It’s Super Bowl weekend! Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just came for the snacks, a party is probably in your future. If you’re not a football fan, check out an African-style Cirque du Soleil show, take a plunge into the Atlantic Ocean or attend the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party this weekend.
WEEKEND
Scavenger Hunt: Love Is In the Air
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
Grab your camera or phone and wander through the gardens, searching for what makes winter so special.
Kids Baking Projects
Kid Chef Nette, Plainsboro
Friday – Saturday
This weekend, kids can make Valentine’s macarons on Friday or Valentine’s cakesicles on Saturday in these fun classes.
Valentine’s Day Spa Brunch
Avanti Day Resort, Manalapan
Saturday – Sunday
If you book a treatment service, such as a massage or facial, you can relax having lunch in the Spa Tranquility Room.
Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
For this weekend, there will be a special wine and chocolate pairing of locally made chocolates and Terhune wines. Chocolate pairing includes wine flight with a souvenir glass, plus chocolates from Pierre’s Chocolates of New Hope, PA.
FRIDAY
S’more to Love
Central Avenue Gazebo, Merchantville
Grab your friends and enjoy an evening in the heart of Downtown Merchantville complete with tasty treats, music, shopping and fun. Toast a free s’more by the fire and get creative with a Valentine’s Day craft. Then shop and dine the downtown for a complete night.
Daddy/Daughter Date Night
Around the Corner Art Center, Freehold Twp.
Dads and their girls 6 years old and up can paint a beautiful galaxy heart scene together.
Galentine’s Day Night Out
MarketFair, Princeton
You and your girlfriends can make personal charcuterie boards, drink complimentary mocktails, try Seasons 52 dessert mini-indulgences, and have an exclusive shopping experience at Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm.
Night Hike
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Get a rare glimpse of the preserve at night during the winter season. Your whole family can do activities that will engage your different senses as you explore the trails after dark.
Boy Scout Ride Night
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
In honor of National Boy Scout Day, scouts will have discounted admission for all the rides throughout this indoor amusement park and arcade.
Love Yourself First
Toms River Fitness, Toms River
Get a jumpstart on Galentine’s Day by attending this women’s empowerment event, focused on mindfulness, meditation and movement.
Valentine’s Day Dance
Jumping Over Obstacles, Upper Twp.
Kids ages 2-21 who are on the autism spectrum will be treated to a special party just for them.
SATURDAY
Cirque Zuma Zuma
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
As seen on “America’s Got Talent!” this African-style Cirque du Soleil will storm through MPAC, with the performers executing acts of balance, agility and flexibility. The kids will be clapping and tapping to the beats of African music, drumming and dance.
Let’s Celebrate Groundhog Day
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Learn about these awesome weather predictors while looking for their tracks and homes!
Love Is in the Air Pop-Up Market
Town & Country Inn, Keyport
Shop to your heart’s content! Treat yourself to something special, such as soaps, candies, chocolates, jewelry, candles and more. There will be 38 unique vendors set up in the ballroom.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts, East Orange
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez will host his 11th annual Black History Month celebration. This year’s honorees are six-time GRAMMY-Award winner and East Orange native Dionne Warwick and retired New Jersey State Senator Ronald L. Rice. The event emcee is ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Toni Yates. There will be performances by the Cicely L. Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts Choir. Moyo Kehinde, a Nigerian born singer and alumni of the school, will perform the National Anthem. The East Orange Public Safety Honor Guard will present the colors for the event.
Creative Families: Handmade With Love
Nature Center of Cape May, Cape May
Use upcycled and natural materials to make a variety of unique and personal valentines to give to friends and family in this workshop great for kids that’s presented by NJ Audubon.
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.
Treat Yourself Day
The Spring, Tenafly
Adults will receive a free 10-minute deep tissue massage while available, and kids can make their own specialty hot chocolate themed for Valentine’s Day.
Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Date Night
K’s Event Decorations and Rentals, Hamilton Twp.
