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Fun Things To Do in New Jersey on November's School Holidays

1. Explore the Zoo

Visit a new-to-you zoo before it gets too cold. The Bergen County Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, and Cape May Zoo, three of our favorite local spots for animal encounters, are open daily.

2. Take the Polar Express

Take a trip on the Polar Express before the busy holiday season hits.

3. Visit a Farm

Whether your kids want to meet baby animals, pick their own fruit, or take a hayride, fall is the perfect time to visit one of NJ's top family-friendly farms. 

4. Take a Hike

Marvel at the nature around you, take in what's left of the beautiful fall foliage, and see what kinds of animals you can spot, all while getting your heart rate up.

5. Explore the Great Outdoors

New Jersey is full of amazing state parks and nature preserves. 

RELATED: The Best NJ Zoos and Aquariums for Animal Encounters with Kids

Visit the mermaids at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

6. Go Under the Sea

If you’ve already been to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, the Sea Life Aquarium at American Dream is well worth a visit.

7. Dig Into Fall Fun

Diggerland's Diggerfest features hayrides, carnival games, food, balloon animals, and pumpkin decorating.

8. Spend a Day at Liberty Science Center

Everyone’s favorite science museum has several fun things to do and new exhibits like Curious George, which opens October 26.

9. Hang Out at a Museum

Linger for a few hours at a new-to-you museum in northern New Jersey, central and southern New Jersey, or even one of NYC's kid-friendly spots.

10. Live the American Dream

You could easily spend an entire week at the American Dream entertainment complex, between Angry Birds mini golf, Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, and the largest indoor water park in North America.

11. Get Lost in a Maze

Hit up one of New Jersey's corn mazes while they're still open for the season. 

12. Burn Off Energy

If your kids have turned your couch into a bounce house, head to one of these trampoline parks or indoor obstacle courses and ninja gyms for them to bounce around instead.

13. Make a Splash at an Indoor Water Park

Pretend it's summer vacation while you splash about at one of NJ's indoor water parks.

14. Go Biking

Pedal your bikes along one of these NJ pathways.

15. Visit Legoland

Hit the road and head to Legoland New York, which is open on weekends and select weekdays, including Thanksgiving!

16. Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple

Take a day trip into NYC to catch some of the best of the holidays in the city, like the New York Botanical Garden's awesome train show, or just check off one of our 100 best things to do in NYC with kids.

17. Plan a Playground Field Trip

Instead of heading to the usual places, pack a picnic and take a field trip to discover a new-to-you playground.

18. Visit an Indoor Play Space

If it's too chilly to play outside, drop in for playtime at an indoor play space.

19. Climb to New Heights

If your kids are climbing the walls, an indoor rock-climbing space like Gravity Vault in Montclair is a fantastic way to harness that energy.

20. Head Down The Shore

The Jersey Shore isn't just for summertime visits. Visit one of these boardwalks packed with off-season fun.

RELATED: Best New Jersey Arcades To Visit with Kids

Catch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Macy's

21. March Alongside the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Pack the big kids onto the train to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade take over the streets of Manhattan on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

22. Hit the Road

Use the extra time off to take a day trip—and we've got plenty of entertainment ideas for the car ride, too.

23. See a Show

Visit the State Theatre to see a show like Mutts Gone Unleashed.

24. Glide Around the Rink

Lace up your skates and bundle up for a spin around one of these outdoor ice skating rinks.

25. Go to Storytime

Enjoy storytime with your little one at Cotsen's Children's Library in Princeton or at the Hoboken Historical Museum.

This post has been updated for 2024.