That Back to School Means Back to My Gym! From baby’s first steps to picture-worthy handstands, My Gym grows with your little ones. Our variety of programs and memorable birthday parties shape skills and build confidence to help children be active, healthy, social and, most of all, happy kids.
DEADLINE: NOV 10, 2025
December e-book edition
digital: 25th of each month advertise@njkidsonline.com 973.303.3027
5x Print, 12x Digital Editions
Winter: January / February
Spring: March / April
Summer: May / June
Summer Fun: July (Digital only)
Back To School: August / September
Fall: October / November
Holiday: December (Digital only)
Other campaigns: Summer Camp Guide 2026
Field Trips & Assemblies 2026
Special Needs Fall 2025/Winter 2026
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas...we’re covering the major holiday events in this edition. We start of with halloween, our favorite holiday of the year. We found so many fun and scary activities that you can treat yourselves to, and there’s so much more scariness on our website. Then plunge right into the craziness of the November and December holiday season with light shows, train shows, christmas villages and LIVE performances - New Jersey has so much to offer.
NJ KIDS is here once again to help you fill up your calendar. With a plethora of events, enrichment programs, weekend festivals, and valuable resources, just hold onto this handy little guide to show you the way.
We wish you a successful year end. Of course, this is the time we remind you to think ahead to summer 2026, as we are hosting our popular and fabulous camp fairs. They begin each weekend from mid January through February. Meet camp directors and staff, and visualize an amazing summer for your kids. See backcover for details and RSVP now. We’ll keep you informed as it gets closer.
Enjoy the seasons!
The NJ Kids Team
NJPAC
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ | OPEN DAILY
Planning a birthday party for your child can feel like a big task! Here’s a roundup of a variety of exciting venues designed to make celebrations stress-free and unforgettable. Craft your ultimate party. Call these party venues for more details.
Big Snow delivers an unforgettable birthday party at their American Dream location. Allinclusive party packages: Snow Day Party package for skiing and snowboarding fun or the Snow Play Party pkg for tubing and snow play, with 3-hr room rentals, dedicated hosts, and a visit from Big the Yeti. groups@ bigsnowad.com. www.bigsnowamericandream.com
Billy Beez Palisades is your ultimate choice for a stress-free, fun filled, active birthday party experience. Your party will run, play, jump and explore up to 25,000 sq. ft. indoor adventure park. Super-fast slides, neverending multi-level obstacle course, ballistics arena, basketball and soccer courts, trampolines, arcades and our one of a kind MINI BEEZ world will allow your birthday star and all their friends to run, jump, climb and slide the day away! Let our party specialists help you plan your whole experience. www.billybeezus.com
We Bring the Museum to You! 27th year featuring an expansive 20+ specimen exhibit; interactive, fun, educational show and best of all…. Hands-on, take-home activities including fossil digs, gemstone panning, excavations, geode opening, shark tooth necklace-making, or Stuff-A-Dinos or Sharks. DINOSAURS ROCK, GEMS ROCK or OCEANS & SHARKS ROCK themes. Want to go BIG? Consider our 25-ft mining sluice or Extreme Party with mega exhibit, 5 hands-on activities and goody bags with real Dinosaur teeth! Make your next celebration for ages 3-13, ROAR-some with Dinosaurs Rock. www.dinosaursrockprograms.com/ birthday-parties
Looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate your child’s special day? They offer private pool parties at their indoor locations across New Jersey. With customizable party packages, certified lifeguards, and exclusive use of the pool, they provide a safe and exciting experience for all ages. Rain or shine – celebrate indoors with summer vibes all year long! www.fivestarswimschool.com/swim_school/ parties.html
