The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
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Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
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Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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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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Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Teddy Bear Tea, Winter Festival, Train Show

Take your teddy bear to tea at the Morris Museum on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the museum
Take your teddy bear to tea at the Morris Museum on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the museum
1/7/20 - By Laurie Rein

It's play time this mid-January weekend in NJ! Load up your calendars with playful events that spotlight teddy bears, trains, and storytimes. Little ones can treat their favorite plush friends to a tea party at Morris Museum. Young train enthusiasts will be on board with The Museum of American History's Annual Antique Toy Train Show. And kids can find free fun at Barnes & Noble and Hoboken Fire Department Museum storytimes.

Keep warm at indoor performances this weekend, including productions of Mr. Pennygaff's Cirkus Sideshow Spectacular and Reza: Edge of Illusion. If you choose to brave the outdoors, enjoy rides and activities at the Winter Festival Bonfire & Fireworks or hit the beach at the Seashore Open House. Learn more about outdoor fun at the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show.

Find even more weekend options in our Winter Fun Guide, including Indoor Obstacle Courses, Ninja Warrior Training, and Aerial Arts for NJ Kids. And look to our event calendar and January GoList for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

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Hop on the light-up dance floor at the Vernon Lights Festival this weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
Hop on the light-up dance floor at the Vernon Lights Festival this weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival

Things To Do All Weekend

Vernon Lights Festival

Vernon
Vernon will shine even brighter this Fall and Winter with the Vernon Lights Festival. Don’t miss this walk-through wonderland of family fun, with massive lighting displays, a dinosaur kingdom, giant pandas, the million light maze and New Jersey’s largest lantern Christmas tree. READ MORE

Garden State Outdoor Sports Show

Edison
The Garden State Outdoor Sports Show hosts activities and information for the entire family and the next generation of the outdoor enthusiasts. READ MORE

Annual Antique Toy Train Show

Deptford
The Museum of American History hosts its 18th annual antique toy train show. See gauge toy trains from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Models from Lionel, Marx, and American Flyer are on display, zooming past vintage Plasticville buildings from the 1950s. READ MORE
Mr. Pennygaff performs spectacular feats at State Theatre New Jersey on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the performer
Mr. Pennygaff performs spectacular feats at State Theatre New Jersey on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the performer

Things To Do on Saturday, January 11, 2020

Mr. Pennygaff's Cirkus Sideshow Spectacular

New Brunswick
Mr. Pennygaff takes you on a tour of American popular entertainment, with juggling, feats of daring, comedy, sideshow stunts, and audience interaction. READ MORE

Teddy Bear Tea

Morristown
The little ones, and their bears, will love a break from the colder weather with scrumptious treats and a magic performance with circus flair in the Bickford Theatre. READ MORE

Winter Festival Bonfire & Fireworks

Warren – FREE
Bundle up and enjoy rides, music, food, an ice carver, horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, and more during this annual family-favorite event from Warren's recreation department. READ MORE

Storytime and Activities Featuring The Return of Thelma the Unicorn

Clark and other locations- FREE
Barnes & Noble hosts this special Saturday event feature Thelma the Unicorn. Thelma is reluctant to share her horn and sparkles again, but with the help of her best friend Otis, she realizes the importance of spreading love and joy no matter what people think. READ MORE

Reza: Edge of Illusion

Morristown
Reza takes the art of illusion to new extremes, delivering incredible cutting-edge magic, masterful comedic timing, and interactive and inspirational moments in a rock concert-style show that appeals to magic fans young and old. READ MORE

Frozen Fun Night

Short Hills
Want to build a snowman (out of ice cream) and meet Elsa? Join CHA for a fun evening, learning about snow and what all the animals are doing during winter. READ MORE
Listen to stories and songs about city life on Sunday at the Hoboken Fire Department Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Listen to stories and songs about city life on Sunday at the Hoboken Fire Department Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things To Do on Sunday, January 12, 2020

Storytime at Hoboken Fire Department Museum

Hoboken – FREE
Tots are welcome to Hoboken Fire Department Museum every Sunday for stories, with special guest readers from Hoboken Public Library. READ MORE

Seashore Open House

Long Branch – FREE
Bundle up and spend Sunday at the beach with seashore fun and light refreshments. Engage in hands-on activities that will entertain and educate visitors about shore and the sea. READ MORE

Winery Sunday Music Series

Princeton – FREE
Spend a relaxing day at Terhune with wine, light fare, music, and friend-filled afternoons during its Sunday Music Series. Live music will be in the Wine Barn and courtyard. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks at Jake Branch County Park

Beechwood – FREE
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE

Family Nature Club: Wonders of Winter

Flemington
Gather at Echo Hill to find out where animals go during the winter season and how they change. Enjoy some hot chocolate and a campfire while exploring wild animals in the winter. READ MORE

The Wonderful World of Snow Globes

Westfield
The miniature worlds under glass called snow globes have been delighting people since the 1800's.  The museum’s program features these charming collectibles.  READ MORE

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