19 Things to do in New Jersey this Winter 2025

Get out and explore all the 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 and 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!

You can also take a day or two to plan ahead with these fun activities in New Jersey for Spring or get ready for New Jersey in Fall.

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

Free Things to do in NJ Winter

New Jersey State Museum (Trenton)

For those who like science, art and history, the New Jersey State Museum is an awesome destination. Boasting more than 2 million artifacts, there is truly something for everyone, including collections of natural and cultural history, archaeology and ethnography, and fine art.

While you’re there, check out the Planetarium! For a small per-person fee, you can see a show in Ultra-High Resolution 8K. I’m especially excited for “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” this season!

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.

Visit the animals at the Cape May County Park/Zoo (Cape May)

A Garden State treasure, the Cape May County Park/Zoo is open year round and is always free to visit (donations are welcomed). The park features 550 animals representing more than 250 species. 

Tour Drumthwacket and learn the unique history (Princeton)

Drumthwacket, the official residence of the NJ governor, is also known as “The People’s House.” It was erected on land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American Independence and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free public tours are offered on select Wednesdays with advanced registration required.

Be inspired at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham (Robbinsville)

The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in the U.S. It shows the unique history, architecture and culture of India. Visitors can tour the campus for free any day except for Tuesdays and advanced tickets are required on select days. 

Things to do in New Jersey Winter for Couples

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, 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 the ice.

See a show at McCarter Theater (Princeton)

If you like plays, concerts and dance, 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. A Christmas Carol is the traditional play during the holidays, but they have many options throughout winter. And if you haven’t been, Princeton has an awesome downtown with a ton of great restaurants and stores.

Sample local wines at a New Jersey Winery (various locations)

Did you know NJ is home to more than 50 wineries? There are different tastes and flavors to try depending on the part of the state you’re in and also many different atmospheres to experience. This is one of our favorite day-date activities, so you can check out my favorite NJ wineries for some suggestions on where to start.

Things to do in NJ Winter with Kids

Walk around Historic Smithville (Smithville)

An adorable little town featuring 40 shops, several eateries, cobblestone walking paths and more, this is a fun getaway for the whole family. Take the kids on the train ride around the Village Green or stay into the evening to view the holiday light show.

Experience the best of NJ at iPlay America (Freehold)  

This is an indoor Boardwalk filled with games, rides, attractions, eateries and more. Certainly fun for the whole family and a great way to spend the day when the weather is too harsh to stay outside.

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 15,000 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.

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. Tickets must be reserved online and cost about $40 per person.

Travel to the North Pole on the North Pole Express (Flemington)

Board the train in Flemington, NJ and be magically transported to the North Pole! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, enjoy lots of photo opportunities and experience the joy of Christmas on the historical railroad. 

Things to do in New Jersey Winter for Adults

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. Check out an Escape Room NJ today for a fun indoor activity for adults.

Sit back and have a drink at a NJ Brewery (various locations) 

Taste a local brew at one of the more than 100 New Jersey breweries. We haven’t tried anywhere near all of them, but the ones we have tried produce decent beer and offer a relaxing atmosphere. Check back on the blog soon for a list of my favorite breweries to visit!

Getaway to Atlantic City (Atlantic City)

Atlantic City is well-known in the Jersey Shore area for its casinos, but even if you’re not into gambling there are so many fun things to do. There is shopping, nightlife, world-class dining and don’t forget to relax and unwind at one of the beautiful spas.

Unique Things to do in New Jersey Winter

Enjoy a multi-sensory light and sound exhibit at Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton)

For the second season, Grounds for Sculpture is offering Night Forms, a creative nighttime experience that combines lighting, sound and video projections for a multi-dimensional art and horticulture exhibit. I went last year with my mom and it was one of the coolest attractions I’ve ever visited!

Experience a new thrill with Bumper Cars on Ice (Paramus) 

If you like snow tubing, ice skating and bumper cars, this one is for you! Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland offers Blitzen’s bumper cars. You can also ice skate, take a ride on the carousel, listen to live music and more. Tickets are available through December 31, 2024.

Head back to the 11th Century 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!

Final Thoughts

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 this winter.

Enjoy the cold, short days with fun, interesting, entertaining activities that challenge you to be your best self in 2025. 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!