Explore Family-Friendly Winter Getaways in New Jersey

If you’re planning trips with your family this winter, areas in and near New Jersey have you covered. Discover the following best family-friendly getaways you can experience this season. Animal…

New Jersey winter trips
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If you're planning trips with your family this winter, areas in and near New Jersey have you covered. Discover the following best family-friendly getaways you can experience this season.

Animal Encounters

Take a walk on the wild side with the following educational animal-themed attractions:

  • Adventure Aquarium in Camden: Gaze at stingrays and see the sharks, plus take part in unique animal encounters. 
  • Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach: Experience this quaint aquarium featuring coral reefs, sealife, penguins, and more creatures.
  • Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia: Take a guided tour of the wolf terrain, learn about wolves' social pack behavior, watch them play, and hear them howl. 

Indoor Attractions

Family entertainment options abound at the following indoor attractions:

  • American Dream in East Rutherford: Kids will enjoy Nickelodeon Universe, mini golf, and a three-story candy shop.
  • Humdingers in Paramus: From bowling to arcade games, families will love this indoor fun experience. 
  • iPlay America in Freehold: This indoor amusement park offers bumper cars and a carousel.
  • Rock 'N Air in East Brunswick: Let the kids burn off some energy at this indoor trampoline park featuring rock climbing walls and a ropes course.
  • Sahara Sam's in West Berlin: Enjoy water slides, splash areas, and more inside this indoor water park.

Museums and Education

Enrich your children's education by visiting some of the following premier museums and learning centers:

  • Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania: Discover hands-on art projects featuring crayons, markers, clay, and painting. Try your hand at making a custom crayon and more.
  • Edelman Fossil Park and Museum in Sewell: Witness dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits that reveal encounters with the Cretaceous period.
  • Liberty Science Center in Jersey City: This 300,000-square-foot educational center on the Jersey City waterfront offers hands-on STEM learning activities, including Wobbly World, for kids of all ages.
  • Montclair Art Museum in Montclair: Family programs featuring art are held throughout the year. The museum also contains a Family Learning Center that encourages families to make their own works of art.
  • Morris Museum in Morris Plains: Featuring art, sculpture, and more, the Morris Museum delivers an engaging experience for everyone in the family. Visit the model train exhibit and in-house maker space.

Outdoor Recreation

Don't hibernate. Celebrate the beauty of the outdoors in New Jersey at the following winter destinations:

  • Mountain Creek in Vernon: This popular ski spot offers 46 runs, snow tubing, and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet for the ultimate adventure-seeking families.
  • Newark Winter Village: From ice skating to a friendly marketplace with dining and shopping, Newark's Winter Village offers a delightful way to spend a day out with the family.
  • Newport Skates in Jersey City: Enjoy skating at this charming outdoor rink. Skating lessons are available.