The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows 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
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
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
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks 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
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
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
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 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
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
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey 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
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 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
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

40+ Events This Winter for New Jersey Preschoolers

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in January. Photo courtesy of the company
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in January. Photo courtesy of the company
1/16/19 - By Laurie Rein

If being cooped up at home with an energetic preschooler isn't your idea of winter wonder, we offer you more than 40 excuses to get out of the house! From shows to storytimes to nature activities, there are events nearly every day this winter that are tailor-made for the under-5 set. 

Preschool fan-favorites take the stage this winter in kid-friendly productions of American Girl Live, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pete the Cat, and Cinderella. Frozen fans can chill out at A Very Frozen Event, Story Time with Queen Elsa, and Frozen Ball.

Storytimes are a perfect way to pass the time on a slow day (bonus: most are free!). Swing over to weekly events at Pottery Barn Kids, L.L. Bean, Hoboken Fire Department, and Lovin' Oven, and check out special happenings, like I Am Not a Fox Storytime and A Rescue-to-Royal Puppy Love Story.

Bundle up, and let the little ones explore nature at events like Nature Time Together Drop Ins, Winter Tales, First Friday Storytime, Groundhog Day Celebration, and A Winter's Day on the Farm. 

Read on for more than 40 preschooler-friendly events happening this winter, and check out even more ways to entertain kids this time of year in our New Jersey Winter Fun Guide, featuring 50+ Things to Do with Kids Indoors in the Winter. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

American Girl Live blasts off in Englewood, Morristown, and Red Bank in January! Photo courtesy of American Girl
American Girl Live blasts off in Englewood, Morristown, and Red Bank in January! Photo courtesy of American Girl

January Events

Story Time with Queen Elsa

January 16 – Montclair – FREE
Join The Eclectic Chic Boutique for a very special story time session with Queen Elsa. Local character actress Nola Bunny will be portraying Queen Elsa and telling fun stories. READ MORE

Wish Upon a Wednesday Character Dinners

January 16 – Collingswood – repeats every Wednesday in January
Little ones can meet their favorite characters on Wednesday nights at The Pop Shop. Coloring and sundaes round out the fun. READ MORE

American Girl Live

January 17 – Englewood; January 19 – Morristown; January 20 – Red Bank
Experience American Girl in an all-new musical, taking the stage in New Jersey in 2019. American Girl Live is a premiere stage production, featuring all-original songs and unforgettable experiences. READ MORE

Tot Tours: BASF Winter Fun

January 18 – Morristown
Enjoy snow play in Morris Museum. Tots will make "snow" indoors plus a snowman craft. READ MORE

Storytime with Lolly

January 18 – Frenchtown – repeats every Friday – FREE
Come sing, read, and play at the Lovin' Oven with Lolly. Enjoy the amazing local, fresh food,and let Lolly read and sing for your kiddos. READ MORE

Bubble Trouble

January 19 – Englewood
Pop over to Bergen PAC as Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza.  Jeff juggles bubbles, sculpts and builds with bubbles, makes fog-filled bubbles and more. READ MORE

Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning

January 19 – various NJ – repeats January 26 – FREE
Lakeshore Learning welcomes children age 3 and older for a free storytime and craft activity each Saturday morning. Check online for photos of weekly projects. READ MORE

Storytime & Activities Featuring The Duchess & Guy: A Rescue-to-Royalty Puppy Love Story

January 19 – Springfield – FREE
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble for the true-life story of Meghan Markle's rescue dog Guy. When he was a pup, Guy was just like any dog in the shelter dreaming of a forever home, but all that changed when Meghan adopted him.  READ MORE

Babies & Books Storytime

January 19 – Englewood Cliffs – repeats every other Saturday – FREE
Saturday mornings are story time at Happy Hello book shop. Stop by for an interactive story time with Usbourne books. READ MORE

Drop By For Science On the Fly

January 19 – Beechwood – repeats every Saturday – FREE
Have fun learning at these free, come-and-go short, science-based programs. A make and take craft will follow a brief lesson. READ MORE

Storytime at Hoboken Fire Department Museum

January 20 – Hoboken – repeats every Sunday – FREE
Tots are welcome to Hoboken Fire Department Museum every Sunday for stories, with special guest readers from Hoboken Public Library. READ MORE

