We’ve hit peak winter and a deep freeze, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop this weekend indoors and out (with lots of layers). Take in the thrill of 12,000-pound monster trucks backflipping and racing at Monster Jam in Newark, bundle up and spend a cold day enjoying all things winter with a chili contest, ice carving competition, and more at the Fire & Ice Festival in Mount Holly, or celebrate the Year Of the Snake at the LunarFest NJ in Maplewood. And for more winter things to do, check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo taken at Monster Jam)
(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
Monster Jam
January 24-26
Where else can you see 12,000-pound monster trucks backflip and race at the hands of trained world-class athletes? If thrills and awe-inspiring trucks get your kid revved up, then the family-friendly Monster Jam® will be the event you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Rutgers Geological Museum Annual Open House
January 25 at 9 AM
This annual event is fun for the whole family. This year’s 56th open house, themed Ancient Seas, features crafts, activities, guest appearances, and a mineral sale.
Cost: Free
Rutgers Geology Museum, 85 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Fire & Ice Festival
January 25 at 10 AM
Bundle up and spend a cold day with the family, enjoying all things winter. There will be a chili contest, an ice carving competition, and more.
Cost: Free
1 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Ice Harvest
January 25 at 10 AM
Head to Howell Farm, once called the “ice farm,” and learn about the tools and technology that made ice harvesting a successful business. You can also help pull ice blocks up the ramp to the ice house, chip ice to make ice treats, and make an ice candle to take home.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell, NJ 08530
Brooklawn Train Show
January 25 at 9 AM
Got a train lover in the family? Celebrate a love for model trains at this show. There will be 80 vendor tables filled with new and used model trains, operating model railroads on display, and delicious food to enjoy.
Cost: Free
American Legion Pot #72, 11 Railroad Lane, Brooklawn, NJ 08030
KidsFit in Motion
January 25 at 9 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
Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
January 25 and 26
Bring the whole fam to learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. The syrup will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Cost: $6 per person; Pre-registration is required for ages 6 and up.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928
Wassailing the Apple Trees
January 26 at 1 PM
Dance, sing, and re-enact traditional Old English rituals with the family. These include chanting and music making, toasts of hot cider, and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches. The evening will end with a bonfire and live music.
Cost: Free
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Lunar Fest 2025 – Year of the Snake
January 26 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at a day filled with performances, engaging children’s activities, and delicious food.
Cost: Free
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
January 26
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 technology has changed.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, members are $8, and non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
What To Do With Wildlife
January 26 at 11 AM
Want to know what to do if you see wildlife in distress? Head to this event, where you will learn about local fauna, how to identify if an animal is in distress, and what you can do to help them.
Cost: Free
Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
2025 American Youth Spring Festival Gala
January 26 at 1 PM
This event will feature hundreds of talented performers from across America who will bring the Lunar New Year to life through performances and creative expression. This gala is a tribute to heritage, cultural exchange, and a reimagining of tradition for today’s world.
Cost: Free
American Dream, The Dream Stage, Court A – Level 1, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Brigid’s Day & Candlemas
January 26 at 1 PM
Looking for something unique to do with the family? Head to the Historic New Bridge Landing and enjoy gorgeous Irish tunes on the flute, tours, candle-making, new exhibits, and a take-home activity for the little ones.
Cost: $7.50 per student and $12.50 per adult
1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ 07661
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 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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