Winter weather is here, and with it, we’ve got a bunch of family-friendly things to do indoors and out this coming weekend. Lace up your ice skates and head to Renault Winery’s Vinter Wonderland in Egg Harbor City, bundle up and enjoy a beautiful Winter Wildlife Walk in Liberty State Park, or spend time with Olaf and friends doing a museum scavenger hunt, crafts, and s’mores at Snowfest at The Wicoff House Museum in Plainsboro. And for more winter things to do, check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo taken at Renault Winery)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Battleship New Jersey Evening Engine Room Guided Tour
January 10 at 6 PM
Spend the evening taking in the armored citadel of the ship for a 90-minute guided walking tour. This family-friendly event gives you the chance to get a hands-on experience where you can climb seven stories into a fire room to see boilers, an engine room, and one of the ship’s steering positions.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ 08103
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
Vinter Wonderland
January 10-12
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
Let It Glow
January 10-12
It’s the last weekend for this holiday spectacular, which features stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your children. You can walk through the exhibits up close and then take a train ride through the zoo.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
January 10-12
Enjoy the last weekend of America’s only construction theme and water park, and take in the lights, tunnels, holiday displays, and more.
Cost: $36.99
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
KidsFit in Motion
January 11
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
Muslim Heritage Month Festival
January 11 at 11 AM
Celebrate Muslim Heritage Month at this family-friendly event filled with scholars, artists, comedians, athletes, food vendors, and more.
Cost: $20 per person, children under 8 are free
Edison Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
5th Annual SnowFest
January 11 at 1 PM
This fun event is a great way to celebrate the beauty of the winter season with snow crafts and activities, a museum scavenger hunt, smores, hot chocolate, and more. Don’t miss Olaf and other winter characters who will be in attendance.
Cost: Free
Wicoff House Museum, 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Wild World of Animals
January 11 at 2 PM
Do you have a little one who loves animals? This show features a unique blend of 13 different animals, including arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and more, set on a colorful stage.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Levoy Theatre, 126-130 N. High Street, Millville, NJ 08332
Winter Wildlife Walk
January 11 at 11 AM
Get bundled up and take a winter walk where you can look for visiting winter animals and maybe even some seals. This is a guided walk perfect for kids and adults.
Cost: Free; pre-registration required; please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Liberty State Park, 80 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Moonlight Nature in Winter Walk
January 11 at 6:30 PM
The sun sets early, so why not take advantage of it with a gorgeous winter walk? The almost full moon will lead the way, and you can look for tracks and signs of winter wildlife, including nocturnal birds, animals on the prowl, dormant trees, insects, and more.
Cost: Free
High Point State Park, 1480 State Route 23 Sussex, NJ 07461
Patacong Valley Model Railroad Open House
January 11-12
Take in the sights and sounds while exploring the layout of the Patacong Valley Model Railroad. It takes about 30-45 minutes to view the entire setup. Don’t miss the seek-and-find puzzles ranging from easy to hard.
Cost: Free; donations appreciated.
1308 US-40, Richland, NJ 08350
Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards
January 11-12
Bring your family and friends for a fun event where you can enjoy fresh winter air on the farm. There will be live music, light fare, wine for the adults, and time to shop at the farm store for fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Cutting, Splitting & Hewing
January 12 at 12 PM
Head to the farm, where you will get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, then learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
NJ Meadowlands Eagle Festival
January 12 at 10 AM
Celebrate this magnificent bird with walks and talks, music, and children’s educational activities, and see live raptors from Flat Rock Brook. Before you come, have the kids draw or paint eagle-themed artwork and bring it in to receive a prize while supplies last. The snow date is January 19.
Cost: Free
Richard W. DeKorte Park, 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
January 12 at 12 PM
No winter blues here – enjoy time with the fam with some healthy competition. Take part in two 1890s board games, including Backgammon, Checkers, Reversi, Halma, and Basilinda.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
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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