There’s no better time to hit reset, get organized, and keep your kids active, inspired, and thriving. NJ Kids is bursting with fresh ideas, can’t-miss programs, exciting activities, and an unbeatable lineup of summer camp options. Our highly anticipated Summer Camp Fairs run from January 24 through February 28 (see back cover for details), giving you the perfect chance to plan early, meet hundreds of camp directors faceto-face, and score valuable early-bird savings. Camp isn’t just fun—it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. It’s where friendships are made, confidence grows, independence blossoms, and lifelong memories begin.
Let’s jump into 2026 together! Thank you for picking up this must-have guide. We’re thrilled to continue a tradition we’ve proudly upheld for 21 years—and in 2026, we celebrate our 22nd year of connecting New Jersey families with the very best resources around. From local businesses and schools to camps, theaters, museums, and trusted professionals, we’re honored to help bring your community to life.
Be sure to support our advertisers and tell them NJ Kids sent you! We can’t wait to serve New Jersey families and make this year the most exciting one yet.
The NJ Kids Team
EDUCATION THAT ADAPTS TO YOUR CHILD!
Licensed to use Applied Scholastics™ educational services and materials.
Discover Ability School’s self-paced, individualized program
Ability School provides a distinctive, student-centered education for children in Pre-K through 8th grade. For over 40 years in Englewood, we have empowered students with tools for life through 100% mastery-based learning, true literacy, and a love of learning in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Our self-paced, individualized program ensures students build strong foundations before moving forward. Hands-on instruction, practical application, field trips, and student-driven experiences encourage independence, confidence, and real-world problem solving. Small class sizes and experienced educators allow every child to be known, supported, and challenged.
Ability School also offers a Summer Camp (June 22–August 7) for children ages 4–13, featuring academic mornings to prevent summer learning loss and fun, enriching afternoon activities and field trips. Threeseven week sessions are available.
Learn more about our curriculum or our summer program with a tour!
Join us for an Open House:
• January 10: 10am - 12pm
• January 15: 5pm - 6:30pm
• February 5: 5pm - 6:30pm
For more information, call us at 201.871.8808 or go online at www.abilityschoolnj.org.
Sat, Feb 14 @ 2PM Sun, Feb 15 @ 2PM Bring the whole family to welcome the Year of the Horse with the spectacular Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. dance company
feb 8 drumline live
with the New Jersey Symphony
Sat, Mar 7 @ 2 & 8PM Rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ while NJ Symphony performs John Williams’ unforgettable score.
family series
Stephen Schwartz & special guests Sat, Feb 21 @ 7:30PM The stars come out to perform hits from Godspell, Pippin, Wicked and beyond at this musical celebration led by composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
The Salzburg Marionette Theatre Sun, Mar 1 @ 2 & 5:30PM The classic musical The Sound of Music is performed by the puppets and puppeteers of The Salzburg Marionette Theatre. the sound of music
Fri, Mar 20 @ 7:30PM
“Hey You Guys!!!” Celebrate 40 years of The Goonies with a film screening and Q&A with Corey Feldman & Kerri Green.
My First Concert Sun, Mar 29 @ 2PM Kids will sing, dance, make music and learn all about the orchestra. peppa pig
The American Song series at NJPAC is presented, in part, through the generous support of the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the David S. Steiner and Sylvia Steiner Charitable Trust, the Joan and Allen Bildner Family Fund, the Smart Family Foundation/David S. Stone, Esq., Stone &
Magnanini
SEATON HACKNEY EQUESTRIAN SUMMER CAMP
12 camp weeks - June 15 to September 4 th th
SUMME R S E SSIONS Kids &
Year-Round Program
Children's Division Ages 4 - 10
Student Division Ages 9 - 18
Open Division Ages 10 - Adult
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
Morris Museum - Perennial Land – The Data Forest through April 2026 (image above) Immersive Experiential Installation by International Award-Winning Artists Laia Cabrera and Isabelle Duverger, integrates Film, Storytelling, and Sound to Highlight How Human Activity and the Landscape are Interconnected. Using visual poetry and cutting-edge technology, this immersive experience encourages visitors to reflect on their role in addressing climate change. Features multiple projections mapped onto three walls in the gallery, surrounding visitors with an array of visuals. morrismuseum.org
Morris Museum - Kathleen Gilje Repaints Art History through April 2026. The artist connects the major legacies of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664), and Gustave Courbet (1819–1877) with those of 20th-century luminaries such as Linda Nochlin (1931–2017), Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) to create a contemporary conversation about beauty, female agency, and culture. morrismuseum.org.
