(Pt. Pleasant)  Ever wondered what happens behind that penguin ice wall? Get an insider’s behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium from top-to-bottom! Kids 5-and-up only allowed, and sneakers are required. 9:30am-11:00am. $14./adults, $10./children. Pre-registration required. Call 732-899-1659.

(Hamilton)  Let your 3-5 yr. old truly experience sculpture with you! Kids listen to a story, explore the park and create their very own masterpieces. One adult per child required. 11am and 1pm. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. FREE with admission: $10./adults, $6./ kids 6-to-12, FREE kids 5-and-under.

(Hoboken)  Baby, it’s cold outside! Time to warm up at a rockin’ hot Hoboken beach party, complete with limbo, games, and plenty of rock and roll, courtesy of the Fuzzy Lemons. 4pm. (Doors open at 3:30.) $10. in advance (available online) $12. at the door.

(Glen Ridge)  You know the story well, now introduce your children to the magic of “Peter and the Wolf.” The traveling theater company, The Pushcart Players of Verona, re-enact this classic, geared to the Pre-K-6th grade crowd. 3pm. $15 at the door, at $12 in advance (available online.)

(Kinnelon) Take a leisurely winter walk through nature with your child (5-and-up), in search of evidence of local wildlife. 1pm. $1./ person. Pre-registration required. Call 973-334-3130.

(Bayville)  Why was this village named, “Double Trouble?” And how does water flow from the reservoir, along the millrace, to the sawmill, functioning cranberry bogs and a cranberry packing house? Uncover all the answers on this 3.5 mile hike taking place from10am-noon. (Be sure to bundle up in warm clothing and comfortable shoes!) FREE

(Sussex)  If you’re hankering to hike in High Point State Park on snowshoes, you better hurry! Reserve by 4pm, January 15, and your child (8-and-up) can strap on some snowshoes or just hike the trail, seeking signs of wildlife. 11am-12:30pm. FREE (NOTE: If you want to borrow snowshoes, a limited number are available, and you must reserve them in advance, too) Call 973- 875-1471 or e-mail highpointprograms@gmail.com.

(Princeton)  Tour the special stained glass gallery featuring fabulous modern fairy tales, then watch as the kids create a wonderful stained glass “window”of their own! 1pm. For kids 5-and-up. FREE (NOTE: Smocks provided, but please dress children in paint-friendly clothes....just in case!) Don’t feel like leaving home? Tune into 103.3 FM WPRB at noon for 90 minutes of tunes and tales, all of which you can enjoy from the coziness of your couch! (This event does not take place at the library). SATURDAY-MONDAY

(Newark)  You can’t miss with this show! Regardless of which Disney shows your kids adore, they’ll find someone they love in this Disney extravaganza on ice featuring 18 (yes, that’s 18) Disney stories! Multiple showings throughout the weekend. $23.-$73. SATURDAY-SUNDAY

(Newark)  This weekend, the Newark Museum bustles with activities! During Saturday’s family tour, “Color, Shape & Line Safari,” kids join museum staff in an adventure, hunting through galleries of artwork in search of colors, shapes and lines. 1pm-2pm. On both Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-4pm, workshops allow kids to experience the 400-year old tradition of glass bead bracelet-making, inspired by the exhibit, “Glass Beads of Ghana”; and create a Carnival of Chemistry with multiple science experiments involving everyday chemicals. FREE with admission: $10./ adults, $6./children.

(Secaucus)  Take a walk on the wild side at this family fun fair! Interact with exotic animals, pet the not-so-exotic animals, go on rides, and get your face painted. $12./adults, FREE for kids. Animal and Kidde rides additional cost. SUNDAY ONLY

(Chatham)  It’s maple sugaring season! Learn how to tap maple trees, collect sap, and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Best of all, taste test different syrups at the end (pancakes not included!) 2pm-3pm. $3./person. To reserve, call 973-635-6629. MONDAY ONLY Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

(Princeton)  Allow Dr. King’s words and inspirational messages to inspire your elementary-middle school child as they participate in hands-on art workshops and collaborative projects. 2pm-5pm. FREE Pyramyd Dance Show at

(West Orange)  Explore musical instruments and expose your child to the beauty of African culture while dancing to music by the Pyramyd Dance Company. 11am. $15./person. To purchase tickets, call 800-494-8497, or visit

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a National Day of Service. Honor the true spirit of the day by volunteering. Check out these ideas for volunteering with kids in New Jersey.