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

40 Things To Do in New Jersey Before School Starts

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30 Best Things To Do this Winter in NJ 2023: Our Winter Fun List

Snow tubers hurtle from top to bottom at exhilarating speeds at Campgaw Ski Area. Photo courtesy of the ski area

1/8/23 - By Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

The days may be shorter and colder, but we've found 30 fun winter things to do that are sure to get you out of the house. Bundle up and explore NJ's top skiing and snowboarding spots, outdoor ice rinks, and more. Read on for our top winter trips, and be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Winter Activities Guide for even more great ideas.

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1. Explore the Grounds for Sculpture

The 42-acre outdoor sculpture garden is loaded with interesting art and whimsical surprises—including some that are super-sized! Don't miss the Night Forms exhibit (sunset-11pm), which is on view through April 2, 2023.

2. Go Tubing

Experience some cold-weather thrills as you slide down a mountain at one of these fantastic snow tubing parks.

Ice skating at Palmer Square is a charming winter activity
Palmer Square's picturesque ice skating rink is made of synthetic Glice. Photo courtesy of Palmer's Square

3. Go Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and glide around the rink or pond.

4. Head to the Slopes

Get the whole crew slope-ready at these nearby ski mountains and resorts.

5. Take a Hike

No matter the season, NJ has lots of great family-friendly hikes to enjoy.

Snowboarding at Mountain Creek is one of our favorite winter activities
Ride the rails at Mountain Creek's terrain park for a thrilling wintertime outing.

6. Try Snowboarding

Sometimes one is better than two! Get the kids to try out snowboarding this winter.

7. Mini-Golf with Angry Birds

Tee up with Red, the Pigs, and all your favorite characters from The Angry Birds at the indoor mini-golf course in American Dream.

8. Plan a Day Trip

Change up the scenery for a day with one of these great family-friendly destinations across the Garden State.

9. Go Bowling

Whether you want to go classic or experience all the bells and whistles, NJ has tons of bowling alleys to enjoy.

Enjoy a free day at the Cape May Zoo for some winter fun
The Cape May Zoo is open year-round and completely FREE.

10. Explore Cape May Zoo

Check out more than 85 acres of beautifully maintained exhibits at this Jersey Shore zoo. There are more than 250 species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as picnic pavilions and a playground. Admission is always FREE.

11. Head to the Museum

These northern New Jersey culture spots are jam-packed with kid-friendly fun.

12. Check out the FunPlex

This award-winning family entertainment center offers everything from go-karts and an arcade to an exhilarating water park, and more.

Test your skill and determination on the Urban Air Warrior Obstacle Course.

13. Burn Some Energy at a Ninja Course

Try a high-flying adventure at a ninja zone or obstacle course.

14. Hit a Local Sledding Hill

We've got the 411 on the best parks to play in when the flakes fly, so stock up on those sleds and saucers now so you're ready when it's time to hit the local slopes.

15. FunTime Junction

This indoor children's entertainment center features laser tag, arcade games, climbing equipment, and more.

Nickelodeon Univererse is open for year-round fun
Who says theme parks are only for summer? Nickelodeon Universe brings the thrills all year round.

16. Get Amusement Park Thrills at Nickelodeon Universe

Experience the rush of a roller coaster at the Western Hemisphere's biggest indoor theme park.

17. iPlay America

Enjoy more than 200 video and skills games as well as the Extreme Laser Experience at iPlay America in Freehold, New Jersey. The Top Golf suite is also open.

18. See Let it Glow

See enormous and beautiful glowing lanterns on the grounds of the Bergen County Zoo. These animals, arranged in 30+ glowing scenes, are on view through mid-January.

Camden's world-class Adventure Aquarium showcases a huge collection of underwater life. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

19. Spend the Day at Adventure Aquarium

Visit the Amazon, touch a shark, and much more at Camden's awesome Adventure Aquarium.

20. Explore Jenkinson's Aquarium

This small, charming aquarium offers a glimpse of life under the sea.

21. Play at Yestercades

Challenge your friends to Pac-Man, Space Invaders, pinball, and other retro games at Yestercades.

22. Be a Maker

Check out the maker studio, Spark!Lab, at the Morris Museum.

Blue Cross Winterfest is a fun family-friendly winter destination
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest offers all-ages fun. Photo by Danielle Smith

23. Experience Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Bundle up and enjoy outdoor skating, boardwalk games, amusement rides, delicious food, and more.

24. Play Pretend at an Indoor Playspace

These indoor play spaces have reopened with safety protocols in place.

25. Enjoy a Snow Day Staycation

These backyard games go beyond sledding but add plenty of fun to a chilly day!

26. Go to the Fire & Ice Festival

Marvel at the amazing ice sculptures lining the streets of Mount Holly. And don't miss the red-hot chili festival, where chefs battle it out for the top honor. The event takes place on January 28, 2023.

Maple Sugaring is one of our favorite winter activities in New Jersey
Kids can learn about maple sugaring at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.

30. Play Laser Tag

Catch me if you can: Challenge the kids to play laser tag at one of NJ's awesome kid-friendly arenas.

Unless noted, all photos courtesy of the respective venues

A version of this story was first published in 2015. It is updated annually.

Best Of Lists Winter Activities New Jersey