Our list of family-friendly wintertime hikes in New Jersey features fun cold-weather attractions like waterfalls, grand vistas, and ruins. I love hiking with my kids on NJ trails in winter because there's a lot of room for exploration. 

Hiking in winter can be a cold and muddy endeavor, so keep that in mind before you set out and wear appropriate outerwear and boots. 

If you fall in love with winter hiking, many of these easy NJ hikes for fall would also be great for winter. 

Whether you live in the Chicago area or are here for a visit with your family, there are a few things that should always be on your to-do list. The one I strongly suggest? The Garfield Park Conservatory. This is one of the largest conservatories in the country with more than 10 acres of greenhouses, outdoor gardens, nature spaces, and play places. Not only could I not get enough of the wide variety of plants they showcased, but the kids had an absolute blast. Best of all, it is easy to get to and FREE! Read on for details on what you will see and what to expect when visiting with kids.

You can feel good about a visit to Muddy Paws Farm Rescue for two reasons: Your kids will be thrilled feeding and petting the farm animals, and you'll have donated to an incredible nonprofit that rescues mistreated animals.

Located in Southampton, New Jersey, Muddy Paws has more than 100 animals for your family to pet and pamper. If this sounds like a fun outing for your family, read on for tips on visiting the farm with kids.

Read our roundup of New Jersey's best petting zoos for more great places to visit some furry friends.