We found 65+ fun and educational things to do with your crew this weekend!
WEEKEND
NJ Slavery and The Underground Railroad
Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, Lawrence Twp.
Thursday
In honor of Black History Month, amateur historian Richard Moody will talk about slavery and the Underground Railroad in New Jersey, including the origins of the slave trade, the Middle Passage, and the abolition of slavery. He’ll talk about safe houses used to help slaves escape in NJ, including those led by Harriet Tubman and William Still.
Kids Week
The Intrepid, New York, NY
Thursday – Saturday
There’s a full itinerary packed with fun STEAM activities, NASA displays and exhibits, hands-on workshops, performances, live animals, special guests and interactive demos.
A Sinner’s Love Affair: Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Bar
Sinner’s Seafood & Steakhouse, Point Pleasant Beach
Thursday – Sunday
There will be Valentine’s Day-themed decorations, signature holiday cocktails and festive desserts for Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day.
Kiss & Tell Pop-Up Bar
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
This Valentine’s Day pop-up bar will be fully decorated, with special desserts and Cupid-approved cocktails (and mocktails). Good for Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day or a family outing after visiting the arcade – especially since one of the desserts is a take on the Dubai chocolate craze!
Lunar New Year
American Dream, East Rutherford
Select dates, through Sunday
Parts of the celebration include traditional lion dances, live bands, dance showcases, a youth talent competition, a photography competition, a student and teacher piano concert, a lighting of the Dream Wheel, a spring festival gala, and then the ultimate Lunar New Year Spectacular.
Jersey Art Book Fair
Friday and Saturday at Mana Contemporary, Jersey City
Saturday and Sunday at Project 14C, Jersey City
There will be 200 exhibitors, workshops, demos, readings, exhibits, parties, panels and performances based on your love of reading.
Mardi Gras Celebration
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Live New Orleans-style bands will perform music, and traditional New Orleans-style food will be served.
Maple Sugaring Demos
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Chatham
Saturday – Sunday
Learn to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. You’ll finish with a taste test of what you made.
Mystic Pizza
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
Select dates, through Sunday
Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, the musical is about three working-class girls who navigate life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint.
FRIDAY
Dad’s Daughter Dance
VFW, Sayreville
Grab all your daughters, granddaughters, nieces or family friends and dance the night away.
Little Farm Friends Feeding Day
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Kids ages 2-5 can learn about what animals eat while feeding them firsthand.
Swiftie Cookie Class
Coney Waffle Test Kitchen, Belmar
Kids ages 8 to 12 who love Taylor Swift, love baking and love cookies can come to the famous ice cream waffle sandwich shop to decorate sweet treats while jamming out to her music.
Maple Sugaring
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Learn the process of maple sugaring on February 21, and then try your hand at it. Come back for the huge Maple Sugaring Fest on March 2, where you can sample the fruits (or sap) of your labor.
Dry Ice Discovery
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
The science experiments during this show show how dry ice, a solid that does not melt into a liquid but instead changes directly into a gas, can be used for tricks.
Nimbus Dance
Bickford Theatre at Morris Museum, Morristown
Morris Knolls High School students will join Nimbus’ dancers in “Roseification.” The program includes several performances of music by New Jersey composer Paquito D’Rivera and iconic Jazz songstresses Nancy Wilson and Nina Simone.
SATURDAY
George Washington’s 293rd Birthday
Rockingham State Historic Site, Kingston/Franklin Twp.
It’s a birthday party fit for a president! There will be special trivia tours (which are back after a 5-year hiatus), followed by birthday treats.
Escape the Museum
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Families will be “locked” in the rooms of the historic house with a mission to solve before time runs out. Room themes are Alice in Wonderland, a zombie apocalypse, a pirate ship, and a haunted library.
Maple Sugaring
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Help farmers collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and taste whole wheat pancakes. There will be tree-tapping demos so you can learn how to do this at home.
February Fun Fest Fundraiser
Summit Elks Lodge, Summit
Bring the family for a night of music, dancing, food and games to benefit the Cancer Research Institute.
Skunk Cabbage Search
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Boonton
A naturalist will take kids ages 5-12 through the park to find skunk cabbage, which you’ll be able to see – and smell! Parents can stay or drop off their kids.
The Gazillion Bubble Show
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
The show is more than just fun – yes, there are thousands of bubbles, but there are also lessons in STEM based on tension, light and geometry.
Playdate at Princeton Playspace
Princeton Playspace, Princeton
Families with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years are welcome to hang out in the cafe, play in the jungle gym, build at the construction site, chug along at the train table, read under the tree, and play in the Mini Princeton town.
