12 Fun Events For The Whole Crew

From comedy and crafts to music and mystery, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re on your own, coupled up or with the entire family.
Cheerful Young Asian Woman Bird Watching Through Binoculars. Nature Lover Concepts.

It’s still bitter cold out there, but Bergen County is full of ways to get out, have fun and make the most of Valentine’s Day weekend. From cozy indoor activities to festive seasonal outings, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events designed to keep kids entertained and parents inspired—even when the temperatures dip.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate love with a sweet Valentine’s craft, burn off some energy at a winter-themed festival or simply enjoy quality time together close to home, this weekend’s lineup has something for every age and interest. Bundle up, grab your crew and get ready to make some cold-weather memories.

Feb. 13

  • It may be Friday the 13th, but the night belongs to lovers and anyone who enjoys stargazing. That’s because the Emil Buehler Trust Observatory at Paramus’ Bergen Community College is holding a free public viewing. Stop by from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. to see planets, constellations and other celestial bodies. The event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
  • Looking for a great option for the kids while you enjoy date night? The Ridgewood YMCA is holding Parents’ Night Out: Valentine’s Crafting for ages 3- to 12-years-old. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., young ones can participate in supervised crafts, games and other activities. Sign up online!
  • Ladies, this one’s for you: Be My Galentine: A Galentine’s Day Spectacular is coming to Hackensack Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. This concert features Gina Teschke Entertainment, Nick Garrecht and more, who’ll perform your favorite female empowering songs and timeless jazz standards.

Feb. 13–15

  • Enjoy a few laughs over Valentine’s weekend with comedian Michael Rowland, who’ll perform four shows at Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford. Rowland stars in the FOX comedy Animal Control and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central and HBOMax. Visit Bananas’ website for the complete schedule and tickets.
  • Laugh with the Bergen County Players, which stages “Play On!” at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell. The show tells the story of a community theater group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m., and the Sunday performance begins at 2 p.m. Check out Bergen County Players online for tickets.

Feb. 14

  • Start the morning with a brisk run at Cupid’s Chase Rutherford, a fundraiser to support housing and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The 3.1-mile course begins at Memorial Park and is open to runners, walkers, strollers and even pets. Check in opens at 8 a.m., and the race takes off at 10 a.m. Register online.
  • For a more low-key start to the day, head to Continental Soldiers Park in Mahwah for a free Valentine’s Day Bird Walk. Join members of New Jersey Audubon at 10 a.m. for a guided walk throughout the park. Birders of all levels are welcome, and extra binoculars will be available. Just remember to dress appropriately!
  • Montclair Pickleball in Fair Lawn is holding a Doubles for Singles Night for players ages 35- to 50-years-old. Stop by from 6 to 8 p.m. for the social event, which includes pickleball, food, drinks and music. Register online.
  • Relax with the soothing tunes of Sounds of April and Randall, an award-winning jazz ensemble, at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee. Led by vocalist April May Webb and trumpeter Randall Haywood, the band has performed throughout the world and has earned national acclaim for recordings such as Horizon and Questions Left Unanswered. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online.
  • Get back in the groove with Space Frehley—A Tribute to Ace Frehley, which takes the Debonair Music Hall stage in Teaneck. The show will celebrate Frehley, the late KISS guitarist, featuring classic jams from both his years with the band and from his solo career. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are available online and at the door.

Feb. 15

  • Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the 2026 Lunar New Year Spectacular. The festivities start at noon on American Dream’s Dream Stage in East Rutherford. The free program includes lion dances, cultural presentations, karate demonstrations and more.
  • Break cabin fever, bundle up and head outdoors for Tenafly Nature Center’s seasonal scavenger hunt. Families with children ages 4 and up can enjoy this event—they’ll receive a set of clues to solve nature riddles along the nature center’s trails. The program takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately! Stop by anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. Register online.

What are your plans this weekend? Tag us in all your favorite fun photos @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life