11 Things to do in New Jersey this Winter

Because you can’t sleep until Spring

Now that the holidays are over, the winter blues start to sink in. With shorter and colder days ahead, it’s easy to want to stay inside and watch movies all day.

While I’m all for a good Netflix binge here and there, I don’t like to waste my days under the covers. There are so many fun things to do in my home state all year, why not get out and take an adventure?

Even if it’s still doing something indoors, there are plenty of activities that can help you be your best self – physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

From art and history to culture and food, there is truly something for everyone. Be a kid again or head outdoors to enjoy the snow. See a show or taste a local brew. Visit a small town or go back in time. This list definitely has it all!

Don’t hibernate in your home all winter! Get out and try one of these activities in the Garden State!

Things to do in New Jersey in Winter

1. Try to Escape the Room (various locations) – I am hooked on this trendy group activity! I have done four escape rooms and still can’t wait to do the next! They are all differently themed, so there is always something new to experience. In doing a quick Google search, there’s an escape-style room in most counties in NJ and many times there are discount tickets available on popular sites.
2. Take in art at the New Jersey State Museum (Trenton) – For those who like art and history, the New Jersey State Museum is an awesome destination. Boasting over 12,000 pieces of American art, there is truly something for everyone. And while you’re there, check out the Planetarium! You can view a laser light show or gaze up at more than 6,000 stars in comfortable reclining seats. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids, so it’s a no-brainer!
3. Be a kid again at iPlay America (Freehold) – This is an indoor Boardwalk filled with games, rides and attractions. Perfect for the kid at heart and definitely a different date night idea. They also have a bar & grill which offers boardwalk-style eats!
4. Visit with sea creatures at Adventure Aquarium (Camden) – Open daily, Adventure Aquarium is a fun experience for anyone who likes marine animals. They have over 8,500 aquatic species including hammerhead sharks, hippos, turtles, penguins, stingrays and, of course, lots of fish! They also offer daily shows and up-close animal encounters included with admission.
5. Enjoy winter with some Snow Tubing (Vernon) – For those of you who enjoy winter and want to be outside, check out snow tubing at Mountain Creek! I don’t ski, but I love snow tubing! It truly brings out the kid in me to slide down a hill of snow! And for only $30 a ticket, you can have a day of fun (and probably get a good workout, too!)
6. Be totally cliche and go Ice Skating (various locations) – For those traditionalists out there, you can’t pass by winter without a good ice skating session! I’m not the best on skates (for having been a dancer through high school, I have terrible balance), but I always enjoy a few laps around the rink. It’s one of those cliche date ideas, but it’s always so romantic to hold hands and glide on ice!
7. Experience a new thrill with Bumper Cars on Ice (Brick) – If you like snow tubing, ice skating and bumper cars, this one is for you! Ocean Ice Palace in Brick offers the first-ever ice bumper cars in New Jersey. If you’ve ever wiped out on ice skates or bumped into someone going down a snow tube hill, you can only imagine how hilarious this activity will be!
8. Sit back and have a drink at a NJ Brewery (various locations) – Although I’m not a huge beer drinker, I have enjoyed traveling around New Jersey trying many of the local breweries popping up around the state. Most of them are quite good and offer a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink and chat with friends. Check back on the blog soon for a list of my favorite breweries to visit!
9. Take a stroll through historic Lambertville (Lambertville) – This charming town is perfect for anyone who loves small town feels with tons of antique shops, coffee houses and eclectic galleries. Perfectly situated along the Delaware River, you’ll have a lovely day strolling the streets and taking it all in.
10. See a show at McCarter Theater (Princeton) – If you’re into plays, you have to check out this local theater. I have been going to see shows at McCarter almost my whole life and it’s always a fun occasion. I’ll be honest, not every show is spectacular, but they usually put on an enjoyable performance. And if you haven’t been, Princeton has an awesome downtown with a ton of great restaurants and stores.
11. Have dinner and watch a tournament at Medieval Times (Lyndhurst) – Medieval Times has to be one of the most exciting nights out I’ve ever had. You’re taken inside a (replica) 11th-Century castle and asked to choose a knight. Then you watch your knight take on five other knights on horseback with lances and shields. All while eating a delicious dinner, with your hands (nope, they didn’t have silverware back in those times!) It’s ridiculously entertaining and totally worth the trip!

There’s something for everyone in the Garden State

So, there you have it. You don’t have to stay cooped up inside all winter long. Whether you live in Jersey or you’re just visiting, there truly is something for everyone.

Enjoy the cold, short days with fun, interesting, entertaining activities that challenge you to be your best self in 2019. And the great thing about this list is you can check it out with friends, family, co-workers or even just take a day for yourself!

Have you experienced any of these Jersey adventures? What activities do you enjoy most in winter? Let me know in the comments below!