There are two kinds of parents – those who love it when their kids are home from school and you can sleep late, laze around the house and just be together. And the ones who need to keep kids occupied or there’s fighting or too much screen time! Which one are you? How are you feeling about this year’s New Jersey winter break from school?
Like me you probably want to get out. You want fresh air. You want a change of scenery. As I sit here typing away trying to make sure all the holiday articles are done for our readers, I am also thinking about winter break in New Jersey, it snuck up on me this year.
For those moments when you just need to get out of the house, check out this Jersey Family Fun guide to New Jersey winter break activities to bust boredom. We’ve gone through some of New Jersey’s most popular family attractions to check on their status for winter break. Each of them is listed below. We tell you which New Jersey attractions are closed, which New Jersey family attractions are open, and what their hours are.
Bookmark this list and come back to it often. As we find new information we’ll be updating this list.
New Jersey Winter Break Activities
Let’s get started with winter break activities in New Jersey.
See the holiday lights in New Jersey
Drive around and enjoy New Jersey local holiday lights and displays. Many will still be open until the kids go back to school.
Get your game on at a New Jersey arcade
Celebrate the holiday season and winter break with the family at one of our local New Jersey arcades. Many will have extended hours and extra days of operation while the kids are out of school. While your kids are off from school challenge them to a game of air hockey, skeeball, or lifesize Connect Four.
Roller Skate at Cape May Convention Hall
The annual tradition of roller skating at Cape May Convention Hall is back! For just $5 a person, the kids, you, and everyone in your family can skate nearly every day of winter break. Skate rental is an additional fee. Learn more in our event listing.
Watch Christmas train displays
Christmas may just be one day, but these Christmas train displays in New Jersey run for at least a few weeks.
- The Barron Arts Center Holiday Train Show is open until December 29, 2023 but closed December 24-25, 2023.
- The Roseland Holiday Train Exhibit is open through December 30, 2023, but closed December 24-25, 2023. For more details about the Roseland Holiday Train Exhibit visit our Calendar of Events.
- Bring your family and friends to the annual Christmas Train Village in Spring Lake! The train village is open Wednesday – Sunday until December 31, 2023. Read more in our event listing.
- The Christmas Snow Village in Chatham is another model train display that will be open over the winter break. It will be open on Saturdays during December 2023. Learn more in our event listing.
Experience Nightforms at Grounds for Sculpture
Experience the magic of Night Forms with your family over the winter break. We had a chance to experience this last year and the lights were stunning!
Grounds For Sculpture is open daily from Tuesday, December 26 to Sunday, December 31 for daytime admission and ‘Night Forms.’ On Monday, January 1, they will only be open from 10 am to 5 pm.
They will be closed to the public from January 8th to 11th, but look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 12th, when they will be open for daytime admission and ‘Night Forms.’
Night Forms, created by Klip Collective, is a reimagined after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience designed to engage with the Grounds For Sculpture art and horticulture collection. Building on the success of last year’s exhibition, Night Forms: Infinite Wave is unique, offering a new route through the grounds as more than a dozen installations punctuate the dark. Learn more and get tickets.
Look up to see airplanes
With so many traveling by air there will be lots of planes to see in the air. See where to find them with these local places to see airplanes.
Go on a scavenger hunt!
The Family Photo Scavenger Hunt in Morris Township at Haggerty Education Center will still be available on select days over winter break. Bundle up, get outside, and explore the gardens with a family photo scavenger hunt. Visit the Morris County Parks calendar or our event listing to discover which dates this event will be scheduled for.
Books & crafts to go
Check out your local library. While some might be closed, several are offering craft kits to go. Some are even hosting special movie days and gaming afternoon for kids over the winter break. Visit your local library’s website to find out what’s available and how to take advantage of it.
Cookie decorating, DIY pretzel kids, paint at home sets
Speaking of crafts to go, remember how a few years back when curbside kits of painting and cupcake decorating were so popular? We had such fun painting all the things and eating so many decorating goodies. Check in with your local bakery or paint studio and see if they are still selling these kits.
Try a NEW New Jersey winter activity
Why not try something new during the kids New Jersey winter break from school? Our new New Jersey winter activities guide is packed with wonderful ideas of things to do in New Jersey this winter with great suggestions for New Jersey winter activities, events, day trips, and destinations.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve
New Jersey New Year’s Eve events are back! Want to go out with the kids? Take a look at our The BEST New Jersey New Years Eve Events for Kids for family-friendly events.
Rather stay home? Check out our ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve at home with kids.
Enjoy New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day presents many opportunities to make the winter break extra special. There are first day hikes, first day climbs, events on the beach, and more. Visit our list of New Jersey New Year’s Day Events for Families for ideas.
