Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Farms with Family Entertainment in New Jersey

The Warren County Hot Air Festival takes flight in late September. Photo courtesy of the event

20 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2024

The Water Lantern Festival returns to the harbor in Jersey City's Liberty State Park at month's end. Photo courtesy of the event

Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey

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NJ Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024

Head to Johnson's Locust Hill Farm for apple picking and tons of fall-themed fun. Photo by Lisa Warden

Apple Picking in New Jersey: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids

Take in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on a spooky fall day trip in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Darren McGee/NYS Dept. of Economic Development

Haunt the Hudson: Spooky Day Trips near NYC for Ghostly Adventures and Paranormal Thrills

Take to the water during Port Monmouth's Wind & Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System

37 Fun and Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2024

The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.

Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey

Allow yourself to get drawn into the mesmerizing art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on Rainy Days

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Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids

Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.

Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ

Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square

22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids

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Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids

The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive

Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms

Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey

At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.

18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids

Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes

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Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids

At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.

Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less

Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo

100 Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue

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Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey

New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins

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Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids

Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ

100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up

Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids

Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra

Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.

Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions

Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys

Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids

Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.

Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

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65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

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New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Summer may be over, but fall festival season is in full swing with fun picks like Hazlet Day on tap for the weekend. Photo by author

Six Flags Fright Fest and More Great Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey

New Jersey Ballet's "The Nutcracker" brings magic to the stage at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. Photo courtesy of the Bergen PAC

11/10/23 - By Michelle Vames

The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are among the seasonal classics to look forward to over the holidays, when New Jersey theaters come alive with dancing sugar plum fairies, singing elves, and more than a few Christmas ghosts.

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you don't have to go to New York City to see a superb production—several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here in New Jersey, including R oxey Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. For a fun twist on the classic, don't miss The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC.

In fact, there are so many top-notch productions, we couldn't list them all here, so be sure to check out our Activity Calendar for more, and bookmark our Guide to the Holidays in New Jersey for family-friendly Christmas activities all season long.