Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth

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25 Things To Do for February's Winter Break in New Jersey

Kids can learn, play, and solve problems in the new Thomas & Friends exhibition at the Liberty Science Center. Photo courtesy of LSC

2/12/23 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for things to do during winter break in New Jersey? Read on for more than two dozen terrific options.

Sandwiched between the bustling holiday break and the itching-for-warm-weather spring break falls New Jersey's midwinter February Break. This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, February 20, 2023, and many NJ schoolchildren have a three-day weekend, making it the perfect time for a family outing or family-friendly winter day trip.

Whether you choose to hang indoors at a popular local indoor play space or embrace the winter weather with a snow tubing trip to one of these nearby hills, there's plenty to keep everyone busy over the long weekend. Read on for our picks for the best February Break activities for NJ kids, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for even more ideas.

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Top Things To Do During New Jersey's February Winter Break

1. Liberty Science Center

Everyone’s favorite science museum is back with several fun exhibits. Be sure to check out Wobbly World, a STEM-powered funhouse, and the new Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit, which is perfect for little ones.

2. American Dream Mall

You could easily spend your entire break at this entertainment complex, between Angry Birds mini golf, Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, Big Snow, and the largest indoor water park in North America.

February's winter break in New Jersey: Harlem Globetrotters
Watch the stunning moves of the Harlem Globetrotters during their Garden State tour.Photo courtesy of the team

3. Harlem Globetrotters

Trot over to Newark, Atlantic City, or Trenton to witness the incredible skills of the Globetrotters as they take on the Washington Generals.

4. Visit a Museum

Linger for a few hours at a new-to-you museum in northern New Jersey, central and southern New Jersey, or even one of NYC's kid-friendly spots.

5. Explore the Great Outdoors

Head to Union County Trailside and Nature Center for the weekend-long February Festivities, including maple syrup demos, educational raptor workshops, magic shows, scavenger hunts, and more.

6. Aquarium

If you’ve already been to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, Sea Life Aquarium at American Dream is well worth a visit.

7. Snow Day Fun

Flurries in the forecast? Bookmark this list of 50 snow day boredom busters sure to save the (snow) day.

February's winter break in New Jersey: The Pop Shop French toast
Leave your jammies on and have a casual, free breakfast on Saturday mornings from 8am-10am at The Pop Shop. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

8. Enjoy a FREE Meal

Give yourself a break from cooking and get dinner at a family-friendly New Jersey restaurant where kids eat FREE.

9. Play with Legos

Mini builders will get a kick out of the wide variety of bricks available to build with at Legoland Discovery Center at American Dream.

10. Burn off Energy

If your kids have turned your couch into a bounce house, head to one of these trampoline parks or indoor obstacle courses and ninja gyms for them to bounce around instead.

11. Raritan Vally Community College Planetarium

Head over to Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium for a lineup of twinkling shows for various ages.

12. Newark Museum of Art

Have a crafty weekend with MakerSPACE and Black History Month-inspired crafts at Newark Museum of Art and nature-inspired crafts at Drop in and Discover.

February's winter break in New Jersey: Snow tubing Campgaw Mountain
There's a tubing option for everyone at Campgaw Mountain. Photo courtesy of Campgaw Mountain

13. Snow Tubing

If you’re looking for a winter sport that’s a bit less strenuous, snow tubing might be just the thing for your family.

14. Bowling

Rack up some serious fun at a family-friendly bowling alley.

15. Indoor Playgrounds

Climb, jump, play laser tag, hop on rides, and more in any weather at these 40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for Kids.

16. Outdoor Art

Spend a day wandering among the sculptures at the Grounds For Sculpture or one of these other outdoor art destinations nearby.

17. Go Skiing

We found the best resorts in and near New Jersey where your family can ski and snowboard.

February's winter break in New Jersey: Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River.
Join the fun at the WinterFest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River. Photo courtesy of Camden County Government

18. Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and go for a spin around one of these outdoor ice skating rinks.

19. Sledding

After the flakes have flown, break out your sleds and venture to one of these great local hills.

20. Explore the Zoo

The Bergen County Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, and Cape May Zoo, three of our favorite local spots for animal encounters, are open daily.

21. Take a Hike

Marvel at the nature around you, look at how the snow frames the trees, and see what kinds of animals you can spot, all while getting your heart rate up.

cape may beach
Cape May has plenty to do in the off-season! Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

22. Head Down the Shore

The Jersey Shore isn't just for summertime visits. Visit one of these boardwalks packed with offseason fun.

23. Go Maple Sugaring

February is the start of maple sugaring season in New Jersey and tons of nature spots offer a taste of this old-school tradition, like Maple Sugaring Demonstrations at Great Swamp OEC.

24. Get Some Fresh Air

Take in fresh air and some history on President's Day with a free tour and hike at Whitesbog Village.

25. Hit the Road

A day trip or weekend getaway may be in order—and we've got plenty of entertainment for the car ride, too.

Originally published in February 2021.

About the Author

Laurie R

Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com