Spend time with your little ones this weekend taking in the sights and sounds of Disney on Ice at the Prudential Center, getting tricked at Gary’s Magic Show in Hoboken, or checking out Pinkalicious at Mayo Performing Arts Center, plus so many more kid-friendly things to do around New Jersey this weekend.
While you’re out and about around New Jersey, don’t forget to tag #NJMOM and @njmom, and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 15 Things To Do This Weekend in NJ:
1. Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars
Thursday, January 4 – Sunday, January 7, 2018 | Thursday 7:00PM; Friday 7:00PM; Saturday 11:00AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM; Sunday 11:00AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Your family’s favorite Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for a spectacular Disney On Ice event for all ages. Disney presents Reach For The Stars, which is a celebration of the royal sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, as they sing captivating songs like “Let it Go” and “In Summer.” Your family can get tangled up with a chorus of harmless hooligans when they get a visit from the spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally, Flynn Rider, on their journey to see the floating lights. You never know what unforgettable feats your whole family will discover when Reach For The Stars debuts in your hometown.
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette St, Newark, New Jersey 07102
Cost: $10 – $150+ General Admission
2. Last Weekend of Holiday Light Show on the Lake
Now – Sunday, January 7, 2018 | Thursdays – Sundays Dusk to 8:30PM Only
The Last Weekend of the Holiday Light Show at Historic Smillville is quickly approaching, and your family will not want to miss out on this fun family tradition. Together, your family can enjoy popular songs of the Holiday Season pared with a fantastic Christmas tree light show sure to get your little ones in the Holiday spirit. This event will feature 120 Christmas Trees decorated with over 50,000 Christmas lights, along with an unbeatable atmosphere at Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. Come nightfall, there will be an orchestrated show of lights and music that will be played out across the entire lake. This spectacle can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge, so make sure your family gets a great seat.
Historic Smithville – Lake Meone
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, New Jersey 08205
Cost: Free
3. 2018 Willow Creek Winery Fire Pit Friday
Friday, January 5, 2018 | 5:00PM to 9:00PM
The first fire pit of the New Year will be featured at Willow Creek Winery in Cape May, bringing together many families who are looking for a fun and warm evening together.
Willow Creek Winery
168 Stevens St, West Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Cost: Free
4. Battle of the Kegs Exhibit
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Join the Bordentown Historical Society for the 240th anniversary celebration of the Bordentown patriot’s attack upon the British fleet in the harbor of Philadelphia. This jam-packed family event includes historical presentations, kids activities, crafts, diorama with sound & lights, and, of course, refreshments and snacks for all those who attend.
The Friends Meeting House Museum
302 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Cost: Free
5. Breakfast with the Animals
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 8:30AM to 10:00AM
All families are invited to Point Pleasant Beach for Breakfast with the Animals to spend your morning with the animals at Jenks. Registrants receive special early-entry to the aquarium, a continental breakfast, and time to ask questions and talk about the animals.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742
Cost: $35 Child & Adult Pair, $15/Additional Child, $20/Additional Adult; Please call (732) 899-1659 to pre-register, which is required
6. East Brunswick Winter Birding Day 2018
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
East Brunswick’s Annual Winter Birding Day is finally here. Families will gather and meet at the Dallenbach’s / Crystal Springs parking lot at 8 AM before festivities begin. The event includes visiting the woodlands, ponds, and marshes around town. Your family will get the chance to see bald eagles, pipits, tree sparrows, and other wintering raptors, field birds, waterfowl and thousands and thousands of gulls. Last years event tallied 45 species, including a few rarities.
Crystal Springs Family Aquatic Center
380 Dunhams Corner Rd, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
Cost: Free
Public at the Hoboken Public Library. via
7. Family FUNday: Gary the Great’s Magic Show
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 2:00PM to 3:00PM
On Saturday January 6 at 2 PM, the one and only Gary the Great will blow you away with his magic skills. The whole family can gather at the Hoboken Public Library and be prepared to be amazed. You do not want to miss out on the all the enchanting activities going on at this years magic show.
Hoboken Public Library
500 Park Ave, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
Cost: Eventbrite tickets required for children. Tickets will be available Friday January 5 at 10:30 AM.
