As we prepare to count down to the new year, we're looking back at all the wonderful new kid attractions that opened in New Jersey over the last year. We added a few new indoor play spaces, a cool playground outfitted with accessible equipment for kids of all abilities, and a museum dedicated to our iconic symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. 

If you didn't get enough shopping during the holiday season, swing by the newly re-imagined Toys R Us store at Garden State Plaza. American Dream finally opened in October—and even though there’s only one store open so far, between the amusement park, indoor ice skating rink, and indoor ski slopes, you’ll find plenty to do. 

Read on for the coolest, brightest, and best new offerings for NJ kids.

Teach kids how to make rock candy for an edible rainy day activity. Making rock candy is also part science experiment, allowing kids hands-on learning with a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.

Our easy rock candy recipe lets kids observe the crystallization process firsthand while making some pretty delicious treats. Sugar, water, and few more items found at home are all you need to turn your kitchen into a rock candy laboratory.

Read on for how to make rock candy with kids.

Ok, so here's some screen time parents can actually get behind! Thanks to the same web conferencing technology that probably powers your monthly board meetings, there's a remote weekly after school program that's busy turning young tech consumers into skilled creators and innovators by teaching them how to build apps, produce online videos, and even code robots. Yup, Tekkie Uni has been schooling kids in computer coding, robotics, and digital art since 2016 by connecting experienced teachers with small groups of students in virtual classrooms — and giving them skills that will undoubtedly serve them in today's tech-centric world.

Now, before you rejoice over the added bonus of saying buh-bye to the headache of after school pick up and drop off, read on to find out how Tekkie Uni works and what coding classes for kids they're currently offering for ages 8 to 18.

Phew. Is it over? So much planning goes into December that it's a little hard to believe when it turns up in our rear view mirror; but the calendar page flips, and it's all eyes on 2020! Luckily we don't have to wait too long until the next holiday weekend (complete with its own parade), and of course January is the perfect time to enjoy a day of skiing or sledding. We've got 11 don't-miss events to recommend in January; so recycle that tree and fasten your seatbelts for another year of fabulous ways to enjoy being a family in LA!

While you may be celebrating that you made it through the holidays (and another year of parenting), you might feel a little less victorious about the state of the family budget. To save a few bucks after a spendy December and still keep the brood busy, check out these no-cost events and activities for January. From a day of art and theater to a complimentary afternoon at the zoo, these events are almost too good to be free! 

For more low-cost family activity ideas, see our Boston winter fun guide.

It's a new year, so start it off right by getting out at one of these fun events around Houston. Who knows if we will actually get a winter this year, but just in case you need ideas for fun indoor activities, check out Houston's best indoor playgrounds and rock climbing gyms, or a unique experience like free classes for kids - from painting to coding - at your favorite area stores.

And while Christmas is technically over, many holiday festivals are still up and running through the first few weeks of January, so you can still check out the beautiful holiday lights at Zoo Lights, Festival of Lights in Moody Gardens, Sugar Land's Holiday Lights, and Magical Winter Lights for a little while longer. The stunning White Christmas at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where you are surrounded by hundreds of white tropical butterflies, also closes soon - on Jan. 5! Read on for the best things to do around Houston in January with the kids.