Magic Rocks starring Illusionist Leon Etienne at MayoPAC
Sat, Jan 3rd, 3pm & 7:30PM. Family friendly immersive experience for all, showcasing illusions, magic, and comedy. Tickets online. 100 South St, Morristown, NJ. mayoarts.org
Brains on! Live: your brain is magic at NJPAC
Sat, Jan 17th, 3PM. Come experience a science themed live show, truly an adventure with your brain. Magic tricks, dance, game show, and more! Tickets online. 1 Center St, Newark, NJ. njpac.org
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at National Constitution Center
Mon, Jan 19, 2026, 10am-5pm. FREE Admission. Educational programs, performances, and teachings at the National Constitution Center. Visit Freedom Rising, Signers Hall, We the People, and more! Participate in arts & craft projects, story corner, and other interactive family-friendly activities. 525 Arch St, Philadelphia PA. constitutioncenter.org
MLK Day Community Rock Garden at Visual Arts Center of NJ Mon, Jan19, 2026, 12:30-2:30pm. All are welcome to paint rocks to contribute to our community rock garden, spreading the messages of peace, love, and hope. Art materials supplied by Visual Arts Center. 68 Elm St, Summit, NJ. artcenternj.org
Newark Museum - Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together Mon, Jan 19, 2026, 12pm-5pm. FREE, registration required. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.,
his life, legacy, and teachings at the Newark Museum. The theme Stronger Together - love triumphs over hate, peace over conflict, and unity over division. Afternoon of hands-on activities, music, and performances. 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ. newarkmuseumart.org
NJ Symphony 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration at NJPAC Sat, Feb 7th, 7:30PM. Celebration of the Year of the Horse with a concert for families and children. Tickets online. Gates open at 6PM for a Cultural Exchange Festival featuring performances and artists from the Shanghai Museum. 1 Center St, Newark, NJ. njsymphony.org
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Year of the Horse at NJPAC
Sat, Feb 14th, 2PM. Family friendly celebration with Chinese dance, acrobatics, costumes, performances, and live music. Tickets online. 1 Center St, Newark, NJ. njpac.org
Rutgers Geology Museum Open House
Select Sat: Jan 31st & Feb 7th. It’s cold outside so head indoors and visit this FREE museum filled with exhibits, collections, and programs about the natural world. Fossils, meteorites, planetary science, minerals, and more! 85 Somerset St, New Brunswick, NJ. geologymuseum.rutgers.edu
Island Waterpark at Showboat
Keep the winter chill out at a tropical paradise in the heart of Atlantic City. A year round splashing sensation featuring 11 trilling waterslides, 4 restaurants, and an arcade. Great fun for the whole family! Tickets online. islandwaterparkac. com
Planetarium Shows at the RVCC
Various dates Jan & Feb. Exciting shows for public viewing - Accidental Astronauts, Laser Kids, Asteroid: Extreme Mission, Our Lovely Skies, and more! Each show runs 45-60 minutes. Buy tickets at door. 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ. raritanval.edu/planetarium
Family Dino Tours at the Morris Museum
1st, 2nd, 3rd Sat of each month (free with museum admission), 11:30AM. 15 minute guided experience introduces kids & visitors to the world of dinosaurs. Learn what paleontologists
do. See and touch replica fossils and dinosaur tracks. 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown NJ.morrismuseum.org
Play at Imagine That!!!
Kids can enjoy a hands on enrichment experience in a discovery center geared towards young kids. Learn, touch, play, and explore unique interactive exhibits. Tickets available online. 4 Vreeland Rd, Florham Park, NJ. imaginethatmuseum.com
Spirit of ’76: The Bicentennial
New exhibit opening Feb 14th. Go back to the glorious Seventies with a bicentennial celebration. See masterpieces, silkscreens, lithographic prints, artworks, and more! General Admission is FREE. 205 West State St, Trenton, NJ. nj.gov/state/museum
Sue The T.Rex Experience
Now through May 2026. How exciting? Go back millions of years. Step into a full scale replica of Sue’s T-rex skeleton. Perfect hands-on experience for dinosaur loving kids. High tech simulations and multimedia show. Liberty Science Center. Jersey City, NJ. lsc.org
Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Washington Crossing Park Sun, Feb 15th, 11AM-2PM. Family friendly event with hands on activities for kids. Cooking, blacksmithing, musket firing, artillery demos, and more! Kids 12 & under can join in “Let’s Draw George” contest - create a birthday card or art work. 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA. washingtoncrossingpark.org
Morristown National Historical Park
Washington’s Headquarters Museum & Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
Visit exhibits about George Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment. Interactive activities for children. Full scale model of a soldier’s log cabin. FREE admission. 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ. nps.gov
Winter Things To Do ...Continued on page 26
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
NEW JERSEY SKI AREAS
Mountain Creek
New Jersey’s premier ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, along with a Terrain Park. With four mountain peaks and eight lifts, suitable to a variety of ability level. Group lessons offered. Kids camp for ages 4-12. Lodging with slope side accommodations available as well. Go online for more information on snow tickets, group tickets, and season passes. Enjoy Sno-Go accessibility, slide on the snow without any restrictions. Adaptive Sports programs available. 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ. mountaincreek.com
Big Snow (Indoors)
