Enjoy the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show in Edison, Gloucester Township’s Martin Luther King Day of Service, Light of Day Winterfest and more family-friendly events this weekend in New Jersey.
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are our top picks for family events in NJ this weekend:
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show in Edison, Photo via gsoss.com
1. Garden State Outdoor Sports Show
January 13 – 15, 2017 | 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Explore the great outdoors at New Jersey’s largest outdoor sports show. Gear up for a year of fresh air and active family fun with a weekend of exciting exhibits and shows. Don’t forget to stop by the Kids Zone to cast a rod, mine for treasures, and much more. Kids Archery will teach your little ones how to shoot a bow with various 3D targets. More special exhibits include the Paintball Shooting Range, Fire & Ice Pavilion, pony rides with Horses 4 Hope, Archery Tag, Chics with Axes, and much more!
The New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
Cost: $10 Admission, Select activities require additional fees
2. Light of Day Winterfest
January 13 – 15, 2017 | Various Times & Locations
Join the Light of Day Foundation for a weekend of entertainment throughout New Jersey’s most infamous venues. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses such as PSP and ALS within our lifetime. Performers at Light of Day have included Bruce Springsteen (numerous appearances), Michael J. Fox, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Darlene Love, Southside Johnny, and many more. Don’t miss the Kids Rock concert in Garwood, featuring your local favorite children’s rock acts. Events this weekend also include Remember Jones in Mad Dog & Englishmen, Kashmir – The Live Led Zeppelin Show, Women of Song, Asbury Blues, Asbury Underground Songwriters Crawl, and much more for the music-loving family in New Jersey.
Various Locations Throughout New Jersey
Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden
3. Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden
January 13 – 16, 2017 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Make the trip to The New York Botanical Garden for the season’s last weekend of the incredible Holiday Train Show. You won’t want your little ones to miss the detailed models zip around through 150 landmarks crafted entirely from natural materials. Mini-landmarks include the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center, and are arranged throughout a half-mile of track. This attraction is a family favorite and must-see for tiny train lovers, so be sure to catch this marvel before it leaves the station.
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Cost: Adults $30, Children 2 – 12 years $18. Reservations are recommended.
4. Family Fun Board & Card Game Night
January 14, 2017 | 5:00PM – 11:00PM
This family-friendly table-top game night and pizza party is a great way to play try the latest games, play the classics, and make new friends. The helpful staff of Family Fun Hobbies is readily available to help you learn new games to get the family started. Free admission grants your whole family access to this wholesome option for a Saturday night out together.
Family Fun Hobbies
731 Highway 33, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Cost: Free
5. Sensational Summers NJ Camp Fairs
January 14 – 15, 2017 | 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Meet with Camp Directors and Camp Staff face-to-face to learn more about the summer camps you are considering for your little ones. There is no resource more valuable than letting your kids meet the professionals that provide them with a summer of fun and education. Compare camps, costs, and programs all in one spot.
Saturday: The Outlets at Bergen Town Centre
Route 4 East & Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Sunday: The Grand Summit Hotel
570 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Cost: Free Admission
6. Maple Sugaring at The Great Swamp
January 14 & 15, 2017 | 1:00PM & 2:30PM
The trees are tapped and the firewood is chopped – it’s maple sugaring season at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township. Immerse yourself in the maple sugaring process from start to finish. Identify and tap maple trees, collect the flowing sap, and witness syrup making over a wood-fired evaporator. Best of all, taste-test the finished product organically made at the Great Swamp. Get the kids outdoors this weekend while learning something new as a family with this educational and fun local tradition.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
247 Southern Blvd, Chatham Township, NJ 07928
Cost: $3 for ages 3 and up
Cards & Collectibles Show in Garfield
7. Cards & Collectibles Show
January 15, 2017 | 9:00AM – 3:00PM
For just $1 admission, get access to a wide variety of sports cards (vintage and new), unopened wax packs, boxes and sets, non-sport, supplies, action figures, autographs, jerseys, magazines, programs and comics, memorabilia, and much, much more. Comic-loving kids and mini movie-buffs will find their favorite characters and discover new toys and treats at this collector’s expo.
