Kites of all shapes and sizes soar over the beach at Kites on the Pier in Long Branch. Photo courtesy of the Pier Village
Kites at the Pier Festival and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Enjoy the blooming daffodils at Reeves-Reed Arboretum on a day trip this spring. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
30 Spring Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
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
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Treat mom to a special Mother's Day brunch this year.
Best Mother's Day Brunch in Northern New Jersey
Celebrate the springtime arrival of the glorious cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Top Things To Do in New Jersey April 2024 with Kids
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is full of springtime family fun. Video by Andre Sala
  VIDEO
Here's Why the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is a Must-See Spring Event
This spring break, take a hike by the soaring hemlock trees in Hacklebarney State Park. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Spring Break 2024: 41 Fun Things To Do in New Jersey
Row after row of tulips fills the fields at the stunning Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the farm Row after row of tulips fills the fields at the stunning Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
  VIDEO
Visiting Holland Ridge Farms with Kids: A Guide to New Jersey's Stunning Tulip Farm
Enjoy fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
43 Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey this April and May for Families
Step back in time at Field Station: Dinosaurs, New Jersey's dinosaur-themed adventure park. Photo courtesy of the venue
46 Best Things To Do in New Jersey this Spring
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Take to the skies on Legoland New York's new Minifigure Skyflyer. Rendering courtesy of the resort
From Six Flags' The Flash to Legoland's Minifigure Skyflyer Here Are the Top Attractions Coming to Theme Parks near You
Allow yourself to get drawn into the mesmerizing 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 Rainy Days
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
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
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream come true for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive
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
GUIDE
Winter Activities Guide for New Jersey Kids
Visit the Wisner House during a winter day trip to Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
25 Winter Day Trips in New Jersey
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
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
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: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Big-name Broadway shows like &Juliet come at a premium prices, but there are ways to save on Broadway tickets. Photo by Aka NYC.
Discount Broadway Tickets: Six Ways to Save Big on Broadway Shows
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
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
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
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
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
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

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.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Places featured in this article: