Make the most of your free time this winter with this list of fun things to do with kids during the holidays.
1. Explore Titanic artifacts, test out a robotic simulator, observe a real honey bee colony or watch a 3D movie on the world’s largest IMAX Dome Theater — all at Liberty Science Center (Jersey City).
2. Catch a high-speed thrill racing go-karts at one of the indoor entertainment centers such as iPlay America (Freehold) and Pole Position Raceway (Jersey City).
3. Glide down the tube slides, meander along the lazy river or ride a wave on New Jersey’s only indoor surfing simulator at Sahara Sam’s Oasis (West Berlin) indoor water park.
4. Find the best sledding hills in New Jersey, and make the most of the cold, snowy weather.
5. Lace up your skates and show off a few smooth moves when you take the kids to a nearby ice skating rink.
6. Explore the solar system in the largest planetarium in New Jersey, when you take a seat in the Planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum (Trenton), featuring sky and laser shows.
7. Learn about the history of aviation in New Jersey, see rare aircrafts and get a glimpse of important war artifacts at one of the state’s numerous aviation museums.
8. Watch a family-friendly play at a nearby children’s theatre, such as Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn) or at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, which presents an entire season of imaginative children’s productions.
9. Marvel at more than 100 miniature trains traveling along eight miles of track at Northlandz (Flemington), or visit a special train event such as the Holiday Train Show (Bordentown).
10. Let the kids discover how fun learning is at the Garden State Discovery Museum (Cherry Hill), which is full of interactive exhibits.
11. Watch an exciting war reenactment of the Battle of Trenton on December 31st – a pivotal battle in the American Revolutionary War – which will be held at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton.
12. Bundle up, and stroll through a winter wonderland of glittering holiday lights at one of the many light displays throughout the state, from farms to mansions to charming main streets.
13. Hop aboard Statue Cruises in Jersey City and take a trip back in time when you visit Ellis Island and the iconic Statue of Liberty at Liberty Island.
14. There’s no better time to indulge in classic comfort food than the cold days of winter, so pile into one of the many diners in New Jersey for some good ol’ fashioned dishes.
15. Explore castles and mansions throughout the state for a first-hand glimpse of local history, over-the-top décor and notable architecture.