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Valentine Card Making

January 21 – Summit
Stop by the Education Center to create a unique card from recycled materials. On Valentine's Day, your card will warm the heart of a patient in a local hospital. READ MORE

Tent Tales for Tykes - Storytime at L.L.Bean

January 22 Marlton – repeats every Tuesday through February – FREE
Cuddle up with the little ones at the L.L.Bean Tent for storytime at your local L.L.Bean store. During each session, participants will explore a different nature or outdoor theme, followed by related activities, games or crafts. READ MORE

Pottery Barn Kids Weekly Storytime - ON HOLD

January 22 – various NJ – repeats every Tuesday – FREE
Pottery Barn Kids stores host a special weekly storytime for children. READ MORE

Tyke's Tuesday at ISC

January 22 – Mount Laurel – repeats every Tuesday
No matter what the weather brings, parents and their pre-schooler can have fun while making new friends and getting a little exercise at this weekly event. Admission includes a skate lesson, skate rental, skate mates, a soft pretzel, a small drink, and time in the Funzone. READ MORE

Winter Tales (Toucan) at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

January 23 – Summit
Children will discover world of endangered species at the Arboretum. In this program, participants will learn why the toucan has such an amazing beak. READ MORE

Frozen Ball

January 26 – Union
*sold out*  Liberty Hall has been Frozen over by Queen Elsa and her icy powers. Fans of the famous movie are invited for this Frozen-themed party with crafts, games, a hot chocolate bar, and other sweet treats.  READ MORE

Rutgers Geological Museum Annual Open House

January 26 – New Brunswick – FREE
Head over to Rutgers Geological Museum for its 57th Annual Open House, featuring  crafts, activities and a mineral sale. This year's theme is New Jersey Geology.  READ MORE

I Am Not a Fox Storytime

January 26 – Maplewood – FREE
Words Maplewood's Bookstore invites young readers along for storytime, discussion and fox-themed gifts. READ MORE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Stories

January 27 – Red Bank
Three beloved stories by Eric Carle come to life on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets.  READ MORE

The Sleeping Beauty

January 27 – Bound Brook
Kids will love this puppet show version of the classic tale about the beautiful princess who falls under a witch’s spell and sleeps for 100 years. READ MORE

Pete the Cat

January 27 – Union
This cool kitty from the popular children's book comes to life on stage at Wilkins Theatre. Jimmy Biddle is nervous about how his family’s new houseguest, a groovy blue cat named Pete, is going to shake things up. When Jimmy draws a blank in art class on the last day of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect friend to help him out. READ MORE

Drop in and Discover

January 28 – Beechwood – repeats every other Monday – FREE
Stop by Jakes Branch Nature Center on Saturdays for nature lessons and crafts. A new topic is explored each session. READ MORE
The Pop Ups perform their rock and roll puppet musical at Bergen Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Bergen PAC
The Pop Ups perform their rock and roll puppet musical at Bergen Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Bergen PAC

February Events

First Friday Storytime

February 1 – Hamilton – FREE
Children and a parent or caregiver are invited to Tulpehaking Nature Center for this monthly storytime followed by a craft or other activity. Kids will learn about local wildlife and history.   READ MORE

Groundhog Day Celebration

February 2 – Pennington
The Watershed Institute hosts this annual Groundhog Day festival. Join Watershed Wally the Woodchuck as we celebrate winter and look forward to the return of spring. READ MORE

Bright Star Children's Theatre: Cinderella and Jack & the Beanstalk

February 2 – Hopewell
Literature comes to life on stage in this hysterical production, bringing together stories of Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. READ MORE

Vampire Girl at Jenkinson's

February 2 – Point Pleasant Beach
Meet and greet a costumed character at Jenkinson's South Arcade. Face painting and photos round out the fun. READ MORE

A Very Frozen Event

February 2 – Netcong
The Growing Stage Film Series presents Frozen on the big screen, along with crafts, activities and a sing along. READ MORE

The Pop-Ups

February 2 – Englewood
Pop over to Bergen PAC to watch Brooklyn musicians Jason Rabinowitz and Jacob Stein, The Pop Ups, a Grammy-nominated children’s musical duo. READ MORE

