With the holiday season in full swing, there’s so many ways to have festive family fun: Marvel at the gingerbread villages at Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show in Morris Township, celebrate the gift of reading at the 2nd Annual Bingo For Books in Long Branch or enjoy a holiday train spectacular at InfoAge Science Center in Wall.
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 9 kid-friendly things to do this weekend around New Jersey:
Christmas Tree Lighting and Market In The Park
December 13, 5:30PM-8:30PM
The whole fam can have a ball at this holiday extravaganza—shop for unique holiday treasures while littles play in the bounce house and sing along to holiday classics performed by a live band. After, take a carriage ride around the park (make sure to stop and take selfies with Santa) and enjoy treats from the local food trucks.
Point Pleasant, NJ
Cost: free
Wildwood Winter Wonderland
December 13-14, 5PM – 10PM
Haven’t met with Santa yet? This is your chance for your kids to whisper their wish list and get in some QT with the big guy. Both nights will have lots of hot cocoa, movie screenings, shopping and yummy food. Don’t forget an unwrapped toy to donate to the Scott Gregg Jr. Annual Toy Drive.
Holly Beach Park
Wildwood, NJ
Cost: free
Hot Cocoa & Cookies with Santa
December 14, 10AM-5PM
If you haven’t gotten your tree yet, stop by this nursery for a fresh cut Douglas Fir and then a meet and greet with the man in the red suit in the greenhouse. He’ll be hanging in his sleigh ready to take photos with the whole fam and offering up plenty of cookies and hot cocoa.
Countryview Farm Nursery
Monroe, NJ
Cost: free
2nd Annual Bingo for Books!
December 14, 12PM-1:30PM
Do your kids love the Polar Express? Come to play a book-centric version of bingo, and then get all aboard on The Polar Express. Kids will love hearing a read-aloud of the holiday classic, making a fun train craft and enjoying a special showing of the movie.
Long Branch Free Public Library
Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free
Gingerbread Wonderland & Craft Show
December 14 & 15, 10AM-4:30PM
Your entire fam will be wowed by these gingerbread edible masterpieces, designed by local schools, scout troops, and families. With over 150 displays, you’ll never know what you’ll find: Look for Hogwarts castles, pirate ships and a whole recreation of Santa’s workshop. Kids will love voting for their favorite, while you sneak in some holiday shopping at the craft show that has affordable handmade creations for everyone on your list.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Morris Township, NJ
Cost: $2 per person
Holiday Spectacular & Train Display at InfoAge Science Center
December 14-15, 12PM-5PM
All aboard—your kids will truly be in the holiday spirit after a stopover at this amazing display of model trains and decorated trees. Littles will have a blast admiring the model railroads of all scales in the main room, and then spending time in the hands-on room where they can play engineer by operating the Lionel layouts and toy trains themselves.
InfoAge Science Center
Wall, New Jersey
Cost: free admission with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy
Holiday with the Animals
December 15, 11AM-2PM
Christmas is coming a little early this year at the Bergen County Zoo, and your family won’t want to miss all the festivities. Watch as the staff plays Santa, handing out gifts and treats to the animals. They’ll be plenty of other activities too: Snap a few photos with costumed characters, take a train ride, and make sure to visit with Santa before you head home.
Bergen County Zoo
Paramus, NJ
Cost: free
Ferry Merry Christmas
December 15, 12PM-3PM
Jingle all the way to the annual Ferry Merry Christmas party at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. Littles will have a ball playing carnival games, watching balloon art and making seasonal crafts. Rumor has it Ol’ St. Nick will be making an appearance here too.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal
Villas, NJ
Cost: free
Chanukah Concert and Family Sing-Along
December 15, 10AM-11:30AM
The first night of Chanukah begins at sundown on December 22, but you can get the party started at Congregation B’nai Israel’s inclusive celebration. Bring the whole family to sing along with holiday classics or learn a new tune during this interactive concert. Stick around to sample some tasty Chanukah treats like latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly donuts after the show.
Congregation B’nai Israel
Emerson, NJ
Cost: free RSVP by December 12