Boys & Girls Club of Garfield
490 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ
Cost: $1 Admission
8. Youth Health & Science Fair
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 9:00AM – 11:00AM
University of Sciences in Philadelphia is celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by hosting the free family event, Youth Health & Science Fair. Children can try their hands at free activities including dance and yoga classes, sports clinics, hands on science experiments, games and a performance from the Kingsessing Singers Chamber Choir.
Athletic and Recreation Center at University of Sciences
600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Cost: Free
9. Gloucester Township’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 8:30AM – 12:00PM
Join Mayor David Mayer, Township Council, Gloucester Township Public Schools, and friends and neighbors on by volunteering your time to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of helping others. As Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Your participation will allow you to engage in fun and worthwhile service projects that have a lasting impact on the entire community. The day will begin with a continental breakfast to boost your energy. 26 service sites will benefit from these efforts, opening up opportunities for children and adults alike to volunteer together.
Click here to register.
Charles W. Lewis Middle School
875 Erial Rd, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Cost: Free
10. Footloose the Musical
January 13 – 15, 2017 | Friday & Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
Pass down one of the classic stories from your youth by experiencing Footloose live on stage as a family. Dance along in your seat as you take the journey of a teen’s struggles after moving to a small town that prohibits dancing. There is no doubt that this theatre-going experience will leave you smiling for the rest of the week.
Rhino Theatre
247 Woanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Cost: Adults $23, Children $18 (plus tax)
11. Martin Luther King Day of Service in Cherry Hill
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Residents of all ages are invited to participate in Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day of Service. Consider volunteering with the kids this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and share the priceless feeling of giving back to your community. If you wish to volunteer, please contact the Recreation Department at 856-488-7868.
100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
12. Hot Chocolate & Activities Open House
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Spend the day at the Arboretum to learn about the programs and ongoing classes. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a fireside story, go on a scavenger hunt and more! Not only will your little ones have a cozy time at the arboretum, but they will also meet the professionals that work to make the facility operate on a day-to-day basis.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
324 Forest Dr S, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Cost: Free
Photo via Allaire Community Farm Facebook page
13. MLK National Day of Service at the Farm & Open Pony Party
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Spend the Day of Service by volunteering on the farm. Opportunities are available for children and adults of all ages to lend a helping hand, including everything from daily chores to skilled repairs. Learn something new with the littles while getting outdoors, breathing in the fresh farm air, and helping this staple farm of the community. Allaire Community Farm functions due to its volunteers, and every little bit helps.
Allaire Community Farm
2840 Allaire Rd, Belmar, NJ 07719
Cost: Free
14. Saturday Morning Dog Walk at Lord Stirling
January 14, 2017 | 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Saturday morning dog walks at Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge are bound to be a weekend tradition that the whole family will treasure. Bring your fur babies out for a morning of outdoor activity this month, and walk the scenic paths around Lord Stirling Stable. Consider making the time for this active outing as a way to kick-start your weekend on a healthy, high note. Not only will the kids enjoy being in charge of the dog’s leash and seeing new places, but mom will get in some exercise (talk about two birds with one stone!) The friendly, professional staff of Lord Stirling will guide you through the best walking areas in the area, allowing for families to simply enjoy the scenery.
Lord Stirling Stable
256 S Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Cost: $3
15. National Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Join our Horticulture Department for a morning of outdoor work by “Clearing the Way for Spring.” Please dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. Work gloves and water will be provided. Volunteers must be age 14 or older – don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity for your teens to perform community service in a stunning arboretum. Registration is required. To register or for more information, please contact Lisa Martin at 908-273-8787 ext.1313 or l.martin@reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- 30 FREE NJ Events in January
- 10 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in NJ
- Top 15 Things To Do in NJ This January
- 10 Indoor Activities To Do in January
- 10 Outdoor Activities To Do in January
- Best Ski Resorts for NJ Families
- Must Know Winter Classes in NJ
- Museums in North, Central, & South NJ
- Aquariums in NJ
- 20 Family Friendly Hiking Trails in NJ
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Plan ahead by checking NJ Mom’s 60+ Things to Do in New Jersey
- Free Museum Days in NJ (the first weekend of each month)
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
