Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
19 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in New Jersey
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November's School Holidays
Outhouse orchards corn maze
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Things to Do in New Jersey November 2024 with Kids
Johnson's Locust Hill Farm is a picture perfect backdrop for a stroll through sunflowers. Photo by Cody Conk
25 Fun-Filled Fall Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Farms with Family Entertainment in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend & Beyond: Purim Drive-by, PJ Party, Search For Spring

Explore the beautiful Watchung Reservation during Trailside Nature Center's Back to Nature Series this Saturday. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Explore the beautiful Watchung Reservation during Trailside Nature Center's Back to Nature Series this Saturday. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
2/24/21 - By Laurie Rein

Bundle up, and take a hike through this last weekend of February. Brave the chill, and embark on family-friendly outings at Great Swamp OEC and Cavern Point Beach. You can also choose to stay in your warm car at drive-thru events like a wildlife baby shower and a Purim celebration.

You can find plenty of any time fun in our roundup of what's open in New Jersey right now, plus our curated lists of winter fun and where to play outside.

If you're staying in, check out our Poppins@Home site, where kids can explore their favorite hobbies, from Harry Potter-inspired wizards to Legos and more.

For even more fun, bookmark our always-updated Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which is filled with seasonal happenings.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.

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Liberty Science Center celebrates kids ages 6 and under with its twice a week junior days. Photo courtesy of LSC
Liberty Science Center celebrates kids ages 6 and under with its twice a week junior days. Photo courtesy of LSC

Best Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids

Family Swamp Stroll

Chatham
Friday, February 26
Take a peaceful nature walk at the Great Swamp, observing wildlife and plants along the way. Pre-registration is required. READ MORE

Pajama Day With Early Opening

Florham Park
Saturday, February 27
Imagine That welcomes early risers for Pajama Day. Guests may wear their pajamas and listen to a reading of Pajamas All The Time by local author Michelle Pearl. Pearl sticks around to autograph books after the reading. READ MORE

Cloverdale Weekend Children’s Programs

Barnegat–FREE
Saturday, February 27
Hit the trails at Cloverdale Farm and have some fun exploring the natural world. This program takes place outdoors, so dress for the weather with comfortable shoes.  READ MORE

Signs of Spring Walk at Morven

Princeton
Sunday, February 28
Search for signs of spring at Morven Museum and Garden. Resident horticulturist Louise Senior leads this interactive tour. Help her hunt for the first signs of spring on the grounds.  READ MORE

Wildlife Baby Shower

Medford–FREE
Sunday, February 28
Help Cedar Run prepare for the spring baby boom and the arrival of injured or orphaned wildlife at this shower collection. Don't miss refreshments, crafts for kids, and appearances by non-releasable wildlife. READ MORE

Road Trip Purim Extravaganza

Bridgewater
Sunday, February 28
Take a fun and festive family road trip through the JCC lot to celebrate Purim. Holiday crafts, stories, games, and treats await on this drive-thru journey.  READ MORE

Winter Hike to Cavern Point

Jersey City
Sunday, February 28
Take a 3-mile round-trip hike to Cavern Point Beach, traveling along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. Dress for the outdoors with comfortable walking shoes.  READ MORE

Dr. Seuss Day

Toms River
Tuesday, March 2
Ocean County Parks & Recreation hosts socially-distant drop-off programs for preschoolers. In this session, journey through the wacky world of Dr. Seuss, and celebrate his birthday with stories, crafts, and a tasty birthday treat. Please list any allergies with registration. READ MORE

Turning

Hackettstown
Select dates Thursday, February 25-Sunday, March 7
Centenary Stage Company presents Turning, the story of a group of scrappy young women in 1930s Newark who began to train in backyard gyms for the experience of a lifetime: the Olympics. READ MORE

Critter Cove Story Time

Mendham
Tuesdays through March 23
Bundle up the little ones, and enjoy stories and songs outdoors with a naturalist. Social distancing and face coverings are required.  READ MORE

Back to Nature

Mountainside
Saturdays through March 20
Explore the Watchung Reservation with your family every Saturday. Each session highlights a new nature or science theme. Pre-registration and masks are required.  READ MORE

LSC Junior Days

Jersey City
Thursdays and Fridays through March 26
Bring your preschoolers to the Liberty Science Center every Thursday and Friday for Junior Scientist Days. The excitement includes planetarium shows for your astronomers, the new Explore More adventure, animal programs, a Science Dance Party, and storytime. READ MORE

Top Virtual Events This Week

Virtual African-American Festival

Saturday, February 27
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its 19th annual African-American Festival as a virtual online celebration, streaming live from the aquarium. READ MORE

Culikid's Roasted Carrots & Carrot Top Pesto Cooking Class

Saturday, February 27
Learn to make roasted carrots with carrot top pesto in this free class. While Culikid's virtual classes are paced to be accessible for a child with special needs, they are open to everyone. READ MORE

Pokémon Day Virtual Concert

Saturday, February 27
Pokémon teams up with Post Malone for a Pokémon Day virtual concert. READ MORE

Mara the Storyteller

Sunday, February 28
Performance storyteller Mara Menzies draws on the rich African storytelling tradition and sprinkles in her own brand of magic during the Sugar Hill Museum's special storytime. READ MORE
Get out of the chill and spend a day in the tropics at Sahara Sam's Oasis. Photo courtesy of the park
Get out of the chill and spend a day in the tropics at Sahara Sam's Oasis. Photo courtesy of the park

More Things To Do in New Jersey This February

8 Jersey Shore Boardwalks to Explore in the Offseason

Who says shore season is summer-only? READ MORE

Where to Throw Birthday Parties in New Jersey in 2021

When it comes to parties, these 15 spots are serving up plenty of fun even now. READ MORE

What's Open Now in New Jersey For Families

What's open in New Jersey now? A lot, really. Here's where you can go in the Garden State. READ MORE

New Jersey's Liberty State Park: A Perfect Family Day Trip

Enjoy all the amenities of this waterfront park on a family day trip. READ MORE

Splash and Slide at Indoor Water Parks Near New Jersey for Families

Summertime fun in the middle of winter is just a drive away at these indoor water parks. READ MORE

Top Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey Open Now

These indoor play spaces have reopened with safety protocols in place. READ MORE

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