
Saturday is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day — yes, you read that correctly! While you’re out and about, take the kids to get a cup or a cone, it doesn’t matter that it’s winter! After that, head to a maple sugaring event, a pizza competition or a character breakfast.
WEEKEND
Lunar New Year Celebration
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Monday
Usher in the good fortune the new year brings during this month-long series of festive performances, art exhibits and larger-than-life holiday décor planned throughout the mall. Some special events include a Chinese YoYo Performance, Starlight Youth Talent Competition and traditional lion dance.
THE SHOPS AT RIVERSIDE / LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Lunar New Year Celebration
The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
Thursday – Monday
Perfect for a photo opportunity, shoppers can snap a picture with friends and family at the illuminated cherry blossom tree adorned with gold coins – located on Level 1 near Sweetgreen – to celebrate the holiday. They can also discover rabbit-themed, limited-edition items and take advantage of special events and offers at participating shops and restaurants.
Illumination Series 2
Haddonfield Plays & Players, Haddonfield
Friday – Saturday
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Allegory Dance Theatre is kicking off the year by welcoming area dancers, choreographers and companies to the stage.
New Jersey Sports Card Convention
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Friday – Sunday
This is the ultimate experience featuring card collectors and dealers, novelties, memorabilia and more. There will be meet-and-greet opportunities to get an autograph from your favorite athletes. Scheduled to attend are New York Giants Lawrence Taylor and Leonard Marshall, Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart, Andre the Giant’s daughter Robin Roussimoff, and Big John Studd’s son Sean Studd.

Deep Cut Orchid Society Show
Dearborn Market, Holmdel
Friday – Sunday
A weekend of exhibits, speakers, tours and orchids to view or purchase will spruce up the cold winter.
Patcong Valley Model Railroad Open Houses
Patcong Valley Model Railroad, Richland
Saturday – Sunday
During the open house events, take in all the sights and sounds of the model railroad exhibits. You can also choose a seek-and-find puzzle, ranging from easy to hard.
FRIDAY
Chef Collins Valentine’s Day Dinner
Colts Neck General Store, Colts Neck
A personal chef will cook dinner for you and your sweetheart inside the deli/general store. Menu items are exquisite, including caviar, shrimp ‘n’ grits, 36-day dry aged steak and molten chocolate lava cake.
Underground Railroad
Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg
This RVCC Theatre-School Time Series is great for kids in grade 5 and older. They’ll watch “Finding North,” a play that brings to life the powerful stories of the strivings, sacrifices and dreams of John P. Parker, a former enslaved man who dedicated his life to helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad in southern Ohio.
TruTV Impractical Jokers: The Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden
Watch Sal, Murr and Q perform comedy acts, talk about their time growing up in Staten Island and show clips from their hit TV show.
Tap That Tree!
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
February marks the beginning of maple sugaring season. Families with kids ages 5 and older can tap the maple trees in preparation for this season’s sap flow.
SATURDAY
Pizza Bowl III
Redd’s Restaurant, Carlstadt
Garden State Jersey Pizza Joints will fundraise for Tunnel to Towers Foundation. PizzaBowl3 is Jersey’s only pizza and meatball competition that begins with statewide polling and ends in a Bake-Off with 220 judges.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” in Concert
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
The final battle begins! The New Jersey Symphony will perform Alexandre Desplat’s iconic score as the film is projected onto a high-definition screen.
Winter Stargazing
Edelman Planetarium, Glassboro
Kids who are learning about the solar system will be interested in discovering the planets and constellations in this extended version of the popular night sky presentations. They will learn ancient stories of the constellations, distant planets and stars, and the latest space news and discoveries. You’ll get some helpful tips on how to look at the nighttime sky from your own backyard.
Science Extravaganza
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Activities during this awesome kids’ day include a Makerspace, live animal show, adaptive animal artifacts drop-in, planetarium shows and creative play. You also get access to the museum itself.
Tyke Hyke: Owl Power
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Montville
Kids will learn about owls during storytime, then they will take a short hike and do a craft project. This is perfect for little ones ages 2-5 with an adult.
Of Our New Day Begun
Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton
The New Jersey Youth Symphony lends its music to this dance performance, featuring guest dancers from The Newark School of the Arts and The Discovery Orchestra’s George Marriner Maull. You will hear and see the culture of African legacy in America through a blend of music, oration and dance.
Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic
Prudential Center, Newark
This college basketball showcase will feature Morgan State University vs. Delaware State University and Norfolk State University vs. Hampton University competing in a doubleheader – plus a band showcase, a live musical performance, career opportunities and more.
Chocolate & Wine
Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Twp.
