We’ve all had those days—you’re cooped up in the house, and the entire family is going a little stir crazy because it’s pouring rain, swelteringly hot, or just too bitterly cold to go outside. Why not try some indoor activities in NJ and burn off that excess energy? Get moving at an indoor rock climbing gym, play space, or trampoline park (where bouncing off the walls is the point), enjoy live entertainment at a kid-friendly play or musical, or learn something new while stargazing at a planetarium or exploring a museum. Scroll down for a ton of great indoor activities in NJ, along with some of our top picks in each category. And when the sun is out again, visit outdoor activities for any season. (featured photo credit: American Dream)
SPONSORED
Five Star Swim School
Swimming all year round maintains your children’s skills, progress, and confidence. Consistency during the whole year ensures your child’s water safety skills continue to progress and advance. At Five Star Swim School, we have warm pools heated to 90 degrees, so it will ensure a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for your children during each swim class, and our experienced staff and well-designed teaching curriculum will help your kids gain water confidence and polish swim strokes and techniques all year round. Book your FREE trial class by contacting us today.
SPONSORED
New Jersey State Museum
Wonder awaits nearby at the New Jersey State Museum, where far-out discoveries are not far at all, and star-filled Planetarium experiences are yours, no spacesuit required. Journey through time and imagination. Whether it’s back to the age of dinosaurs, deep into the stories of New Jersey’s first inhabitants, or behind the brushstrokes of brilliant artists, escape to a world that’s more about moments and less about miles.
205 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Indoor Activities In NJ For Any Season
Ski Indoors
Snowboard in the summer? Yup, you can be on the only slope on this side of the world that’s got real snow blowing all year at Big Snow in American Dream. Gear up, then take a chairlift to the top, overlooking trees and a lodge facade, and ski, board, or snowbike down. Lessons are available, and kids can learn to ski or snowboard through the Camp BIG program before the (outdoor) ski season starts. Just want to hang out in the snow? Kids can climb, slide, and tube on real snow at the Snow Play and Snowtube area (outerwear rentals are available if you don’t have your own).
Shop ’til you drop
Have you even lived in NJ if you haven’t gone to a mall? No longer just spaces to shop, malls in NJ are one-stop destinations, thanks to gourmet restaurants, fast casual food, entertainment, and events that take the experience beyond shopping into family fun. From Westfield Garden State Plaza to The Mall at Short Hills to Cherry Hill Mall, you won’t want to miss these landmark shopping centers that put New Jersey on the map.
Climb into a new activity
Rock climbing at one of New Jersey’s indoor rock gyms is a challenging way for kids to stay active and reach new heights together. And doing it as a family can be a bonding experience, especially when overcoming a complex wall or conquering unique challenges like blindfolding and three-legged climbing. Don’t worry if you’re all beginners—most centers are family-friendly and welcome all skill levels.
SPONSORED
Goldfish Swim School
Find your nearest Goldfish Swim School in New Jersey and jump in today!
Splash around
Think waterparks are only a summertime thing? Nope—you can plunge a waterslide, drift in the lazy river, or get knocked down in the wave pool indoors. There are indoor water parks to discover throughout the state, including American Dream DreamWorks Waterpark in East Rutherford, Sahara Sam’s Water Park in West Berlin, and Island Waterpark at Showboat in Atlantic City. Kids will have a ball getting soaked indoors, and you’ll all feel like you’re on a resort vacay miles away.
Entertain the whole family
Having an all-in-one experience is always a hit with the fam and avoids the hassle of driving and spending time going from place to place. Luckily, many spaces cater to all ages under one roof. Hit the indoor rollercoaster at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, take a ride on Geoffrey’s Train Ride at Toys R Us or see NYC views in the Dream Wheel at American Dream, cheer on a jousting match at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, load up your Power Card at Dave and Buster’s in Wayne, Woodbridge, Blackwood, or Atlantic City, become a kingpin at Humdingers in Paramus, or test out all of the rides at iPlay America in Freehold.
SPONSORED
British Swim School
With locations in Clifton, Fairfield, Maplewood, Newark, Bayonne, Secaucus, and Jersey City, British Swim School’s award-winning curriculum is right in your neighborhood! Call 201-645-1300 or visit britishswimschool.com/
Bounce your way to a good time at a trampoline park
Bounce your way to fun at an open jump session at one of New Jersey’s trampoline parks, which feature wall-to-wall (and sometimes floor-to-ceiling) bouncy trampolines. Kids can go freestyle and jump around to their heart’s content, try to slam dunk a basketball, leap into a foam pit, or take on the whole fam in a lively game of dodgeball (trust us, mama, it’s way more fun than the one you’ve done in gym class). Got littles? Most trampoline parks have dedicated areas for toddlers and younger children so that everyone can enjoy the fun.
Get up close to the hippos at Adventure Aquarium, one of those indoor activities in NJ you won’t want to miss. Photo Credit: @vikki_1110
Go under the sea at an aquarium
You’ll find Nemo and all his ocean-dwelling friends at New Jersey’s aquariums, which offer an up-close glimpse of extraordinary marine life, like sharks, sea turtles, otters, and penguins. Besides seeing fascinating sea creatures, little ones can learn conservation lessons and participate in educational programs led by marine professionals. Some aquariums feature touch tanks showcasing stingrays and other animals, offering an exciting, hands-on experience. Step off the boardwalk to visit with a sloth at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, or hang with the hippos and walk across a shark bridge at Adventure Aquarium.
