It’s been two weeks of 2023(!), and January is hitting its stride, bringing lots of family-friendly events to do all weekend. Lace up your skates for a Movie Night on Ice in Egg Harbor City, celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the Lunar New Year Celebration in Fort Lee, view the Ice Sculpture Show in Pier Village in Long Branch, or watch lively puppets and dancers during the Traditional Dragon-Lion Dance for Lunar New Year at the American Dream in East Rutherford. And for Monday’s day off, make it a day on, with ideas on how to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (featured photo credit: istock/Ekaterina Knopikova)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Winery Weekends Music Series with Firepits and Mulled Wine
January 8 at 12 PM
Meet with family and friends at Terhune Orchards to enjoy live music with hot mulled wine, light bites, and wine by the glass. All ages can have fun with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. The winery will also have light bites of cheese plates, chips, and salsa baskets.
Cost: No admission fee
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Disney on Ice Presents Into the Magic
January 12-16
Disney On Ice presents into the Magic! Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, experience Moana’s courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart.
Cost: Prices vary
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ 07102
Movie Night on Ice—”Ice Age”
January 13
Take a spin on the ice rink and enjoy a family night at the movies at Renault Winery. Cozy up to the fire pits while the movie plays on the big screen.
Cost: Movies are free; skating has a fee
Renault Winery, 72 N Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Outdoor Adventures Family Program: Winter Wonderland
January 14 at 10 AM
Families can explore and learn about the outdoor world through crafts, scavenger hunts, activity sheets, and displays at Van Vleck House & Gardens. Each program will focus on a specific theme, and the Van Vleck Education team will guide your family through this interactive learning experience. Registration is required, and this program is designed for children ages 4 -11, but all are welcome.
Cost: $15 and free for members
Van Vleck House & Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Wild Con! Collectibles Festival
January 14 at 10 AM
See comic books, trading cards, toys, anime, manga, Pokemon, crafts, gaming, posters, and more. Guests include pro wrestler/actor BRIMSTONE (William Kumcmeierowski), artists Bob Petrecca (Batman), Luke Petrecca, Philip McNulty (Marvel Comics), and more. Kids can interact with costumed characters from the 501st Legion, the Philadelphia Avengers, and the Ghostbusters of New Jersey. There will be a costume contest with prizes for all ages.
Cost: Adults pay admission. Children under 12 admitted free
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Lunar New Year Celebration
January 14 at 11 AM
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with cultural performances, beautiful decorations, and take-home treats. Other highlights will include crafts, a photo area, and a chance to win prizes at the prize wheel.
Cost: Free
1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
January Kids Zone Event
January 14 at 11 AM
Bring the kids to sew a cute penguin pillow, receive a collector’s pin, and a special lanyard to hold their Kids Zone pins. Parents also will get a treat—a special coupon offer to be used at the mall that day.
Cost: Free
JCPenney, Level 1, Level 2 – Deptford Mall, 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
Ribbon Cutting of StoryWalk® at Marquand Park
January 14 at 11 AM
It’s the ribbon cutting of StoryWalk® at Marquand Park in Princeton—walk along the Rhodendron Trail and read the heartwarming children’s story “Tap the Magic Tree” on stand-alone boards along the path. There will be snacks served after the ceremony.
Cost: Free
Lover’s Lane, Princeton, NJ 08542
Volunteer Center of Burlington County’s MLK Jr. Day Unity Celebration- Kick-Off
January 14 at 11 AM
Burlington County residents can join hundreds of thousands of Americans in remembering and memorializing Dr. King by starting with a kick-off celebration to prepare for a weekend of events and activities, including an MLK donation challenge on Monday, January 16.
Cost: Free
RVRHS Performing Arts Center, 520 Jacksonville Rd., Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Ice Sculpture Show
January 14 at 12 PM
The whole family will be in awe of the live ice carving while watching award-winning sculptors design and carve 14 sculptures in an elimination style “speed carving” format. After, take a spin on the carousel or head to one of the restaurants in Pier Village for a treat.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740
K-Pop Dance Contest
January 14 at 2 PM
Cheer for your favorites in this battle of electrifying K-Pop dancing, hosted by Korean fast fashion store Aland and the K-Pop dance pros from I Love Dance, NY.
Cost: Free
American Dream Mall, The Dream Stage – Court A, Level 1, 1 American Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
2023 Downtown Cranford Souperhero Stroll
January 14-15
Bring your little superhero to downtown Cranford to check out life-size superhero balloon sculptures by Dream Factory Balloons and sample delicious soups offered by local restaurants along the way. Kids are encouraged to dress up in superhero costumes or wear their favorite capes. This event will take place rain, snow, or shine.
