Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Nov 30-Dec 1: Hanukkah Craft, Santa Train, Geology Workshop & More!

11/26/13 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

Most of our weekend plans probably include a huge plate of mouth watering Thanksgiving leftovers. But if you’re looking to burn off some of that turkey and stuffing (or entertain the family you’ve still got in town), New Jersey definitely has some great things going on. For an early dose of holiday cheer, check out Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Palace or Breakfast with Santa at Imagine That! You can also get scientific at the Rock and Mineral Weekend at Morris Museum, or brave chilly temps with a Guided Nature Hike at Tenafly Nature Center. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Netcong, NJ)

The Growing Stage's holiday blockbuster is back for another holly jolly run at the Palace. The stage presentation tells the timeless story of a misfit who becomes a beloved hero, with Johnny Marks’ classic songs and the enduring Christmas spirit of the 1964 television special.

A Christmas Carol, The Musical (Hackettstown, NJ)

The smash hit that ran for 10 years at Madison Square Garden is back at the Lackland Center in NJ! Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the team of Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. A Christmas Carol retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously-told story, and a score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics.

Saturday, November 30th

Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure (New Brunswick, NJ)

Yeah, it's a big-ticket item, but Disney is special, right? Mickey and Minnie are taking their seats, too, at this never-before-seen live show featuring favorite characters from Disney Junior's hit series Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates, featuring new music and awesome effects.

Rock and Mineral Weekend (Morristown, NJ)

Enjoy a rockin’ weekend at the Morris Museum! Examine fossils, learn about fluorescent minerals, and listen to engaging presentations about geology and our Earth. Other activities include a sand box scavenger hunt and a mineral magic show for the little guys.  

Imagine That! Breakfast with Santa (Florham Park, NJ)

Visit Imagine That! Children’s Museum this Saturday for breakfast with the big guy himself. Kids can hang with Santa and his elves, enjoy a breakfast snack, and then stay and play all afternoon long. Each child receives a special Christmas gift – and don’t forget your wish list!

Santa Train Ride (Wayne, NJ)

When you mix Santa Claus and trains, you’ve got yourself a winning kid combo! Hop on board at the Wayne transit center for an hour long ride with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. The whole family will be entertained aboard the heated train, snapping cheery holiday photos and singing Christmas carols.

Sunday, December 1st

Gingerbread Sunday (Westfield, NJ)

Did you know the spicy scent of gingerbread has long been a part of the holiday season?  Head to the Miller-Cory House Museum to hear stories about the Gingerbread Man and learn all about the ginger root. Children can make a gingerbread house and another festive craft to take home. “Gingery” refreshments are served.

Hooray for Hanukkah (Cherry Hill, NJ)

Hanukkah is well underway by this weekend, so make the most of the Festival of Lights at the Garden State Discovery Museum. Longtime museum friend and entertainer Rosie Hymerling teaches kids (and parents too!) the true meaning of this holiday. Stick around and celebrate with more stories, Hanukkah crafts, and yummy food.

Guided Nature Walk (Tenafly, NJ)

For those not fazed by chilly temps, the Tenafly Nature Center offers its guided hikes year round. Enjoy the late autumn season as you stroll with an Environmental Educator, who points out animals, trees, and plants that are unique to this time of year. Just make sure and warm up with some hot chocolate when you get home!

The Nutcracker (South Orange, NJ)

If you’ve been wanting to introduce your wee ones to The Nutcracker, check out this special shortened performance by the New York Theatre Ballet. The professional troupe does a beautiful version of E.A. Hoffmann’s classic fairy tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, that’s perfectly suited to the attention span of younger audience members, yet sophisticated enough for the most discerning adult.

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month; GO NOVEMBER is full of family fun!

And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar. And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.

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