Dads can shower the special young ladies in the lives with love and kindness during a night of dinner, dancing, photo ops, games and more fun.
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.
Dance Your Hart Out
Forever Hart Fit, Robbinsville
Grab your date, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to spend the night learning the Cha Cha, Meringue, Salsa and Bachata dance moves. Ravello’s will cater light appetizers.
Valentines For Nature
Tulphehaking Nature Center, Hamilton
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.
Parents Night Out
The Dance Connection, Hillsborough
While you share a lovely evening with your love, whether out on the town or relaxing at home, your kids will take a dance class, do arts and crafts and play games.
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.
Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
Newark’s own Bill Bellamy kicks off an evening of laughs. Adele Givens and Smokey Suarez, who both appeared on “Def Comedy Jam,” will have you rolling in your seats.
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.
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.
Show Your Love for Mountain Lakes Preserve
Mountain Lakes House, Princeton
For Valentine’s Day, you can show your love for Mother Earth, too!
Bring your own gloves and help members of Friends of Princeton Open Space by removing invasive plants near the entrance to the preserve. You’ll learn how to identify species such as Japanese honeysuckle, bittersweet vine and multiflora rose, as well as the tools to remove them safely.
“The You Voice” Special Performance
Mana Contemporary, Jersey City
David Moore will play a solo electric organ set which activates a custom lighting system as Rebecca Margolick performs a new choreography.
“For the Love of It”
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Princeton University’s Jazz Vocal Collective featuring Camille Thurman will present this beautiful pre-Valentine’s Day show.
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.
Big Game Pep Rally
Deptford Mall, Deptford
Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday with this celebration of the Philadelphia Eagles. Bring the kids for entertainment, music, games, face painting and balloon sculpting. Admission is free, but you can pay to meet three-time Pro Bowl Eagles Hall of Famer Hugh Douglas.
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.
The Great Dubois Masters of Variety
Stockton Performing Arts Center, Galloway
This is a fast-paced, high-energy circus show for all ages that showcases juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction mixed with tons of comedy.
Love By the Sea
Cliffwood Beach
Pardon My Picnic and Aberdeen Twp. Recreation will set up romantic picnics for Valentine’s Day – or family picnics for your kids – on the seawall along the beach.
Valentine’s Day Brunch Cruise
Pier 36, New York
Book a boat ride aboard Liberty Cruise Line on either Feb. 11 or Feb. 14. Take in the NYC skyline while listening to music by a live DJ. Sip mimosas and eat chocolate-covered strawberries.
Small Explorers: Art/Watercolors
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Kids will listen to a reading of “Jake Makes a World.” Next up the group will explore the Fine Art galleries to see the art of Jacob Lawrence and see how water and color can mix. Make your own watercolor heart and get a little wet exploring the magic of water.
SUNDAY
Leonia Chamber Musicians Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Presbyterian Church, Leonia
The Leonia Chamber Musicians will play Alexander Borodin’s romantic String Quartet No. 2, which includes the famous Nocturne that was the inspiration of the Kismet song “And This is My Beloved.” Also on the program is the heartfelt Andante by African American composer Florence Price and Argentinian Alberto Ginastera’s Impressions de la Puna for flute and string quartet, evoking lost love and exuberant dance rhythms of finding love.
Hot Wheels Monster Truck Glow Party
CURE Insurance Arena, Trenton
The first-ever Hot Wheels event of its kind lets you see real-life versions of the famous monster truck toys in the dark. Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot and more, plus the all-new Gunkster, will light up the floor during competitions and battles. There will be a dance party, laser light shows and toy giveaways during every show. Plus, watch out for a special appearance from the car eating, fire breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS.
Valentine’s Brunch
Bella Vista Country Club, Marlboro
Bring all the loved ones in your life, young and old, for this special brunch buffet. Create your own waffles and omelets, choose from charcuterie and salads, and then check out the separate dessert table.
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.