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or any milestone, we bring the fun with thrilling water rides, private event spaces, and delicious dining options. Let us handle the details while you splash, slide, and celebrate in paradise. Our multiple packages are perfect for groups of 10 or more, offering park admission, arcade game play, catering and more! Make a splash at the largest indoor beachfront waterpark located at ShowBoat Atlantic City. www.islandwaterparkac.com
Perfect for horse lovers of all ages, pony party package offer 2-hour parties on loca tion, or their ponies come to you. Whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, church fair, or any special occasion, their pony rentals aim to create everlasting memories. Other options: A small horse & attendant for the older children to ride, “Roller Coaster” Hayride around a 30acre farm (twice throughout the party). They host field trips, riding lessons, trail rides and badges too. Seaton Hackney Stables www.ponyshare.com/birthday-parties/
JCC of Bridgewater Party at the J packages feature a 1.5-Hour party: 45 minutes of themed activities and 45 minutes in the party room. Party options include Indoor or Outdoor Swim, Sip and Paint, Nerf War, Obstacle Course, Science Fun. Available on Saturdays between 10AM and 4PM. Contact Lisa Kopman 908.443.9009. www.ssbjcc.org/party
Moderne Academie’s Dance Party Experience for ages 3 and up, is a fun-filled party in the dance studio. Circle time, warm-up, themed dance routine, craft, followed by 30 minutes in the party room with tables and chairs provided. 908. 322.4249. www.moderneacademie.com
Monster Mini Golf Glow-In-The-Dark Parties features golf adventure and a private 90-minute party room. The party package includes 18 holes of mini golf, arcade play with prizes, pizzas, soft drinks, and full-service setup, entertainment, and cleanup. Perfect for all ages, this party promises fun and friendly competition in a spooky, monster-themed setting! www.monsterminigolf.com
My Gym Birthday Parties is a custom cel ebration designed just for you. Energetic party pros lead fun-filled action packed activities, games, rides, and circle time, while incorporating your child’s favorite songs, games, and themes. www.mygym.com/birthday-parties
Parteaz Princess Tea Parties make your child’s birthday magical. Choose from newest themes: Wicked, Taylor Swift, Starbucks or Bubble Tea!!! and classics: Spa, Princess, Frozen or customize your own!!! Many packages include princess or superhero visits, glitter tattoos, manicures, pedicures. www.parteaz. com/party-themes
Professional Baseball Instruction Parties
The perfect way for your baseball fan to celebrate his or her birthday! All parties include expert instruction from our PBI coaches and a variety of baseball-related activities, plus party room, party hostess, pizza and water T-shirt for birthday child, token certificate for each party guest and birthday child. www.baseballclinics.com
Team Makers Parties are fun, exciting, active, and educational. You provide the kids, and they bring engaging games and instruction for children ages 4-16. Interactive birthday party where all participants will engage, have fun, learn about one another and leave with a Loot Locker or Puzzle Pal game. We bring the party to you. www.teammakersnj.com
Advertise your parties! advertise@njkidsonline.com deadline: 15th of month
Sat, Nov 29 @ 8PM Rock and metal songs are transformed by the classically trained musicians of The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight. the rock orchestra by candlelight
Jersey Nutcracker Fri, Dec 12 @ 7PM Sat, Dec 13 @ 2 & 7PM
All ages will love Nimbus Dance’s Jersey Nutcracker. It’s a jazzy new vision of the holiday ballet — with a NJ twist!
the sound of music dance company
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
@NJPAC
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.
Dec 18 @ 7:30PM
Enjoy a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and a hilarious live conversation with Chevy Chase.
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.
