Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth
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20+ Free Winter Events and Activities in New Jersey for Families

Celebrate the ancient British tradition of Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards this winter. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Celebrate the ancient British tradition of Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards this winter. Photo courtesy of the orchard
1/14/22 - By Laurie Rein

If your budget is in recovery mode following the holiday season, we've found more than 20 ways to have fun without spending a dime this winter in New Jersey. Our list of free winter activities includes one-time events like a Fire & Ice Festival, outdoor fun at nature centers, and even local attractions and zoos with free admission deals.

Read on for our list of the best free winter events and activities in New Jersey all sure to please the whole family. For more seasonal fun, bookmark our list of 30 things to do in the Garden State this winter, plus our jam-packed Guide to Winter Fun.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox sign up for our newsletters and discover all the free events and activities near you in our New Jersey Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

Be sure to check with each venue for its COVID guidelines and requirements before heading out to any event; some events are getting canceled or postponed at the last minute due to the latest COVID surge, so always confirm details before departing.

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Revel in the Year of the Tiger at Lunar Fest NJ. Photo courtesy of the fest
Revel in the Year of the Tiger at Lunar Fest NJ. Photo courtesy of the fest

Free Winter Activities in New Jersey For Families

Guided Hike at Cheesequake State Park

Matawan
Saturday, January 15
Enjoy a 1-2 mile hike accompanied by park naturalists. Participants should meet at the trail arch.  READ MORE

Project Caven Point Cleanup at Liberty State Park

Jersey City
Sunday, January 16
Low-tide at Caven Point Beach is a great time to explore the amazing wildlife of the Hudson River Estuary and clean up the beach. Embark on a guided walk focusing on the ecology of the estuary and a shoreline clean up. READ MORE

Eagle Festival

Leonia
Sunday, January 16
Bergen County Audubon Society welcomes everyone to celebrate the eagle at Overpeck County Park. Enjoy a Live Birds of Prey show, plus eagle walks and talks. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023

Princeton
Monday, January 17
The Arts Council of Princeton celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a bagel and coffee breakfast, a canned food drive and a limited-edition coloring book. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Multiple Locations
Monday, January 17
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. READ MORE

Nature on the Move: Winter Days

Freehold
Saturday, January 22
Head over to the Nature on the Move van at Turkey Swamp Park for a 45-60 minute hands-on interactive program. Enjoy hot cocoa while exploring how nature survives the colder weather through fun games and activities.  READ MORE

Lunar Fest NJ 2023

Maplewood
Sunday, January 23
Revel in the Year of the Rabbit at this Lunar New Year celebration. The fun includes a lion dance, Korean drums, Mongolian dance, delicious Asian food and much more. READ MORE

Forest Pre-School

Jackson
Fridays through Friday, January 28
Little ones are invited to hike, play, and explore the outdoors at the Forest Resource Education Center. The fun includes pine cone and twig activities. Bring snacks or picnic lunch. Sessions end with a campfire for roasting marshmallows. READ MORE

Fire & Ice Festival- CANCELED

Mount Holly
Saturday, January 29
This annual Mount Holly festival takes over the streets of downtown for the 28th consecutive year. Bundle up to witness live ice carving demonstrations from a dozen professionals while enjoying the fruits of the chili contest.  READ MORE

Track, Chew, and Poo

Hamilton
Saturday, January 29
Look for evidence of wildlife around the Tulpehaking Nature Center. Learn how different creatures leave clues behind in their tracks, chews, and poos. Then head outside to see who’s been wandering around the nature center. READ MORE

Wassailing the Apple Trees

Terhune
Sunday, January 30
Raise a glass of hot cider as Terhune Orchards honors the trees that provide its wonderful apples. The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration at Terhune Orchards. READ MORE

Seashore Open House

Long Branch
Sunday, January 30
Head over to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center for its annual afternoon of seashore fun. Take part in engaging hands-on activities. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. READ MORE

Winter Tree ID: It’s Nuts!

Hamilton
Saturday, February 12
Learn how to identify some tree species using their leaves, bark, buds, and nuts from a naturalist. Plus, determine how old a tree is and learn about the many products that are made from trees. Head into the park, and try to identify trees. READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Valentine's Day

Howell
Saturday, February 12
Valentine's Day takes on an old-fashioned appeal at Howell Living History Museum. Hop on a hay wagon or bobsled ride through the farm's wintery landscape. Swing by the farmhouse for soup and a craft. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

Marious Locations
Saturday, February 12
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Historical Valentines

Freehold
Saturday, February 12-Sunday, February 13
Historical Walnford hosts this creative and educational workshop. Take a look at valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries, and study how penmanship has changed over the years. Then, create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials. READ MORE

Great Backyard Bird Count at Freneau Woods Park

Aberdeen
Saturday, February 19
In honor of the Great American Backyard Bird Count, meet at Freneau Woods Park, and take a small walk to see what birds can be identified. Observe which winter birds visit the local feeders. READ MORE

Drop in and Discover

Beechwood
Saturdays through March 19
Stop by Jakes Branch Nature Center on Saturdays for nature lessons and crafts. A new topic is explored each session. READ MORE

Terhune Orchards Winery Weekend Music Series

Princeton
Weekends through Sunday, March 27
Gather with friends and family at the winery for wine, relaxing music and light fare. Fire pits are available all weekend. Kids can enjoy light fare like chips and salsa, while adults can sample a variety of wines. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, March 27
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Jersey City Winter Farmers Market

Jersey City
Thursdays through April 21
Stock up on fresh produce, pies, cookies, flowers, and more at this weekly farmers market, located in the PATH train station. READ MORE

Kids Art Classes at Hoboken Historical Museum

Hoboken
Ongoing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
The Hoboken Historical Museum welcomes preschoolers to this art class held in the museum walkway. The class is offered three times a week and is first come, first served. Art materials are provided. READ MORE
The Montclair Art Museum offers free admission for kids under age 12 year-round. Photo courtesy of the museum
The Montclair Art Museum offers free admission for kids under age 12 year-round. Photo courtesy of the museum

Free Destinations and Attractions in New Jersey For Families

Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions

Do your kiddos qualify for free entry at these NJ destinations? Find out here! READ MORE

New Jersey Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

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Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids

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Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

Once the storm settles, the fun begins on these sledding hills! READ MORE

A Dozen Fun Things to Do with Kids at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ

This ecological treasure offers hiking, diverse wildlife, and fun ways to learn about nature. READ MORE

Bergen County Zoo: Red Wolves, Mountain Lions, and Tons of Fun

This charming North Jersey zoo offers an intimate look at animals of the Americas. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Cheesequake State Park
National Parks - Multiple Locations

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
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