January is usually chill, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end, especially with lots of family-friendly things to do this weekend. Bundle up for sunset views as you climb the steps at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse: Night Climb in Sandy Hook, honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King at a Winter Clean Up: MLK Day of Service in Haddon Township, or make crafts, try archery, and slide and bounce in bouncy houses at the Winter Palooza in Wayne. And for more family fun this season, don’t miss our guide to filling your winter bucket list. (Featured photo: istock/StockPlanets)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Disney On Ice – Find Your Hero
January 11-15
Discover the hero inside of us all at this fun and memorable event. The whole family will enjoy seeing your favorite Disney stories come to life on the ice, including Encanto, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, The Little Mermaid, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Let It Glow
January 12-14
It’s the final weekend of the holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.
January 12-14
Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and beloved movie, follow Elle Woods as she makes her way through Harvard and learns to expand her horizons.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550
FREE Parent and Baby Swim Class
January 13 at 11 AM
Join Five Star Swim School – East Hanover for a FREE 30-minute swim class. No experience is required —just come ready to make a splash with your little ones aged 6 months to 3 years old. Contact Five Star Swim School East Hanover to secure your spot for this splashin’ good time. Limited spaces available.
Cost: Free
182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
Winter Clean-Up: MLK Day of Service
January 13 at 9 AM
This 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
MLK Day of Service
January 13 at 10 AM
Spend the day giving back to the community through a service project and activities. Lunch will be provided, and attendees aged 11 and up are invited.
Cost: Free
Hopeloft, 40 E. Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Kids Walk Through Workshop: Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
January 13 at 12 PM
What better way to spend a winter day than making hot cocoa mix in a jar? This is a self-guided activity with staff on hand to help, and the kids get to take home their creations.
Cost: $15
Chocolate Carousel, 2510 Belmar Blvd, Wall, NJ 07719
Lakeshore’s Fun with Science
January 13 at 11 AM
Get ready for some slime-making. Kids can make slime and participate in hands-on science experiments, including building a volcano, growing colorful crystals, creating realistic snow, and more.
Cost: Free
Lakeshore Learning, 2020 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live
January 13 at 2 PM
Based on the classic PBS Kids TV show, Daniel Tiger Live is fun for the whole family. Join Daniel, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat, and more for a brand-new adventure on stage.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Wild Con
January 13 at 10 AM
If you or someone in your family is a comic book fan, then this is an event you won’t want to miss. There will be guests, artists, vendors, and the opportunity to have your photo taken in front of a green screen for a keepsake.
Cost: $10 per person; kids 12 and under are free
Wildwood Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Totally Awesome 80’s Party
January 13 at 1 PM
Based on the American Girl doll Courtney, this will be a fun 80’s party where you can wear your favorite 80’s fashion, bring your doll friend or stuffed animal, and enjoy this awesome decade. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main Street, Spotswood, NJ 08884
Winter Palooza
January 13 at 1 PM
There is so much to do at this event with the fam. Join the celebration with arts and crafts, DIY bracelets, hot chocolate, trail mix activity, bounce houses, basketball, and archery demos.
Cost: Free
Wayne YMCA, 1 Pike Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470
Adult and Youth Carving Workshop
January 13 at 1 PM
A unique thing to do for some family time, this event includes wood carving for one adult and one child. Carve your own Sanderling sculpture that you can take home.
Cost: $6.85
Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Holiday Clydesdale Wagon Ride
January 14 at 11:45 AM
Bundle up and enjoy a carriage ride pulled by beautiful Clydesdales with the family. There will be a goodie bag filled with hand and toe warmers, chocolate chip cookies, lip balm, candy canes, and more. Choose between a hot cider or hot chocolate for your ride.
Cost: $75 per person, 10 people max per ride
Willow Grove Farm, 458 West Mill Road, Washington Township, NJ 07853
NJ Meadowlands Eagle Festival
January 14 at 10 AM
Celebrate this magnificent bird with walks and talks, music, and children’s educational activities, and see live raptors from Flat Rock Brook. Before you come, have the kids draw or paint eagle-themed artwork and bring it in to receive a prize while supplies last.
Cost: Free
Richard W. DeKorte Park, 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
Sandy Hook Light House: Night Climb
January 14 at 5 PM
Head to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and enjoy an evening climb to the top. The sun may be setting early, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful view from high up.
Cost: Free
Sandy Hook Lighthouse, 84 Mercer Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
Princess and Mermaid Pizza Party
January 14 at 11 AM
Come dressed as your favorite mermaid or princess and enjoy a fun-filled day. Your ticket includes pizza, photos with characters, crafts, face painting, and more.
Cost: $45 per child, $20 per adult
The Cove at Brigantine Beach, 3700 Brigantine Blvd, Brigantine, NJ 08203
Open House At Five Star Swim School
January 15
Not sure how to keep the little ones busy on this day off? You and your family are welcome to come enjoy an extra Open Swim at Five Star Swim School locations. Enjoy their heated indoor swimming pool with a lifeguard on duty. Check the times for locations below.
Cost: $15 per person
Cherry Hill – 1 PM-3 PM, 5 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Deptford – 12 PM-2 PM, 1500 Almonesson Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
Eatontown – 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Galloway – 12 PM-2 PM, 323 S. Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ 08205
Princeton – 11 AM-1 PM, 127 Main Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
ONGOING EVENT
Skating on the Square
Now-February 25, open Thursday-Sunday
Bundle up and bring your ice skates for a fun day of skating outside. This eco-friendly, outdoor synthetic skating rink is so much fun for the whole family.
Cost: $10 per person
19 Hulfish Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