Here’s your pick of fall festivals, christmas villages, lights and train shows and more. Visit njkidsonline.com for more events. So much fun these coming months.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Through Nov 2. Largest Fall Festival in Northern New Jersey. Admission includes many activities: hayrides, corn maze, pig races, farm animals, giant straw pyramid, and more! Tickets online. Don’t forget to bring home a pumpkin. Heaven Hill Farm. Vernon, heavenhillfarm.com
Snyder’s Farm - Fall Festival
Oct 2025, Weekends Only, 11AM-6PM. Celebrate Fall with U-pick pumpkins, U-pick flowers, hay rides, corn maze, big slide, hay bale activities, corn hole, photo opportunities, food, and more! Tickets at entry. 586 South Middlebush Rd, Somerset, NJ, snyders-farm.com
Cranberry Fest 2025
Sat & Sun, Oct 4 & 5, 11AM-5PM. Stroll along Bordentown’s downtown area during this Cranberry Festival. Featuring handmade arts & crafts from 100+ vendors, family fun zone, live music, food & drinks. Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown City, NJ, btowncranfest.com
Oktoberfest At Morey’s Piers
Weekends through Oct 12. Celebrate Oktoberfest with German fare, live bands, games, German food, and rides. Wildwood, NJ
New Brunswick Oktoberfest
Sun, Oct 12, 12PM-7PM. FREE Admission. Celebrate Oktoberfest and the Fall Harvest season. Local and traditional German food fare, German music and dancing. Children’s activities, live performances, and games. Wear your best festive German attire. Monument Square Park, New Brunswick, NJ, newbrunswick.com
Morristown Festival Of Books Kidfest 2025
Sat, Oct 11, 10AM-5PM. Where readers meet fabulous kids book authors. FREE day long fun filled with kids activities, games, workshops, crafts, and books galore! From Pre-K to Young Adult, check website for KidFest author lineup. Downtown Morristown NJ, morristownbooks. org/kidfest
Diwali Festival Of Lights Celebration
Sat, Oct 25, 2-9PM. Featuring a display of over 100,000 lights, a show, vendors, food, dance, musical performances, and more! Papaianni Park, Edison, NJ, edisonnj.gov
New Providence Fall Fest & Pioneer Day Sun, Oct 26, 11AM-5PM. Family oriented street festival with art and entertainment for all. Fun kids games, crafters, food vendors, and live music. Downtown New Providence, NJ
Holiday Lights At The Bronx Zoo
Nov 21 - Jan 4, 2026. A celebration of wildlife holiday lights at the Bronx Zoo, featuring animal themed lantern trails, animated lights shows, holiday decor, animated sculptures, holiday train, performers, and more! Enjoy a magical night with the wonder of LED technology. Reserve tickets in advance. Note: Sensory Friendly Nights Dec 4th. 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 718.220.5100, bronxzoo.com
Christmas Fantasy At Storybook Land
Nov 15 - Dec 31. Experience the holiday magic with over one million lights. Classic childhood tales come to life. Look for Santa and his friends. Rides & attractions are perfect for little kids. Buy tickets online. 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 609.646.0103, storybookland.com
Let It Glow - Lantern Spectacular At Bergen County Zoo
Nov 2025 - Jan 2026. Walk through the zoo to see over 30 scenes of animal themed lantern displays. Enjoy a train ride! Arts & crafts on weekends. Tickets online. 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ, friendsofbergencountyzoo.org
Skylands Stadium Christmas Village
Nov 22 - Dec 30. Fun one mile Drive-Thru light show experience for the whole family. Skylands Stadium is transformed into a dazzling array of 2 million lights this Christmas. Enjoy an Outdoor Christmas Village and Winter Wonderland. Buy tickets online. 94 Champion Place, Augusta NJ, skylandsstadium.com
Diggerland Drive-Thru Light Show
Opening Nov 2025. Get in to the holiday spirit. Drive through Diggerland’s construction theme & water park to see lights, holiday displays, and tunnels. Listen to holiday music in your car. Tickets available online. 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ, diggerlandusa.com
Holiday Lights Trolly Ride In Cape May
Nov - Dec 2025. Cape May is turned into a village of twinkling lights. Take a trolley ride through the Historic District to see beautifully decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions. Santa’s Trolley Rides and various house tours also available. Buy tickets online. Washington Street Mall, Cape May, NJ, capemaymac.org
Orchard Of Lights - Demarest Farms
Nov 22 - Dec 30. Drive your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of holiday light displays. Enjoy hot cocoa, market treats, photo-ops with Santa, and listen to Santa’s singing Reindeer. Must buy tickets online. 244 Wierimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ, orchardoflights.com
