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Things To Do With Kids in New Jersey Over Christmas Vacation

1. See Dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest – Edison

Get tickets to Jurassic Quest at NJ Convention and Exhibit Center where you can see over 100 life-sized, animatronic dinos roar to life, or enjoy dinosaur-themed rides, shows, and inflatable attractions.

2. Enjoy Fireworks at Battleship New Jersey – Camden

Head to Battleship New Jersey on New Year's Eve for fireworks at 6pm. Admission is $10 per person, with food available for purchase. The decks open at 4pm.

3. Go to First Night Morris – Morristown

Tickets for this fantastic event include admission to some great music and dance performances plus fun activities like crafts and Legos. There's also a juggler and Dinoman with magic, life-size dinosaurs, and facts.

4. Visit Bergen County Winter Wonderland – Paramus

Visit Van Saun Park from now through January 5 for Winter Wonderland, which features open-air ice skating, games, train rides, carousel rides, zoo programming, and more.

5. Head to iPlay America – Freehold

Go on rides, explore the indoor boardwalk, play in Ballocity, or challenge friends to laser tag at iPlay.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Spots to Snowboard and Ski in New Jersey

 
Jenkinson's Aquarium has an annual holiday lights spectacular, Sea of Lights. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's

6. Explore the Aquarium

Check out sea animals and holiday lights at Sea of Lights in Jenkinson's or head to Adventure Aquarium to see Scuba Diving Santa.

7. See a Drive-through Display

Lots of drive-through light displays have hours through New Year's, so take a trip to a dazzling exhibit like Magic of Lights or Hollidig at Diggerland.

8. Visit an Indoor Waterpark

Slap on your swimsuits and spend the day at an indoor waterpark.

9. Marvel at Luminocity – Freehold

This stunning lantern show transforms the Freehold Raceway Mall into an Alice in Wonderland-inspired walk-through display. Use code MPNJ20 to save 20 percent off your tickets!

RELATED: Best New Jersey Christmas Towns that Go All-Out for the Holidays

The twinkling lights at Turtleback Zoo are a perfect backdrop to family photos. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner 

10. Have a Blast at Turtleback Zoo – West Orange

Turtleback Zoo has a fantastic display of evening holiday lights and activities. Check out our review of this year's FREE event.

11. Enjoy Lanterns at Let it Glow – Paramus

At Let it Glow at the Bergen County Zoo, see big glowing lanterns in 30+ glowing scenes.

12. See Lights at Holland Ridge Farms – Cream Ridge

Through December 29, 2024, visitors can stroll through floral-themed holiday lights and themed displays at Holland Ridge Farms, NJ's famous pick-your-own tulip farm.

13. Drive Past the Best Neighborhood Lights

Make time to see some of NJ's most spectacular neighborhood light displays.

14. Have fun at the Liberty Science Center – Jersey City

Experience LSC's Holiday Adventure with sock skating, a mini train ride, a gift explosion, and special animals like a penguin and a kangaroo. The regular exhibits and planetarium will be open, too.

15. Walk through a Winter Village

Newark and New Brunswick are both hosting fun winter villages with lots of activities through late December.

16. Go to Morven's Festival of Trees – Princeton

Through January 5, 2025, visit the Morven Museum to see beautifully decorated trees.

17. Hit the Slopes

Plan a ski trip to a nearby ski resort or try snowboarding.

18. Visit NYC

Take a NJ Transit train or bus to the Big Apple and see the sights.

19. Get a Thrill at Six Flags – Jackson

Experience the holiday wonderland at Six Flags with millions of lights and holiday entertainment. And, of course, hop aboard many popular rides.

20. Stay at Crystal Springs – Hamburg

Have a little getaway at Crystal Springs Resort, where you can ski, swim, dine, and relax in one place.