With the chaos of the holidays in the rearview, it’s time for some R&R without the kids. We’ve found ideas that’ll help you get some time for you and your friends or honey this month. Here are 18 ways to squeeze in some kid-free fun this January.
For Foodies
If eating better in 2020 is at the top of your resolution list, you can achieve that goal and have fun at the same time at HCCC’s January Culinary Classes. On the 5th, learn about Ketogenic Healthy Eating and pitch in to prep a tasty low carb meal. On the 11th, try your hand at professional sushi making techniques and sample rice wine at Sushi & Sake. If your resolution is to indulge more in 2020 (treat yourself!), hit Terhune Orchards in Princeton for vino and live tunes on Sundays through March 15. The Winery Sunday Music Series brings wine, cheese platters and entertainment to the Wine Barn and courtyard. On the 25th, things are getting extra cheesy at the Morristown Armory. Score tix to Mac + Cheese Mayhem for samples from local chefs and restos that are competing for the Mac Daddy Award. There will also be beer, wine and sangria to pair with all that cheesy goodness. Also on the January 25th is another Dinner Detective murder mystery in Fort Lee. You’ll be served hors d’oeuvres, salad, an entree and dessert while you figure out the scandalous whodunnit.
For Crafters
Calling all DIYers! Yaymaker has tons of projects to tackle without the kids. Roll your sleeves up for these activities around the state. On January 4, head to Plant Nite at The Rock Bar & Grill in Clifton to make a succulent terrarium with a three-section wooden planter. On the 19th at Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub in New Brunswick, flex your skills at Paint Nite: Jewel of Paris. On the 23rd at J.J. Bitting Brewing Co. in Woodridge, work with small pieces of tile to Make a Mosaic. Hit the Hunterdon County Arboretum in Lebanon on January 15 for a special project. Learn to make a round tension tray using vines or reeds at the Tension Tray Basketry Workshop.
Bring on the Music
On January 4 and 11, see lights and colors come alive on the dome of the RVCC Planetarium in Branchburg at Laser Beatles. Bop along to hits like “Twist and Shout” and “Get Back,” then on January 26, see the Classical Mystery Tour: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at NJPAC in Newark. On the 18th and 25th at RVCC, see the same laser show to different tunes like “Money” and “Comfortably Numb” at the Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert. Head to SOPAC in South Orange on January 10 to see the Afro-Cuban All Stars take the stage, a big band famous for everything from rumba to bolero to cha-cha. If Mondays at your house are all about Dancing with the Stars, see the live show on January 19 at New Brunswick’s State Theatre and watch world-renowned dancers dominate everything from the foxtrot to salsa.
Quintessential Date Nights
If your ideal date night is dinner and a movie, grab a bite and see the original Rocky, on the big screen all over again in Union on January 10. It’s part of UCPAC’s Classic Film Series. If dancing is your idea of the perfect night out, hit Belleville through January 28 for Super Swing Tuesdays, where you’ll learn plenty of steps from West Coast Swing. Through February 2, be dazzled by the Vernon Lights Festival in Glenwood Lake Art Park. Marvel at stunning light and lantern displays, take in live performances and grab a bite at a food truck. Head there without the kids, or bring them along.
What’s your fave way to squeeze in me time without the kids? Tell us in the comments.