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Starts in Nov. The park transforms into a winter wonderland with seasonal music and millions of festive dazzling lights. Explore the park filled with holiday characters, Christmas decorations, Santa & Mrs. Claus, North Pole theme, and more! Buy your tickets in advance. sixflags. com/greatadventure
Holiday Light Show on the Lake In Historic Smithville
Nov - Dec. FREE holiday light show, featuring over 120 Christmas Trees and 50,000 decorated lights floating magically on Lake Meone. Orchestrated show of lights and music played across the lake. 615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ, historicsmithville.com
Winter Wonder Lights Spectacular
Nov 21st - Dec 28th. A 1/2 mile Drive-Thru journey. Celebrate Winter Wonder Lights at the Middlesex County Fair Grounds. This spectacular show is filled with over 2 million Christmas lights. Listen to your favorite holiday music. Fun for all ages. Tickets available online. 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ, winterwonderlightshows.com
Festival of Trees 2025 at Morven Museum
Nov 19, 2025 - Jan 11, 2026. Open to the public during museum hours. Enjoy beautifully decorated holiday displays, Christmas trees, mantels, and porches. 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ, morven.org
Light Show On The Lake in Historic Smithville
Nov - Dec. Over 120 Christmas Trees made from 50,000 decorated lights floating magically on Lake Meone. 615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ. historicsmithville.com
Festival of Trees - 47th Anniversary
Dec 5 - Dec 30, 2025, 9AM-4:30PM. An indoor exhibit of decorated trees by various community groups and individuals. Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center in Bridgewater, NJ. somersetcountyparks.org
ANNUAL Festival of Trees in Bucks County
Nov 12, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026. The Pearl S. Buck farmhouse is decorated for the holidays. Showcasing beautiful trees and vignettes designed by some of Bucks County’s best artists. Pearl S. Buck House, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie, PA, pearlsbuck.org
A Longwood Christmas
Nov 21, 2025 - Jan 11, 2026. Celebrates the holiday season! Longwood Gardens is decked out with festive trees, plants, flowers, and more! Thousands of lights grace the outdoor gardens. Enjoy festive music and model train displays. Tickets online. 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Sq, PA, longwoodgardens.org
HOLIDAY MODEL TRAIN SHOWS 2025…. CHOO CHOO!
Holiday Train Show at The Model Railroad Club
TBD Nov - Dec 2025, check website. The Holiday Train Show and open house features model trains and runs to a professional narrated script. Kids can stand up on the viewing balcony and see all the trains as they pass by. Bring the whole family and enjoy! 295 Jefferson Ave (behind Home Depot), Union, NJ, themodelrailroadclub.org
Model Train Show 2025 At New York Society Of Model Engineers
Sat & Sun, Nov 29 & 30, Dec 6,7,13,14. Wonderful winter exhibition model train show at the New York Society of Model Engineers. Children 12 & under FREE. 341 Hoboken Rd, Carlstadt, NJ, modelengineers.org
Model Railroad Show At Garden State Model Railway Club
Nov 28, 29, 30, Dec 6,7,13,14. Model railroad show featuring all types of locomotives. Kids will especially enjoy the Santa Claus Express train. See if you can spot Santa’s sleigh. 575 High Mountain Rd, North Haledon, NJ, gsmrrclub.org
Holiday Model Train Show At Barron Arts Center
Dec 1-30. FREE admission. Visit and see a Holiday model train show. Check website for details. 582 Rahway Ave, Woodbridge, NJ, twp. woodbridge.nj.us
Holiday Train Show At New York Botanical Gardens
Nov 15, 2025 - Jan 11, 2026. Classic NYC train show for kids of all ages. Watch dozens of model trains gliding through 200 NYC landmarks and beautifully landscaped backgrounds. A sure delight! Buy tickets in advance. 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, nybg.org
Holiday Train Show Grand Central Terminal Usually starts in Nov. FREE show. Watch miniature trains as they travel through tracks and festive displays. New York Transit Museum at the Grand Central Terminal Galley & Store. grandcentralterminal.com
The Polar Express Train Ride At Whippany Railway
Nov 1st - Dec 30th. Relive the magic of the classic holiday story Polar Express on a one-hour train ride. Listen to a story reading, enjoy hot chocolate & short bread. Santa will meet families. Buy tickets online. 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ, whippanythepolarexpressride.com
The Polar Express Train Ride At Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Nov 28th - Dec 21st. Get whisked away on a magical 1.5 hour train ride, meet Santa, and listen to classic book The Polar Express. Each guest receives a silver sleigh bell. Buy tickets online. 34 Market St, Phillipsburg, NJ, 877trainride.com