Rockin’ Good Time Sock Hop
St. Gregory the Great Church, Hamilton Twp.
The dinner dance will include Italian food, DJ music and raffles. Proceeds benefit The Joy of Sox, providing socks to the homeless in the Trenton area.
Book Making Workshop
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Teens and adults will learn how to create their own “squash” book or “explosion” book. When finished, it folds flat and ties shut, but when opened, it unfolds in several directions.
Winter Trail Walk
Cranbury Preserve, Plainsboro
Bundle up the kids for a walk along the Orange Trail, where they will take in the beauty of the park and look for animals.
Polar Bear Plunge
Seaside Heights
Plungers who brave the cold air and ocean temps this weekend will support Special Olympics New Jersey.
Mission Dance Band
The American Hotel, Freehold
Known for its Jersey Shore performances, the band comes to Monmouth County for a night of singing and dancing on the dance floor.
Bilingual Birdies: Latin Adventure
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Young children will learn Spanish through singing and dancing led by Latin musicians and puppeteers. They will jump, clap, spin and laugh in this bilingual performance.
Today is National Margarita Day. Check out some fun spots in NJ to get one on the rocks or frozen, fruity or spicy.
SUNDAY
Highlands Chili Cook-Off
Saltwater Social, Highlands
Vote for your favorite chili cooked by professionals and amateurs in two contests. There will also be performances by bagpipe bands and Daly’s Irish Dancers.
Sensory-Friendly Screening: Paddington in Peru
The Clairidge, Montclair
Watch the movie with relaxed, soft lighting; moderated and lower volume; a limited number of trailers shown before the film; open captioning; and the freedom to move around as needed.
Who Needs a Conductor?
Mt. Pleasant Middle School, Livingston
The free family concert will include music from Bach, Beethoven, Bernstein and Copland while discussing the role of a conductor in a performance.
Maple Sap Collection
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
Meet at the playground to start a five- to ten-minute walk to the sugar bush, where you will help collect sap for sugaring.
Project Prom Shop Event
Bordentown Armory, Bordentown
Military families can check out a collection of gently used formal dresses and gowns for prom, at no cost.
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party
The Yvette Dance Studio, Cranford
During the tea and cookie party, you’ll get to take pictures with Alice and her friends. Presented by Moving Youth Dance Company.
Último Domingo: Carnival
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) celebrates Latinx culture for the bilingual community. You can check out the exhibitions, create art, and enjoy interactive performances.
Liberty State Park Loop Walk
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
You’ll walk through the Caven Point bird sanctuary after starting your trek at the Central Railroad of NJ Terminal, across from the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.
Family Day
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Visit an over-200-year-old home and hear the stories of everyone who lived there. The day will feature drop-in activities, crafts and storytime for all ages. The themes will explore Black History Month and Presidents Day. You’ll also get access to the museum.
Washington’s Birthday
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
The Tricorne Dance Ensemble will celebrate General George Washington through song and dance as a band plays the fiddle and hammered dulcimer. You can see some of the Washington collection, as well as artifacts from the Revolutionary War. Interpreters will prepare herb-crusted beef on a spit, cherry pie, marzipan fruits, and syllabub using 18th-century recipes. Re-enactors from the 3rd New Jersey Greys will demo military life. Test your knowledge on a Washington-themed scavenger hunt.
Indoor 5K
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
The mall will be transformed into a race course, as you take seven laps around Level 2 to try and secure prizes.
Nerd Fest
Holiday Inn, Swedesboro
Nerd Fest is a collectibles festival celebrating comic books, trading cards, toys and crafts. There will be artists, writers and costume groups.
Roaming Magician Magical Matt
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Magical Matt is a close-up strolling magician who will perform sleight of hand, card tricks, mentalism and coin magic.
ONGOING
Nature Game Nights
Last Friday of every month
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Inside the nature center, choose from nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring your own from home.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
First Sunday of every month
This fun, informal program is designed for kids of all ages to explore their artistic side while making exciting crafts. Each session features a new theme or project, from painting and paper crafts to seasonal decorations and more.
Galentine’s Day Tea
The Mathis House, Toms River
Wednesdays – Sundays in February
There are two seatings inside the beautiful Victorian house, where you can have afternoon tea along with a five-course meal. Tours are offered daily, and there is live music on the weekends.
Maple Sugaring
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Select dates, February and March
The traditional maple sugaring program includes a short winter tree walk, an evaporator lesson and syrup tasting.
