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Top Things To Do During New Jersey's February Winter Break

1. Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park — East Rutherford

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 — Jersey City

Everyone’s favorite science museum is back with several fun exhibits. Be sure to check out Wobbly World, a STEM-powered funhouse, and the enormous planetarium. I've taken my kids to LSC too many times to count, and they always look forward to seeing the latest visiting exhibits and the planetarium shows.

3. DreamWorks Water Park — East Rutherford

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 — Atlantic City

Trot over to Atlantic City to witness the incredible skills of the Globetrotters on Monday, February 16, 2026.

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. Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge — Medford

For those who love birding, Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge has Winter Birding (for ages 8 and up) in the mornings throughout the weekend, and Rancocas Nature Center has Observing Winter Birds for kids ages 7-15. At Cedar Run, there are also plenty of animals to visit, trails to explore, an indoor play space, and lots more. See here for the best things to do at Cedar Run. Rancocas Nature Center has plenty of trails to explore, as well as some animals in the nature center. 

6. Catch Air — Paramus, Hasbrouck Heights, Jersey City

Climb, jump, play laser tag, hop on rides, and more in any weather at one of the many great indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey for Kids. One of our favorites in North Jersey is Catch Air, which is great for preschool and elementary school kids 

7. Grounds for Sculpture — Hamilton

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. Adventure Aquarium — Camden

Adventure Aquarium in Camden has so much to see, including the newly opened Kaleidoscope Cove, which has over 2,000 square feet of interactive experiences and unique aquatic species. If you’ve already been, Sea Life Aquarium at American Dream is well worth a visit.

9. Montclair Art Museum — Montclair

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. We love the Montclair Art Museum—it's small enough to be manageable with the kids, but sophisticated enough to keep tweens and teens completely engaged.

10. Lego Discovery Center — East Rutherford

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. Rock 'n Air — East Brunswick

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. My family always has a great time at Rock 'n Air, which has rock climbing, trampolines, a climbing structure, a ropes course, and a great cafe.

12. Get a FREE Kids Meal

Give yourself a break from cooking and get dinner at a family-friendly New Jersey restaurant where kids eat FREE. One of our go-to spots is Willie McBride's in Branchburg, which does free kids' meals on Sundays for children under 10 years old with a paying adult.

13. Jakes Branch County Park — Beechwood

Check out nature-inspired crafts at Live Animal Talks at Jakes Branch County Park for kids ages 3-5.

14. Campgaw — Mahwah

If you’re looking for a winter sport that’s a bit less strenuous, snow tubing might be just the thing for your family.  Campgaw is a nice option because slopes vary in speed and pitch, so riders can pick the hill type they want to ride.

15. Lucky Strike — Multiple locations

Rack up some serious fun at a family-friendly bowling alley.

16. Mountain Creek — Vernon

We found the best resorts in and near New Jersey, where your family can ski and snowboard, like Mountain Creek.

17. Newport Skates — Jersey City

Lace up your skates and spin around an outdoor ice skating rink such as Jersey City's Newport Skates.

RELATED: 25 Winter Day Trips from New Jersey for Families

If the conditions are right, grab a sled and find a hill. Photo by Lisa Warden

18. Sledding

After the flakes have flown, break out your sleds and venture to one of these great local hills.

19. Point Pleasant Beach and Boardwalk — Point Pleasant

The Jersey Shore isn't just for summertime visits when there aren't any crowds and the beach is FREE. Visit one of these boardwalks packed with offseason fun. 

20. Go Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp — Chatham

February is the start of maple sugaring season in New Jersey, and tons of nature spots like the Great Swamp offer a taste of this old-school tradition. Hopewell Living History Farm in Mercer County has a maple sugaring program that runs through March. 

21. Cape May Zoo — Cape May

The Cape May Zoo is free and has lots of animals to see, and it has a great new playground. The Bergen County Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, and Cohanzick Zoo (free!) are three more of our favorite local spots for animal encounters.

22. Cattus Island Nature Walks — Toms River

Cattus Island has free Sunday nature walks with a park naturalist. 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. 

23. Monster Mini Golf — Multiple locations

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. Head to the Poconos — Poconos, PA

A day trip or weekend getaway may be in order—and we've got plenty of entertainment ideas for the car ride, too. The Poconos is a great option for families because it's nearby and offers a great variety, whether you're interested in indoor water parks or outdoor skiing.

25. Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium — Branchburg

Head over to RVCC 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. 

FAQs About February's Winter Break in New Jersey

Q: What are the best family-friendly events during February's winter break in New Jersey?

Many parks, like the Great Swamp, offer maple sugaring events, or experience Winter on the Farm at Fosterfields. Sports-inclined families can plan a day out to see the Harlem Globetrotters in Atlantic City or Trenton.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids during February's winter break in New Jersey?

Yes! Take a family hike, try a free zoo like Cape May Zoo or Cohanzick Zoo, enjoy story time at the Hoboken Historical Museum, and don't miss Cattus Island Nature Walks.

Q: What indoor activities are open during February's winter break?

Take your pick! Explore a new museum, burn off energy at an indoor playground, play Monster Mini-Golfing, or try bowling.

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in New Jersey?

Yep. Try visiting one of NJ's great museums, see sealife at Adventure Aquarium, or explore one of the many attractions available at American Dream.

Q: What’s the best day trip from New Jersey during February's winter break?

There are lots of great day trip options like skiing (try NJ's Campgaw or Mountain Creek) or visiting the Poconos or Catskills.

This post was originally published in February 2021 and has since been updated.