The best gifts don’t always come wrapped in pretty packages. These ideas will make memories your kids will never forget.
Venture to an Indoor Water Park
Make reservations for Christmas break at Camelback’s Aquatopia, Kalahari or Great Wolf Lodge or plan a day trip to Island Waterpark, DreamWorks Water Park or Big Kahuna’s. These resorts have the perfect water temperature year-round and the kids will love breaking out their swimsuits in the winter.
See a Broadway Musical
Snag tickets for Wicked, which is even more wildly popular now thanks to the movie release, or The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or & Juliet.
Have an Animal Encounter
Aside from walking across the Shark Bridge and petting sting rays in the Touch Tank at Adventure Aquarium, you can ask about the Bubble Bash Scavenger Hunt, which gives kids clues to solve as they explore the aquarium. Sea Life Aquarium at American Dream has an Underwater Ocean Tunnel where you can watch thousands of tropical fish, sharks, and sting rays. Popcorn Park Animal Refuge lets you feed some of its animals in rehabilitation. At Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in Highland, NY, the whole family can go horseback riding and spend time at the indoor water park.
Buy a Season Pass to an Amusement Park
Instead of a day trip to ride the coasters, get a discounted season pass they’ll enjoy in all seasons (many parks extend their opening days through the winter holidays). Try Dorney Park or Six Flags for the thrill seekers in the family, or Sesame Place for little ones.
Plan an Overnight Experience
The American Museum of Natural History, Intrepid Museum, Liberty Science Center, Philadelphia Zoo and Battleship New Jersey all offer out-of-this-world sleepovers. Find the one that suits them best and plan ahead (these events sell out way ahead of time!).
Take Them to a Concert or Play
There are many theaters in New Jersey where you can see kid versions of shows like Blippi Live, Kidz Bop, Spider-Man or Sonic the Hedgehog accompanied by a live orchestra, the Illusionists and Sesame Street Live! Arenas are open throughout the year for Disney on Ice. Wrestling matches are fun, too, whether you get tickets to a WWE show, or head to a local, amateur match. Plus, if you’re up for a road trip, The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is extending its Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey through Spring 2025. There will be new items added and special Holiday Gift Packages available.
Catch a Game
Future athletes will love being on the sidelines, watching their favorite players and dreaming of being on the field. Come spring, Minor League Baseball kicks off. All year, you can see their favorite soccer, basketball, gymnastics and hockey teams play; sometimes you can get a VIP package for a meet-and-greet, like at Woodbridge Brewing Co.
Tap Into Their Adventurous Side
For the active youth, head to Big SNOW at American Dream, where you can ski down the slopes year-round. They can go tubing or ride a Sno-Go Bike. To up the ante, buy them a package of ski lessons. Kids under 18 who want to skydive but aren’t old enough can visit iFly in Paramus, which simulates the experience in a controlled environment. Or let them test their speed skills at RPM Raceway in Jersey City, where they can virtually race against the pros.
Plan a VIP Experience
If your kids like to camp, elevate their experience by going glamping at Six Flags Great Adventure Resort. You’ll stay in a private suite, but the highlight is seeing the animals in the safari up close, feeding the giraffes and spending time at Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor.
Look Forward to Summer
The NJ Jeep Invasion is already planned for July 13 to 15 on the beaches of Wildwood. You’ll be surrounded by nothing but Jeep trucks as you swim in the ocean, walk the boardwalk and stroll through town.
Head to The City For NYC Fun
Treat the kids to a day at the Museum of Ice Cream, where 14 interactive art installations and a large indoor sprinkle slide. Color Factory has a confetti-filled park, major ball pit and lots of NY scenes to play in.
Let Them Choose Their Own Adventure
What do the kids really want? More quality time with you! Take a day off from work when they’re off from school and let them plan their perfect day. It might mean eating cupcakes for lunch and dinner, but you’ll love it as much as they do. And they can get their hands dirty at The Sloomoo Institute, where they not only make their own slime but play with it and play in it.
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