Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Chocolate Festival, Valentine's Events, mr. RAY

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Head to the Morris Museum Saturday for Chocolate Family Fun Day. Photo by Laurie Rein

Love is in the air this pre-Valentine's Day weekend in New Jersey. Celebrate with a craft at the New Jersey State Museum, a family night out at Jenkinson's, cookie decorating at a hotel, and a scrumptious Chocolate Family Fun Day at the Morris Museum. 

If you love animals, have fur-friendly fun at the Super Pet Expo or learn about winter animals at Read & Explore: Animal Tracks. Treat your Valentines to the theater this weekend with mr. RAY, Dino-Light, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert. And there's more cause for celebration at Newark Museum's Black History Month.

Find even more weekend options in our Winter Guide, including Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding Spots Around NJ. And look to our February GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

Adventure & Exploration At Longhorn Cavern State Park

Ashley Jones's picture Submitted by Ashley Jones on

My family has been visiting Longhorn Cavern State Park for as long as I can remember. Situated on top of a scenic hillside smack dab in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, the park and its namesake cavern are a must-see for families who love experiencing all that nature has to offer. The state park is about four-and-a-half hours from Houston, but just over an hour from Austin, where families can enjoy plenty of kid-friendly activities if you wanted to make a weekend trip to enjoy all that the area has to offer. Although exploring the stunning cavern is the main draw to the park, it is a great place to hike, picnic, and just enjoy being in the great outdoors with family.

40+ Things To Do on February School Break with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on

On Saturdays and Sundays in winter, entrance to Stone Barns Center and is FREE and kids may may participate in a paid tour or free drop-in programming. Photo courtesy of Stone Barns Center

Ready for a February staycation with the kids? Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 17, and most Westchester schools are closed that whole week for a winter break. With numerous tourist attractions, a slew of play spaces, scheduled events, and loads to enjoy outdoors, Westchester and its environs offer plenty of fun without the need for air travel or pesky traffic.

Below we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to spend school break without breaking the bank OR packing a suitcase.

Looking for more things to do? Consult our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!

14 Drop-In Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Area Kids

Submitted by Veronica Lameiro on

Photo courtesy of Giggleberry Fair

Winter, spring, summer  or fall, it’s always a good season to play! No matter what the weather looks like outdoors, indoor play spaces are perfect for keeping little ones entertained, and exercised. Here’s a list of great spots you can visit with your kiddos, even when the climate’s not working in your favor. And don't forget to get more ideas for indoor fun with our Indoor Activities Guide. 

20+ Things To Do on February Break with NJ School Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Climb and explore at Liberty Science Center. Photo courtesy of LSC

Sandwiched between the bustling holiday break and the itching-for-warm-weather spring break falls New Jersey's mid-winter February break. This year, Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 15—and depending on the district, NJ schoolchildren will have a three-, four-, or even five-day weekend, making it the perfect time for a family outing or day trip, or two. 

Whether you choose to hang indoors at popular play spaces, or embrace the winter weather with snowtubing and other places to play outside, there's plenty to keep everyone busy on the long weekend.

Read on for the best February break activities for NJ kids, and don't miss our Events Calendar for even more ideas.

10 Best Indoor Water Parks for Kids in the US

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on

Chill out in the lazy river at the Pump House indoor water park in Vermont.

An indoor water park is often the perfect quick family getaway whether it's the middle of winter and you need warming up or you have a special occasion to celebrate but don't want to risk the party being washed out. And we're not talking the dip pool at the downtown Best Western. We're looking for indoor water parks with mega water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, toddler-friendly splash pads, and thrilling wave pools.

Those living in the North and Midwest no longer have to seek sunny locales to beat the winter blues given the rising popularity of indoor water park resorts. And residents of the South now have ways to beat the heat when even water won't cool you off from a blazing sun. The year-round fun of an indoor water park is a bonus for everyone!

Here are our picks for the best indoor water parks for kids around the country, including Pennsylvania water parks indoor, Wisconsin Dells indoor water parks, and more top selections. Find more great trips in our Family Travel Guide.

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