Kids can enjoy hands-on Hanukkah fun at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo courtesy of CMOM
Make Music, Hanukkah, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Until January 4th, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
Santa Photos, Classic Movies, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand
Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer
NYC's Most Unusual Christmas Events
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC 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
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Best Things To Do in New Jersey January 2026 with Kids

Disney on Ice presents Frozen and Encanto at the Prudential Center this month. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Disney on Ice presents Frozen and Encanto at the Prudential Center this month. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
12/27/24 - By Laurie Rein

From Disney on Ice to maple sugaring, January can be a great time for indoor and outdoor activities. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in New Jersey this month.

A new year brings a new roster of warm and cozy post-holiday fun. Escape the cold and treat the family to warm indoor festivals, including the decadent Dessertopia and festival of furry friends, Super Pet Expo. Or, layer up and brave the outdoors for Maple Tree Tapping or the Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.  

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our New Jersey Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events! Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Things To Do in New Jersey this January with Kids

Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party

Newark
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11, 2026
Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends from Moana, Coco, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Frozen on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts. READ MORE

Super Pet Expo in Edison

Edison
Friday, January 9-Sunday, January 11, 2026
Super Pet Expo is a great way to extend the excitement of the holidays, especially for the kids and their four-legged companions. Now in its 25th year at the New Jersey Convention Center, the Expo promises a pack of new features, more opportunities than ever for pet participation, and photo ops galore. READ MORE

Wicked Sing-A-Long at State Theatre New Jersey

New Brunswick
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Belt out tunes from Wicked: For Good at State Theatre New Jersey. Hosted by actress and TikTok content creator Lexis Trechak, Wicked Sing-A-Long is a fun, interactive event with Wicked-themed giveaways, dancing, and lots of singing with fellow Ozians. READ MORE

Winterfest in Downtown Haddonfield

Haddonfest – FREE
Friday, January 16-Sunday, January 18, 2026
Downtown Haddonfield embraces the winter season with three days of fun activities, including the Souper Bowl soup-tasting on Saturday and live ice carvings on Sunday. READ MORE

Wild Con! Collectibles Festival

Wildwood
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Wild Con is a collectibles festival featuring artists, writers, costume groups, and crafts. 2026 brings new guests, Hot Wheels Die Cast Car Races, trivia, interactive performances, special guests, artists, writers, creators, and a huge variety of vendors. READ MORE

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather at Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel – FREE
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Historic Longstreet Farm invites everyone to come play two long-forgotten 1890s board games: Halma and Basilinda. There are also old-time favorites to play, including backgammon, dominos and checkers. READ MORE

Maple Tree Tapping at Echo Hill Park

Flemington
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Take a stroll from the playground to the sugar bush, and participate in the maple sugaring process. Participants collect tap from about 25 trees. Children must be accompanied by adults. READ MORE

Monster Jam at Prudential Center

Newark
Friday, January 23-Sunday, January 25, 2026
Don't miss this action-packed motorsport event, with some of the most famous trucks in the world taking center stage at the Prudential Center. Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over Newark for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. READ MORE

Garden State Comic Fest Winter Fest

Augusta
Saturday, January 24-Sunday, January 25, 2026
Experience the world of comics with talented artists, diverse vendors showcasing comic books, anime, and collectibles, alongside food trucks and cosplayers. Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun that promises to be a celebration of comics. READ MORE

Dessertopia in Morristown

Morristown
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Bring your sweet tooth to the Morristown Armory for a delicious day of desserts. Enjoy a selection of the very best desserts in New Jersey, featuring vendors, a DJ, a  kid zone, face painting and a wide array of desserts. READ MORE

Maple Sugaring Demonstrations at Great Swamp

Chatham
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, January 24-Sunday, February 22, 2026
Families can learn about the process of maple sugaring from start to finish. Kids and their parents learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. READ MORE

Gabby's Dollhouse Live at State Theatre New Jersey

New Brunswick
Sunday, January 25, 2026
State Theatre New Jersey welcomes Gabby's Dollhouse Live, a brand-new stage show inspired by the magical world of the global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation. In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. READ MORE

Rutgers Geological Museum Annual Open House

New Brunswick
Saturday, January 31, 2026
(details tba) Head over to Rutgers Geological Museum for its 58th Annual Open House, featuring  crafts, activities and a mineral sale. This year's theme is New Jersey Geology.  READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

Mount Holly – FREE
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Guests can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling the vendors on High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

More Things To Do in New Jersey in the Spring

NJ Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

All the best events and activities this winter in New Jersey! READ MORE

Best Snow Tubing in New Jersey for Families in 2026

These snow tubing slopes in and around NJ offer cold-weather thrills. READ MORE

24 Best Winter Day Trips from New Jersey for Families

Seasonal hibernation isn't an option, so check out these NJ winter day trip destinations. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Winter is no reason to hibernate–try one of these fun activities in NJ. READ MORE

New Jersey Fun For Kids at Home

40 Outdoor Activities for Kids this Winter

These activities will have kids begging to play outside this winter! READ MORE

30 Exercise Games and Indoor Activities to Get Kids Moving

These easy indoor exercise ideas get everyone moving, laughing, and tired out. READ MORE

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.