Are you home for the holidays? While you’re huddled indoors, surrounded by the warmth of twinkling lights, you might slowly but surely be running out of ideas to keep everyone entertained. Fear not. Winter break in New Jersey doesn’t have to be confined to home-sweet-home.
Our state offers a trove of exciting activities for families to enjoy during this festive season. So, shake off the cabin fever and venture into the wintry wonders that New Jersey has to offer.
Day Trips: Fun Things to Do in NJ in the Winter
Whatever the weather, there are plenty of entertaining options in New Jersey. Here are just a few to break out of any winter doldrums.
Snowy Adventures at High Point State Park
Pack some hot cocoa, your skis, or even your snowmobile, and head to High Point State Park. Explore 50 miles of trails for a wintry hike or try cross-country skiing at the High Point Ski Center (skis and snowshoes are available to rent).
Monster Mini-Golf
Located in Cherry Hill and other New Jersey cities, Monster Mini-Golf offers a full day of indoor activities safe from the winter chill (and the confines of home). Besides glow-in-the-dark mini golf, they offer bowling, laser tag, laser maze, an arcade, and VR experiences
Adventure Aquarium in Camden
A top-10 museum (USA Today) and voted the best aquarium in the Northeast, Adventure Aquarium offers lots of fun for the whole family. Besides viewing the unique wildlife (like sea turtles, stingrays, piranhas, and even hippos), you can enjoy entertainment in the KidZone, Penguin Park, VR experiences, and don’t forget the Shark Tunnel!
Cohanzick Zoo
For an outdoor adventure close to home, Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is a fantastic choice. It’s open year-round and free! Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque park and encounter a variety of animals like Bengal tigers, wallabies, lemurs, and fennec foxes.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Another zoo adventure awaits at the Cape May County Park & Zoo. This attraction is also free and open year-round. However, you can pay for private animal encounters with giraffes, capybaras, tortoises, camels, or Willy the Pig.
Noyes Museum of Art
With all the things to do nearby, you can make a trip to the Noyes Art Garage in Atlantic City a multi-day trip if you’d like, but this museum offers the Museum of Art Galleries and the African American Heritage Museum all in one place – and admission is free!
There’s also a Noyes Museum of Art in Hammonton, NJ that showcases national and international artists as well as students and faculty of Stockton University. Admission here is also free.
Weekend Winter Getaways in NJ
Should you need more than a day for some winter break fun and relaxation, here are a few great resorts that offer something for everyone: moms, dads, kids – and any visiting relatives.
Renault Winery & Resort
This holiday adventure might sound like it’s for adults only, but trust us, there is full family entertainment in store. In fact, through February 24th, there’s a Vinter Wonderland that parents and children can enjoy. It includes unique wining and dining in igloos or cabin cabanas, ice skating, fire pit experiences, historic tours, family fun nights, music, and more!
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
After all the holiday hustle, a trip to a spa might be just what you need. Enjoy a beautiful view of the beach and relax in a private spa room with a soaking tub and a full wish list of spa treatments. Your family can also enjoy the indoor pool or game center, and if anyone is truly adventurous, they host a Polar Plunge on January 1st. Plus, there’s plenty to do outside the resort in Long Branch, NJ as well.
Crystal Springs Resort
If you’re leaning more towards mountain views this winter, the Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County, NJ offers two award-winning spas and a wine cellar too. On top of well-deserved rest and relaxation, you can enjoy golf, indoor/outdoor pools, ice skating, Crystal Cabaret, and over 10 places to dine.
Another Good Way to Spend the Holidays
Last, but certainly not least, you might consider spreading some more holiday cheer by volunteering as a family. You could look into helping at a local shelter, participating in a food drive, or visiting a nursing home to brighten someone’s day.
Financing Fun for Winter in NJ
Winter break in New Jersey doesn’t have to break the bank. From outdoor escapades to indoor celebrations, there’s something for everyone.
Sometimes, though, the holidays can leave you feeling strapped for cash or stressed about high-interest debt piling up like a snow blizzard. However, with the Members 1st of NJ Holiday Visa, you can better manage your expenses and make your adventures brighter.
Easily consolidate high-interest credit cards into one, new, lower-interest card, and relax as you enjoy lots of special winter-time memories with your loved ones.
So, gather up your family, pull on your mittens, and make this winter break a joyful and memorable one—all while keeping your budget in check!
Apply for a Holiday Visa Today!