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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Johnson's Locust Hill Farm is a picture perfect backdrop for a stroll through sunflowers. Photo by Cody Conk
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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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
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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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.
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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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Elf, The Grinch, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

See the Grinch on stage at the State Theater of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Photo by Jeremy Daniel
See the Grinch on stage at the State Theater of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Photo by Jeremy Daniel
11/20/24 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Holiday magic arrives at Six Flags Great Adventure this weekend with the seasonal debut of Holiday in the Park, complete with dazzling lights, entertainment, and Santa visits. For some free, festive fun, take a stroll through Turtle Back Zoo in the evenings for its Holiday Light Display, with more than 50 illuminated animals and winter scenes. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids:​

Top Things To Do in New Jersey this Weekend with Kids

Elf the Musical at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre

Red Bank
Tuesday, November 19-Sunday, November 24
Count Basie Center for the Arts brings audiences the modern day Christmas classic Elf The Musical, the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

Augusta
Opens Friday, November 22
Sussex County’s favorite stadium hosts this dazzling winter wonderland, showcasing a mile-long drive-thru course glittering with displays and an enchanting Christmas Village full of fun activities, delicious treats, memory-making photo-ops, and much more. READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange – FREE
Opens Friday, November 22
Take a nighttime stroll through the Turtle Back Zoo to see more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters. Santa stops by the fun on select days.  READ MORE

Main Street Candlelight Stroll in Moorestown

Moorestown – FREE
Saturday, November 23
Moorestown rings in the holiday season as Main Street is lined with luminarias, and shops and restaurants provide seasonal offerings. Festivities include a holiday pie making contest, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, a children’s art contest and a visit from Santa. READ MORE

Tree Lighting Festivities at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets

Tinton Falls – FREE
Saturday, November 23
From meet-and-greets with Santa and fan-favorite characters, plus festive musical performances, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. Hot chocolate, crafts and face painting round out the fun. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Physick Estate

Cape May – FREE
Saturday, November 23
The Physick Estate hosts this festive evening to kick off the holiday season. The fun begins with a concert by The Atlantic Brass Band, followed by a Physick Estate Open House, and finally Santa's tree lighting.  READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium

Camden
Daily from Saturday, November 23-Tuesday, December 24
One of New Jersey's most unique holiday traditions, Christmas Underwater, is set to return to Adventure Aquarium. Guests can surf the yuletide and explore a winter waterland filled with holiday d-eel-ights like Scuba Santa, indoor snow flurries, the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree, and many more. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

New Brunswick
Saturday, November 23-Sunday, November 24
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical transports audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and features the hit songs from the original animated series. READ MORE

Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

Ocean City – FREE
Weekends from Saturday, November 23-Sunday, December 22
Start off the holiday season on a scenic horse and carriage ride through downtown Ocean City. The rides are first-come, first-serve. READ MORE

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Jackson
Select dates from Saturday, November 23-Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and a little flurry of magic nightly. Visit the North Pole Village, and hop aboard many popular rides.  READ MORE

MPAC Arts in the Community Presents: Theatre of Light 2024

Morristown – FREE
Sunday, November 24
The universal symbol of light illuminates the rich cultural diversity of our community when Mayo Performing Arts Center transforms the Vail Mansion Plaza into its fifth annual “Theatre of Light.” A curtain of stars and lights welcomes the community onto the Vail Plaza for this free evening of celebration. READ MORE

Swedish Christmas in Montclair

Montclair
Sunday, November 24
The Swedish Christmas Fair offers a great selection of food items, crafts, and gifts. Find Swedish handicrafts like handmade Christmas decorations, linen, and wooden items plus a variety of cheeses, herring, other Swedish delicacies and home baked goods. READ MORE

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