Great Winter Activities in New Jersey: Fun for the Whole Family
Winter day trip ideas are a big topic of discussion on message boards and in Facebook groups. It’s hard to figure out where to take the kids when the weather is bad. Finding fun indoor play ideas is hard enough, but entertaining kids on the weekend or during a vacation when it’s too cold to do anything else, well, that ain’t easy! So here’s a list of over 45 fun things to do in and around New Jersey during the winter months.
New Jersey Winter Day Trip Ideas
- Morris Museum – Morristown, NJ
- Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Morris Museum in Morristown. From art to history, this museum has something for everyone. It’s a great way to spend a cold winter day indoors.
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium – Pt. Pleasant, NJ
- Dive into the underwater world at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Pt. Pleasant. With a variety of marine life to see, it’s an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
- Montclair Art Museum – Montclair, NJ
- Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Montclair Art Museum. With a diverse collection of artworks, it’s a great place to appreciate creativity and culture.
- Sterling Mining Museum – Ogdensburg, NJ
- Step back in time and learn about the mining history of New Jersey at the Sterling Mining Museum. Explore the exhibits and artifacts that showcase the state’s mining heritage.
- Northlandz Train Museum – Flemington, NJ
- All aboard! Visit the Northlandz Train Museum in Flemington and marvel at the impressive model train displays. It’s a treat for train enthusiasts of all ages.
- Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, NJ
- Discover the wonders of science at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, it’s a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
- Battleship NJ – Camden, NJ
- Take a tour of the historic Battleship NJ in Camden. Explore the decks and learn about the ship’s rich history. It’s a unique and educational experience for the whole family.
- Adventure Aquarium – Camden, NJ
- Dive into an underwater adventure at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Get up close and personal with a variety of aquatic creatures and learn about their habitats.
- Whippany Railway Museum – Hanover, NJ
- All aboard the Whippany Railway Museum! Take a ride on a historic train and learn about the history of rail transportation in New Jersey.
- Imagine That! – Florham Park, NJ
- Let your imagination run wild at Imagine That! in Florham Park. This interactive children’s museum offers a range of hands-on exhibits and activities for kids to explore.
- Thomas Edison Center – Menlo Park, NJ
- Step into the world of Thomas Edison at the Thomas Edison Center in Menlo Park. Learn about his inventions and innovations that have shaped the modern world.
- Newark Museum – Newark, NJ
- Discover art, science, and history at the Newark Museum. With a diverse collection of exhibits, it offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
- Old Barracks Museum – Trenton, NJ
- Take a trip back in time at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton. Learn about the role of the barracks during the Revolutionary War and explore the exhibits that bring history to life.
- Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum – Wildwood, NJ
- Explore the history of aviation at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum in Wildwood. From vintage aircraft to interactive exhibits, it’s a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
- Medieval Times – Lyndhurst, NJ
- Step into the medieval era at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst. Enjoy a live jousting tournament and feast on a delicious medieval-style meal. It’s a unique and entertaining experience for the whole family.
- Branchburg Sports Complex – Branchburg, NJ
- Get active and have fun at the Branchburg Sports Complex. With a variety of indoor sports and activities, it’s a great place to burn off some energy on a cold winter day.
- Nex Level Arena – Flemington, NJ
- Take your game to the next level at Nex Level Arena in Flemington. From trampoline parks to laser tag, it offers a range of exciting activities for kids and adults.
- Villa Roller Rink – Broadway, NJ
- Lace up your skates and hit the roller rink at Villa Roller Rink in Broadway. Enjoy a fun-filled day of roller skating and make memories with family and friends.
- Frenchtown Roller Rink – Frenchtown, NJ
- Experience the nostalgia of roller skating at Frenchtown Roller Rink in Frenchtown. With a retro vibe and a great selection of music, it’s a fun activity for all ages.
- The Funplex – East Hanover, NJ
- Get ready for a day of excitement and thrills at The Funplex in East Hanover. From go-karts to arcade games, it’s a haven for fun-seekers of all ages.
- Pole Position Raceway – Jersey City, NJ
- Channel your inner race car driver at Pole Position Raceway in Jersey City. Experience the thrill of high-speed go-kart racing and compete against friends and family.
- Big Kahuna’s NJ – West Berlin, NJ
- Escape to a tropical paradise at Big Kahuna’s NJ in West Berlin. With water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, it’s a great place to beat the winter blues.
- Bridgewater Sports Arena (ice skating and more) – Bridgewater, NJ
- Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Bridgewater Sports Arena. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, it’s a fun activity for the whole family.
- Raritan Valley College Planetarium – Branchburg, NJ
- Explore the wonders of the universe at the Raritan Valley College Planetarium in Branchburg. Sit back and enjoy a captivating show that will take you on a journey through space.
- Dreyfus Planetarium Newark, NJ
- Embark on a celestial adventure at the Dreyfus Planetarium in Newark. With state-of-the-art technology, it offers immersive shows that will leave you in awe of the universe.
- Longo Planetarium – Randolph, NJ
- Journey into the cosmos at the Longo Planetarium in Randolph. From dazzling star shows to educational presentations, it’s a great place to learn about astronomy.
- iPlay America – Freehold, NJ
- Experience a world of fun and entertainment at iPlay America in Freehold. With rides, games, and attractions, it’s a great place to spend a winter day with the family.
- Robert Novins Planetarium – Toms River, NJ
- Discover the wonders of the night sky at the Robert Novins Planetarium in Toms River. Sit back and enjoy a celestial show that will spark your imagination.
- Museum of Early Trades and Crafts – Madison, NJ
- Step back in time at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison. Learn about the skills and trades of the early settlers through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
- Lakota Wolf Preserve – Columbia, NJ (outdoors)
- Get up close and personal with wolves at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia. Take a guided tour and learn about these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Turtle Back Zoo – West Orange, NJ (outdoors, with some indoor areas)
- Explore the animal kingdom at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. From lions to penguins, it’s a great place to observe and learn about a variety of wildlife.
- Grounds for Sculpture – Hamilton, NJ (outdoors)
- Immerse yourself in art and nature at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. Explore the outdoor sculpture garden and discover unique artworks in a beautiful setting.
- New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium at American Dream
- Dive into an underwater wonderland at the New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium at American Dream. Explore the exhibits and get up close to a variety of marine creatures.
- Liberty Science Center
- Discover the wonders of science at the Liberty Science Center. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, it’s a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.