Be Craftful (Fanwood)
Unfortunately, Be Craftful closed its storefront location, but still offers mobile classes and playdates at public locations. 
Although relatively new to the area, Be Craftful is already one of my family’s favorite destinations. If you’ve got crafty kids, they will love this place! Drop into the “craft pit” to create a special art project or attend one of their upcoming special events, such as Family Fun Day on January 18th. Be Craftful offers classes and workshops, as well as Ladies’ Nights and Parents’ Night Out. Their retail shop is the perfect place to find a unique birthday or holiday gift too. There is a $10 sitting fee for drop-in crafting, in addition to the cost of each creation (generally $3-$10). 908-322-3226

Color Me Mine (Summit)
Searching for something artsy to do with the kids on a chilly winter day? Children of all ages can create their own masterpieces at Color Me Mine. Little painters are welcome to drop in at any time during open studio hours. There are also special events scheduled each month, such as “Paint Me a Story” on Saturday mornings (pre-registration required). The standard studio fee is $9 for ages 10 and up, $6 for 9 and under. Prices of ceramic pieces vary but usually average around $15-$20 for children. 908-598-0248

The Connection (Summit)
Membership is required to attend classes and other programs but non-members are welcome to participate in The Connection’s open gym hours. Drop-in sessions for ages 6 months to 5 years are offered several times per week (see website for schedule). Kids can enjoy hour-long sessions of playing and tumbling on mats in the big gym. Open swim hours are offered too. Daily passes are $5 per child. 908-273-4242

Kidz Village (Kenilworth)
Pop over to this multi-level indoor playground any day of the week for open play. This fabulous facility is designed for kids 10 and under—attractions include a huge climbing structure, themed rooms such as beauty salon and 50s-style diner, and even arcade games. There’s something here to suit every child’s interest so it’s perfect for groups with kids of various ages or different interests. Admission is $9.99 for children 2 years and older ($10.99 Saturday & Sunday), $6.99 for kids under 2 years ($7.99 Saturday & Sunday), free for infants and adults. 908-445-7220

Monster Mini Golf (Union)
My 4-year-old son is a mini-golf addict and he can’t get enough of Monster Mini Golf! We’ve spent many winter afternoons at this awesome indoor golf facility. The glow-in-the-dark course features 18 holes of monster-themed fun, plus there’s an arcade and live DJ on site. Plenty of fun to keep your kids busy and entertained for hours! Pricing is $9 for adults and $8 for children. 908-686-7200

Pump It Up (Roselle Park)
A popular birthday party destination, this indoor facility also offers multiple open jump times every day of the week. This is one of my family’s favorite places to burn off energy during the cold winter months. The huge inflatables, slides and games are a surefire way to tire your kids out! Themed events include Toddler Jump, Mad Science Jump and Pajama Jump. Meals can be added to many jumps for an additional fee. Prices range from $10 to $15 per session. 908-245-5867

Screamin’ Parties (Springfield)
Screamin’ Parties is another area favorite for bouncy-time fun. Their 20-foot shark slide, obstacle courses, interactive video stomp floor, air hockey and giant inflatables will entertain your kids in a fun and safe environment. Family open bounce is every Tuesday from 6-8pm. Pre-school bounces and other special events are also regularly scheduled. Sign up for their email list to receive weekly updates. Open Play is $13 per child ($15 with pizza & juice). 908-325-5420

Trailside Nature & Science Center (Mountainside)
This wonderful nature center, nestled in Watchung Reservation, offers tons of interactive activities for the whole family all year long. Current exhibits include a 34-foot tall American beech tree, a life-sized wigwam and a 25,000 year-old Mastodon tusk. We love visiting the fish and turtles too. There’s a children’s discovery room and a cozy reading area to curl up in so it’s the perfect place for a winter day. Special events and programs are frequently scheduled. Admission is free. 908-789-3670