25 Things To Do on February Winter Break in New Jersey
![25 Things To Do on February Winter Break in New Jersey Catch one of the 30-minute family shows at Rowan University's planetarium this winter break. Photo courtesy of the university](https://static.mommypoppins.com/styles/image960x650/s3/nj-rowanric_and_jean_edelman_planetarium_at_rowan_university_1.jpg)
Looking for things to do during winter break in New Jersey? Read on for more than two dozen terrific options.
Sandwiched between the bustling holiday break and the itching-for-warm-weather spring break is New Jersey's midwinter February Break. This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, February 19, 2024, and many NJ schoolchildren have a 3 or 4-day weekend, making it the perfect time for a family outing or family-friendly winter day trip.
Read on for our picks for the best February break activities for NJ kids, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for even more ideas.
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Top Things To Do During New Jersey's February Winter Break
1. Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
This action-packed theme park is the largest indoor amusement park in the Western Hemisphere and has tons of all-ages attractions. Read our full review and save time to check out all the other amazing American Dream attractions while you're there.
2. Liberty Science Center
Everyone’s favorite science museum is back with several fun exhibits. Be sure to check out Wobbly World, a STEM-powered funhouse, and the new Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure exhibit, which is perfect for Wild Kratts fans.
3. DreamWorks Water Park
Splash, slide, and surf in perfect summer weather at DreamWorks Water Park. Read our full review of the wet-and-wild fun here.
4. Harlem Globetrotters
Trot over to Atlantic City to witness the incredible skills of the Globetrotters.
RELATED: NJ Winter Fun List: 30+ Things To Do With Kids
The playground at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is loads of fun. Photo by Lisa Warden
5. Explore the Great Outdoors
For those who love birding, Cedar Run Wildlife Preserve has Great Backyard Count Activities all President's Day weekend, as well as Winter Birding (for ages 8 and up) in the mornings. There are also plenty of animals to visit, trails to explore, an indoor play space, and the Jersey Devil's House (with a mailbox if you want to leave a letter!). See here for the best things to do at Cedar Run.
6. Indoor Playgrounds
Climb, jump, play laser tag, hop on rides, and more in any weather at these 40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for Kids.
7. Outdoor Art
Spend a day wandering among the sculptures at the Grounds For Sculpture or one of these other outdoor art destinations nearby.
RELATED: 40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Visit the sting rays at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Lisa Warden
8. Aquarium
If you’ve already been to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, Sea Life Aquarium at American Dream is well worth a visit.
9. Visit a Museum
Linger for a few hours at a new-to-you museum in northern New Jersey, central and southern New Jersey, or even one of NYC's kid-friendly spots.
10. Play with Legos
Mini builders will get a kick out of the wide variety of bricks available to build with at Legoland Discovery Center at American Dream.
11. Burn off Energy
If your kids have turned your couch into a bounce house, head to one of these trampoline parks or indoor obstacle courses and ninja gyms for them to bounce around instead.
RELATED: 25 Winter Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
Enjoy a free Saturday breakfast at the Pop Shop in Collingswood. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
12. Enjoy a FREE Meal
Give yourself a break from cooking and get dinner at a family-friendly New Jersey restaurant where kids eat FREE.
13. Newark Museum of Art
Have a crafty weekend at the Newark Museum of Art both Saturday and Sunday of President's Day Weekend or check out nature-inspired crafts at Drop in and Discover at Jakes Branch County Park for kids ages 3-5.
14. Snow Tubing
If you’re looking for a winter sport that’s a bit less strenuous, snow tubing might be just the thing for your family.
15. Bowling
Rack up some serious fun at a family-friendly bowling alley.
16. Go Skiing
We found the best resorts in and near New Jersey where your family can ski and snowboard.
17. Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and spin around one of these outdoor ice skating rinks.
18. Sledding
After the flakes have flown, break out your sleds and venture to one of these great local hills.
19. Head Down the Shore
The Jersey Shore isn't just for summertime visits. Visit one of these boardwalks packed with offseason fun.
20. Go Maple Sugaring
February is the start of maple sugaring season in New Jersey and tons of nature spots offer a taste of this old-school tradition. Rancocas Nature Center in Burlington County has maple sugaring on February 18th, and it involves visiting interactive stations on a self-guided hike, seeing a tapping demonstration, and enjoy a sample of maple syrup while warming up by a fire. Hopewell Living History Farm in Mercer County has a similar maple sugaring program.
21. Explore the Zoo
The Bergen County Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, Cohanzick Zoo (Free!), and Cape May Zoo (Free!), four of our favorite local spots for animal encounters, are open daily.
22. Take a Hike
Marvel at the nature around you, look at how the snow frames the trees, and see what kinds of animals you can spot, all while getting your heart rate up. And here is a roundup of family-friendly hikes in South Jersey.
Monster Mini Golf has multiple locations throughout New Jersey. Photo by Lisa Warden
23. Monster Mini Golf
Monster Mini Golf is unlike any miniature golf experience you've ever had before! This indoor, glowing miniature golf experience has black lights and is adorned with skeletons, monsters, and clowns, and yet, not too scary. Your kids are sure to have a blast. After you finish the 18 holes of golf, there's also an arcade, bowling, and laser tag. With four locations in New Jersey (Cherry Hill, Edison, Eatontown, and Fairfield) chances are you are within driving distance!
24. Hit the Road
A day trip or weekend getaway may be in order—and we've got plenty of entertainment for the car ride, too.
25. Visit a Planetarium
Head over to Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium for a lineup of twinkling shows for various ages. The Ric and Jean Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University also has family shows on Sundays.
This post was originally published in February 2021 and has since been updated.