Don’t Miss the Camp Fairs
January - February 2025
SUMMER CAMP FAIRS 2025
Summer camp can be the best gift a child can have. You can choose a tradtional day camp which offers an array of outdoor activities, experiences and challenges, some surrounded by woods and lakes, or you can choose to fine tune skills with a special interest day camp (art, drama, theater, sports, robotics, academics..) or perhaps a sleepaway camp that lets one unplug, live in cabins or tents and connect with nature. Camp can help one develop an appreciation for the outside world, expand their circle of friendships, learn and experiment new skill sets they never even imagined, and most of all, gain new confidence and independence. We encourage you to attend the camp fairs this winter. Mingle and meet with all sorts of camps. Ask the camp directors and staff questions, watch videos, attend an open house and tour facilities. See backcover for dates. RSVP below.
REGISTER NOW! Plan early!
Meet camp directors and learn about all sorts of camps
Don’t Miss the Camp Fairs
January - February 2025
REGISTER NOW! Plan early!
Meet camp directors and learn about all sorts of camps
GUIDE TO LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS VILLAGES AND HOLIDAY TRAINS!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS / FESTIVALS:
Holiday Lights At The Bronx Zoo
Nov 22, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025. A celebration of holiday lights at the Bronx Zoo, featuring 7 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. Must reserve tickets in advance. Note: Sensory Friendly Nights Dec 5th & Jan 5th. 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 718.220.5100, bronxzoo.com
Christmas Fantasy With Lights At Storybook Land
Nov 16 - Dec 30, 2024. Experience the holiday magic at Storybook Land with over one million lights. Classic childhood tales come to life. Look for Santa and his friends. Rides & attractions are perfect for kids. Buy tickets online only. 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 609.646.0103, storybookland.com
Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show & Village
Nov - Dec, 2024. This one mile Drive-Thru light show experience is great fun for the
whole family. Skylands Stadium is transformed into a dazzling array of 2 million lights this Christmas. Enjoy an Outdoor Village and Winter Carnival. Details online. 94 Champion Place, Augusta NJ, skylandsstadium.com
Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light ShowI
Opening Nov 2024. 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 22, 2024 - Jan 5, 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
Christmas at Storybook Land
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024. 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
Nov 23, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025. 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 2024 - Jan 5, 2025. 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
RIDE THE HOLIDAY TRAINS:
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 29th - Dec 22nd. Get whisked away on a magical 1.5 hour train ride, meet Santa, and listen to classic book The Polar Express. Buy tickets online. 34 Market St, Phillipsburg, NJ, 877trainride.com
Ride with Santa! - Wayne
Usually held in early Dec TBD, 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. Buy tickets starting Oct 2024. Board at the Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center, santatrain.org
The Santa Express - Cape May Seashore Lines
End of Nov - Dec 2024. A 1/2 mile DriveThru journey. Celebrate Winter Wonder Lights at the Middlesex County Fair Grounds. This spectacular show is filled with over 1.5 million animated Christmas lights. Listen to your favorite holiday music. Fun for all ages. Tickets available online. 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ, winterwonderlightshows.com go to njkidsonline.com for more holiday events
Nov - Dec 2024, select dates. Take a fun 60 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
Continued on page 26
GOT KIDS? What To Do!
Summer
FALL INTO WINTER
It’s hard to believe the Holiday Season will be upon us! We’re blessed to have so many family friendly attractions for your enjoyment. We’ve listed halloween attractions, both not so scary and scary, fall fun, museum exhibits and holiday light and train shows.
On our online calendars, you’ll find so much more. Look for all the upcoming holiday events and shows.
Next up will be the NJ KIDS’ Camp Fairs in January & February 2025. RSVP on our website under Camp Fairs. We’re organizing an amazing line up of summer camps. You’ll be able to speak directly to camp directors, pick up materials and learn about different camp offerings.
Cheers to a healthy and happy fall!
Please say “NJ KIDS connected you” when calling our advertisers. Thank you for picking up this little book and please share this valuable resource with your friends.
