Top 15 {kid-friendly} Things To Do in NJ, December 29-30

Ring in the New Year this weekend at one of these fabulous family-friendly celebrations around New Jersey. The first couple events on this week’s list are ‘last of’ and can only be enjoyed this weekend before disappearing again until next year.

While you’re out and about around New Jersey, don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom, and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.

Here are 15 Things To Do This Weekend in NJ:

Sea of Lights in Point Pleasant Beach. via

1. Last Weekend of Sea of Lights
Friday, December 29 – Sunday, December 30, 2017 | 6:00PM to 9:00PM
This is the last weekend of Sea Lights, which is an epic indoor family-friendly event. This holiday lights spectacular has tons of treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, holiday gifts, and more. The Aquarium, Sweet Shop, Aquarium Gift Shop & Pavilion arcade will also be open to all families in attendance.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742
Cost: $8 General Admission

2. Last Weekend of Christmas Ice Caverns
Friday, December 29 – Sunday, December 31, 2017 | Friday & Saturday 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM to 3:00PM
New Jersey’s Christmas Ice Cavern celebration is the largest walk through Animated Display that is celebrating 50 years. It is an Animated children’s display that children walk through and see dozens of storybook displays in a Christmas Themed setting. Families can see Disney characters sleigh riding in the snow, Santa’s candy factory, Santa’s reindeer feeding barn, toy story figures, a life-size Nativity, and much, much, more.
Christmas Ice Caverns
437 US Highway 46, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
Cost: $3 General Admission

3. Last Weekend of Christmas Underwater
Friday, December 29 – Saturday, December 30, 2017 |
Christmas in combination with aquatic delights, that is the only way to celebrate the holiday season as far as Adventure Aquarium is concerned. Your family is invited to experience the magic of the holiday season deep beneath the surface to see the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, “Dry-Side” Santa Claus appearances, Snow Shower Dance Party and more.
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr, Camden, New Jersey 08103
Cost: $21 Child, $29 Adult, Tickets can be purchased here

Punk Rock Flea Market in Asbury Park. via

4. Asbury Punk Rock Flea Market
Saturday, December 30, 2018 | 10:00AM to 5:00PM
There is no better way to bring in the new year than visiting Asbury Park’s Punk Rock Flea Market. This Rockin’ good time is sure to have you moving and enjoying the music, atmosphere, and some amazing creations and artwork by Handmade Art Studios and Mark Fenton. This unique event can only be experienced down in Asbury Park, so make sure your family does not miss out on all the festivities.
Asbury Park Convention Hall
1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
Cost: $10 Earlybird, $5 After 11am

5. Noon Year’s Eve Party, Crafts and Show
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 10:30AM to 12:00PM
Introduce your family to a New Year’s Celebration at Noon. This family friendly celebration of 2018 will be sure to not ruin bedtimes, but instead be a fun-filled blast into space as activities related to planets, stars, lasers, dancing, and the new year will surely fulfill your family with a great time. There is a fun craft activity starting at 10:30 along with games, giveaways, and crafts-free with the purchase of a show ticket.
Robert J. Novins Planetarium
1 College Dr (Ocean County College Bldg 13), Toms River, New Jersey 08754
Cost: $7 Child, $10 Adult, Tickets can be purchased here

6. First Night Ocean County
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 12:00PM to 5:00PM
Mark your calendars for a New Year’s Eve in the arcades and the Classic American Boardwalk. Families from all over New Jersey are invited to indulge in Seaside Heights endless activities, shows, face painting, caricature artists, balloonists, magic shows, jugglers, crafts, and a fireworks display at 5:00 PM (weather and conditions permitting.) This family friendly event is at a cost of only $5 for each member of the family, you can enjoy a day filled with entertainment and begin a lasting family tradition. Bracelets will be on sale beginning Black Friday at the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall. Bracelets are also on sale the day of the event in each participating arcade.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Cost: $5 General Admission

New Years Eve Celebration at Pier Village. via

7. New Years Eve Celebration
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 4:00PM to 9:30PM
Join the many families attending New Years Eve at Pier Village. This magical place will be host to many events including: ice skating, horse and carriage rides, and a magnificent firework display on the beach. This ready made perfect evening with the family is all ready to go, all your family needs to do is show up and enjoy. The Ice Skating Rink will be open from 10am to 10pm, Horse and Carriage Rides will be available from 4pm to 8pm, and Fireworks will occur at 9pm.
Pier Village
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
Cost: Free

8. First Night Ocean City 2018
Sunday, December 31, 2017 – Monday, January 1, 2018 | 4:00PM to 12:00AM
First Night Ocean City is a New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. This fantastic event also celebrates diverse entertainment to attract families of all ages. First Night showcases New Jersey artists such as the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, Cape Shore Chorale, Ocean City Theatre Group, magicians and many other artists. The annual event starts at 4pm on December 31st and offers an abundance of entertainment for families throughout Ocean City, leading up to a midnight fireworks display to celebrate a New Year. Buttons are available for purchase currently, and the headliner at the Ocean City Music Pier for First Night 2018 will be Chubby Checker.
Ocean City NJ
Cost: Free

9. Kids NYE Ball Drop at the Town Plaza
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Downtown Metuchen will host one of the best New Years events in all of New Jersey. Visit all of the businesses starting at 5pm for some NYE kids specials such as ArteVino Studio Metuchen, Lollipopland, What’s The Scoop, Cai’s Cafe, 2 Chicks with Chocolate, Hailey’s Harp & Pub & Hailey’s Harp-cade. Then at 7pm on New Street, the Metuchen Fire Department will be doing its own very special kids ball drop from its own building. Also, Buttery Bake Shoppe has graciously donated some cookies for the children to enjoy during the ball drop, so make sure your family and friends make it out to this very special event. The Metuchen Plaza will also hold a grand opening at 8pm.
Metuchen Town Plaza
New St, Metuchen, NJ 08840, United States

