Go for a sleigh ride! Howell Living History Farm will host horse drawn bobsled (or wagon) rides on Saturday, February 13th from 11:00 a.m. to approximately 3/3:00. Weather permitting rides are offered free, on a first come, first serve basis. Inside the beautifully restored farm house, tours and live music will be available. Hot chocolate and a hand warming fire are among the outdoor amenities. Valentine treats will be available for purchase to eat in the visitor’s center or to take home for that special someone.

Run your heart out at this year’s Cupid’s Chase Run! On Saturday, February 13th, Cupid’s Chase 5K run, which benefits people with disabilities, will get your family moving! Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.; followed by the race at 10:00 a.m. Runners, walkers and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) are all welcome! 2016 races will be held in Glen Rock, Morristown, Gloucester County, New Brunswick, Princeton, Cooper River Park, Seaside Heights; more info is available on their Web site.

Express Yourself Studios (Maplewood, NJ) will be hosting an arts (and fun, of course) event on Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14th, which is enjoyable for the whole family. There will be canvas painting of a heart and other Valentine's Day-theme projects; every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Must register in advance; contact the shop or visit their Facebook page for more info.

Build a sweetheart picture holder! Lowe’s free weekly kid’s clinic will assist with this memorable Valentine’s Day craft. Registration is required. This clinic will be held at various locations on Saturday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m.

Get cooking! Kings Cooking Studio (Short Hills, NJ) Kids ages 8-12 are invited to Kings Cooking Studio for a Valentine's Day cooking class. Make special treats such as chocolate dipped strawberries, Linzer tortes, chocolate roll, raspberry crumble bars and bleeding heart cookies. Register in advance, please.

Sip Valentine’s Day tea! Mothers and daughters can enjoy a lovely Valentine Day’s tea infused with chocolate. High SocieTea House (Wayne, NJ) will host a four-course tea on Friday, February 12th through Sunday,February 14th from throughout the afternoon and early evening. The price for the tea is $26.95 per person. Reservations are suggested.

Create a special gift with your little one at Just Bead Yourself (Westfield, NJ)! The 2015 “Made with Love” workshops allow dads, moms, caregivers and friends to join their kids in making a two unique gifts (lip gloss, bracelets or keychains). Workshops will be held on Saturday, February 13th, and Sunday, the 14th.  Advanced reservations are recommended.

Enjoy a family date night! Share the love at the first annual Jenkinson’s Family Date Night (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday February 12th-14th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. You get: Admission for Four to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, a $10 Playcard for the Pavilion Arcade, 1 large, plain pizza and pitcher of soda, treat from The Sweet Shop, and more. ($49.95 for family of four.)

Appreciate theater! The Young Audience Series returns to Centenary Stage Company (Hackettstown, NJ) with Miss Nelson is Missing, based on the popular book by Harry G. Allard, Jr. Head on over to see this adorable production Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 a.m., tickets can be purchased online. (Adults: $12.50; Children $10)

Learn about natural sweethearts! The Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly, NJ) will offer a Natural Sweethearts program on Saturday, February 13th, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adults and children 4 and up are invited to learn about sweethearts, make animal Valentines, and even decorate a cookie. Preregistration is required for the workshop. $12.00 per person. 

Make mom proud! The Hunterdon County Arboretum (Lebanon, NJ) will host a Tot Walk / Animal Track on Friday, February 19th, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Echo Hill ages 2 to 3 with adult, each walk $3 per child; accompanying adult attends for free. Join Park Naturalist Laura Kroon Bush on these early adventures to discover nature at your local park! Leave the strollers behind as participants take a walk outside to see plants and animals around us. There will also be crafts and storytime!

Stroll an art park! Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ) is beautiful in all seasons.  With changing exhibits and monthly family festivals, GFS is the perfect way to break cabin fever (the kids!) and enjoy contemporary art (you!) Click here for admission and schedule.

photo: Express Yourself
 

Originally published February 2013