The first weekend of February is here and it’s time to lace up those skates and go ice skating! Other options for epic fun include tapping the sugar maples at Howell Living History Farm, hanging out with sloths at Jenkinson’s and a Lunar New Year celebration at Bridgewater Commons you and your crew won’t want to miss. Happy weekend everyone!
FRIDAY
Winter Beach Walk
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beach! The winter months are some of the best times to go shell collecting. Take a Park System Naturalist guided walk along the beach collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Be sure to dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry your beach finds.
Scenery
Kelsey Theater at Mercer Community College, West Windsor
Set in the star dressing room of the Belasco Theater, this comedy focuses on a pair of successful New York veteran actors, married for 20 years. The pair is facing both the decline of their craft’s popularity and the evolution of their relationship as they prepare for and execute the opening night of a play neither has the heart for. This theatrical romp lets us laugh at and examine our definitions of art, marriage, and partnership.
SATURDAY
Read and Explore: Animal Tracks
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
The second Read and Explore program is Animal Tracks. The group will read books about animals in winter and talk about wintertime in nature. After story time, kids will make bird feeders with wild bird seed to take home and help the birds through winter. Weather permitting, participants can visit the farm animals and match tracks to each.
LEGO Build and Take
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Ocean County Mall, Toms River
LEGO fans, come build! Participants will get to keep the set they build and enjoy a free drink compliments of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Ocean County Mall.
Tap the Sugar Maples
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Hundreds of sugar maple trees line the banks of Moore’s Creek and the nearby woods at the foot of Baldpate Mountain…and in February farmers begin the annual work of sap collection and maple syrup production. The first step takes place in the sugar bush, and at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00, visitors can join Howell Farm’s expert tree-tappers for a lesson in how to tap a backyard maple tree and make syrup at home.
Valentine LEGO Workshop with Snapology of Monmouth County
Snapology Discovery Center, Tinton Falls
Join for a Valentine’s Day Workshop where students will build a flower made of LEGO bricks to take home for a loved one! They will also design holiday-inspired projects like 3D heart designs and more. Plus, the group will play games and have STEM building fun all based on Valentine’s Day. Ages: 6-12.
My Little Man & Me: Valentine’s Day Party
Liberty Hall Museum, Union
Get ready for Valentine’s Day with your little man! Moms, grandmas, and aunts: grab your sons, grandsons, and nephews and have some fun! Enjoy games, crafts, snacks, punch, and a photo booth area while making special memories. Recommended for ages 4-8.
Scoop on Sloths at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach
Did you know that two-toed sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside down from trees? Meet Wally and find out why they do that and more!
SUNDAY
Skylands Manor Tour at New Jersey Botanical Garden
New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood
NJBG volunteer docents lead visitors on a tour of the architecture and history of Skylands Manor. Snow cancels.
Lunar New Year Lion Dance
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Bridgewater Commons will ring in Lunar New Year treating visitors to the awe and magic of a traditional lion dance in which performers imitate the animal’s movements to offer good luck and fortune. Fong’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Association will be on hand to treat visitors to colorful and lively performances in celebration of the Year of the Tiger.
Asbury Fresh Valentine’s Day Market at PORTA
Porta, Asbury Park
Asbury Fresh is back for another pop-up at Porta. Stop by for a chance to shop the Valentine’s Day Market.
ONGOING
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.
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River
Thursday – Sunday (through Feb. 21)
Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill
WinterFest Ice Skating is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners at Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill.
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. Anyone can register! 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.
