Ah, the days may be shorter, but there’s still plenty of outdoor family fun this week. Kick-off the holiday season at the Magic of Lights drive-through event in Holmdel, pick up unusual gifts made by kids at the Kids Crafts & Flea Holiday Market in Mt. Laurel or spend the day in the forest on a Hot Apple Cider Hike in Short Hills.
Featured photo via @exit150ken
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Magic of Lights
November 13th, 5PM – 11PM (opening night) every night after that until Jan 4th
There’s nothing better than glowy lights to get you in the holiday spirit. Have the fam don their best red and green for opening night of this drive-through that will have dazzling lit up trees, digital displays like the blizzard tunnel, and annual favorites like the 12 Days of Christmas and Winter Wonderland.
$25 per carload advance ticket purchase, $30 at the gate
PNC Banks Art Center
Holmdel
Bell Works Cinema Drive-In Movie: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
November 13th, 7PM – 9:15PM
Pop the whole family in the car, fill up with snacks and comfy blankets, and head to Bell Works for the last drive-in family movie of the season. Harry Potter fans will love seeing this prequel about the origins of the Hogwarts textbooks and marvel at the wizardry and magical creatures that come via a curious traveler visiting NYC in 1926.
$25 per car, purchase tickets in advance
101 Crawfords Corner Road
Holmdel
Kids Crafts & Flea Holiday Market
November 14th, 10AM – 2PM
The whole family can get inspired by this unique market, which will only feature crafts and items from kid entrepreneurs. There will be all kinds of hidden treasures to discover and give your kids plenty of ideas to start their own business.
Free
118 Creek Road
Mt. Laurel
Milk & Cookie Storytelling Series: Joanie Leeds
November 14th, 10AM
Join singer and songwriter Joanie Leeds in this lively online storytelling and music series that kids and parents will enjoy. Have the whole fam sing along to Joanie Leeds’ “Mother Earth” (cook up these Mother Earth Cupcakes before to munch on while listening), and groove to the sounds of this award-winning kids rock singer.
$10 donation to State Theatre New Jersey to participate
Apple Fest
November 14th, 1PM
Bring the whole family and celebrate the end of the apple harvest at this lively festival held at Hailey’s Harp and Pub outdoor Biergarten. Kids can feast on fresh apple fritters and cider, while parents can sip on autumn-inspired brews. Listen to live music, play a few rounds of cornhole, and don’t forget to bring non-perishable items to donate to the local food pantry.
Hailey’s Harp-cade
15 Station Place
Metuchen
History Kids Club November Workshop
November 15th, 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Head to this historic village to learn about life in the 19th century, and have your kids participate in a workshop to understand first hand the different trades, tasks, and lifestyles of an 1830s Howell Iron Works villager. This fun and educational activity will explore the village’s history and conclude with making stamps and prints from natural materials. After, explore the 40-acre historic site, including the general store, bakery, and blacksmith shop.
$10, tickets must be purchased in advance
The Historic Village of Allaire Chapel
Wall Township
Hot Apple Cider Hike at Hartshorn Arboretum
November 15th, 1PM and 3PM
Head outdoors on a guided fall hike that takes you into the woods to learn about how the animals and forest prepare for winter. As you walk along the 3 miles of trails, you may spot an animal (or two)—after, warm up with a steaming cup of hot cider. Pre-registration and masks are required.
$8 members, $10 non-members
324 Forest Drive South
Short Hills
