New Jersey.

And don't forget to check out our Pinterest board, highlighting some cool groundhog-themed songs, games, books, crafts, and more that we've spotted around the web. (Not on Pinterest? Send us your email if you'd like us to send you an invitation!)

Crafts for Kids

All Lakeshore Learning Stores
Locations in East Brunswick, Hackensack, and Cherry Hill, NJ
Saturday, January 28

Every Saturday, Lakeshore Learning offers free crafts for kids at all of their locations. This Saturday, kids will enjoy the changing seasons and have fun making and playing with a cute-as-can-be groundhog puppet!

Groundhog Day

Barnes and Noble
Hamilton, NJ
Tuesday, January 31 at 10:30 am and Friday, February 3 at 6:30 pm

Celebrate Groundhog Day by reading Gregory's Shadow, the whimsical tale of a groundhog who thinks he's being followed by a shadow.

Pre-Groundhog Day

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
Madison, NJ
Wednesday, February 1

Pop-up to the museum to celebrate Groundhog Day with an afternoon of groundhog-themed activities.

Groundhog Day

Turtle Back Zoo
West Orange, NJ
Thursday, February 2

Did you ever wonder where and how the Groundhog Day tradition got started? What do a badger and a hedgehog have to do with it? Will Turtle Back Zoo’s groundhog, Essex Ed, see his shadow this year? Hear the prediction and join in the activities which include crafts, coloring, and more.

Groundhog Day

Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton, NJ
Thursday, February 2

Will you see a shadow? Find out at Grounds For Sculpture’s seventh annual Groundhog Day celebration! In addition to a musical performance, this day-long event features educational tours of the sculpture park, groundhog-inspired workshops, kinetic movement workshops, and storytelling. Hot chocolate and cookies to all who brave the cold and venture out into the park in search of Art, the Grounds For Sculpture Groundhog! Rain or shine.

Groundhogs Galore

Environmental Education Center
Basking Ridge, NJ
Thursday, February 2

Groundhogs are fascinating creatures surrounded with lots of folklore. Through activities, crafts, and stories your child will learn about these cute harbingers of spring.

RRA's 1st Annual Groundhog Day

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Summit, NJ
Thursday, February 2

This year, Reeves-Reed Arboretum is celebrating Groundhog Day, but they need your help! The Arboretum’s groundhog needs a name. E-mail your suggestion to info@reeves-reedarboretum.org. The winning name will be announced at the Groundhog Day celebration on Thursday, February 2 at 10 am. Participants will head outside to see whether the groundhog sees his shadow and learn about this furry animal and the beginnings of this tradition.

Groundhog Day Celebration

Stony Brook Watershed Association
Pennington, NJ
Saturday, February 4

Celebrate Groundhog Day at the Watershed Reserve by visiting several groundhog burrows and learning about the natural history of these furry weather forecasters. If the weather allows, there will be a game about hibernation.

What kinds of Groundhog Day activities will your family take part in this year in NJ? Do you think we'll have six more weeks of winter?

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