25 Things to Do with the Kids Over Presidents’ Day Break

There's plenty to do with the kids over the holiday weekend

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER

Presidents’ Day weekend is here and if you’re staying local, there’s plenty to do in NJ. Here are some ideas:

Head to Liberty Science Center. When you’re done playing on the Infinity Climber, crawling through the Touch Tunnel and learning about microbes, head to The Curious George exhibit at Liberty Science Center for science, math, travel and discovery learning in a giant play area that’s taken out of the pages of the beloved children’s book.

ERIC VITALE FOR ERIKA KAPIN PHOTOGRAPHY / Kids Week at The Intrepid

Take in Kids Week at The Intrepid. The Intrepid Museum in NYC holds Kids Week every year, with days packed with fun STEAM activities, NASA displays and exhibits, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests and interactive demonstrations. Kids will learn about what space is like directly from an astronaut, listen to readings of space-themed books, learn how to stargaze and build LEGO space models. There are partner programs with Gazillion Bubble Show and Pinkalicious, as well as hands-on activities from local zoos.

STAFF PHOTO / Stairway to Heaven hike

Take a Hike. Find your best local nature trail and take the kids out for some fresh air.

See a Show. Whether it’s Broadway or a local theater, seeing a play or musical is a great way to bond over the break! Broadway is back in a big way with plenty of family-friendly options including The Lion King, Aladdin, The Music Man and Six. You can also take advantage of 2-for-1 tickets to NYC Off-Broadway shows.

MOUNTAIN CREEK RESORT

Hit the Slopes. Kids (and adults) can learn to ski at these nearby mountains across the Garden State. (Hot chocolate for those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines!) If you want to stay indoors, Big SNOW at American Dream has ski and snowboard slopes inside the mall complex.

Hit the Ice. An afternoon of ice skating is so much fun, whether you’re a beginner or a regular. Check out the best ice skating rinks in NJ.

CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE

Climb the Cape May Lighthouse. Don’t let colder temps stop you and your crew from making the trek to the top of this iconic lighthouse. The view from the top is worth it!

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT

Plan a Fun Overnight. Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County has both Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel, which have several indoor heated pools, arcades, and a host of family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities on the daily schedule. Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is known for its indoor waterpark but also has a mirror maze, gem mining and magic scavenger hunt, plus dance parties in the lobby.

Go to American Dream. From Nickelodeon Universe to DreamWorks Water Park, American Dream in East Rutherford has so many entertaining options for kids. Paradox Museum will blow your mind with its eye-tricking exhibits, and Activate is a competitive spot for your gamer. You can look for special Lunar New Year decorations as well. Eat at Mozzarella Bar or MrBeast Burger – but be prepared to wait in line! Then get your ticket for the 300-foot Dream Wheel and catch spectacular views of the NYC skyline.

LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE

Explore Your Wild Side. Adventure Aquarium in Camden has its famous shark tunnel and touch tanks, or you can make your way to Jenkinson’s Aquarium to see their penguins. Lakota Wolf Preserve has the cutest wolves, bobcats, foxes and lynx for you to interact with. If you’re up for a road trip, The Bronx Zoo welcomed a baby silvered langur monkey that’s now on exhibit with its mom.

Bowl a Strike! A trip to the bowling alley is fun for the whole fam. Be sure to ask for the bumpers up and ramps for the little ones. Pinstripes’s location at Garden State Plaza in Paramus has bowling and bocce.

ISLAND WATERPARK

Channel Summer. There are indoor water parks where your kids can practice their strokes before summer. Island Waterpark at Showboat Atlantic City has the Lucky Snake Arcade in the same complex. DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream is themed with your kid’s favorite animated movies. Big Kahuna’s in West Berlin has tons of slides in a tropical setting.

Catch a Movie. Whether you go out to the theater to see the Dog Man, Paddington in Peru or Captain America: Brave New World – or just make a movie night at home – this is a super fun way to spend a few hours. Just add popcorn!

STAFF PHOTO / Adventure Crossing

Head to the Driving Range. Bigger kids will love a trip to Topgolf or Adventure Crossing USA where they can practice their swing and play fun games.

Get Your Game On. Arcades are fun for kids and adults alike – the lights, the sounds, the competition – everyone can play together to get their tickets for a prize. iPlay America has boardwalk-style fun indoors or try Silverball Museum for a retro pinball arcade experience. YESTERcades has locations in Metuchen, Somerville, Westfield and Red Bank.

RPM RACEWAY

Put The Pedal to the Metal: Go-kart tracks are super-fast and super fun. RPM Raceway recently unveiled a new multi-level indoor track, or Supercharged claims the longest indoor karting track.

CAMELBACK RESORT

Get Totally Tubular. Snowtubing is the perfect winter activity for kids of all ages — if you can sit down in a tube, you can do it! A day at Camelback Mountain is always a hit in the Poconos, but Mountain Creek Resort is closer to home in Sussex County.

Burn Off Some Energy. Climb the walls – in a good way – at one of NJ’s many indoor rock climbing gyms. It’s a great way to boost their confidence as they reach new heights! The kids can also burn off their energy at an indoor play place, which offers mazes, trampolines and jungle gyms.

THE BISTRO AT IPLAY AMERICA

Show Your Love. It’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so take your kids out for a lovely meal, check out a sweet activity, or taste some chocolate along a dessert trail.

Go on an Ice Cream Crawl. Who says you can’t enjoy ice cream in the winter? Try a small scoop at a few of your local places and then rate them.

VISIT SOUTH JERSEY / Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University

Reach For the Stars. NJ has several planetariums where your kids can reach for the moon and the stars.

Sample Sweet Stuff. Being outside is refreshing, so when you add in a maple sugaring demo, you not only teach the kids about the way nature works but they also get to taste some sweet treats at the end.

STAFF PHOTO / Rutgers Geology Museum

Keep the Learning Going. Even though school is out, your school-minded kids may enjoy a trip to a museum, whether the central theme is art, history or exploration. Or pique their interest with a visit to a museum based on music, dinosaurs or baseball. Howell Living History Farm has free events every Saturday where kids can learn what it’s like to live in the early 1900s.

Explore History. February is Black History Month, and certain museums and houses are open for public tours. There are celebrations taking place this weekend, too.

DAVID SEPA PHOTOGRAPHY / Charm Harbour

See Art in Action. Hoboken has two must-see exhibits for the season: Charm Harbour is an installation of seven climbable sculptures along the waterfront, while Star Light Star Bright is a walkable sculpture by day and glowing installation at night. And both are free to view.

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Read More:
Your Kids – And You – Will Love These Day Trip Ideas In And Around New Jersey

75 Things to Do Indoors in NJ
Plan a Presidents’ Weekend Getaway to Crystal Springs Resort

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