Journey Back to the ’80s
February 21 at Mill Ballet School, New Hope, PA
March 1 at Monmouth University Theater, Long Branch
March 5 at Music Mountain Theater, Lambertville
Doylestown, PA-based tribute band GruvTyme puts on a 1980s pop/rock music and dance extravaganza featuring ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, contemporary and social dances performed by Roxey Ballet. Songs are from Flashdance, Jenny Jenny, Tainted Love, Walk Like an Egyptian, Billy Jean, Like A Prayer, Footloose, and more.
Mermaid Experience
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Fridays – Sundays, February 21 to March 16
Watch as beautiful mermaids swim through the shark tank, ask for a photo as she sits on her clamshell throne, and make an ocean-themed bracelet to take home.
Sugar Shack Tours
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
February 22-23; March 1-2, 15-16, 22-23
Happy Day reopens in the early spring for its maple sugaring event. Help Farmer Tim tap the trees the “old-fashioned way.” You’ll take a tractor ride around the 130-acre property before arriving at Olivia’s Sugar Shack to help with the process. Feed the farm animals, too!
Let’s Get Growing
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
February 22, March 15, March 29
The gardening program has workshops for kids ages 5-10 on topics like vegetable gardening, helpful bugs and crafting.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Fridays, through February 28
Skate on Fridays, but remember if it’s raining or the temperature is below 35 degrees, the rink will be closed.
Bank of America Winter Village
The Rink, Bank of America at Bryant Park, New York, NY
Through March 1
You can reserve a time to bump, slide and spin with friends and family on the ice. The ice skating rink is open (for free!) as well as the Curling Cafe and igloo rentals. Plus, there is a special Valentine’s Day setup with rosy igloos you can rent.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Sesame Place Mardi Gras Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through March 9
To kick off the Sesame Street-themed amusement park’s 45th season, the family-friendly Mardi Gras Celebration includes “Elmo the Musical, Live!,” Cookie Monster & Chef Gonger’s Pizza Party, Mummers Band shows, a Mardi Gras Mask Scavenger Hunt, New Orleans-inspired foods, and your kids’ favorite rides and attractions.
Off-Broadway Week
Broadway, New York, NY
Through March 9
Off-Broadway Week is a great way to introduce your kids to stage plays and musicals in a smaller setting and at a more affordable price – you can get 2-for-1 tickets. Mark down March 5, too, which is Kids Night on Broadway, where you can get 2-for-1 tickets again, plus discounts at participating restaurants in the area.
Maple Sugaring
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Chatham
Sundays, through March 9
This program is held outdoors and will show you how to identify and tap maple trees, plus collect sap and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator.
Winter Wonder
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through March 23
This year’s season will be Mediterranean-inspired, showing off the new 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory and the Cascade Garden.
The Road to The Big Game: New Orleans
The Paley Museum at The Paley Center for Media, New York, NY
Through March 30
The exhibit pays tribute to the history of the Super Bowl. See the Vince Lombardi trophy and championship rings, Katy Perry’s halftime “Firework” costume from Super Bowl XLIX, and other memorabilia. Watch past Super Bowl commercials and halftime shows, or take part in family trivia. There will be arts and crafts and a gaming facility.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through March 30
Weather permitting, you can sit in the historic apple orchard. During cooler weather, seating is inside the wine barn with firepits, outdoor heaters, and hot mulled wine. Tasting flights of Terhune wines are available. All ages can have fun with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. The Barn Door Café will serve lunch. Live music is performed from 1-4 pm.
Charm Harbour
Maxwell Place Park, Hoboken
Through April
The seven installations are meant to look like whimsical charms or magic tokens that’ll inspire physical and mental play as you touch, climb on and take photos of the sculptures that line the waterfront.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 4
There are a series of immersive zones that let kids go on George’s adventures in the city, on the farm and in outer space. The exhibit includes the operation of wheels and pulleys, three holes of mini golf, a space rocket, a sidewalk produce stand, a vacation in the country, a farm visit, a city park playset, a busy wall, and a museum that has an original manuscript.
Star Light Star Bright
Pier A Park, Hoboken
Through May
The neon-lit structure has over 9,000 feet of fluorescent paracord. During the day, walk through the star-shaped archway. At night, watch as the illuminated space frames the waterfront and NYC skyline.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
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Read More:
Free Things to Do in February in New Jersey
The Best Festivals and Events in February in NJ
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Black History Month Events and Celebrations in NJ
Maple Sugaring in NJ
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