8. Jersey City Record Riot
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 12:00PM to 6:00PM
Your entire family is invited to join in some post-holiday season vinyl digging at this special January JCRR. Amongst the treasures available, there are over 30 tables of records, CDs, and DVDs – including rare editions. This event will draw in dealers from the tri-state area and beyond. Featured genres include: punk, funk, hip hop, country, and 12″ dance. The JCRR benefits Fourth Street Arts, a long-standing, vital supporter of cultural activities in Jersey City.
380 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302-3318, United States
Cost: $10 8AM Early Admission, $3 12PM Regular Admission
9. 60th Annual Model Train Show
Saturday, January 6 – Sunday, January 7, 2018 | 1:00PM to 5:00PM
The Garden State Model Railway Club proudly invites your family to their 60th Annual Model Railroad Show. This unique event includes trains of old and new, passenger trains, freight trains, along with special appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and the famous Santa Train. This event will be fun for everyone of all ages.
Garden State Model Railway Club
575 High Mountain Rd, North Haledon, New Jersey 07508
Cost: Free for Kids 12 & Under, $6 General Admission
10. Fiesta del Día de los Reyes Magos: A Three Kings Day Celebration
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 3:00PM to 5:00PM
The Arts Council of Princeton proudly invites all families for their Fiesta del Día de los Reyes Magos, (A Three Kings Day Celebration), which is a family-friendly cultural event featuring Spanish and Flamingo dancing led by Lisa Botalico, music, and Rosca de Reyes (traditional Three Kings Cake). Bring your dancing shoes!
Arts Council of Princeton’s Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
102 Witherspoon St, Princeton, New Jersey 08542
Cost: Free but there is a $10 Suggested Donation
11. Elysian Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, January 6, 2018 | 5:00PM to 8:00PM
The 11th Annual Elysian Chili Cook-Off is finally! Prizes for judges’ favorites, people’s choice, and most unique chili will be up for grabs. Amenities include a supervised kid’s room, live musical entertainment, a wine and beer cash bar for adults, and, of course, all the chili you can eat.
Hoboken Elks Lodge
1005 Washington Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
Cost: $5 Child, $10 Adult
12. Wayne NJ Toy Show
Sunday, January 7, 2018 | 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Come check out NJ’s longest running collectibles show with over 80 tables of unique, new, and hard to find toys, comics, and memorabilia. The Wayne NJ Toy Show will have families gathering from all over the state with hopes to find the fine rarities of life. There will be plenty of free parking and food made on the premises. Your family can ring in the New Year and grab some of your long sought after toys over in Wayne, but remember to get there early for the prime picks.
Community Volunteer Fire Company #1
93-97 Parish Dr, Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Cost: Free for Kids 8 & Under, $5 General Admission, $8 VIP 8AM Early Admission
13. Pinkalicious
Sunday, January 7, 2018 | 1:30PM & 4:30PM
A girl finds herself in a colorful predicament after she indulges in too many pink cupcakes and causes a severe case of Pinkititis. This highly relateable problem can be experienced and enjoyed by adults and young ones alike, at the MPAC.
Mayo Performing Arts Center – MPAC
100 South St, Morristown, New Jersey 07960
Cost: $12 – $15
14. Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market
Sundays, Now – Sunday, April 15, 2018 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Morris County’s Winter Farmers’ Market is finally here, and don’t worry about the chilly temps because all the actions happening indoors. Find all of your favorite and seasonal treats from the local vendors we all know and love.
Alexander Hamilton School
24 Mills Street, Morristown
Cost: Free
15. Sunday Social for Family Promise of Cape May County
Sunday, January 7, 2018 | 10:30AM to 2:30PM
Support a great cause as well as enjoy a nice brunch at Fins Bar & Grille. The Social for Family Promise event also features live music by singer songwriter, Les DeRose. Along with the abundance of drink specials, there will also be food specials and a do-it-yourself bloody mary and mimosa bar. Yes, please!
Fins Bar & Grille
142 Decatur St, Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Cost: Free Admission, Proceeds from food purchases will benefit Family Promise of Cape May County
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- 30 Free Family Friendly Events in NJ
- Top 12 Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey
- Best Ski Resorts in NJ
- 25 {Must Know} Kid-Friendly Landmarks in NJ
- Museums in North, Central, & South NJ
- Aquariums in NJ
- 20 Family Friendly Hiking Trails in NJ
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Plan ahead by checking NJ Mom’s 60+ Things to Do in New Jersey
- Free Museum Days in NJ (the first weekend of each month)
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
