Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
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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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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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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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Outhouse orchards corn maze
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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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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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
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Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Polar Express, Kidz Bop, Gobble Gobble

Get into the Christmas spirit this weekend with a ride aboard the Polar Express in Whippany. Photo courtesy of the railway
Get into the Christmas spirit this weekend with a ride aboard the Polar Express in Whippany. Photo courtesy of the railway
11/12/19 - By Laurie Rein

This mid-November weekend sparkles and shines with the debut of holiday light displays throughout New Jersey. Drive though Skyland Stadium's dazzling, musical light displays, and experience Storybook Land's holiday parade, featuring the lighting of the park's tree.

There's plenty of family-friendly theater to choose from this week, including performances of Rumpelstiltskin, Frosty & Rudolph, and Kidz Bop World Tour. And Thanksgiving prep is underway with PAWS Discovery Farm's Gobble Gobble and Fosterfields' Thanksgiving Home & Armistice Observance.

Check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families for more options, and look to our November GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

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Santa arrives at Storybook Land this weekend and lights up the park for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
Santa arrives at Storybook Land this weekend and lights up the park for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land

Things to Do All Weekend

Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land through the end of December. Each night at dusk, Santa appears at the chimney and waves his wand, magically lighting up the park. READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show

The Polar Express on the Morristown & Erie Railway

Whippany
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Jackson
Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and a little flurry of magic nightly. Visit the North Pole Village, and hop aboard many popular rides.  READ MORE

Gobble Gobble at PAWS Discovery Farm

Mount Laurel
Head to PAWS Discovery Farm for an event highlighting native bird species. Families can expect to learn about turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks as well as participate in animal encounters. READ MORE
Music Mountain Theatre presents Frosty & Rudolph on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the theater
Music Mountain Theatre presents Frosty & Rudolph on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the theater

Things to Do on Saturday, November 16, 2019

Frosty & Rudolph

Lambertville
Get ready for the holiday season with Frosty the Snowman on his adventure to the North Pole, as he strives to reunite Rudolph with his reindeer friends. Along the way, join all the reindeer, Mrs. Claus, and some razzle-dazzle penguins. READ MORE

Holiday Pomanders Workshop

Jersey City
Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn about the history of this holiday tradition and create your own beautiful fruit pomander to take home. READ MORE

Rumpelstiltskin at SOPAC

South Orange
This classic tale comes to the stage at SOPAC, featuring song and audience participation along with the fabulous stage sets and costumes. READ MORE

Small Explorers Series- CANCELED

Trenton – FREE
New Jersey State Museum presents this free program on the third Friday and Saturday of each month. designed for children 6 months to 5 years old and their caregiver.  READ MORE

Creative Play

Newark – FREE
Have a blast at Creative Play at the Newark Museum every Saturday. This free one-hour program includes a visit to a gallery and a culminating activity. READ MORE
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm hosts its annual Thanksgiving Home & Armistice Observance on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Fosterfields
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm hosts its annual Thanksgiving Home & Armistice Observance on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Fosterfields

Things to Do on Sunday, November 17, 2019

Thanksgiving Home & Armistice Observance

Morris Township
Enjoy interactive farm chores, a wagon ride, and create a family-friendly craft. Visit the 1915 Farmhouse to see what holiday fare is being prepared. READ MORE

Apple Cider Hike

Short Hills
It’s National Take A Hike Day. Join a CHA naturalist for a guided hike, and discover how the forest prepares for winter.  READ MORE

Kidz Bop World Tour 2019

Atlantic City
Kidz Bop takes on Atlantic City on their 2019 World Tour. Kids and parents alike will love to sing and dance along to their family-friendly covers of hit music.  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

Feed the Animals

Hamilton – FREE
It’s lunchtime for our education animals. See what it takes to keep them healthy, clean, and fed. We might even enlist some willing hands to help. READ MORE

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