Every day is a snow day at Big Snow. Enjoy North America’s only indoor real snow year round ski and snow resort at the American Dream Mall. Camp BIG Children’s Program for beginners ages 5-12 consists of on-snow instruction and supervision. Buy your general tickets, lessons, rentals, and special event tickets online. 1 American Dream Way, E Rutherford, NJ, bigsnowamericandream.com
Campgaw Mountain
Kid friendly mountain for learn-to-ski/snowboard and a perfect snow tubing destination. Campgaw is located in Mahwah, Bergen County NJ. There’s day and night skiing (with 8 beginner/intermediate trails and magic carpet lifts for beginners), snowboarding, and snow tubing runs. skicampgaw.com
PENNSYLVANIA SKI AREAS
Outdoor Adventures PA & Ski PA
Buy the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass for 4th & 5th graders for $69. Full year access to fun family experiences. Pass valid through August 2026. Break even after 1-2 visits. Explore popular PA ski resorts as part of the pass. paoutdooradventure.com
Jack Frost Big Boulder
JFBB in Pennsylvania has got you covered this winter! The resorts are open for skiing, snowboarding and family snow tubing, from novice to the expert skier or rider. There are no out of bounds, all can experience snow fun. Terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers. jfbb.com
Blue Mountain Resort
Great ski destination for kids! Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania is a family friendly mountain with 40 Trails and 56 tubing lanes. Blue Mountain is your Outdoor Adventure destination located in the Pocono Mountains. Close to home, and only 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York. Ski day or night. skibluemt.com
Bear Creek Mountain
Skiing & Snowboarding at Bear Creek
Mountain for all levels from beginner to expert. Slope side lodging with a 4 season resort hotel at the base of the mountain. Learn to ski or ride packages. Snow Zone area dedicated
to young kids to practice their skills. Also check out snow tubing at this Lehigh Valley, PA resort. bcmountainresort.com
Camelback Mountain
Visit the Poconos for skiing & snowboarding at Camelback in Tannersville PA. There are 39 trails with 100% snowmaking. Kids 5 and under get a FREE lift ticket. Snowtubing available on over 40 lanes. Head over to Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark for water fun. camelbackresort.com
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Have fun skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Shawnee in East Stroudsburg, PA, a mountain resort with 23 trails and 2 Terrain Parks. Children ski programs for ages 4+. Children 46” & under receive a FREE ticket with a paying adult. shawneemt.com
NEW YORK SKI AREAS
Belleayre Mountain
Well known for being a family friendly ski mountain, Belleayre Mountain located in the Catskill Mountains in Highmount, NY, has 8 lifts leading to beginner, intermediate and expert terrains. Ski and snowboard lessons, and kids camp offered. belleayre.com
Hunter Mountain
Head up to Hunter NY for skiing and snowboarding at Hunter Mountain. Kids lessons. 67 trails, 13 lifts. Snow Tubing Park with lanes nearly 1,000 feet long. Buy passes online. Book your ski in / ski out lodging accommodations. huntermtn.com
Mount Peter
Mount Peter in Warwick NY offers snow skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. 13 trails, magic carpets, and Terrain Park. FREE Beginner Ski and Snowboard Lessons on weekends and holidays for first time skiers or boarders (age 5+) with a purchase of an all day pass. Tiny Tots age 4 and under receive a free ticket on weekday/ non holiday with purchase of adult ticket. Day and Night skiing. mtpeter.com
Windham Mountain Club
Stunning adventure at Windham Mountain in Windham NY with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. 6 terrain parks and 11 lifts. Lessons
available for all skill levels. Kids lessons children ages 3-12. windhammountainclub.com
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Enjoy the great scenery! Most trails are not groomed.
• Palisades Interstate Parkway (Bergen County)
• South Mountain Reservation (Essex County)
• Wawayanda State Park (Passaic County)
• Lewis Morris County Park (Morris County)
• High Point Cross Country Ski Center (Sussex County)
ICE SKATING
Woodbridge Community Center Ice Skating
General public skating Fri, Sat, Sun. Skating lessons, hockey, and birthday parties. 600 Main St, Woodbridge. njwcc.com
Codey Arena
Along with public ice-skating, you will find all sorts of non-skating activities in the vicinity, including the Turtle Back Zoo, zipline, trains, and mini-golf. See schedule for open skate sessions. 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ. essexcountyparks.org
Mennen Sports Arena
Indoor year round ice skating rinks. Public skate times, learn to skate classes, and lessons for all levels. Morristown, NJ. morrisparks.net
SLEDDING
• Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Allamuchy
• Briant Park, Summit
• Chubb Park, Chester
• Echo Lake Park, Mountainside
• Hopatcong State Park, Hopatcong
• Meisel Park, Springfield
• Ringwood State Park, Ringwood
• Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon
VISIT THE ZOO
The Bronx Zoo
Daily Monday - Sunday, Winter Season. Discover animals and wildlife in a natural setting. Home to 11,000 animals on over 265 acres. Family friendly zoo, see Sea Lion and Penguin Feedings, Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungle World and more! 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx NY.
Where Grow We SUMMER CAMP
Camp Hoover in Middleville, NJ is a sleepaway camp where summer becomes a journey. Grow through adventure, discover confidence, and learn about yourself and others while building lifelong friendships. From cabins to campfires, each day sparks curiosity, courage, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