Renew Your Vows
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend by saying “I Do” all over again and show your family how you are living happily ever after! Brides will receive a carnation and grooms will get to sample some Chocolate Therapy wine. Then, all your family can have food and wine. It’s a beautiful celebration of love!
Valentine’s Activity
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Stop by the Riverview Court for Valentine’s-themed activities and find your perfect match! Take a simple quiz to find the object that speaks to you. Then, make your own valentine to share.
Frozen Jr.
JCC MetroWest, West Orange
The Pixie Dust Players will present their version of Disney’s “Frozen.”
Super Bowl Fest
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Let your kids walk onto the field where they will meet several football champions, watch the big game on the stadium’s mega screens and take photos with NFL athletes, including the New York Giants’ very own Sean Landeta. Hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.). John Sterling, the radio play-by-play announcer of the New York Yankees, is the emcee.
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.
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. This promotion extends through Valentine’s Day on Tuesday.
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.
Winter’s Day on the Farm
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Winter doesn’t stop fun on the farm! You can still cut and harvest ice, help the staff saw wood, learn about maple sugaring, pet the Jersey cows and meet the other barnyard animals. Tour the first floor of The Willows, an 1854 historic mansion, and go inside the 1915 farmhouse for a cooking demonstration. Kids can make their own “snow” and everyone can take a wagon ride around the property.
ONGOING
Hip Hop Cinderella
New Victory Theater, New York
February 10 – 26
These performances are a new take on the classic tale, reimagined to incorporate hip-hop dance, rap and pop music, arriving in time for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
The Prisoner of Second Avenue
Center Players, Freehold
February 10-26, Fridays – Sundays
This comedy is based on the Neil Simon play where Mel and his wife Edna both lose their jobs but must find a way to be a support system to each other though Mel feels like a prisoner in his own home.
Princess Phooey
TADA! Youth Theater, New York
Fridays – Sundays, Feb. 10 – 26
Also Monday, Feb. 20
Princess Phooey is not your typical princess. Her older sister Elessia, along with the Good Fairies, try to make Phooey into what they consider a proper princess, while Morbidia has other plans for them all.
The FRIENDS Experience: The One Near Philadelphia
King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia
February 10 – May 29
Sit on the big orange couch at Central Perk, hang out in Joey and Chandler’s apartment, sit at Rachel and Monica’s kitchen table and read the 18-page letter – front and back – at this awesome experience that brings the Friends set to you!
PAW Patrol CAMP
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Every day through Feb. 20 (closed on Sundays)
To celebrate PAW Patrol kids can join their favorite animated K9 rescue team in different themed sections that include interactive games, activities and crafts based on the show.
The Chocolate Makery Experience
Jewish Children’s Museum, Brooklyn, NY
Every day, through Feb. 22
Kids will take part in a five-sense experience related to chocolate. They will harvest pods, grind the cocoa and then make their own creation.
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Every day, through Feb. 24
Lace up your skates for open skating time on the rink, or pop into a huge tube for the Ice Bumper Cars.
Legends of the Night Sky: Orion
Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium, Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Saturdays, through Feb. 25
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+.
Experience the Aurora
Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium, Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Saturdays, through Feb. 25
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.
Kids Baking Projects
Kid Chef Nette, Plainsboro
Fridays and Saturdays, through Feb. 25
Kids can bake empanadas, make Valentine’s cookie balls, taste Oreo ice cream chocolate cake or try their hand at tiramisu during these baking classes designed specially for them.
Family Sundays at the Nature Center
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton Twp.
Select Sundays, through Feb. 26
Each weekend will have a different theme, including sharing stories by the fireside, taking care of some animals and making nature crafts.
The Golden Girls Kitchen Pop-Up
Fulton Street, New York
Select dates, through Feb. 26
Immerse yourself in the world of the iconic comedy show, dining in the girls’ kitchen and visiting other memorable sets from the show including the Rusty Anchor Bar where you can order cocktails and mocktails, a full kitchen and lots of photo ops. There’s also a drag brunch on certain Sundays.
