Fun Things to Do in NJ During Teacher’s Convention Break

The kids are off from school at the end of the week (and some are off all week). From immersive exhibits to outdoor fun, here are some ideas to make a mini stay cay out of it!

Splash Around at an Indoor Water Park
We can all use a reminder of summer! DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream is North America’s largest indoor water park. If you’re bringing your kids with you to the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City, spend some time at Island Waterpark at Showboat. You can also check out water parks at Camelback’s Aquatopia, Kalahari or Great Wolf Lodge, all in the Poconos.

Or Head to an Outdoor Theme Park
It’s the final weekend of Field Station: Dinosaurs, where you can get up close to 30 life-sized dino figures. Great Adventure extended its season into 2025. Diggerland, NJ’s only construction-themed play park, has real vehicles kids can drive.

Spend the Day at American Dream
Aside from the DreamWorks Water Park, there’s the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, indoor skiing and snowboarding at Big SNOW, Angry Birds Mini Golf, the TiLT Museum, a Hasbro game center, the new Ninja Kidz Action Park, Bam Kazam escape room and arcade, The Great Big Game Show, Sesame Street Learn & Play Center, and tons of food options like the kid-fave Oreo Cafe or H-Mart. Don’t miss a stop at the New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment & Learning Center, where they can do some learning about NJ history during their week off from school.

Explore Their Wild Side
See all the cute and cuddly animals – from a distance – at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Bergen County Zoo, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge or Adventure Aquarium (where you can snorkel with sharks or check out the new Kaleidoscope Cove). FYI the Cape May County Park & Zoo is open every day – and has free admission!

Climb to New Heights
New Jersey has 11 lighthouses from Sandy Hook down to Cape May, and you can see how many you can climb for panoramic views of the Jersey Shore.

Hit the Ice
Disney on Ice is bringing its newest show, Jump In! to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in AC, with new characters from Inside Out, Encanto and Moana.

Tap Into Your Inner Scientist
Kids – and adults – love exploring Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, but this weekend will have a special Touch-a-Truck event. Make sure you check out SUE, the world’s most complete T. Rex skeleton, which is on display.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Grab your chicken leg and may the best knight win! Your kids will love eating with their hands and watching the story unfold in front of their eyes as the knights battle it out on horseback.

Peep Some Fall Leaves
If you haven’t gotten a chance to take in NJ’s gorgeous fall foliage, it’s not too late! We’ve rounded up the best spots to see the beautiful colors where you can drive, walk or hike to take in the scenery.

Pick a New Playground
If your local playground has gotten a little boring, hop in the car and check out one of these awesome playgrounds worth traveling to. Then watch them slide, swing and climb the day away.

Climb a Rock Wall
Rock wall climbing teaches kids to use their strategy, strength and stamina. Some locations have extra hours added for the days off of school.

Take a Hike
Get the kids outside and do something active. There are so many great trails to hike for families that are beginners or advanced. And fall is a great time to take in the changing leaf colors.

Jump at a Trampoline Park
Hitting up a trampoline park is a great way for kids to get some exercise indoors. Let them bounce all that extra energy out and even try some fun obstacle courses.

Plan an Epic Sleepover
Trade in a traditional hotel room for the floor of a museum. Places like Battleship New Jersey, the American Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Museum let you stay overnight to explore the awesome exhibits after-hours.

Thank a Vet
Veterans Day is Tuesday, but you can honor the hero in your life by treating them to a free or discounted meal or activity throughout NJ. You can also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps. during special events in Camden and Philly.

Spread Some Holiday Cheer
Hard to believe but several holiday attractions will open this weekend, like The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm in Manalapan, Let it Glow at the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus, Santa’s Hideaway Adventure in Atlantic City, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the rink at Rockefeller Center in NYC, or Koziar’s Christmas Village in PA.

Sign Them Up for a Day Camp
Still have to work but have to find something fun for the kids to do? Take your pick from day camp options like an outdoor skills adventure in Bernardsville, team challenges in Bridgewater, or learning about Shakespeare and testing their acting chops in Millville. The Muse ArtHouse in Closter is offering a series of art camps for kids 8 and up.