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Best Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids in New Jersey

1. Explore the Grounds for Sculpture — Hamilton

This unique spot is always a family favorite! The 42-acre outdoor sculpture garden is loaded with interesting art and whimsical surprises—including some that are super-sized! It's the perfect photo opp for family pics.

2. Head to the Slopes of Campgaw Mountain — Mahwah

Get the whole crew slope-ready at a nearby ski resort. Campgaw is great because it offers ski and snowboarding lessons for kids 4 and up as well as adaptive lessons for kids 7 and up. Looking for a adeal? Passes are discounted on Mondays through most Thursdays and in the evenings.

3. Ice Skate at Bergen County Winter Wonderland — Paramus

We love Van Saun County Park any time of the year, but it truly sparkles in the wintertime when you get the chance to lace up your skates and glide around the rink at Bergen County's Winter Wonderland. The rink even has ice bumper cars on a separate synthetic rink! Word to the wise: you can rent skate aids and bring a helmet if you'd like your child to use one. You can even sign up for a private lesson.

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

Ride the rails at Mountain Creek's terrain park for a thrilling wintertime outing.

4. Go Tubing at Mountain Creek — Vernon

If you've got sledding- and snow tubing-loving kids like I do, definitely check out the family-friendly slopes at Mountain Creek. Ride the magic carpet to the top of the slopes and then get cold-weather thrills as you slide down the mountain at the tubing park. Note that anyone going up the magic carpet needs a ticket. You can also double the fun and buy passes for snowboarding and skiing, too.

5. Hit a Sledding Hill at Echolake — Mountainside

I loved sledding the gentle hills at Echolake Park in Mountainside when I was a kid. On snowy days, sled for hours down Summer Arts Hill near Springfield Avenue in Westfield. If you're not near Westfield, there are tons of parks to play in when the flakes fly.

RELATED: Kids' Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones in New Jersey

Kids can learn about maple sugaring at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. 

27. Learn About Maple Sugaring — 

Find out how maple sugar is made at Great Swamp and other NJ sites.

28. Visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve — 

Watch the wolves wrestling in their habitat at the Lakota Wolf Preserve.

18. 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 mid-January.

23. Experience Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — 

Bundle up and enjoy outdoor skating, boardwalk games, amusement rides, delicious food, and more.

26. Go to the Fire & Ice Festival — 

Marvel at the amazing ice sculptures lining the streets of Mount Holly. And don't miss the red-hot chili festival, where chefs battle it out for the top honor. The event takes place on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

31. Visit a Living History Farm — 

Learn what it was like to live on a farm before technological advancements. Some farms have interesting winter programs, like "ice harvesting" at the Howell Living History Farm.

7. Mini-Golf with Angry Birds

25. Enjoy a Snow Day Staycation — 

These backyard games go beyond sledding, adding fun to a chilly day!

RELATED: Best Museums for Kids and Families in Central and Southern New Jersey

Best Indoor Winter Activities for Kids in New Jersey

29. 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.

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.

32. See the Stars

Visit a planetarium and go "stargazing" indoors.

33. Try Go-Karting

Race the kids on the megatrack at RPM Raceway Jersey City.

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.

19. Spend the Day at Adventure Aquarium

Visit the Amazon, touch a shark, and much more at Camden's awesome Adventure Aquarium.

20. Explore Jenkinson's Aquarium

This small, charming aquarium offers a glimpse of life under the sea.

21. Play at Yestercades

Challenge your friends to Pac-Man, Space Invaders, pinball, and other retro games at Yestercades.

22. Be a Maker

Check out the maker studio, Spark!Lab, at the Morris Museum.

24. Play Pretend at an Indoor Playspace

These indoor play spaces are tons of fun for younger children.

Tee up with Red, the Pigs, and all your favorite characters from 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 great 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.

11. Head to the Museum

Many northern New Jersey culture spots are jam-packed with kid-friendly fun.

12. 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!

13. Burn Some Energy at a Ninja Course

Try a high-flying adventure at a ninja zone or obstacle course.

15. FunTime Junction

This indoor children's entertainment center features laser tag, arcade games, climbing equipment, and more.

Free or Cheap Things To Do with Kids in Winter in New Jersey

10. 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.

5. Take a Hike

No matter the season, NJ has lots of great family-friendly hikes to enjoy.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues.

A version of this story was first published in 2015 and is updated annually.