New Jersey is one of the few states where you can have an adventure for all four seasons this planet has to offer. The following article can indeed guide you to some of the best places to visit in New Jersey in the Winter.
Weather in New Jersey in the Winter
Before we start to explore all of the fun activities New Jersey has to offer in the Winter, we should first talk about how cold it gets here in New Jersey. As a native of this state, I know when it’s time for a jacket or when it’s time to wear a coat, but if you are not a local, here is what you need to know about our winter weather.
New Jersey’s Winter is from January 21st through March 21st. During this time, the weather can reach a temperature of 25 to 35 degrees F on a good day when the sun is out. There are also times when the temperatures can drop below 20 degrees, which can be a pretty cold day outside for some, so wear a warm coat.
When does it get dark in New Jersey in the Winter
During January through March, you will notice that the sun will set pretty early in New Jersey. At the beginning of January, the sun will set at about 4:45 pm, and towards the end of January, you will notice a little more daylight each day.
Things to do in New Jersey in Winter
Yes, New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches and spectacular landscape, but the Winter is the time of the year when most people try to avoid the cold weather and find sheltered space indoors. Below, you will find some places people like to enjoy during the Winter in New Jersey.
17 Fun Things to Do in New Jersey in Winter
1. Mountain Creek, Vernon
Now, don’t get me wrong, not everyone wants to hide from the cold weather New Jersey has to offer. If you are looking for a great place to explore outdoors, then Mountain Creek in Vernon is the place for you.
Mountain Creek is New Jersey’s largest ski resort and is only 1 hour away from New York City. This resort has fun-filled activities such as skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, and more.
2. Big Kahuna’s Water Park
This indoor water park, located in West Berlin, NJ, is an attraction open all year round. It’s a great getaway to escape the cold and splash in the water. With a wide variety of exciting rides, such as the Raging River, Riptide, FlowRider, and Tiki Tides, your family will have an adventure all day.
In the Winter months of January through March, this thrilling waterpark is only open Friday – Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm. For special holidays, check the website for hours and operating days.
3. Indoor Mini Golf
Mini golf is fun and something for the whole family to enjoy. New Jersey has plenty of outdoor mini-golfing facilities with unique and thrilling themes, but finally, the indoor golf facilities are catching up.
Make your way to this spooky, creepy, but playful theme at many locations Monster’s Mini Golf has to offer. Visiting South Jersey? If so visit Haunted Golf located in Ocean City, NJ, a great indoor 5,000-square-foot facility located on the boardwalk.
Staying in the Big Apple? Cross over the river to explore the spectacular Angry Birds-themed 18-hole mini golf course located in the American Dream Mall.
4. Ice Skating
The one thing that you are guaranteed to find throughout New Jersey is Ice skating rinks. If you want to play a game of Ice Hockey with your friends, brush up on your latest tricks in figure skating, or glide around the rink, Ice skating is a great activity to explore in New Jersey in Winter.
You can choose an indoor ice rink or an outdoor one. You are sure to have a great time.
5. American Dream Mall
This mall has been a long time coming, and it was worth the wait. In the American Dream mall, there are so many options to explore. Anything you can think of doing is at this one-stop-shop location. Whether you want to go to an indoor water park, ski on the snow-covered slopes, explore the thrills of exciting roller coasters, shop at luxurious shops, and so much more, the American Dream has it all.
With a walkway connecting the American Dream Mall to the Metlife stadium where the Giants and Jets play, this is a great place in New Jersey where you can say, “You’ve got the best of both worlds!”
6. Indoor Trampoline Parks
Are you looking for gravity-defying adventures? How about exploring an indoor trampoline park for a couple of hours? An Indoor trampoline park is an excellent place for your kids to go jumping, climbing, and bouncing off the walls. On a cold winter day in New Jersey, this is a great place to break a sweat.
Some cool places in New Jersey are Sky Zone, Get Air, Urban Air, Rockin’ Jump, and more.
7. Indoor Arcade
Getting your game on with an indoor arcade will keep your whole family busy for hours. Most arcades have a small section in their facility, but there are still some places in New Jersey that have dedicated their entire facility to games. Places like Big Playzone in Manalapan, NJ, and Go Play Arcade in Belmar, NJ, are dedicated to arcade game.