Cost: $15 for soup tasting, and donations of canned soup will be collected for local food banks
North Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Family Woodland Hike
January 15 at 1 PM
Join the New Jersey Botanical Garden hike leaders on an easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden’s woodlands, where you’ll learn about the plants and animals around you in a walk designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes, and meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center.
Cost: Free
Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
2023 Chinese New Year Celebration
January 15 at 1:30 PM
The Summit Chinese American Association is once again hosting the Year of Rabbit. There will be family portraits, a neighborhood greeting, Luna New Year Snack tasting, and children’s activities. At 3:30 PM, there will be a New Year Gala with a performance.
Cost: Free
272 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Snow Globes and Martin Luther King Day Events
January 16 at 11 AM
Drop in and make your own snow globe at the Museum of Early Trade and Crafts. There will also be Martin Luther King Jr.-themed paper crafts and books.
Cost: Free
Museum of Early Trade and Crafts, Education Annex, 23 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
Traditional Chinese Dragon-Lion Dance
January 15 at 2 PM
The Dragon and Lion Dance is one of the world’s most iconic and beloved parade traditions during Lunar New Year celebrations. Don’t miss this display of dance, puppetry, and color at American Dream.
Cost: Free
American Dream, The Dream Stage – Court A, Level 1, 1 American Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Ongoing Events
Winter Stargazing
January 14, 21, 28
See the planets and constellations in this extended version of the popular night sky presentations. Educators will share the ancient story of the constellations, take you on a journey to distant planets and stars, and share the latest space news and discoveries. You’ll see something new each time you visit as aspiring and seasoned amateur astronomers learn how to discover the night skies from their backyard.
Cost: $3 and up
Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Let It Glow
Now-January 15
It’s a holiday spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo with impressive, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that are awe-inspiring. 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
Newark Winter Village
Now-January 15
It’s an outdoor festival with food, ice skating, a marketplace, and a private igloo rental. And for an exhilarating way to slide around, try a go-kart on the ice (reservations are required).
Cost: Prices vary per event
162 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Winter Walk
Now-January 15
Visit Taylor Park and enjoy magical light displays as you stroll along a path at the lake’s edge. After you and your family enjoy the lights, visit Millburn’s unique retailers and restaurants. The park is lit from 4:30 PM until 10:00 PM nightly.
Cost: Free to enter
100 Main Street, Millburn, NJ, 07041
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park
Now-February 24
Enjoy the fresh air with the family for open skate time at Van Saun Park.
Cost: Starting at $10
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652
The 20th Annual Antique Toy Train Show
Now-January 29
At this lively display, adults and kids can observe vintage trains from the 1930s, 40s, and ’50s. There will be collections of Lionel, Marx, and American Flyer engines with adjoining cars that will race on two platforms along with vintage buildings and landscapes.
Cost: $3 for kids and $4 for adults
138 Andaalaro Way, Deptford, NJ 08093
Night Forms: Infinite Wave at Grounds For Sculpture
Now-April 2
The whole family will love to see the Grounds of Sculpture reimagined after hours, with a multi-sensory light and sound experience designed to engage with the art and horticulture collection. Spend the evening outdoors exploring the lighting, sound, and video projection mapping, and join the interactive exhibits, which will delight kids and adults.
Cost: $22 and up
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
RWJBarnabas Health Events
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
January 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 4:30 PM
Come in person or join virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, and learn knife skills.
Cost: Free
Online or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
My First Cooking Class In Hannah’s Kitchen
January 14 at 9:30 AM
Join us in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking class for ages 4-7 with an adult present. Even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies in this fun and interactive course.
Online or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical
Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Taste Testers In Hannah’s Kitchen
January 14 at 11 AM
Join us in-person or virtually for this mommy & me style healthy cooking class for ages 2-4 with a
parent/grandparent/loved one.
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical
Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Toddler Time: Holiday Snacks
January 16 at 10:30 AM
Bring your little ones, ages 2 to 4, for a hands-on cooking class with our registered dietitian featuring fun and festive holiday snacks.
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Teen Takeover Cook-along: Healthy Ramen Noodle Bowls (hybrid)
January 18 at 6:30 PM
Join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on cooking class in our demonstration kitchen, where we’ll have fun making Ramen Noodle Bowls! Teens 11-17 years old are welcome to attend! Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org if you wish to attend virtually.
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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