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New Jersey Winter Break Activities – What’s Open? What’s Closed? 2023/2024

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.

New Jersey winter break activities square image

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.

Lights-at-Freehold-Estates-Christmas-lights-in-freehold-ariel-view-of-several-homes

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.

air hockey one of the Winter Break Activities at iPlay America in Freehold New Jersey

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.

sals trains

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!

Nightforms at Grounds for Sculpture - Winter break activities at Grounds for Sculpture in Princeton New Jersey

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.’

Nightforms at Grounds for Sculpture - Winter break activities at Grounds for Sculpture in Princeton New Jersey

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.

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.

boy peels stencil back from a DIY paint kit from Board and Brush Red Bank

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.

New-Jersey-winter-activities-to-try-this-winter

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.

Local New Year's Eve Events for Kids (Twitter)

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.

New Jersey New Year's Day Events for families

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

jellyfish-disco-at-Sea-Life-Aquarium

Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey

Legoland-Discovery-Center-ninjago-play-gym

Medieval Times New Jersey

Boys cheering on the knights at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in New Jersey photo credit Jersey Family Fun

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.
New Jersey winter break activities horizontal image

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Liberty-Science-Center-infinity-climber

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.
Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City
Absecon Lighthouse

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.
Lucy the Elephant WIDE shot

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.
battleship NJ beds
Check out the beds aboard the Battleship New Jersey.

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.
Cape May Zoo

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.
frog at playground at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange NJ

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.
Popcorn Park Zoo, peacocks
Popcorn Park Zoo

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.
Posing with reindeer at Adventure Aquarium in Camden NJ

Atlantic City Aquarium

Jenkinson’s Aquarium

penguins at Jenkinson's Aquarium
It was so cute watching the penguins eat their fish, they knew when it was time to eat!

If you know someplace in New Jersey that is open for winter break, please let us know in the comments below.

Local New Jersey Winter Break Activities to Bust Winter Break Boredom

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