Save Money on these New Jersey Winter Break Activities
Thanks to our partnerships with these organizations we can help families save money while experiencing family fun during winter break.
Sea Life Aquarium New Jersey
- Sea Life Aquarium at American Dream is open every day of winter break except Christmas.
- Read what you need to know about buying discount tickets to Sea Life Aquarium New Jersey.
- Go directly to the aRes Travel page for discount tickets to Sea Life Aquarium New Jersey.
Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey
- Legoland Discovery Center at American Dream is open every day of winter break except Christmas.
- Read what you need to know about buying discount tickets to Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey.
- Go directly to the aRes Travel page for discount tickets to Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey.
Medieval Times New Jersey
- The queen will be hosting nightly dinners and jousts from December 21, 2023 through January 1, 2024, and January 5 – 7, 2024 including Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, excluding Christmas Day.
- Read what you need to know about buying discount tickets to Medieval Times New Jersey.
- Go directly to the aRes Travel page for discount tickets to Medieval Times New Jersey.
Winter Break in New Jersey – What’s Open? What’s Closed?
Moving on to New Jersey family attractions there are some open for winter break in New Jersey.
A few things to consider before packing up the kids for a day trip.
- Don’t just show up. Many of the attractions that are open in New Jersey require advanced reservations. Even if admission is free, even if you have a season pass, or generic any-day tickets, visit their website or call ahead to see if you need a specific reservation.
- Call before you go. Things change. People get sick. Staffing shortages or other things beyond everyone’s control happen and the plan you had for the day may need to change. Always call ahead to confirm a location is open before you head out the door.
- Have a potty plan. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Make a plan for how to handle potty breaks and where to go. Don’t let surprises turn into emergencies. If the location you are visiting does not have a restroom you need to know where to go.
- You can also read our Portable Potties Help Kids Pee & Poop Outside with options for portable potties that can be used within a car too.
Are any New Jersey amusement parks open for winter break?
Six Flags Great Adventure
- Six Flags Great Adventure is open daily from December 26, 2023, until January 1, 2024 for Holiday in the Park. Visit their website for more details and information.
American Dream’s Nickelodeon Universe
- American Dream’s Nickelodeon Universe is open every day of winter break including Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Visit their site or reserve tickets through our affiliate link.
The East Hanover and Mount Laurel Funplex
- The Funplex in East Hanover and Mount Laurel are open during the winter break from December 23 daily until January 1, 2024, They are closed from December 25 -26, 2023. The indoor attractions, bowling, and arcade will be open for guests. Check their website for specific days and hours.
- Read our review of Funplex East Hanover – 5 Things You Need to Know About Funplex East Hanover.
- Visit their site at thefunplex.com.
Land of Make Believe
- They are currently closed and expect to reopen for the Memorial Day weekend 2024.
- Read our review of the Land of Make Believe review here.
- Visit their site at lomb.com.
iPlay America
- Currently, iPlay America is open Wednesdays through Sundays. They will be open on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Starting December 27, 2023 they will be open daily through January 1, 2024. Please check their website for specific days and hours.
- Read all about iPlay America here.
- Visit their site at iplayamerica.com.
Keansburg Amusement Park
- Keansburg Amusement Park is closed for 2023. They expect to reopen for the 2024 season.
- Read our review of Keansburg Amusement Park at 10 Things to Do at Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids.
- Visit their site at keansburgamusementpark.com.
Steel Pier
- The Steel Pier in Atlantic City will be open during the winter break. More details coming soon.
- Visit their site at steelpier.com.
Storybook Land
- Storybook Land is open daily until December 30, 2023. They are closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We anticipate them reopening in the spring.
- Visit their site at storybookland.com for more details.
Diggerland USA
- The Diggerland USA holiday light show is open every evening 5:30 – 9:30 pm until January 1, 2024. The rides and amusement park activities are not open.
- Click over to read everything you want to know about Diggerland USA.
- Visit their site at diggerlandusa.com.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
- Gillian’s Wonderland Pier is open on weekends through December 2023. They will be closed on December 24, 2023. During the fall and winter seasons, only the inside attractions are open. hours are subject to change without notice. Check their website for more details.
- Visit their site at gillians.com.
Morey’s Piers
- Morey’s Piers is closed for the season. They will reopen for the summer of 2024.
- Read our Morey’s Piers reviews.
- Visit their site at moreyspiers.com.
Playland’s Castaway Cove
- Playland Castaway Cove is closed for the season.
- Visit their site at oceancityfun.com.
Blackbeard’s Cave
- Blackbeard’s Cave appears to be permanently closed.
Casino Pier
- The arcade is open nearly every day.
- Read our review of Casino Pier!
- Visit their site at casinopiernj.com.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
- The Fantasy Island Amusement Park arcade is open daily from December 22nd – January 2, 2024, except for Christmas Day. The arcade is typically open Friday – Sunday in the off-season.