The NJ Kids Team
Red Bank | Newark | New Brunswick
Red
XIAN ZHANG MUSIC DIRECTOR
Intrepid Museum Sea, Air & Space
The Intrepid has rotating exhibitions on naval history, space exploration, and space technology. General museum tours available. Fly higher on the Concorde Tour, step aboard and learn about this unique innovation. Pier 86, W 46th St, NYC, intrepidmuseum.org
Liberty Hall Museum
Experience history at Liberty Hall. Offering several educational events throughout the year. Special Children’s Tour of the museum is held the 1st Sunday of the month. 1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ, libertyhall.kean.edu
Liberty Science Center
New display: The Blue Whale - an immersive exhibit, discover the world’s biggest animal. Other exhibits: Wild About Animals, Wobbly World, Dino Dig Adventure, Block Party, and more! 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ, lsc.org
Montclair Art Museum
Families can explore the museum art galleries. A guided art-making activity with a MAM art educator is offered every Sunday of each month. Visit the Family Learning Lab with activity prompts, art supplies, and books. Museum admission required to participate. First Free Thursdays (5PM-9PM) offered each month, enjoy activities at the museum. 3 South Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ, montclairartmuseum.org
The National Constitution Center
Discover the story of “We the People” through exhibits, photos, and hands on activities. Learn about the constitution through various exhibits and programs: Signers’ Hall with 42 life-size statues of the men who gathered in Philadelphia for the signing of the Constitution, Freedom Rising, The First Amendment, and more! 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, constitutioncenter.org
Newark Museum of Art Family Days
Each month on select dates. Enjoy a day of fun science for the whole family. Imagination Space where kids can tinker and create. Family drop-in and Planetarium shows. 49 Washington St, Newark, newarkmuseumart.org
RVCC Planetarium Astronomy and Laser Shows
Planetarium and 3M Observatory are open with public shows throughout the year. Shows run 45-60 minutes: The Sky Above, Laser Kids, Astronomy Tonight, and more! Monthly themed planetarium shows also offered. 118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ, raritanval.edu/planetarium
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
Introduce the world of art to your kids at
Visual Arts. The Studio School features personalized art experiences and art camp. 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, artcenternj.org
The Watershed Institute
FREE to the public, open dawn to dusk. Kids can learn about conserving water and the environment through education. Take self-guided or prearranged staff-led tours, see live animal displays, interactive exhibits, a laboratory, weather station, Tree Frog Trail play area and more. There are miles of boardwalks and trails through forests, wetlands and meadows. Don’t miss the seasonal Butterfly House and Organic Farm. 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, NJ, thewatershed.org
Go to www.njkidsonline.com for more things to do
LIFE-SAVING SURGICAL EXPERTISE WITH CARE LIKE A PARENT
When 2-month-old Ethan stopped breastfeeding and began vomiting repeatedly, his parents knew something was very wrong. Pediatric chief-of-surgery from Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, Dr. Kuenzler, rushed to save Ethan’s life with emergency surgery to remove the obstruction caused by a rare birth defect. Two days later, Ethan was breastfeeding again, happy and healthy. Proof that at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we’re ready to comfort, act, and care for every child, like a parent.
For pediatric care from the #1 children’s hospitals in New Jersey, ranked by U.S. News & World Report, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids.
To view Ethan’s Health Journey
TRAIN SHOWS ...
HOLIDAY TRAINS SHOWS 2024!
Holiday Train Show at The Model Railroad Club
Nov 29, 30 and Dec 1,7,8,14,15 from 11AM-6PM. The 2024 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 2024 At New York Society Of Model Engineers
Sat & Sun, Nov 30, Dec 1,7,8,14,15. Chugga chugga! 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
Select dates TBD, usually Nov - Jan. Check website. 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
Usually held late Nov - Dec. 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 16, 2024 - Jan 20, 2025. Classic NYC train show for kids of all ages. Watch dozens of model trains gliding through 175 NYC landmarks and beautifully landscaped backgrounds. Buy tickets in advance. 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, nybg.org
NJ CAMP FAIRS
Santa’s North Pole Express Train At New Hope Railroad
Nov 29th - Dec 29th, 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 2024. A tradition for generations. Christmas at Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster PA features several special holiday train rides. 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.
- 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 a 100 year old decorated train cars. Children and their families will see Santa.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Select Dates Nov - Dec 2024. 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
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Festival of Trees 2024 at Morven Museum
Nov 20, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025. Deck the Hall with Matzo Balls! 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 28, 2024 - Jan 6, 2025 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 - 46th Anniversary
Dec 6 - Dec 29, 2024, 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
Festival of Trees in Bucks County
Nov 14, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025. 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
Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Nov 22, 2024 - Jan 12, 2025. 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
