It’s the last weekend of February and there’s tons of fun to be had, indoors and outdoors in the Garden State. Meet a mermaid at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, check out the end of Kids Week at the Intrepid in NYC and if you haven’t gone maple sugaring yet, are you even really from Jersey? Bundle up and have the best weekend ever!
ALL WEEKEND
Intrepid Museum Kids Week
Now – Saturday
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York City
The Intrepid Museum will host its annual Kids Week festival this year from Saturday, February 19–Saturday, February 26. During Kids Week, children of all ages and interests will learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) through fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests and interactive demonstrations.
Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Thursday – Sunday (through March 13)
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
This popular exhibit hasn’t been around since 2019, but this year it’s back in time for the aquarium’s 30th anniversary. See a real-life mermaid swim among the sharks. Then get a chance to interact with a mermaid at the Stingray Beach Club. One-on-one visits are also available in the Mermaid Grotto.
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!
Saturday – Sunday
Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! returns to Hulu Theater at MSG from February 19 – 27. Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street as they present an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood.
New Jersey Home & Garden Show
Friday – Sunday
New Jersey Convention Center, Edison
While their parents check out 100 remodeling, design and landscape professionals and hear tips from a popular repurposing/DIY expert kids can head to the Creativity Zone to focus on craft making and balloon animals as well as old-fashioned games like bean bag and ring tosses, tic-tac-toe and a mini fishing pond. Children under 16 are free.
Popcorn Falls
Saturday – Sunday
Kelsey Theater at Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
If you liked Schitt’s Creek, you’ll love Popcorn Falls. Maurer Productions OnStage presents this offbeat comedy which was a hit off-Broadway in 2018. Popcorn Falls is the story of a small town forced into bankruptcy when a neighboring town threatens to turn them into a sewage treatment plant. Their solution? Put on a show! Two actors play 21 characters in this high-energy, laugh-filled 90-minute race to save their beloved town. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
A Portrait of Ray
Friday – Sunday
Vanguard Theater Company, Montclair
This show stars the supremely talented Dwayne Clark, a Broadway veteran featured in The Color Purple, Spiderman, In The Heights, Rent and the upcoming Paradise Square. Clark embodies Ray Charles so convincingly it’ll give you chills. An orchestra will perform some of Ray Charles’ greatest hits.
Family Friendly Ice Bar Weekend
Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
Friday- Saturday
Bring the family and friends to the first annual ice bar event at Whitechapel Projects to brighten up your winter. Join for one or all three sessions in this weekend event. Never been to an Icebar before? Layer up and dress warmly for an experience you won’t forget!
FRIDAY
Weaving Winter Tales
Watershed Institute, Pennington
Bundle up, gather around the fire and let storytellers spark your imagination with winter tales from around the world. Roast a marshmallow and enjoy an evening of stories outside the Watershed Center. Bring a blanket and sit-upon if desired.
SATURDAY
Big Bang Boom!
Stockton Performing Arts Center, Galloway
There’s no sitting down during a Big Bang Boom! performance! This live, kid and parent-friendly pop/rock show is high-energy and the performers expect the audience to get involved – from joining the ‘SpongeBob Chorus’ to a parent/child challenge to doing the hokey pokey, it’s loads of fun.
Maple Sugaring
Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes
Move through all of the steps necessary for making homemade maple syrup at this hands-on workshop. Join NJ Audubon Naturalists in this family-friendly program and discover how maple syrup is made. Using the maple trees found on the Lorrimer property, participants will move through all of the steps necessary for making homemade maple syrup. Get ready to drill a spile in the tree, collect the sap, boil it down and taste the sweet syrup. Bundle up! This class will be held entirely outdoors.
Naturalist Hike at Miquin
Miquin Woods Preserve, Glen Gardner
Hike with Principal Park Naturalist Laura Bush and find out what is happening in nature in winter! Enjoy the woods, scenic pond and the Spruce Run stream that bisects the preserve. See evidence of beavers. Learn a little about the history of the property, which was formerly a Boy Scout camp. Participants will hike about three miles over terrain that can be a little wet and/or rocky so please be prepared.
Casey Carle BubbleMania
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island
Bubble artist Casey Carle will be hosting an entertaining performance for kids and adults. Carle is considered one of the greatest “bubble artists” on the professional circuit today. During his shows, he creates a plethora of dazzling bubbles in various shapes and sizes, even “trapping” an audience member inside a gigantic soap bubble. Come on down to see some true bubble magic.
Polar Bear Plunge
Blaine Ave., Seaside
The Plunge into the cold ocean water will allow for Special Olympics to continue providing opportunities and programs to over 26,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and every donation big or small really makes a difference.
