Disney on Ice's newest show,
Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey January 2026, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Check out ice skating, go-karts, bumper cars, and the marketplace at Newark Winter Village. Photo courtesy of Newark Winter Village
24 Best Winter Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
Hit the slopes in NJ this winter. Photo via Mountain Creek Facebook
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids 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
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
NJ Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
23 Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
23 Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With 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
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Super Pet Expo, Disney on Ice, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

Reptile lovers and other animal aficionados will have a blast at Super Pet Expo. Photo courtesy of the expo
Reptile lovers and other animal aficionados will have a blast at Super Pet Expo. Photo courtesy of the expo
1/7/26 - By Laurie Rein

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

While bone-chilling temperatures take over in January, stay toasty at indoor festivities, including the annual Super Pet Expo, with demonstrations, photo-ops, and more with furry friends. Or warm up with other indoor entertainment this weekend, including Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party and the Wicked Sing-A-Long at State Theatre New Jersey. 

Plus, get crafty at Princeton University Art Museum's FREE Art for Families series. 

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!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Check out Mickey and the gang in
Check out Mickey and the gang in "Mickey's Search Party". Photo courtesy of Disney on Ice

Top Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend with Kids

Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party

Newark
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
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
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

Wildwood Fishing & Boating Expo

Wildwood
Friday, January 9-Sunday, January 11
Set sail to the Wildwood Fishing & Boating Expo, featuring three days of vendors, seminars, boats to climb aboard, giveaways and more. Children's activities include face painting. READ MORE

Nature’s Canvas at Liberty State Park Nature Center

Jersey City – FREE
Saturday, January 10
Have a crafty day at The Nature Center as participants learn about nature’s most captivating creations and make a seasonal work of art to take home. READ MORE

Art for Families at Princeton University Art Museum

Princeton – FREE
Saturdays through January 24
Stop by Princeton University Art Museum every Saturday morning for crafty family fun. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1 p.m. and enjoy an engaging gallery activity followed by a related art project. READ MORE

Meet Daniel Tiger at Liberty Science Center

Jersey City
Saturday, January 10-Sunday, January 11
Daniel Tiger stops by the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit on select dates for an up-close-and-personal visit. The exhibit runs through May 2026. READ MORE

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather at Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel – FREE
Saturday, January 10
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

Family Sundays at Tulpehaking Nature Center

Hamilton – FREE
Sundays through February 15
Families are invited to show their love of nature this winter by creating eco-friendly crafts, feeding animals and hearing nature stories every Sunday at Tulpehaking Nature Center. No registration is required. READ MORE

Wicked Sing-A-Long at State Theatre New Jersey

New Brunswick
Sunday, January 11
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

Winery with Music, Firepits, and Mulled Wine at Terhune Orchards

Princeton – FREE
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, March 22
Weekends at Terhune Orchards Winery are all about good vibes, great wine, and plenty of fun. Friends and families can gather to enjoy music, food, and cheer in a cozy fall setting. On sunny days, the historic apple orchard makes the perfect backdrop. READ MORE

Make-and-Take Victorian Dolls at Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel – FREE
Sunday, January 11
Stop by Historic Longstreet Farm for a quick lesson on crafting two styles of home-made Victorian dolls - corn husk dolls and rag dolls.  READ MORE

Antique Toy Train Show at The Museum of American History

Deptford
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, February 1
This annual toy train show features O and O-27 gauge toy trains from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Lionel, Marx, and American Flyer engines, with adjoining cars, race on two diverse platforms. READ MORE
Rancocas Nature Center has great outdoor activities in the winter. Photo by Lisa Warden
Rancocas Nature Center has great outdoor activities in the winter. Photo by Lisa Warden

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:

Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey January 2026, from Mommy Poppins Editors

These are the best things to do in NJ with kids in January. READ MORE

27 Free and Fun Activities in New Jersey January 2026

Kick off the new year with lots of free fun throughout NJ. READ MORE

Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids

Find the best FREE kids activities in New Jersey. READ MORE

100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Check out our mega-list of free things to do with your family in NJ. READ MORE
Toys R Us is a fun play spot during the colder months. Photo courtesy of American Dream
Toys R Us is a fun play spot during the colder months. Photo courtesy of American Dream

More Fun Winter Season Things To Do With Kids

Best Indoor Water Parks near New Jersey for a Warm Weather Getaway in 2026

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

23 Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

This is where to take the kids to play indoors in NJ without spending a cent! READ MORE

Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

Once the storm settles, the fun begins on these sledding hills! 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.