Winter got you down? Cheer up with lots of family-friendly fun over the long weekend ahead. Bundle up and enjoy the first day of Maple Sugaring in Tenafly, celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Lunar New Year Celebration in South Plainfield, or head to the library and enjoy a story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. along with prizes and snacks at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reading Celebration in Willingboro. And for more winter things to do, check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
WinterFest Ice Skating
Weekends in January
Is there anything better than lacing up some skates and hitting the ice with the family? Bundle up for the cold winter weather and spend the day enjoying gliding across the ice.
Cost: Skate rentals and rink admission prices vary
Copper River Park, Cuthbert Boulevard and Park Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Step Afrika!
January 17 at 7:30 PM
Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, and it presents a blend of percussive dance styles, traditional African dances, and contemporary dance and art forms into a can’t-miss show. There will also be songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reading Celebration
January 17 at 3 PM
Head to the library, read a story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and receive a prize. There will also be snacks served.
Cost: Free
Willingboro Public Library, 220 Willingboro Parkway, Willingboro, NJ 08046
Vinter Wonderland
January 17-18
Celebrate a successful harvest at Renault Winery with a charming and festive experience for all ages. Kids will love the ice skating, tractor rides, and live entertainment while you enjoy gourmet dining and wines.
Cost: Prices vary
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
2025 Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood
January 18 at 10 AM
Support the Special Olympics New Jersey at this fun event. This is more than just a cold dip into the ocean—it’s a way to bond as a family, all for a fantastic cause.
Cost: $25 per person
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Bernardsville Farmers Market
January 18 at 10 AM
At this annual outdoor Winter Market, vendors sell homemade bakery goods, soup, nuts, coffee, and produce. Many of these items are also sold at the popular summer one.
Route 202 and Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Stangl Factory Market
January 18 at 9 AM
Housed in the original Stangl pottery factory, this unique atmosphere makes it fun to browse through purveyors of locally sourced vegetables, grass-fed meats, bread, cheeses, pastured eggs, specialty prepared foods, and desserts. The market also offers many beautiful artisan goods, including handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products, and handspun yarn.
Mine Street & Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
LADACIN Plunge 2025
January 18 at 10:30 AM
Get ready to jump into the freezing ocean—all for a good cause. Bring the entire family and take a dip to support this nonprofit. Then, head to Leggett’s Sand Bar and Restaurant for the after-party, which includes prizes, food, and drinks for the adults. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Cost: $25 per person
Leggett’s Sand Bar and Restaurant, 217 First Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Wildwood Comic Con
January 18 at 10 AM
Kicking off Comic Con season, this event is filled with comic books, featured guests, vendors, artists, and so much more.
Cost: $10; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ 08260
KidsFit in Motion
January 18 at 9 & 10 AM
This lively weekend class will help young children improve their mobility, flexibility, and coordination through various fitness games and dance moves. Fun Fitness is for children ages 5-7 with a parent or guardian. Wear sneakers! For more information or to register, contact Kerri Likakis, MS, RDN, at 973-926-7371 or Kerri.Likakis@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Lunar New Year Celebration
January 18 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the whole family. The festivities include demonstrations and food samples, lion dance performances, live traditional music, cultural activities for kids, and more.
Cost: Free
ACME, 2160 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07605
Pokemon Market
January 18 at 9 AM
If you have a little one in your family who loves Pokemon, this is the event for you. There will be 150+ tables full of Pokemon items, special guests, and more fun to announce.
Cost: $5 for general admission, and kids under 10 are free
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
January 19 at 11:30 AM and 1 PM
Make a day of it at this popular nature center, where you can learn how to identify a maple tree, hear about the history of maple sugaring, and see how the technology has changed.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, members are $8, member families (up to 6) are $60, and non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Winter Market by Grow It Green Morristown
January 19 at 9:30 AM
This Sunday morning market is a partnership with Grow It Green Morristown. Each week, you’ll find a revolving list of local vendors who offer a great assortment of cheeses, produce prepared foods, and baked goods.
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
Lunar New Year Celebration
January 19 at 2 PM
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at this fun event, which includes performances, activities, demonstrations, and more. There will even be snacks and origami.
Cost: Free
90 Maple Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Special MLK Day Open Swim at Five Star Swim School
January 20
Head to Five Star Swim School for extra swim time in their heated indoor pool. This is an excellent opportunity to relax, have fun, and make memories with your loved ones in a safe and welcoming environment. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per person
Cherry Hill – 1 PM – 2 PM, 5 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Deptford – 3 PM – 4 PM, 1500 Almonesson Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
Galloway – 12 PM – 2 PM, 323 S. Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ 08205
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for a morning of swimming, fun, and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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