Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth
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Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
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An area of Hooks Creek Lake is sectioned off for swimming. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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Visit Crystal Springs Family Water Resort and spend the day swimming and splashing. Photo courtesy of the resort
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The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.
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Ocean Oasis water park is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.
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Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend & Beyond: Purim Drive-by, PJ Party, Search For Spring

Explore the beautiful Watchung Reservation during Trailside Nature Center's Back to Nature Series this Saturday. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Explore the beautiful Watchung Reservation during Trailside Nature Center's Back to Nature Series this Saturday. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
2/24/21 - By Laurie Rein

Bundle up, and take a hike through this last weekend of February. Brave the chill, and embark on family-friendly outings at Great Swamp OEC and Cavern Point Beach. You can also choose to stay in your warm car at drive-thru events like a wildlife baby shower and a Purim celebration.

You can find plenty of any time fun in our roundup of what's open in New Jersey right now, plus our curated lists of winter fun and where to play outside.

If you're staying in, check out our Poppins@Home site, where kids can explore their favorite hobbies, from Harry Potter-inspired wizards to Legos and more.

For even more fun, bookmark our always-updated Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which is filled with seasonal happenings.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.

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Liberty Science Center celebrates kids ages 6 and under with its twice a week junior days. Photo courtesy of LSC
Liberty Science Center celebrates kids ages 6 and under with its twice a week junior days. Photo courtesy of LSC

Best Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids

Family Swamp Stroll

Chatham
Friday, February 26
Take a peaceful nature walk at the Great Swamp, observing wildlife and plants along the way. Pre-registration is required. READ MORE

Pajama Day With Early Opening

Florham Park
Saturday, February 27
Imagine That welcomes early risers for Pajama Day. Guests may wear their pajamas and listen to a reading of Pajamas All The Time by local author Michelle Pearl. Pearl sticks around to autograph books after the reading. READ MORE

Cloverdale Weekend Children’s Programs

Barnegat–FREE
Saturday, February 27
Hit the trails at Cloverdale Farm and have some fun exploring the natural world. This program takes place outdoors, so dress for the weather with comfortable shoes.  READ MORE

Signs of Spring Walk at Morven

Princeton
Sunday, February 28
Search for signs of spring at Morven Museum and Garden. Resident horticulturist Louise Senior leads this interactive tour. Help her hunt for the first signs of spring on the grounds.  READ MORE

Wildlife Baby Shower

Medford–FREE
Sunday, February 28
Help Cedar Run prepare for the spring baby boom and the arrival of injured or orphaned wildlife at this shower collection. Don't miss refreshments, crafts for kids, and appearances by non-releasable wildlife. READ MORE

Road Trip Purim Extravaganza

Bridgewater
Sunday, February 28
Take a fun and festive family road trip through the JCC lot to celebrate Purim. Holiday crafts, stories, games, and treats await on this drive-thru journey.  READ MORE

Winter Hike to Cavern Point

Jersey City
Sunday, February 28
Take a 3-mile round-trip hike to Cavern Point Beach, traveling along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. Dress for the outdoors with comfortable walking shoes.  READ MORE

Dr. Seuss Day

Toms River
Tuesday, March 2
Ocean County Parks & Recreation hosts socially-distant drop-off programs for preschoolers. In this session, journey through the wacky world of Dr. Seuss, and celebrate his birthday with stories, crafts, and a tasty birthday treat. Please list any allergies with registration. READ MORE

Turning

Hackettstown
Select dates Thursday, February 25-Sunday, March 7
Centenary Stage Company presents Turning, the story of a group of scrappy young women in 1930s Newark who began to train in backyard gyms for the experience of a lifetime: the Olympics. READ MORE

Critter Cove Story Time

Mendham
Tuesdays through March 23
Bundle up the little ones, and enjoy stories and songs outdoors with a naturalist. Social distancing and face coverings are required.  READ MORE

Back to Nature

Mountainside
Saturdays through March 20
Explore the Watchung Reservation with your family every Saturday. Each session highlights a new nature or science theme. Pre-registration and masks are required.  READ MORE

LSC Junior Days

Jersey City
Thursdays and Fridays through March 26
Bring your preschoolers to the Liberty Science Center every Thursday and Friday for Junior Scientist Days. The excitement includes planetarium shows for your astronomers, the new Explore More adventure, animal programs, a Science Dance Party, and storytime. READ MORE

Top Virtual Events This Week

Virtual African-American Festival

Saturday, February 27
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its 19th annual African-American Festival as a virtual online celebration, streaming live from the aquarium. READ MORE

Culikid's Roasted Carrots & Carrot Top Pesto Cooking Class

Saturday, February 27
Learn to make roasted carrots with carrot top pesto in this free class. While Culikid's virtual classes are paced to be accessible for a child with special needs, they are open to everyone. READ MORE

Pokémon Day Virtual Concert

Saturday, February 27
Pokémon teams up with Post Malone for a Pokémon Day virtual concert. READ MORE

Mara the Storyteller

Sunday, February 28
Performance storyteller Mara Menzies draws on the rich African storytelling tradition and sprinkles in her own brand of magic during the Sugar Hill Museum's special storytime. READ MORE
Get out of the chill and spend a day in the tropics at Sahara Sam's Oasis. Photo courtesy of the park
Get out of the chill and spend a day in the tropics at Sahara Sam's Oasis. Photo courtesy of the park

More Things To Do in New Jersey This February

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When it comes to parties, these 15 spots are serving up plenty of fun even now. READ MORE

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What's open in New Jersey now? A lot, really. Here's where you can go in the Garden State. READ MORE

New Jersey's Liberty State Park: A Perfect Family Day Trip

Enjoy all the amenities of this waterfront park on a family day trip. READ MORE

Splash and Slide at Indoor Water Parks Near New Jersey for Families

Summertime fun in the middle of winter is just a drive away at these indoor water parks. READ MORE

Top Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey Open Now

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About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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