A Winter’s Day on the Farm

February 3 – Morris Township
Join an exciting, outdoor family adventure, and experience traditional farm life as it was in the early 20th century. Enjoy an open-air, tractor pulled wagon ride, meet the friendly farm animals, learn the importance of ice harvesting and what tools were used, and help with daily farm chores. READ MORE

Chocolate Family Day

February 9 – Morristown
Embark on a sweet adventure by participating in a Touch the Music workshop, make a special card in time for Valentine’s Day, and see a performance of Morgan's Journey in the Bickford Theatre. READ MORE

Milk & Cookies: Tahira

February 9 – New Brunswick
Tahira's back at the State Theatre with her entertaining songs and stories. Drawing from the African and African American folklore tradition as well as her own lively imagination, she enthralls and delights audiences of all ages. READ MORE

Read & Explore: Birds, Nesting & Birdhouses

February 9 – Princeton
Teach the little ones about nature at Terhune Orchards' Read and Explore education series. Birds are starting to think about making homes for their babies. Participants will hear stories about birds. Each child will make a bird house and get some nesting material to take home. READ MORE

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon at SOPAC

February 10 – South Orange
The whole family will enjoy this musical about Amber Brown who is having what may be the worst year of her life. She and Justin Daniels were the perfect team: they laughed at each other’s jokes, sat next to each other in class, and stayed best friends when Justin’s dad had to move away. But now things are different. READ MORE

February Small Explorers Program

February 16 – Trenton – FREE
All are invited to February’s Small Explorers program, where participants will explore African American artists with a focus on Jacob Lawrence and Romaire Bearden.  Our story is “Jake Makes a World” by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts.  READ MORE

Jakes Branch Birthday Bash

February 23 – Beechwood – FREE
Jakes Branch invites everyone to celebrate 10 years of natural science education. This open house style event will feature naturalist led walks, live animal talks, kids crafts and games and more. READ MORE
The Morris Museum continues its annual tradition of hosting a Family Day inspired by Dr. Seuss. Photo courtesy of the museum
The Morris Museum continues its annual tradition of hosting a Family Day inspired by Dr. Seuss. Photo courtesy of the museum

March Events

Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday at Jenkinson's

March 2 – Point Pleasant
There's more to Jenkinson's this weekend than One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.Young readers are welcome to bring their favorite Dr. Seuss book and share it with the Cat In The Hat during special story times marking the author's birthday. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss Family Day

March 2 – Morristown
Celebrate the birthday of one of the most beloved children’s authors at Morris Museum. Enjoy readings of Dr. Seuss classics throughout the day, make a hat like the Cat’s, and participate in a Seuss-inspired science demo in the BASF Kids’ Lab. READ MORE

Milk & Cookies: New Jersey Tap Ensemble

March 2 – New Brunswick
Come and meet the tapping feet of New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble at State Theatre.  In this high-energy, interactive show, dynamic young dancers demonstrate the fundamentals of tap dance and dazzle the audience with showstopping talent. READ MORE

Henry & Mudge at Paper Mill Playhouse

March 2 – Millburn
Based Cynthia Rylant’s best-selling books, follow the exploits of Henry and Mudge in this lively musical. Sometimes it’s tough being a kid, but life is a lot easier-and a lot more fun-when you’ve got a great big canine buddy to share your adventures. READ MORE

2nd Annual Princess Ball

March 2 – Springfield
Put on your tiaras, and head to the 2nd annual Princess Ball. Join Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Tinkerbell, Moana and more for autographs, photos, a princess hunt and more. READ MORE

Turtle Dance Music

March 2 – Englewood
Get ready to dance and have fun at Bergen PAC. Turtle Dance Music aims to spark children’s curiosity and imaginations through interactive, inclusive musical performances that use a wide range of instruments, stuffed animals, games and technology. READ MORE

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

March 3 – Morristown
Brady Rymer performs rockin’ music for kids and families. When not moonlighting as a member of The Laurie Berkner Band, Brady’s pop and rock regularly wins critical acclaim and national awards including three Children’s Grammy nominations. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Pottery Barn Kids- various locations
Wilkins Theatre at Kean University