What’s even more remarkable is places like Lasertag Sports will bring the arcade to you in a mobile game trailer,
8. Bowling
Try knocking down some pins in a fun bowling game for you and your group. The one thing that New Jersey can not get enough of are their bowling alleys. There are all types of bowling hours available. If you’re more into a serious bowler, you can check out the hours for league bowling. On the other hand, if you’re more of a bowler for the fun of it, check out Comic Bowl, where they turn off the lights and glow-in-the-dark lights throughout the bowling alley.
Here are a few places to check out bowling near me if you plan on doing this fun activity this Winter in New Jersey.
9. Hiking
If you are looking for outdoor adventures in New Jersey in the Winter, remember hiking. In the Winter, most of the leaves are gone, allowing you to explore landscapes that were once covered by trees with leaves in the warmer seasons.
Take advantage of this time to hike and explore trails throughout New Jersey, such as the Manasquan Reservoir, Liberty State Park, Hartshorne Wood Park, and many more fantastic places to explore.
10. Make Maple Sugar
If you have ever wondered how that sweet stuff is made that we pour on our pancakes in the morning, take a tour at Tenafly Nature Center in Bergen County. Here, you will learn which trees are sap trees and how syrup goes from nature to your local store.
11. Visit a zoo
If you are looking to visit animals up close and personal, look no further than one of the many zoos New Jersey has to offer. While visiting a local zoo, your family can learn and explore the different habitats these beautiful creatures live in.
The most popular zoos in New Jersey are Cape May Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, and the Popcorn Zoo, to name a few. Each has unique exhibits and qualities that I am sure you will enjoy.
12. Adventure Aquarium
Take a deep dive and visit this spectacular aquarium located in Camden, NJ. It is home to over 8,500 species of sea life, including sharks, hippopotamus, penguins, and more. If you want to have an adventure at this beautiful aquarium, take a walk across their secured shark bridge or stop by one of their exciting attractions and touch a shark.
13. Liberty Science Center
Explore the world of Science at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ. The Liberty Science Center is a great interactive museum for your children to climb, touch, and explore the world around them.
Each exhibit will allow your child to learn about at their own speed and challenge them to think of all the ways Science works. From building skyscrapers in the sky to learning about germs and how they spread, to forming tornadoes, and lots more, this place is a great place to visit throughout the year.
14. Lakota Wolf Preserve
Here is something that you probably never thought to put on your list. The Winter is a great time to check out the Wolves at Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, NJ. Lakota is known to be the largest natural animal preserve with wolves, foxes, lynx, and bobcats. Here, you will see how each animal acts in their natural habitat and learn how they came to live on this Preserve.
This Preserve is great for all ages to explore. So, if you want something to do in the Winter, put this location on your list.
15. Medieval Times
Travel back to the 11th century with a 2-hour experience you want to experience. Enjoy dinner while watching knights go sword to sword with an unbelievably entertaining fight for the winner of the evening. Medieval Times is a great show that your whole family will love.
16. Grounds for Sculpture
If you want to keep your adventures outdoors, then the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, is the perfect place for you. This unique landscape has housed over 700 artist works of art since 1992.
The Grounds for Sculpture was once the home of New Jersey’s State Fairgrounds. Now it’s where you and your family can enjoy the beautiful exhibits. From the end of November until the first week of April, GFS has a lovely light display from Friday through Sunday from sunset until 10 pm. The light event is a beautiful event you want to take advantage of.
17. Indoor rock climbing
Have you ever thought about climbing Mt. Everest? Or what about Jack’s Beanstalk? Well, look no further because you can climb those places and more at the Climb Zone located in Howell, NJ.
Soar new heights you never knew you could do with indoor rock climbing fun for everyone.
As you can see, New Jersey has so much to offer in its winter months. Whether it is staying outside for an outdoor adventure or breaking a sweat indoors with thrilling activities, New Jersey is the best place. So embrace the chilly weather and make the most of this beautiful season.
