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MLK Weekend 2026 in New Jersey: Best Things To Do With Kids

Hang out with life-size superheroes made out of balloons during Cranford's Superhero Stroll. Photo courtesy of Downtown Cranford
Hang out with life-size superheroes made out of balloons during Cranford's Superhero Stroll. Photo courtesy of Downtown Cranford
1/16/26 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this long weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.

The first long weekend of 2026 kicks off with a celebration on ice and concludes with a day of service and legacy. The weekend gets off to an icy start with Pier Village's free Ice Festival, complete with an ice sculpture demonstration and other wintry fun. Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are service opportunities for all ages in Scotch Plains, Princeton, and Summit, among others.

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

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!

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Watch sculptors carve blocks of ice into works of art at Pier Village's Ice Festival. Photo by Bill Scannell courtesy of Pier Village
Watch sculptors carve blocks of ice into works of art at Pier Village's Ice Festival. Photo by Bill Scannell courtesy of Pier Village

Top Things To Do in New Jersey this Weekend

Winterfest in Downtown Haddonfield

Haddonfield – FREE
Friday, January 16-Sunday, January 18
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

Annual Snowfest at Wicoff House Museum

Plainsboro – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Wicoff House Museum's annual winter festival presents an afternoon of winter magic, with inflatables, hot chocolate, crafts, ice carving, storytime, snow cones, smores, and an Olaf appearance. READ MORE

Wild Con! Collectibles Festival

Wildwood
Saturday, January 17
Wild Con is a collectibles festival featuring artists, writers, costume groups, and crafts. This year 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

Downtown Cranford Souperhero Stroll

Cranford
Saturday, January 17-Sunday, January 18
Put on a cape, and get ready for the Downtown Cranford Souperhero Stroll. Take a stroll through Downtown Cranford to view the life-size superhero balloon sculptures while sampling delicious soups offered by local restaurants. READ MORE

Ice Festival at Pier Village

Long Branch – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Pier Village is ready for winter with a live ice sculpture demonstration. Award-winning sculptors design and carve blocks of ice into amazing works of art. The sculptures remain on display through Sunday. READ MORE

Red Firecrackers, The Legend of the Lunar New Year

Fort Lee
Sunday, January 18
The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company performs Red Firecrackers, a special program dedicated to celebrating Chinese immigrant culture. The show promises a captivating display of cultural richness, artistic excellence, and a profound narrative that explores the origins of Chinese Lunar New Year. READ MORE

Maple Tree Tapping at Echo Hill Park

Flemington
Sunday, January 18
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

Scotch Plains Fanwood Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Scotch Plains – FREE
Monday, January 19
Join the Scotch Plains Fanwood community for its annual day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Service projects include volunteer opportunities like card-making and food and clothing drives. READ MORE

MLK Day Window Sign Making Workshop and Food Drive

Princeton – FREE
Monday, January 19
This free gathering offers the opportunity and materials to design a sign to be placed in your window, spreading MLK’s messages of peace and social justice. Draw, collage, color, and gather inspiration from iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quotes.  READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit – FREE
Monday, January 19
Stop by the patio of Reeves-Reed Arboretum to pick up supplies to create valentines that will be delivered to clients of SAGE Eldercare. On this important day of service memorializing Martin Luther King Jr., participants can warm the hearts of neighbors.  READ MORE

MLK Day Community Rock Garden at Visual Arts Center

Summit – FREE
Monday, January 19
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey welcomes guests of all ages to paint rocks, which contribute to the community rock garden. Spread messages of peace, love, and hope, or create an image that is all your own. READ MORE

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony in Ocean City

Ocean City – FREE
Monday, January 19
Gather at the Ocean City Tabernacle for the opening ceremony at noon, and honor Dr. King through words, song and dance. A complimentary soul food buffet luncheon follows at the Tabernacle. READ MORE
The Cohanzick Zoo is always free to visit. Photo by Lisa Warden
The Cohanzick Zoo is always free to visit. Photo by Lisa Warden

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Slide through an indoor water park this winter. Photo courtesy of Kalahari
Slide through an indoor water park this winter. Photo courtesy of Kalahari

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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.
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