The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Get drawn into the 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 a Rainy Day
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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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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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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
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
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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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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Boonton's
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
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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20+ Free Winter Events and Activities in New Jersey for Families

Celebrate the ancient British tradition of Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards this winter. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Celebrate the ancient British tradition of Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards this winter. Photo courtesy of the orchard
1/14/22 - By Laurie Rein

If your budget is in recovery mode following the holiday season, we've found more than 20 ways to have fun without spending a dime this winter in New Jersey. Our list of free winter activities includes one-time events like a Fire & Ice Festival, outdoor fun at nature centers, and even local attractions and zoos with free admission deals.

Read on for our list of the best free winter events and activities in New Jersey all sure to please the whole family. For more seasonal fun, bookmark our list of 30 things to do in the Garden State this winter, plus our jam-packed Guide to Winter Fun.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox sign up for our newsletters and discover all the free events and activities near you in our New Jersey Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

Be sure to check with each venue for its COVID guidelines and requirements before heading out to any event; some events are getting canceled or postponed at the last minute due to the latest COVID surge, so always confirm details before departing.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Revel in the Year of the Tiger at Lunar Fest NJ. Photo courtesy of the fest
Revel in the Year of the Tiger at Lunar Fest NJ. Photo courtesy of the fest

Free Winter Activities in New Jersey For Families

Guided Hike at Cheesequake State Park

Matawan
Saturday, January 15
Enjoy a 1-2 mile hike accompanied by park naturalists. Participants should meet at the trail arch.  READ MORE

Project Caven Point Cleanup at Liberty State Park

Jersey City
Sunday, January 16
Low-tide at Caven Point Beach is a great time to explore the amazing wildlife of the Hudson River Estuary and clean up the beach. Embark on a guided walk focusing on the ecology of the estuary and a shoreline clean up. READ MORE

Eagle Festival

Leonia
Sunday, January 16
Bergen County Audubon Society welcomes everyone to celebrate the eagle at Meadowlands Environment Center. Enjoy eagle walks and talks, plus children's activities. READ MORE

MLK Day Poster Making Workshop

Princeton
Monday, January 17
This free gathering offers the opportunity and materials to create posters that motivate and educate on topics of social justice, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s life’s work.  READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Multiple Locations
Monday, January 17
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. Veterans Day marks the last freebie for 2024.  READ MORE

Nature on the Move: Winter Days

Freehold
Saturday, January 22
Head over to the Nature on the Move van at Turkey Swamp Park for a 45-60 minute hands-on interactive program. Enjoy hot cocoa while exploring how nature survives the colder weather through fun games and activities.  READ MORE

Lunar Fest NJ 2024

Maplewood
Sunday, January 23
Revel in the Year of the Dragon at this Lunar New Year celebration. The fun includes a lion dance, a performance representing Korean and Chinese cultures, children's activities, delicious Asian food, and much more. READ MORE

Forest Pre-School

Jackson
Fridays through Friday, January 28
Little ones are invited to hike, play, and explore the outdoors at the Forest Resource Education Center. The fun includes pine cone and twig activities. Bring snacks or picnic lunch. Sessions end with a campfire for roasting marshmallows. READ MORE

Fire & Ice Festival- CANCELED

Mount Holly
Saturday, January 29
This annual Mount Holly festival takes over the streets of downtown for the 28th consecutive year. Bundle up to witness live ice carving demonstrations from a dozen professionals while enjoying the fruits of the chili contest.  READ MORE

Track, Chew, and Poo

Hamilton
Saturday, January 29
Look for evidence of wildlife around the Tulpehaking Nature Center. Learn how different creatures leave clues behind in their tracks, chews, and poos. Then head outside to see who’s been wandering around the nature center. READ MORE

Wassailing the Apple Trees

Terhune
Sunday, January 30
Raise a glass of hot cider as Terhune Orchards honors the trees that provide its wonderful apples. The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration at Terhune Orchards. READ MORE

Seashore Open House - CANCELED

Long Branch
Sunday, January 30
(canceled due to weather) Head over to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center for its annual afternoon of seashore fun. Take part in engaging hands-on activities. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. READ MORE

Winter Tree ID: It’s Nuts!

Hamilton
Saturday, February 12
Learn how to identify some tree species using their leaves, bark, buds, and nuts from a naturalist. Plus, determine how old a tree is and learn about the many products that are made from trees. Head into the park, and try to identify trees. READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Valentine's Day

Howell
Saturday, February 12
Valentine's Day takes on an old-fashioned appeal at Howell Living History Museum. Hop on a hay wagon or bobsled ride through the farm's wintery landscape. Swing by the farmhouse for soup and a craft. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

Marious Locations
Saturday, February 12
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Historical Valentines

Freehold
Saturday, February 12-Sunday, February 13
Historical Walnford hosts this creative and educational workshop. Take a look at valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries, and study how penmanship has changed over the years. Then, create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials. READ MORE

Great Backyard Bird Count at Freneau Woods Park

Aberdeen
Saturday, February 19
In honor of the Great American Backyard Bird Count, meet at Freneau Woods Park, and take a small walk to see what birds can be identified. Observe which winter birds visit the local feeders. READ MORE

Drop in and Discover

Beechwood
Saturdays through March 19
Stop by Jakes Branch Nature Center on Saturdays for nature lessons and crafts. A new topic is explored each session. READ MORE

Terhune Orchards Winery Weekend Music Series

Princeton
Weekends through Sunday, March 27
Gather with friends and family at the winery for wine, relaxing music and light fare. Live music ranges from jazz and blues to folk and rock. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, March 27
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Jersey City Winter Farmers Market

Jersey City
Thursdays through April 21
Stock up on fresh produce, pies, cookies, flowers, and more at this weekly farmers market, located in the PATH train station. READ MORE

Kids Art Classes at Hoboken Historical Museum

Hoboken
Ongoing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
The Hoboken Historical Museum welcomes preschoolers to this art class held in the museum walkway. The class is offered three times a week and is first come, first served. Art materials are provided. READ MORE
The Montclair Art Museum offers free admission for kids under age 12 year-round. Photo courtesy of the museum
The Montclair Art Museum offers free admission for kids under age 12 year-round. Photo courtesy of the museum

Free Destinations and Attractions in New Jersey For Families

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

Do your kiddos qualify for free entry at these NJ destinations? Find out here! READ MORE

Kids Eat Free: New Jersey Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families

These NJ restaurants offer free kiddie meals. READ MORE

Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids

Where to take the kids to play indoors–without spending a cent! READ MORE

Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

Once the storm settles, the fun begins on these sledding hills! READ MORE

A Dozen Fun Things to Do with Kids at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ

This ecological treasure offers hiking, diverse wildlife, and fun ways to learn about nature. READ MORE

Bergen County Zoo: Red Wolves, Mountain Lions, and Tons of Fun

This charming North Jersey zoo offers an intimate look at animals of the Americas. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Cheesequake State Park
National Parks - Multiple Locations