It’s the last weekend of 2019, so why not fill it with winter-themed family fun? Embark on an underground mine tour at Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, soak up some NJ history at the Battle of Trenton March at Washington Crossing Historic Park or watch wolves play around at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Colombia.
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 8 kid-friendly things to do this weekend around New Jersey:
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The Harlem Globetrotters “Pushing the Limits”
December 30, 2PM
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Prudential Center with their ALL-NEW show “Pushing the Limits,” one-of-a-kind experience putting a new spin on family time. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personable with a star-stuffed roster including Big Easy Lofton and Hi-Lite Bruton, plus, female stars TNT Lister, Swish Sutton, and Torch George. Every show features a blend of hilarious hijinks and incredible basketball skills including ball handling, high flying dunks, and a new record-breaking attempt.
Prudential Center
Newark, NJ
Cost: $31-$476
Big Holiday Show featuring The Nutcracker
December 29, 2PM-3:45PM
If your kids are still craving holiday merriment, snag tickets to The Nutcracker with New Jersey’s own Performing Arts Ensemble (PAE). Whether it’s their first time taking in the performance or their fifth, they’ll be dazzled by the lavish costumes and exciting holiday musical numbers. Join Clara and the Mouse King on a Victorian Christmas adventure as they dance their way through the snow-filled forest and Candy Land. Bonus: Get those Playbills ready—kids can get autographs and photos with the performers, who come out for a meet-and-greet on stage after the show. You can call to reserve tickets ahead of time or purchase tickets in person on Sunday starting at 1pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre
173 Main St., Manasquan, NJ
Cost: $15-23
Educational Wolf Watch Tours at The Lakota Wolf Preserve
December 27-29, 10:30AM & 3PM
Take a peek at the pack of wolves and their unique place in the forest at The Lakota Wolf Preserve. Kids will be in awe at the Wolf Watch tour that starts with a scenic nature walk from the parking area to the preserve (if it’s too cold, hop on a shuttle bus). From the observation area, your crew can observe 4 different packs of wolves play and interact with one another, and maybe even hear a howl. Make sure to snap plenty of selfies–photos are encouraged.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
Colombia, NJ
Cost: $15 for adults, $7 for children
Holiday at Kip’s Castle
December 27-29, 12PM – 4PM
If you can’t make it to Disney World to see Cinderella’s Castle all dolled up for the holidays, take a drive up to Montclair for a fairytale moment at this magical mansion, built to look like a castle. Kids can meander through the massive rooms of this historic property, look up at the vaulted ceilings and snap photos by the authentic suit of armor. Don’t miss the special self-guided tour of the first floor, which features a 1920’s Christmas decor display.
Kip’s Castle
Montclair, NJ
Cost: free
Battle of Trenton March
December 28, 8AM-3:30PM
Bring the whole fam to this event that commemorates Trenton’s unique and pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Kids will have a blast learning about our state’s history with hands-on demonstrations, tours, and realistic reenactments—they can even join in the Continental Army March in observance of the 243rd anniversary of Washington crossing the Delaware. After, watch a reenactment of the Battle of Trenton, take a historic tour and be sure to visit the Old Barracks Museum to learn more about NJ and the Revolutionary War.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Hopewell, NJ
Cost: free
56th Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races
December 28, 9:30AM
Brr! Every year, thousands of brave participants take an icy dip at a Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the NJ Special Olympics, but if that’s not your family’s jam, sign up for another Polar Bear tradition—the 56th Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Race. It’s a festive way to say goodbye to 2019 and ring in the new year, all while giving back. The 5K run kicks off at 9:30AM, followed by a 1-mile Kids Run at 10:30 AM. After the race, grab some brunch at Toast Asbury Park, which offers a very special kid’s menu that was created with the help of the staff’s own children.
Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $30 for adults, $10 for children
Cirque: Holiday Dreams
December 28, 3PM & 7:30PM
Get ready to be dazzled with this jaw-dropping performance of incredible stunts performed by death-defying acrobats, flying aerialists, and all-around daredevils. With amazing hi-tech features like holograms, projection mapping, and interactive lasers, even your tech-savvy kids will be in awe—and talking about this whimsical winter wonderland well into 2020.
NJPAC
Newark, NJ
Cost: $29-69
Sterling Hill Mining Museum Public Tour
December 28 & 29, 1PM
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum we go: Take your littles on a scientific adventure through what was once one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits. The 2-hour, underground mine tour will guide you through the Zobel Hall Museum and the Warren Museum of Fluorescence and into the renowned mine itself. Along the way, you will see mining equipment, a drilling and blasting demonstration, and the famous fluorescent “Rainbow Tunnel.”
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Ogdensburg, NJ
Cost: $13 for adults, $10 for children
Family Matinee Movie: Mary Poppins Returns
December 29, 2PM – 4PM
Baby, it’s cold outside, so BYO your popcorn and bring the fam to watch Disney’s newest classic—Mary Poppins Returns. Dance with chimney sweeps, explore a topsy-turvy world and celebrate that everything is possible—even the impossible.
Mahwah Public Library
Mahwah, NJ
Cost: free
