Winter Fun List: 30 Things To Do With Kids in New Jersey
The days may be shorter and colder, but we've found 30 fun winter activities that are sure to get you out of the house. Bundle up and explore NJ's top skiing and snowboarding spots, outdoor ice rinks, and more. Read on for our top winter trips, and be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Winter Activities Guide for even more great ideas.
Be sure to check with each venue for its COVID guidelines and requirements before heading out; some events are getting canceled or postponed at the last minute due to the latest COVID surge, so always confirm details before departing.
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1. Explore the Grounds for Sculpture
The 42-acre outdoor sculpture garden is loaded with interesting art and whimsical surprises—including some that are super-sized!
2. Go Tubing
Experience some cold-weather thrills as you slide down a mountain at one of these fantastic snow tubing parks.
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Palmer Square's picturesque ice skating rink is made of synthetic Glice. Photo courtesy of Palmer's Square
3. Go Ice Skating
Lace-up your skates and glide around the rink or pond.
4. Head to the Slopes
Get the whole crew slope-ready at these nearby ski mountains and resorts.
5. Take a Hike
No matter the season, NJ has lots of great family-friendly hikes to enjoy.
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Ride the rails at Mountain Creek's terrain park for a thrilling wintertime outing.
6. Try Snowboarding
Sometimes one is better than two! Get the kids to try out snowboarding this winter.
7. Mini-Golf with Angry Birds
Tee up with Red, the Pigs, and all your favorite characters from The Angry Birds at the indoor mini-golf course in American Dream.
8. Plan a Day Trip
Change up the scenery for a day with one of these 20 family-friendly destinations across the Garden State.
9. Go Bowling
Whether you want to go classic or experience all the bells and whistles, NJ has tons of bowling alleys to enjoy.
10. Head to the Museum
These northern New Jersey culture spots are jam-packed with kid-friendly fun.
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The Cape May Zoo is open year-round and completely FREE.
11. Explore Cape May Zoo
Check out more than 85 acres of beautifully maintained exhibits at this Jersey Shore zoo. There are more than 250 species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as picnic pavilions and a playground. Admission is always FREE.
12. Burn Some Energy at a Ninja Course
Try a high-flying adventure at a ninja zone or obstacle course.
13. Hit a Local Sledding Hill
We've got the 411 on the best parks to play in when the flakes fly, so stock up on those sleds and saucers now so you're ready when it's time to hit the local slopes.
14. Check out the FunPlex
This award-winning family entertainment center offers everything from go-karts and an arcade to an exhilarating water park, and more.
15. FunTime Junction
This indoor children's entertainment center features laser tag, arcade games, climbing equipment, and more.
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Who says theme parks are only for summer? Nickelodeon Universe brings the thrills all year round.
16. Get Amusement Park Thrills at Nickelodeon Universe
Experience the rush of a roller coaster at the Western Hemisphere's biggest indoor theme park.
17. iPlay America
Enjoy more than 200 video and skills games as well as the Extreme Laser Experience at iPlay America in Freehold, New Jersey. The Top Golf suite is also open.
18. Spend the Day at Adventure Aquarium
Visit the Amazon, touch a shark, and much more at Camden's awesome aquarium.
19. Explore Jenkinson's Aquarium
This small, charming aquarium offers a glimpse of life under the sea.
20. Play at Yestercades
Challenge your friends to Pac-Man, Space Invaders, pinball, and other retro games at Yestercades.
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Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo by Danielle Smith
21. Experience Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Bundle up and enjoy outdoor skating, boardwalk games, amusement rides, delicious food, and more.
22. Play Pretend at an Indoor Playspace
These indoor play spaces have reopened with safety protocols in place.
23. See Let it Glow
See enormous and beautiful glowing lanterns on the grounds of the Bergen County Zoo. These animals, arranged in 30+ glowing scenes, are on view through the end of January.
24. Enjoy a Snow Day Staycation
These backyard games go beyond sledding, but add plenty of fun to a chilly day!
25. Go to the Fire & Ice Festival
Marvel at the amazing ice sculptures lining the streets of Mount Holly. And don't miss the entrants in the cupcake decorating contest and gingerbread house decorating contest on display at Rowan College, conducted by the Women’s League of Mount Holly with proceeds benefiting the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
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Kids can learn about maple sugaring at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.
26. Learn About Maple Sugaring
Find out how maple sugar is made at Great Swamp.
27. Visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve
Watch the wolves wrestling in their habitat at the Lakota Wolf Preserve.
28. Swim at an Indoor Water Park
Enjoy a taste of summer by splashing in the pool and sliding down the slides at an indoor water park.
29. Be a Maker
Check out the newly opened maker studio Spark!Lab Jr. at the Morris Museum.
30. Play Laser Tag
Catch me if you can! Challenge the kids to play laser tag at one of NJ's awesome kid-friendly arenas.
Unless noted, all photos courtesy of the respective venues
A version of this story was first published in 2015. It is updated annually.