It’s time for a new year, and if you resolve to spend more time with your fam, then we have good news for you—there are plenty of FREE family things to do this month. Celebrate winter with an ice carving contest, fire pits, hot cocoa, and delicious food at the Pier Village Ice Carving Competition, connect with nature as the new year begins, and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds around Sandy Hook Bay at the First Day Wildlife Beach Walk, or take some time with the family to search the night sky for key objects and constellations at Under the Winter Stars at Dorbrook Recreation Area in Colts Neck. And for more family fun, there are plenty of festivals this month to fill every weekend. (featured photo credit: taken by NJMOM)
First Day Wildlife Beach Walk
January 1 at 12 PM
Connect with nature as the new year begins, and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds around Sandy Hook Bay. If you’re lucky, there might even be a seal or two.
Cost: Free
Meeting Location: Sandy Hook Beach, Parking Area C, Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
First Day Battlefield Walk
January 1 at 11 AM
Learn about this Revolutionary War battle spot while traversing the first hike of 2026. This moderate hike is open to ages 10 and up. Registration is not required.
Cost: Free
Meeting Location: Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center – 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Discover Double Trouble – First Day Hike
January 1 at 10 AM
Get moving for a fresh start on Jan 1 with this First Day hike. This is a leisurely hike along the 1.5-mile Mill Pond Trail, and children 10 and over with an adult are welcome to join.
Cost: Free
Double Trouble State Park, 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
January 1-6
Visit Historic Smithville to hear your favorite holiday tunes synchronized to a unique light display. Over 120 Christmas trees, constructed from 50,000+ Christmas lights, will magically float atop Lake Meone in the center of the village. When the sky is dark, an orchestrated show of lights dances across the water to Christmas music. The show can be seen from either side of the village and the bridge.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
January 2-3
Take a stroll through this gorgeous holiday lights display with over 50 winter and animal characters. There will also be weekend Santa visits, a train, a carousel, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free, donation recommended
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
NJ Audubon: New Year’s Resolution Hike at Hawk Rise
January 3 at 9 AM
Start the new year with a nature walk where you will encounter birds and many other animals that stay active all winter. On this walk, you will have the chance to discuss and observe wildlife in winter’s beauty. Hot beverages will be served afterward.
Cost: Free
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Range Road, Linden, NJ 07036
Patacong Valley Model Railroad Open House
January 3-4 and 10-11
Take in the sights and sounds while exploring the layout of the Patacong Valley Model Railroad. It takes about 30-45 minutes to view the entire setup. Don’t miss the seek-and-find puzzles ranging from easy to hard.
Cost: Free
1308 US-40, Richland, NJ 08350
Cutting, Splitting & Hewing
January 4 at 12:30 PM
Head to the farm, where you will get warmed up using a two-man saw and a splitting wedge, then learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Under the Winter Stars at Dorbrook Recreation Area
January 10 at 7:30 PM
Take some time with the family to search the night sky for key objects and constellations. Bring a chair to sit on and a flashlight to help you see in the dark.
Cost: Free
Dorbrook Recreation Area, 353 County Road 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
January 10 at 12 PM
No winter blues here – enjoy time with the fam with some healthy competition. Take part in two 1890s board games, including Backgammon, Checkers, Reversi, Halma, and Basilinda.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Wondrous Winter Walk at Clayton Park
January 14 at 10 AM
Grab your winter gear and enjoy a fun winter walk. You will go with a Park System Naturalist who will help you explore the park in winter.
Cost: Free
Clayton Park, 161 Emleys Hl Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Pier Village Ice Carving Competition
January 17 at 12 PM
Celebrate winter at this fun and exciting ice-carving contest. Then, head to the shopping, a delicious meal, fire pits, and hot cocoa. Rain date is January 18.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, 110 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Winter Clean-Up: MLK Day of Service
January 18 at 9 AM
This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by picking up litter and removing invasive shrubs and plants in the woods. They will provide work gloves, hand warmers, and tools. Please dress for the weather and pack a snack and a drink.
Cost: Free
250 MacArthur Boulevard, Haddon Township, NJ 08033
Martin Luther King Jr Ceremony
January 19 at 12 PM
Come to an event that will unite the community to remember Dr. King through words, song, and dance. There will also be community resources and a soul food lunch.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Tabernacle, 6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Wondrous Winter Walk at Freneau Woods Park
January 28 at 10 AM
Get bundled up and take in the fresh winter air on this fun and educational walk. You will accompany a Park System Naturalist and explore everything the park has to offer this season.
Cost: Free
Freneau Woods Park, 360 Monastery Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
Fire & Ice Festival
January 31 at 10 AM
Bundle up and spend a cold day with the family, enjoying all things winter. There will be a chili contest, an ice carving competition, and more.
Cost: Free
1 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060
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