Ride With Santa! In Wayne Nj
Sat, Dec 13, 2025, check website for details. Sponsored by the Tri-State Railway Historical Society. This ride is 1 hour of fun aboard a NJ Transit train. Each child will meet Santa. Train times: 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM. Buy tickets starting Sept 2025. Board at the Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center, santatrain.org
continued on page 31
Ongoing: Various planetarium shows such as To Space and Back, OnWorld, One Sky, The Great Solar System Adventure!, EXO: Are we Alone? and more! @ New Jersey State Museum
Ongoing: Gazillion Bubble Show @ New World Stages Stage Two, NYC
Ongoing: Planetarium Shows such as Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote; Laser Monster Mash, The Sky Above, The Skies Over Hogwarts, and more! @ RVCC Planetarium
Oct 23 - The Vampire Circus, A Cirque Spectacular @ NJ PAC
Oct 23-26 - New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: Disney’s Fantasia in Concert @ Morristown (10/23), Red Bank and New Brunswick (10/26)
Oct 25 - Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! @ bergenPAC
Oct 24 - The Vampire Circus @ State Theatre
Oct 25 - Sleeping Beauty, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine @ NJ PAC
Oct 26 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Show @ bergenPAC
Nov 8 - Discover Rhapsody in Blue, New Jersey Symphony @ NJ PAC
Nov 15 - the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show @ bergenPAC
Nov 14 to Nov 22 - Antigone @ Kean Stage Wilkins Theatre
Nov 21 - Ninja Kidz! Live on Stage: Infinite Possibilities @ bergenPAC
Nov 21, 10AM On School Time - Antigone @ Kean Stage Wilkins Theatre
Nov 23, 3PM - Twilight in Concert @ NJ PAC
Nov 23 - Wicked Sing-A-Long @ State Theatre
Nov 29, 8PM - The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight @ NJ PAC
Nov 29 - Blippi: Join The Band Tour @ bergenPAC
Nov 30 - A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage @ bergenPAC
Nov 30, 3PM - An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies @ NJ PAC
Dec 4-5 - New Jersey Ballet The Nutcracker @ bergenPAC
Dec 5, 10:30AM - Jersey Nutcracker @ Kean Stage School-Time
Dec 6-7 - New Jersey Symphony: Elf in Concert @ NJ PAC and Red Bank
Dec 12, 13 - Nimbus Dance - Jersey Nutcracker @ NJ PAC
Dec 12-27 - NJ Ballet’s The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony @ MayoPAC
Dec 12, 13 - Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ State Theatre New Jersey
Dec 14 - A Christmas Carol @bergenPAC
Dec 18 - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Live Conversation with Chevy Chase and movie screening) @ NJ PAC
Dec 18, 19, 20, 21 - The Nutcracker @ State Theatre
Dec 19-21 - New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition Handel’s Messiah
Holiday Trains continued from page 29...
The Santa Express - Cape May Seashore Lines
Nov - Dec 2025, select dates. Take a fun 85 minute Santa Express train ride, meet Santa Claus and his helpers. Santa visits with each child, young and old. Buy tickets early. Departing from Richland Village or Tuckahoe in Cape May, NJ, seashorelines.org
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Select Dates Nov - Dec 2025. Enjoy a magical train ride through Christmas lights. Meet and Greet with Santa and his elves in his Workshop with a free photo-op. Also enjoy a walkthrough holiday village. Purchase tickets online. 1151 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ, didonatofuncenter.com/magical-express
Santa’s North Pole Express Train At New Hope Railroad
Nov 16th - Dec 30th, select dates. All Aboard a vintage diesel locomotive! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers for a 1 hour North Pole Express train ride through historic Bucks County on the way to the North Pole. Tickets available online. 32 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA, newhoperailroad.com (also available: Santa’s Steam Train Ride)
Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Trains
Nov - Dec 2025. A tradition for generations. Christmas at Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster PA features several special holiday train rides. Advanced tickets available online. 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA, strasburgrailroad.com
Santa’s Paradise Express offers a magical 45 minute steam train ride. Santa Claus will be aboard to greet families. Small gift for kids ages 11 & under.
The Night Before Christmas Train ride recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. Milk and a cookie for each guest.
Santa Claus Limited is a day time 45 minute ride aboard 100 year old decorated train cars. Children and their families will see Santa.