Game on at these retro arcades
Do you remember the good old days of video games, when Pac-Man and Donkey Kong ruled, and you spent your whole day (and all the quarters you saved) at the arcade? Lucky for you (and the kids, too, of course), the classic childhood games are back at these retro arcades. And you don’t even have to bring your quarters or tokens—pay one price for a free-play wristband and play all the games you’d like within an allotted time. Or head to the boardwalk at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach or Lucky Leo’s in Seaside Heights for indoor arcade fun by the shore.
Give a standing ovation for live performances
Whether your family is a bunch of theater lovers or has never experienced a live production, there are plenty of venues in New Jersey to see a kid-friendly show. Performances range from classic children’s plays and toe-tapping musicals to sing-alongs and incredible interactive stage shows that let the kids in on the fun. And if they catch the acting bug, it may even inspire them to audition at one of New Jersey’s children’s theaters.
Stargaze at the planetarium
Sit back, relax, and get lost in space as you look up at the stars above and watch a special film presentation in the domes of New Jersey’s educational and entertaining planetariums. Kids (and their grownups) of all ages will get lost in the enchantment of the dome’s crystal-clear projection—all while learning something new.
Bowling is fun in your “spare” time
The shoes might not be the cutest, but bowling is a crowd-pleaser for family entertainment. It’s easy enough for almost all ages (we won’t tell if you want to use the bumpers), and often includes an arcade, a snack bar, and other fun attractions to keep everyone occupied. Check out DiDonato Family Fun Center in Hammonton for free kids’ bowling promotions, family fun nights, and glow bowling, which could be right up your alley.
Create a lifelong reader
Is there anything more satisfying than watching your child get engrossed in a good story? Check out one of New Jersey’s family-friendly bookstores and spend the day scouring the aisles with your kids to find the latest and greatest titles or classic reads that can’t be missed. Local bookstores usually have helpful staff who can steer your children—even the ones who aren’t bookworms—to books that will capture their interest and inspire a lifetime of reading, and many offer storytime events that are great for budding readers.
A different kind of golf course
One of the best indoor activities in NJ is playing indoor mini golf, where kids of all ages can have fun and practice their swing in a relaxed, climate-controlled hitting bay. No golf experience is required, and simulators and cool technology help children and adults hone their skills. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the glow-in-the-dark mini golf at NJ’s six Monster Mini Golf locations, where the walls come alive with silly, animated monsters that talk, walk, and wiggle amid the backdrop of a pulsating soundtrack.
Make a family skate date
Lace up your skates and relive those fun childhood experiences at the local roller skating or ice rink. Taking a spin around the rink with tunes in the background is a refreshing, nostalgic way to spend a night or a day with your crew. If you opt for roller skating, kids can choose between regular skates or rollerblades (often recommended for beginners). If you are a newbie, book a lesson and check the rink’s schedule for cool events like glow skating.
Team up for laser tag
Indoor laser tag is a mission to have fun, should you choose to accept it. Grab your laser gun, strap on your sensor vest, and team up with the fam for a thrilling, intense competition. You’ll run through mazes and dodge your opponents to be the last one standing. Win or lose, laser tag is a fast-paced good time that really gets the heart pumping.
Burn off energy at an indoor play space
There’s a reason that play spaces have become one of the most popular indoor activities in NJ—there’s something for every kid. Indoor play spaces offer Open Play sessions, allowing your little ones to let out all their pent-up energy by running, climbing, jumping, and playing on safe, full-sized playground equipment. These spots offer age-appropriate areas and toys, providing the opportunity to make new friends and meet new playmates. Need a break? Some facilities offer special classes, camps, and drop-off sessions, allowing moms to enjoy some time to themselves.
Ready, set, go-karts!
Feeling the need for speed? You can’t beat go-kart racing on an indoor track for an adrenaline-pumping afternoon that both children and adults can enjoy. Rev up those engines and engage in a little friendly competition with the kiddos to see who gets to the finish line first (moms, we’re rooting for you!)
Make discoveries at NJ museums
New Jersey is home to over 200 museums, so there’s one to satisfy every child’s personality and interests. Stimulate your imagination and discover new insights into science, history, art, and more. From Liberty Science Center to the New Jersey State Museum, there are plenty of great museums to explore in the Garden State.
Learn about dinosaurs
Even when the weather outside is frightful or rainy, there are a few places where your littles can learn more about these prehistoric creatures. Stop at the interactive display at the Indigo Bookstore, touch a dinosaur egg or follow dinosaur tracks at the Morris Museum – Earth Science Gallery, or take in state-of-the-art exhibits, a prehistoric virtual reality adventure, or an interactive experience at the Jen & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum at Rowan University. See all of the dino-mite attractions in the state here.
Find your place in nature
Who says you can only explore nature outdoors? Even on the worst weather days, there are opportunities for every family member to learn and explore the beauty of nature. At Duke Farms in Hillsborough, step inside the Orchid Range to see 1,300 beautiful plants and spend time soaking in their vibrant colors and fragrant scents. Similarly, at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, little ones can spend the day immersed in nature, learning about animals, attending events, or enjoying hands-on activities in the Children’s Discovery Room.
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