New Year’s Eve 2018 at The Funplex. via

10. New Year’s Eve 2018 at the Mount Laurel and East Hanover Funplex
Sunday, December 31, 2017 – Monday, January 1, 2018 | 7:00PM to 12:30AM
Family fun at The Funplex is the perfect way to celebrate the New Year, and this year the Funplex will be hosting its Annual New Year’s Eve Party. This incredible New Year’s Eve Package Includes a Midnight Countdown, Unlimited Rides, Music with DJ, $10 Arcade Game Card & Food Buffet.
Mount Laurel – The Funplex Amusement Center3320-24 Route 38, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054
East Hanover – The Funplex Amusement Center
182 Route 10 West, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936
Cost: $49 Advanced General Admission, $54 At the Door General Admission, Tickets can be purchased here for the Mount Laurel location and here for the East Hanover location

11. First Night Haddonfield
Sunday, December 31, 2018 – Monday, January 1, 2018 | 5:00PM to 12:00AM
Haddonfield is hosting one of the best Celebration of the Arts New Jersey has to offer. For the 20th year, this family-oriented, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve festival featuring energetic entertainment such as magic, music, comedy, dance, theater, and a firework display for families of all ages. This event could only be possible with the support of community leaders, police and fire departments, business owners, volunteers and committee of Haddonfield. The stages are set in more than 15 different venues along Historic Haddonfield’s Kings Highway in the most historic buildings and churches in downtown Haddonfield. Along with the many events, there will be a special entertainment and activities for kids 9 and under.
Haddonfield Central/Middle School Gym and All-Purpose Room
5 Lincoln Avenue, Haddonfield, New Jersey, 08033
Cost: $15 General Admission, Admission Buttons can be purchased here

12. New Year’s Eve Party
Sunday, December 31, 2017 – Monday, January 1, 2018 | 8:00PM to 1:00AM
The Year’s Last (And First) Party at Monmouth Park Raceway will be closing out 2017, and bringing ushering in 2018 at William Hill Sports Bar. This New Year’s Eve private party includes dinner buffet from 8-10pm, open bar from 8pm-1am, champagne toast at midnight, live music from our DJ and more. This event is limited with tickets going on sale beginning Black Friday. Tickets will be offered at a discounted price through December 1 so be sure to make your New Year’s Eve plans with us early. Tickets to this event must be purchased in advance. The William Hill Sports Bar is the perfect place for locals to celebrate New Year’s Eve without dealing with the headaches of traffic and parking. This year, invite your friends, family and neighbors to party in the new year with us at Monmouth Park. A portion of all ticket sales will be used to support the oceanport fire department, so all proceeds will be very welcome this holiday season.
Monmouth Park Racetrack – William Hill Sports Bar
175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, New Jersey 07757
Cost: $60 General Admission, Tickets may be purchased here

New Year’s Eve Party at iPlay America in Freehold. via

13. New Year’s Eve Party at iPlay America
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 7:30PM to 1:00AM
Rides, Party Favors, Live DJ, Prizes, and Giveaways are just the tip of this iceberg in this New Years celebration at iPlay America. Along with the activities going on, the addition of Confetti cannons at midnight as you watch the ball drop on our 5 large screens and monitors will complete your New Years experience. There will be a Unlimited Ride Pass, $10 Game Card, Party Pass, Buffet Seating, VIP Seating, and a Champagne Toast For Adults With Dinner available.
iPlay America
110 Schanck Rd, Freehold 07728
Cost: $39.99 Child, $54.99 Child-NYE Party & Dining Pass, $39.99 Adult, $74.99 Adult NYE Party & Dining Pass

14. Cornucopia New Year’s Eve 2017 Gala
Sunday December 31, 2017 – Monday, January 1, 2018 | 8:00PM to 2:30AM
Cornucopia Cruise Line is inviting your family to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience for the New Year. Your family can partake in a variety of events including: Sit Down Dinner, Premium Open Bar, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Party Favors, and Cruising to the Statue of Liberty for the Fireworks. This Picturesque atmosphere will be everything you love about a great New Year’s eve party. The lovely backdrop of iconic New jersey landmarks along with great music, food, and company will bring in your new year in style.
Cornucopia Cruise Line
401 Riverview Dr, Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861
Cost: $149.00 Under 21 Years Old, $169.00 Per Person Non-Private Tables, $185.00 Private Tables (Limited Availability), Please call 732-697-9500 for reservations

15. 2018 Family New Year’s Eve Event
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 9:00PM to 1:00AM
Is there really anything more fun than Dave & Busters with your family? Dave & Busters is offering a fun way for your family to ring in the New Year. They are offering loads of excitement with their New Year’s Eve package which combines all the Food & Fun that guests have grown to love at Dave & Buster’s. If your family has never experienced the wonders of Dave & Busters, do not hesitate and wait another year.
Dave & Buster’s
274 Woodbridge Center Dr, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095
Cost: $52.99 Package #1* General Admission, $102.17 Package #2** General Admission, Tickets can be purchased here
*Package #1: An appetizer buffet with family favorites, Dessert, Unlimited soft drinks, $20 Power Card, A video ball drop to ring in the New Year
**Package #2: An appetizer buffet with family favorites, Dessert, Unlimited soft drinks, $25 Power Card, A video ball drop to ring in the New Year, Unlimited Video Game Play