Skating on the Square
Hulfish Street, Princeton
Thursdays – Sundays, through Feb. 26
Bring your own skates or rent them so you can spend time skating on the synthetic ice skating rink in the middle of Palmer Square.
Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
Through Feb. 26
Go ice skating or shopping, wine & dine, and enjoy live entertainment. During Christmastime, meet Santa Claus and see the Festival of Trees. The Reindeer Fun Run is Dec. 17. Book a fire pit experience or a private cabana.
Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail
Multiple Locations
Through Feb. 28
Various wineries and vineyards in South Jersey will offer special wine and chocolate pairings.
BATMAN x SPYSCAPE
928 8th Ave., New York
Through March 1
Your teens will love this experience, mostly because it involves a phone app and lots of texting! You’ll be transported into the heart of Gotham City where you’ll have to become your own superhero to solve the mystery! You’ll infiltrate an underworld organization and figure out who is responsible for the kidnappings.
International Juried Exhibition
The Contemporary Center for Art, Bedminster
Through March 3
Juror Esteban del Valle has selected 53 contemporary works representing a broad range of mediums. This is free to attend, so your whole family can indulge in the beauty of art.
Danielle Scott: Kinfolk
Harold B. Lemmerman Gallery, Jersey City
Weekdays, through March 3
This exhibition presents the artist’s dedication to social commentary and ancestral storytelling. This collection integrates photographs, delicate papers, reprinted documents, fabrics and objects to create layered portraits of the lineage of Black families across generations. It’s appropriate for the whole family to view.
Soul of African American Art
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Through March 5
The all-new exhibit featuring 58 selected works of art by 31 artists celebrating African American culture will be for sale.
Maple Sugaring Demos
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Chatham Twp.
Saturdays and Sundays, through March 5
Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Finish with a syrup taste test!
Winter Walking Club
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, through March 10
Grab your winter attire and join the preserve’s manager for a free winter walk.
Junior Historians Club: Winter Session
Historic Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Saturdays, through March 18
Kids ages 6-10 learn about historic preservation through fun and immersive activities. Each member receives a JHC notebook and T-shirt.
Roller Skating
Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May
Fridays – Sundays, through March 26 (except Feb. 18 and 19)
The rink is open for family skating, but you can also plan a birthday party or special event on the weekends.
Après-Ski
Auburn Road Vineyards, Pilesgrove
Every day, through March 31
Après-Ski means after skiing, and although there is no ski resort here, you can still take in winter in all its glory by sipping a glass of wine and eating tableside s’mores by the fire pits. There are movie nights every Thursday – Sunday.
Winter Market
Convent Train Station, Morris Twp.
Sundays, through April
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 ethic items, prepared food and probiotic drinks. There will be food trucks on site, plus wares by local artisans.
Winter Stargazing
Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University, Glassboro
Saturdays, through April 1
Listen as educators share the ancient stories of the constellations, take you on a journey to distant planets and stars, and share the latest space news and discoveries. You’ll see something new each time you visit, plus you will learn how to discover the night skies from your own backyard.
Night Forms: Infinite Wave
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Select dates, through April 2
This after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience uses projection mapping that enhances the art and sculpture park, creating a dynamic show to stimulate the senses.
Trail Riding Program
Mercer Meadows Equestrian Center, Pennington
Saturdays, through mid-May
Kids (and adults) 12 and up can go on a leisurely 45-minute horseback trail ride around the Mercer Stables property. No riding experience is necessary. You must book in advance.
Growing in the Garden
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Second Saturday of the month, through June
This hands-on art program for children age 4 and older and their caregivers includes a story, a visit to MHHM’s gardens, and an art project.
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through Sept. 4
Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids can practice counting objects, comparing sizes and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.
Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, so figure out how to take your holiday to the next level or find some family-friendly events. Make sure you call ahead for any restaurant reservations.
And don’t forget to celebrate Galentine’s Day on Monday with your friends!