Read and Explore: Fur, Feathers, Fluff: Keeping Warm in Winter
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
For the third Read and Explore program kids will learn about how animals keep themselves warm in winter. Participants will read two stories about animals, explore the sense of touch with wool and feathers. Each child will make paper bag animal to take home.
Wood Working Workshop
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts Annex, Madison
Join METC and professional woodworker Tyler Merson for an exciting workshop. Participants will make a simple, three-legged stool from pine using a brace, auger bits and tapered cutters. All tools, materials and instruction will be provided. Suitable for beginners aged 12 and up.
SUNDAY
South Jersey Nerd Fest
Holiday Inn, Swedesboro
Bring the kids to this awesome comic book festival featuring vendors, artists, writers and more. All geeks, nerds and those who are into the world of comics, anime and superheroes will enjoy a fun filled day featuring all things geeky and nerdy!
Health & Wellness Expo
Marketfair, Princeton
This event will provide information, resources and interactive activities for people of all ages. Seasons 52 will have a sampling table while Club Pilates will do demonstrations on the reformer. The event is free to attend but registration is requested. The first 100 pre-registered will receive a complimentary gift bag.
Audubon: Return of the Bald Eagle
New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood
Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society offers an indoor presentation on the dramatic return of the Bald Eagle. An American success story, you’ll learn how they went from the brink of extinction to the plentiful populations occurring today.
Washington’s Birthday at Historic New Bridge Landing
1201 Main St., River Edge
Come celebrate Washington’s birthday with the Bergen County Historical Society. The Tricorne Dance Ensemble under the direction of dance mistress Denise Piccino will be performing a 30-minute program in the state historic 1752 Steuben House. The program will celebrate Washington through song and dance. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Ridley and Anne Enslow on the fiddle and hammered dulcimer. Re-enactors from the 3rd New Jersey Regiment will be on site demonstrating military life.
10th Annual Chili Cook-Off — St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser
Proving Ground, Highlands
Tickets to the Highlands Business Partnership’s Chili Cook Off fundraiser will include samplings of chilis, two beer tickets and two voting ballots. There will be performances by bag pipe bands and Daly’s Irish Dancers. All proceeds will benefit the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking place on March 19.
Mardi Gras Jazz Concert with Thaddeus Exposé
Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, Morristown
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the authentic sounds of New Orlean’s very own Thaddeus Exposé. Thaddeus Exposé was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a professional jazz bassist, composer and recording artist.
ONGOING
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
Sundays through March 20
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly
Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the history of syrup making and how technology has changed the way we gather sap over the centuries. The group will check Tenafly Nature Center’s tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. All ages are welcome.
Skating on the Square
Thursday – Sunday (through Feb. 27)
Hulfish St., Princeton
You’re invited to make lasting memories and start new traditions this holiday season at Palmer Square’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink. Located on Hulfish Street Behind the Nassau Inn Hotel.
Newport Skates
Newport Skates, Jersey City
All weekend
Newport Skates, Jersey City’s only outdoor ice skating rink, is open for the 2021-2022 season. Skaters can once again enjoy beautiful views of the New York City skyline while zipping around the rink. Online ticketing is available through the Newport Skates website.
Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
Grounds For Sculpture announced a two-year partnership with Klip Collective to present a distinctive after-hours multi-sensory experience. The Night Forms series will directly interact with a selection of contemporary artworks and signature horticultural features across the park’s 42 acres, furthering the nonprofit’s commitment to creating unique experiences bringing art and nature together. *Show extended to April 3.
2nd Annual Winter Wonderwalk
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
The grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., have been transformed for the holiday season. Winter Wonderwalk is an exciting new addition to the decorated estate. Walk the grounds and view these fun & whimsical display of winters past. Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and school classrooms are all welcome to participate.
Terhune Orchards Winery in Winter
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
This winter the winery will be open Saturdays & Sundays with indoor and outdoor seating. The seasonal hot mulled wine is a wonderful way to warm up. Sample a variety of wines with a tasting flight or enjoy wine by the glass. The fire pits will be going all weekend. All ages can enjoy s’more kits and hot cocoa.
Harbaugh Village
Tuesdays – Sundays
Mullica Hill
Harbaugh Village was founded by Steve Harbaugh after years of attracting local and national visitors to his holiday display and toy drive at his home in South Jersey. Now, it’s not just about the holidays. Harbaugh Village is a year-round attraction for communities in South Jersey and beyond. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy endless entertainment, attractions, local vendors, event spaces and more!
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Chatham Twp.
Weekends until March 12
Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. This year, the program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Spiles and syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last. For ages 5 & up.
Looking for more ways to make winter fun? Plan a day trip to Storm King!