CentralJersey.com’s sweetest event of the year includes sampling of chocolate and wine plus plenty of shopping opportunities.
Candlemas Family Drop-In Event
Indian King Tavern Museum, Haddonfield
Visit the museum to learn how French and other European ancestors celebrated Candlemas, which is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. There will be activity stations set up throughout the museum for families.
Flower Power Flea Market
Main Street, Butler
North Jersey artists, businesses and organizations will come together for this first-ever pop-up event in collaboration with Zink Modern Tattooing. Shop custom accessories, home goods, handmade jewelry, art, ceramics and vegan baked goods.
STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM / Lunar New Year Celebration
Lunar New Year Celebration
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
The New York Chinese Cultural Center will treat you to a 30-minute program that includes a Kung fu demonstration and interactive segment, as well as some beloved Chinese folk dance pieces.
My Little Man & Me
Liberty Hall Museum, Union
Moms, aunts and grandmas can grab their kids, nephews and grandkids for a special Valentine’s Day party. Games, crafts, snacks, punch and a photo booth will be perfect for kids ages 4-8.
Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
Yoga Solace Club, Englishtown
Whether this is your first time trying to meditate or you’re a pro and want new techniques, this workshop will teach you how to stay mindful while also clearing and resetting your energy.
Create a Wildlife Garden
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
You will learn how to create a wildlife garden, and a simple way to start native plants from seed. You will make your own low-cost mini greenhouse from recycled materials and plant your choice of seeds to take home. Make a pollinator home for native bees to take home.
SUNDAY
Beef & Brew
Proving Ground, Highlands
This St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser benefits the annual parade in Highlands. Sit down for a buffet dinner and two beer tickets. There will be a gift auction, pipe bands and Irish dancers to entertain. The 2023 Grand Marshal, Karen Taylor Burke, will be presented with her sash.
Was Molly Pitcher from Allentown?
Crossroads Youth Center, Allentown
The iconic vision of Molly Pitcher at the Battle Monmouth has been shared with history students for generations. Although part of Revolutionary War lore, questions about Molly abound: Who was she? Where did she come from? Is the story we’ve all been told true? Learn the truth behind the legend of Molly Pitcher.
“Llama Llama Live!”
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
If your kids have seen the Netflix series or have read the “Llama, Llama Red Pajama” books, they’ll be thrilled to see a live version on stage, where Llama’s mother helps him find his favorite PJs. But when he can’t fall asleep and she doesn’t come back in, he wonders, will she ever return?
Irish Step Dancing
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Former North American Irish Step Dance Championship winner Dawn Daniels will lead you and the kids in a dance workshop. The performance will include a rhythmic hard-shoe reel, a soft-shoe jig, and an interactive lesson about what makes Irish step dancing a unique form of dance.
Full Moon Walk: February’s Snow Moon
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Head to Maggie’s Point to view February’s Full Moon in all its glory. You will be surrounded by the calming stillness of McCormack Lake during this relaxed walk.
“Pinkalicious”
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Little ones will be tickled pink at this show which follows a girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and gets a severe case of Pinkititis that turns her pink from head to toe. There’ll be two performances, including a special sensory-friendly version.
Art, Brunch & Champagne
The Rutgers Club, Piscataway
Join the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University for a celebration of Black History Month featuring special exhibitions and presentations by student artists.
Skyland Manor Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Volunteer docents will lead your group on a tour of the architecture and history of Skylands Manor.
Character Breakfast
Simon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater
Dress up as your favorite character and join eight of your character friends for games, activities, crafts and brunch.
Just in Time for Valentine’s Vendor & Craft Fair
Old Bridge High School, Old Bridge
Shop for your sweetheart from 50 vendors while supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
ShopRite Kidz Cook
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Young cooks will practice their cooking skills (along with the help of their favorite caregiver) and learn how to make a new and fun dish in each class.
ONGOING
Scavenger Hunt: Love Is In the Air
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Twp.
Every day, through February 12
Grab your camera or phone and wander through the gardens, searching for what makes winter so special.
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.
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
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.
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.
Escape From the Ballantine House
Virtual, presented by the Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Select dates
Set in the museum’s 1880s mansion, this escape-room style game challenges you and your team to race the clock as you try to find the hidden Ballantine Beer recipe and escape the house before you get caught. This experience will be played on Zoom with a facilitator, so you’ll need both a computer with internet access and a smartphone to play.
February is Black History Month so it’s great to bring the kids to a dance festival or cultural exhibition. And Thursday February 9, is National Pizza Pie Day! Get a slice from your favorite local spot or take a drive to one of these other famous pizzerias around NJ.