Pop over to Mayo Performing Arts Center for the Gazillion Bubble Show. Photo courtesy of the show

Bonfire Fest, Bubble Show, and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

Maple sugaring at Rancocas Nature Center is educational and fun. Photo by Lisa Warden

25 Cool Things To Do on February Winter Break in New Jersey

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

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Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom

Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ

Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.

20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company celebrates Lunar New Year with a performance in Newark this month. Photo courtesy of the dance company

Valentine's Day and More Best Things To Do in New Jersey this February with Kids

Freehold's iPlay America is an indoor venue that was designed to mimic a boardwalk at the Jersey Shore.

Best Winter Birthday Ideas for Kids in New Jersey

Enjoy Bookscape Babies and other free events at Cotsen Children's Library. Photo by Lisa Warden

32 Best Free Things To Do in New Jersey this February

Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day

Get ready to hit the sledding hills in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

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Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids

A visit to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 33 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys

Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors

Snow tubers hurtle from top to bottom at exhilarating speeds at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mountain

Best Snow Tubing in New Jersey for Families

New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins

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Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids

Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden

100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

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NJ Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.

Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less

The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.

Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey

The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive

Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms

Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.

Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ

Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square

22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids

At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.

18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids

Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes

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Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids

Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue

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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey

Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids

Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra

Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.

Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions

Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors

Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.

Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

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Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway

10/25/24 - By Laurie Rein

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast!

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible.

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families.

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