- Visit their site at fantasyislandlbi.com.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
- The Jenkinson’s Amusement Park and Beach are CLOSED for the season.
- Visit their site at jenkinsons.com.
Will any New Jersey indoor water parks be open?
CoCo Key Indoor Water Park
- The Hotel ML and CoCo Key Water Resort is currently closed indefinitely.
Visit their site at mtlaurelcocokey.com.
Dreamworks Water Park
- Dreamworks Water Park is open every day of winter break including Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Visit their site or reserve tickets through our affiliate link.
Big Kahuna
- Big Kahuna Water Park is typically open Friday – Sunday but will be open daily from December 22, 2023 – January 1, 2024. They will be closed on Christmas Day.
- Visit their site at bigkahunas.com.
Are New Jersey museums open for winter break?
Tuckerton Seaport
- Visit the Tuckerton Seaport for a variety of activities this winter season.
- Visit their website for more information or their Facebook page for updates to their schedule.
Grounds for Sculpture
- Grounds For Sculpture plans to remain open through the winter – it is beautiful in every season! Check their hours and admissions page for open times. Nightforms will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. See more about Nightforms above.
- Visit their website for more information.
Liberty Science Center
- The Liberty Science Center will be open over the winter break. Most days they are open at 10 am and close at 4 or 5 pm. They are closed on December 19th and 25th and January 2-3, 2024.
- Visit their website for more information.
Morven Museum & Garden
- The Morven Museum & Garden is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10:00 am through 4:00 pm. They are closed on Christmas Eve.
- Visit their website for more information.
The Children’s Museum of Somerset County
- The Children’s Museum of NJ was volunteer-run and is no longer in business.
Historic Absecon Lighthouse and Museum
- Absecon Lighthouse is open From September – June Thursday – Monday from 11 am to 4 pm. Please reach out to them for more information regarding holiday hours.
- Visit their website for more information.
Lucy the Elephant
- Lucy the Elephant has reopened after a magnificent renovation. She is open most days through December 31, 2023, except for Christmas Day. Please check their calendar for specific dates of closure.
- Visit their website for more information.
Roebling Museum
- Roebling Museum is open from March through the end of December. They are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. (In January and February, they are open by appointment only.)
- Visit their website for more information.
Battleship New Jersey
- Through January 1, 2024, the Battleship will be open every day, except Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, from 10 am with the last tour of the day departing at 4 pm through December 31, 2023, for self-guided tours. The ship itself doesn’t close until 5:30 pm.
- The guided tour can be purchased at the Battleship’s Ticket Office or at their website.
- Visit their website for more information.
Historic Cold Spring Village
- The Historic Cold Spring Village will be open, but the buildings will not be available for inside viewing until June 2024.
- Visit their website for more information.
Insectropolis
- Insectropolis does not have holiday hours listed on their website. Please contact them for hours this holiday season.
- Visit their website for more information.
Which zoos are open for New Jersey winter break?
Cape May County Park and Zoo
- The Cape May County Park and Zoo is open daily except for Christmas. Winter hours are 10 am to 3:30 pm. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve they are open from 10 am to 2:30 pm.
- Visit the Cape May County Park and Zoo website.
Bergen County Zoo
- During the winter season (November 24, 2023 – April 1, 2024), the zoo is open to the public for FREE from 10 am – 3:30 pm (last entry at 3:00 pm).
- Visit the Bergen County Zoo website.
Turtle Back Zoo
- Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Please be advised the Zoo will be closed on Christmas day and New Years day.
- Visit the Turtle Back Zoo website.
Space Farm Zoo
- Closed until spring 2024.
- Visit the Space Farm Zoo website.
Popcorn Park Zoo
- The Popcorn Park Zoo website lists their hours as 11 am to 5 pm daily and 11 am to 2 pm on holidays.
- Read more about this South Jersey zoo in our review of Popcorn Park Zoo.
- Visit the Popcorn Park Zoo website.
Are New Jersey aquariums open?
Adventure Aquarium
- Adventure Aquarium is open daily throughout the winter including Christmas Day. On December 24th and 25th 2023, they close at 3:00 pm. Adventure Aquarium is one of the most popular New Jersey attractions to visit during winter break. It is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.
- Visit their website at www.adventureaquarium.com.
Atlantic City Aquarium
- The Atlantic City Aquarium remains closed.
- Click over to read our Atlantic City Aquarium review.
- Visit their website at www.cityofatlanticcity.org/pages/acaquarium.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium is open daily, every day in December, except December 25, 2023 and January 1, 2024.
- Click over to read our Jenkinson’s Aquarium review.
- Visit their website at jenkinsons.com/aquarium.
If you know someplace in New Jersey that is open for winter break, please let us know in the comments below.