February in New Jersey is a unique time to explore the state's diverse attractions. As the winter season continues, New Jersey transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Here are some top destinations and activities to enjoy in the Garden State this February:

1. Check out these activities at New Jersey State Museum

Small Explorers: Shapes & Colors
Feb. 8, 9:45 am, 11:00 am, and 12:00 noon. Our world is made of colors and shapes, it’s what we see all around us! Small Explorers will check out some colorful art in our new Robert Duran exhibit, actively explore colorful objects and create a mandala art piece to take home.

Annual Girl Scout event: See the World as a Scientist
Feb. 22nd. Join us for the annual Girl Scout Day; a science-filled day focusing on astronomy and space, citizen science, and STEM careers.

2. Connect with Nature & Visit The Bronx Zoo

There are more than 265 acres for you to explore at the Bronx Zoo and over 11,000 animals.

3. Book Your Child for A Winter Camp at HealthBarn

Enrich your child with a holiday camp or special event when schools are closed.  We keep the fun and learning continuous throughout the school year from 9:00 – 3:00 pm unless it’s a mini-camp ending at 1:00 pm.  Join us for a day or two or the whole week for a best of HealthBarn adventure, spring planting, harvest fest, winter wonderland or to kick off the New Year.

4. So many fun activities at The Woodbridge Community Center

Enjoy all of the amenities they have to offer ranging from their fun roller arena, NHL sized ice rink, 6-lane 25 yard pool and state of the art fitness center.

5. Enjoy a show at the NJ Performing Arts Center

February Events
- Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Year of the Snake
- Books on the Move — where stories come to life! 
- Warner Bros Presents Bugs Bunny At the Symphony - February 15th @8pm

6. Reach new heights with Indoor Rock Climbing at The Gravity Vault

Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms’ mission is to make everyone’s rock climbing experience with them a positive and memorable one! They strive to provide a welcoming, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for not only their customers but their staff alike.

7. Boogie with Bluey At Imagine That!

February 2nd at 11am. Bluey will be visiting for a fun filled dance party! Come early & stay to play all day Included with general admission. Meet & Greet w/ photo/op $5 addl. Per child. Open 10am-5:30pm. Advance tickets required!

8. Level Up Your Gaming at The Gravity Vault for Old School Arcade Fun

Do you remember Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Q*Bert and pinball? These and 110 other retro arcade games and pinball machines are waiting for you at Morristown Game Vault! The Vault contains a vast collection of classic video games, pinball machines, and consoles. All ages will be transported into a fun and exciting game zone. No quarters are needed at The Vault. All video games and pinball machines are set to “free play.”  Each player’s time is tracked by a wrist band.  Everyone can play every game. You only pay for the time you’re here.

9. Explore the Beyond at The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College

Shows run 45-60 minutes. In addition to the show itself, they have a small exhibit area and a gift shop with books, toys, and, of course, Astronaut ice cream.

10. Put Your Creative Hat On & Craft some Pottery or a Canvas Painting at Fire Me Up! Studio

The price of items includes all materials, studio time & firing. Items are priced individually and start at $12. Walk ins can choose a wide selection of pottery painting and canvas painting. The average item is $25-35 and takes 1-2 hours to complete. Glazes are non-toxic and food safe. No matter your skill level, their talented staff can help you create your very own masterpiece!

11. Head to NYC to The Gazillion Bubble Show

Audiences are delighted with an unbubblievable experience, awashed with a bubble tide, and some even find themselves INSIDE a bubble. Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects, and momentary soapy masterpieces will make you smile, laugh, and feel like a kid again.

12. Escape to Woodloch Pines

Plan a visit to the Woodloch Resort, a family resort in the Pocono Mountains Filled w/ Endless Activities & Excitement.

13. Come for A Nature Lecture: Gray Squirrels of Monmouth County

Feb 8th 3-4pmCome to the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen, for this talk by a Park System Naturalist and learn about these furry critters and some other species of squirrels that call New Jersey home. FREE!

14. Winter Beach Walk at Fisherman’s Cove

Feb 9th 11am-12:30pm Take a Park System Naturalist guided walk along the beach at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan, collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells in. FREE!

15. Pine Barren Bon Fires at Turkey Swamp Park

Feb 12th 6-8pm Enjoy a winter evening around a bonfire at the council ring in Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold. There will be games, s'mores, and a full moon! Please dress appropriately for the weather. Open to all ages, under 18 with adult. The cost is $15 per family of four; cash or check only. For more information, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4296, or email emma.ientile@monmouthcountyparks.com

16. Wonderous Winter Walk at Big Brook Park

Feb 19th 10-11:30am Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore Big Brook Park, Marlboro, in the wintertime. Meet in the lower parking lot. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

17. Everyday is a snow day at Big Snow American Dream

North America's first and only indoor, real-snow, year-round ski and snow resort. There's nothing else like it and there's no better place to get started.

18. Ice Skating

The Ice Vault is the tri-state area's newest multi-rink facility. With two rinks operating year round, you are sure to find your specialty at the Ice Vault Skating Arena. Ice Vault Skating Arena offers Ice Rentals, Recreation Leagues, Public Skating, Figure Skating, Open Hockey, and an abundance of programs to keep you or your family occupied for year round ice fun!

Montclair State Ice Arena is open every day of the week. For Public Skating & Drop-In Hockey times, please click here to view the ice schedule.

The Rink at American Dream Mall offers activities for the whole family such as open skating, hockey tournaments, private events and more!

The Ice House offers four regulation size NHL rinks, the Ice House is the largest facility of its kind in the Tri-State area, located just minutes from NYC.

Skyland’s Ice World ice rinks are complemented by private party rooms that support a variety of corporate and community functions as well as group outings/field trips.  Skylands provides the community with various hockey and skate programs, public skating, drop ins, leagues, trade shows, and private rentals.

19. Check out the Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar

Shop incredible local and regional vendors selling handmade goods and gifts. Plus, there will be live music, food and libations, a Valentine’s photo wall, a fresh flower bar, kids and pet activities, workshops, and more.
Friday and Saturday, February 7-8
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Time: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday) and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Tickets: Free

20. Free Crafts for Kids at Lake Shore Learning

Lakeshore Learning welcomes children age 3 and older for a free story time and craft activity each Saturday morning. Check online for photos of weekly projects. No reservations are needed. Ages 3-6. Free!
February 8 (11:00am-3:00pm) - Treasure Box with Crayola Model Magic
February 22 (11:00am-3:00pm) - Creature Sculptures with Crayola Model Magic
275 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ, 08816

Read more things to do at NJKids