Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Tree Lightings, and Santa's Arrival
From turkey trots to ice skating, there's lots happening on Thanksgiving Day in NJ. Photo courtesy of the Chatham Turkey Trot
What's Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in New Jersey? Places Open for Family Fun
The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids in 2025
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids 2025
Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
New Jersey's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out for 2025
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Trains in New Jersey for Families in 2025
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays
Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
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With more than 18 miles of trails to explore, Duke Farms is a beautiful backdrop for a fall day trip. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
26 Best Fall Day Trips from New Jersey for Kids
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
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Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
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The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Things To Do in NJ This Weekend: Winter Festival, Maple Sugaring, Monster Jam

The Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival continues this weekend! Photo courtesy of the event
The Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival continues this weekend! Photo courtesy of the event
1/21/20 - By Laurie Rein

Find lots of winter fun this weekend in New Jersey, including the start of maple sugaring season at Reeves-Reed Arboretum and Great Swamp. For more sweet fun, raise a glass of hot apple cider at Wassailing the Apple Trees, and decorate cookies at Read & Explore: Gingerbread Man.

Stay warm at free in-store events like IndigoKids Presents: Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla at Indigo Short Hills, and Learn to Draw Mickey & Minnie at The Disney Store. Plus, Monster truck and comic book enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to this weekend.

Find even more weekend options in our Winter Fun Guide, including Top 10 Indoor Play Spaces for Kids Across New Jersey. And look to our event calendar and January GoList for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Learn all about maple sugaring at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. Photo courtesy of the park
Learn all about maple sugaring at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. Photo courtesy of the park

Things To Do All Weekend

Maple Sugaring Demonstrations

Chatham
Families can learn about the process of maple sugaring from start to finish—identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Afterward, taste-test different syrups, including syrup made at the Outdoor Education Center.  READ MORE

Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival

Lambertville and New Hope – FREE
Over nine days, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities featured throughout New Hope during the annual Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. Many activities are free! READ MORE

Monster Jam

Newark
Monster Jam, the unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable family-friendly motor sport is coming to Prudential Center.  This year's Monster Jam Triple Threat Series offers the ultimate mix of action and excitement in six different competitions. READ MORE

Celebrate The Year of the Golden Rat

Newark
For the 22nd year, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company announces a colorful and vibrant special Chinese New Year Celebration at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. READ MORE
Read The Gingerbread Man and then decorate a cookie to take home on Saturday at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Read The Gingerbread Man and then decorate a cookie to take home on Saturday at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Things To Do on Saturday, January 25, 2020

Read & Explore: Gingerbread Man

Princeton
Terhune Orchards' Read and Explore Program is a winter education series, following the popular seasonal Read and Pick Program. These fun, informative programs include educational activities and stories followed by hands-on crafts and exploration. READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

Mount Holly – FREE
Guests can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

Rutgers Geological Museum Annual Open House

New Brunswick – FREE
Head over to Rutgers Geological Museum for its 57th Annual Open House, featuring  crafts, activities and a mineral sale. This year's theme is New Jersey Geology.  READ MORE

Tap That Tree at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit
February marks the beginning of maple sugaring season. Join Director of Children's Education as she taps the Arboretum's maple trees in preparation for this season's sap flow. READ MORE

Learn to Draw Mickey & Minnie

Various locations – FREE
Stop by The Disney Store every Saturday, and learn how to draw Mickey and Minnie Mouse. READ MORE
Celebrate the ancient British tradition of Wassailing the apple trees at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Celebrate the ancient British tradition of Wassailing the apple trees at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Things To Do on Sunday, January 26, 2020

Wassailing the Apple Trees

Princeton – FREE
Raise a glass of hot cider as Terhune Orchards honors the trees that give the wonderful apples. The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration at Terhune Orchards that you won’t want to miss. READ MORE

Jersey Shore Toys and Comics Show

Toms River
Make a day of this family friendly collectibles show, featuring vendors, artists, writers, costume groups and crafts. READ MORE

IndigoKids Presents: Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla

Short Hills – FREE
Stop by Indigo for a storytime and fun-filled activity featuring John Cena's book, Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood – FREE
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE

Winery Sunday Music Series

Princeton – FREE
Spend a relaxing day at Terhune with wine, light fare, music, and friend-filled afternoons during its Sunday Music Series. Live music will be in the Wine Barn and courtyard. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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