Presidents’ Day weekend is almost here. If you’re staying local, there’s plenty to do right here in NJ. These ideas will keep them happy and occupied during their days off.
Learn Movie-Making Secrets. When you’re done playing on the Infinity Climber and learning about microbes, head to The Science Behind Pixar exhibit at Liberty Science Center to learn about how your favorite Disney movies are made. Areas in the exhibit teach you about the technical process such as camera placement and animation rendering. You can spend hours at the 50 different hands-on stations, and then take a selfie with statues of some of your favorite characters.
Explore the Sea, Air and Space. The Intrepid Museum in NYC holds Kids Week everywhere, 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 Blue Man Group, as well as hands-on activities from local zoos.
Take a Hike. Find your best local nature trail, call up a mom friend and take the kids out for some fresh air. Playing outside is so important for kids, even in winter.
Take in 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.
Take a Dip. You don’t need to take a plane to find a pool for the kids to enjoy. Check out your local Y or swim school as many have open swim times for kids to splash and play. Select Five Star Swim School locations offer free swimming.
Hit the Slopes. Kids (and adults) can learn to ski at these nearby mountains across the Garden State. (Hot chocolate for moms who prefer to cheer from the sidelines!)
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse. What better way to spend a winter’s day than by making the trek to the top of this iconic lighthouse? The view from the top is worth it!
Volunteer in Your Community. Whether it’s through an organization or just going to check in on an elderly neighbor, kids can learn so much about the importance of giving back.
Hit the Ice. An afternoon of ice skating is so much fun, even if your kids don’t know how to skate they can have fun trying. Check out the best ice skating rinks in NJ.
Play with Puppy Pals. The AKC Museum in NY will host February Fun Week, with events like National Boston Terrier Day, a screening of the documentary “Puppy Love,” tours of the museum, a collaborative art project, dog-themed storytime and the special exhibit “Outfoxed: Fox Terriers and Friends.”
Take in Some Art. Night Forms, the after-hours exhibit at Grounds for Sculpture, is viewed at night and uses projections and sound to create an immersive experience. It’s on view until April 7. Or, take on a more hands-on approach and make your own comic strip or superhero mask at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts.
Occupy Your Tykes. Palisades Center in NY has a Winter Break Edition with activities and events for children and their families. Sing along with Matty Roxx, enjoy a free skate on the ice rink, play at Golfzon Social, check out the arcade at Dave & Buster’s, and take a cookie decorating class.
Plan a Fun Overnight. From nearby Crystal Springs Resort to Hershey, PA, there are so many drivable places to take a mini vacay.
Go to American Dream. From Nickelodeon Universe to DreamWorks Water Park, American Dream in East Rutherford has so many entertaining options for kids. Be sure to check out the Toys R Us flagship store or Babies ‘R’ Us to buy the kids something special. 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.
Explore Your Wild Side. Adventure Aquarium in Camden will offer extended hours this weekend so you can see their new giant octopus, 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. The Philadelphia Zoo has an exhibit of six gigantic environmentally-conscious trolls you can take selfies with.
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 is opening a new location at Garden State Plaza in Paramus for bowling, and bocce.
Channel Summer. There are indoor water parks where your kids can practice their strokes before summer. Island Waterpark opened at Showboat Atlantic City last year, with 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 new Sesame Street movie or the re-release of Disney’s Turning Red – or just make a movie night at home – this is a super fun way to spend a few hours. Just add popcorn!
Have Fun on 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 recently opened in Metuchen, in addition to its locations in Somerville, Westfield and Red Bank.
Put The Pedal to the Metal: Go-kart tracks are super-fast and super cool. RPM Raceway recently unveiled a new multi-level indoor track, or Supercharged claims the longest indoor karting track.
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.
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.
Reach For the Stars. NJ has several planetariums where your kids can reach for the moon and the stars.
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.
Get Into (or Stay In) the Christmas Spirit. Renault Winery & Resort in Egg Harbor City continues its holiday celebration, Vintner Wonderland, through the end of February. There is ice skating, a winter market and s’mores roasting that kids can take part in; parents can sip on some wine.
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.
Sleep In! Winter break can also mean a chance to catch up on some much-needed zzz’s for kids and parents. Pillow forts and tents are optional but highly recommended.
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