Love is in the air, and you might be looking for some fun ways to enjoy spending time with your loved ones this February. Although the cold might make you think twice about leaving the house, here are some free or inexpensive activities to enjoy in Monmouth and Ocean Counties all month long. 

February 1

Winter Fire & Ice Celebration (Cream Ridge) will take place at the New Egypt Flea Market on February 1st from 10am-7pm and February 2nd from 8am-4pm. You can enjoy ice sculptures and demonstrations, cozy fire pits, food trucks and wine tastings (for attendees 21+), local vendors, and more. Admission is $5 per person, and children ages 10 and under are free. To learn more about this ultimate winter celebration, click here.

February 2

Valentine’s Pop-Up Makers Market (Asbury Park) – Head over to Porta with your family and friends to enjoy a creative shopping experience from 12pm-4pm. Enjoy food and drinks while you visit the stations of various local artisans selling gifts made with love. Admission is free for all ages. You can find more information here.

February 7

Valentine’s Bazaar (Asbury Park) – Stop by Convention Hall from 3pm-8pm Friday, or 12pm-5pm Saturday, to enjoy all things love. If you are just getting started on your Valentine’s Day shopping, local and regional vendors will be selling gifts that your family, friends, or special someone will be sure to cherish. There will also be live music, food and beverages, a Valentine’s Day photo wall, a fresh flower bar, kid and pet activities, and more. Admission is free for all ages. Click here to learn more.

February 8

Galentine’s Brunch Event (Point Pleasant Beach) will be hosted by Blooms on Point Floral Boutique from 12pm to 2pm. Along with gushing over your “galentines,” you will have access to a breakfast buffet and charcuterie board, mimosa bar (BYO bubbly), custom box of assorted chocolates, and a 10-minute chair massage or reiki session. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance online. To read more information and learn how to purchase tickets, click here.

Valentine’s Sweet Stroll (Red Bank) is just what the name suggests—an afternoon of walking downtown Red Bank to shop for sweet treats and other vendor items, and enjoy “sweet” experiences, from 11am-2pm. Downtown Red Bank encourages attendees to wear Valentine’s colors. Admission is free, and additional details are to follow. To stay up to date on the latest details, visit this webpage.

February 9

All About Kids Fair (Toms River) – If you’re looking to help the whole family escape the winter blues, join Toms River Macaroni Kids for their 9th annual fair at Ocean County Mall from 11am-2pm. Parents can meet the faces of local family-friendly businesses while the children are off enjoying activities such as face painting, crafts, character appearances, and more. The event is free for all to attend. More information can be found here.

Historic Valentines (Allentown) – Travel back in time at Historic Walnford from 1pm-3pm to discover how penmanship has changed through letters and valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries. In case any of the centuries-old penmanship inspired you, the session will end with creating a valentine or letter of your own using historically-inspired materials. The event is free for all ages, however children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Click here for more information.

Winter Fresh Farmers Market (Ocean Grove) will allow you to shop your favorite Asbury Fresh food vendors from the comfort of the warm indoors at the Jersey Shore Arts Center from 10am-1pm. Admission is free for all ages, so don’t be shy—the vendors are looking forward to saying hi and showing you what they have to offer. You can find additional information here.

February 15

Allaire Flea Market (Wall) – The Historic Village at Allaire wants to bring you out of the house with a chance to hunt for bargains from 8am-2pm. This flea market will feature vintage treasures, thrifted items, books, art work, knick knacks, and more. Admission to the flea market is $5 per person ages 12 and up, and includes free admission to the Historic Village at Allaire. Click here to find more information.

February 16

MAC’s Art of Chili Cook Off (Middletown) – Whether you love chili or love some good ol’ friendly competition, check out the Chili Cook Off at Middletown Arts Center from 12pm-2pm. The fifteen amateur and five restaurant contestants will prepare chili and battle it out for first, second, and third place prizes. Admission is $15 and includes a tasting kit to sample all of the chili and vote in the People’s Choice Award. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Singo Game Night (Manahawkin) – Unleash your inner “theater kid” at the Bay Avenue Community Center at 5pm. This game night will put you to the test by challenging you to recall all the showtunes you know. Admission is $10 per person. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Find additional information here.

February 19

Bingo Dinner Party (Union Beach) – Dinner paired with any activity is sure to be fun, so bring your friends and family down to The Goat by David Burke, to enjoy a night of dinner and bingo. For $45 per person, you will enjoy a 3-course dinner and various rounds of bingo with prizes. Click here to reserve your spot and find out additional information.

February 22

Polar Bear Plunge (Seaside Heights) – If you’re not afraid to jump into the frigid waters of the Atlantic in the spirit of supporting the Special Olympics of New Jersey, register for the Annual Polar Bear Plunge. Registration is $25 with different fundraising tiers; however, your $25 registration fee is counted toward your fundraising goal. If plunging isn’t your speed, you can dress up, join other spectators on the boardwalk, and cheer the plungers on. Casino Pier is also offering a $30 arcade card for half off and drink specials at the Wave Bar (for those 21+) to enjoy the plunge day. Learn how to register and get ready to take the plunge here.

February 28

Family Fun Friday (Point Pleasant Beach) – When the workday is over, let the fun start at Jenkinson’s Aquarium from 5pm to 8pm. Enjoy family fun with a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a bedtime story with one of Jenkinson’s beloved animals. These activities are included in a general admission ticket, so you can visit Jenkinson’s aquatic friends between activities. Admission prices are $18 per adult (ages 12+), $12 for children ages 3-11, and children age 2 and under are free. You can buy aquarium tickets and learn more about the event here.

February is the shortest month of the year, and it is also the home stretch of the frigid winter months. We hope these activities help you find the fun and enjoy the love amidst the cold in February!