As soon as that first crisp December day arrives, I get excited about planning the kids' holiday break. Choosing just a couple of activities for the week is the tough part! The state is packed with must-do Christmas vacation fun—from dazzling light displays to classic cold-weather adventures.

Read on for the best things to do with kids during winter break in NJ, and check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families for even more ideas. 

Things to do to get out of the house this winter break.

With so much to do, it will be hard to choose plans for the holiday break! 

Winter break is almost here, and the kids are going to need full-time entertainment. After they've binged all the Christmas movies or have had their fill of Hanukkah happenings, it's time to get them up and off the couch for all the winter adventures they can handle. We've got everything you need to fill your winter break bucket list, from holiday lights to winter excursions and more. So plan an entire week's itinerary with our picks below.

If you're looking for more ways to keep the kids busy this winter break, check out our Winter Activity Guide and our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

There’s a reason millions of people travel to the Big Apple during the holiday season—there’s just nothing like Christmas in New York City. Families can ice skate outdoors, watch eye-popping holiday performances, and take in the sights of the city at its brightest.

New York is also home to a vibrant and diverse church community, with hundreds of congregations housed in soaring cathedrals and hole-in-the-wall storefronts. Below is a sampling of some family-friendly Christmas church services in New York City, along with some insider tips for making the most of your visit. Find all our ways to celebrate this season in our New York City Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays. 

As parents, we know how quickly kids pick up technology—faster than we can say “Who downloaded this?” Many apps look harmless or even educational, but behind the trending dances, funny filters, and colorful icons are risks that aren’t always obvious.

Some of the most dangerous apps for kids allow strangers to message children directly. Others push adult content, encourage comparison culture, or collect more data than anyone needs. This isn’t about panic—just awareness. When we understand what’s risky, we can make better decisions, set boundaries, and keep conversations open with our kids as they grow.

Here are 11 apps parents should watch out for—and maybe even delete from their kid's phones. For safe apps and online content—including our list of 100 great websites for kids—visit our Guide to Online and Virtual Family Fun. 

We may be biased when we say Christmas in NYC is the most magical season of all. One reason: The city is bustling with activities and adventures for the entire family, including the Gingerbread City pop-up at the South Street Seaport. Filled with spicy aromas and spectacular, candy-coated, architectural creations, it's worth visiting if you find yourself downtown this season.