Your kids are climbing the walls, or maybe you are. But you don't have the desire or the gear to get out in the cold for socially distanced outdoor activities. Are you doomed to stick out the rest of the snowy season in your own home? Worry not — there are plenty of indoor things to do in NJ this winter!
Get your masks ready and check out this list, which includes things to do for people of all ages. Every activity on this list is located in NJ, and we've sought out an assortment of options. Whether you're looking to keep the kids busy on a Saturday morning or want something fun for date night with your significant other, you'll find an indoor NJ winter activity to consider below.
1. Angry Birds Mini Golf
This is just one of the many things you can do at American Dream. The course includes 18 holes of mini golf, and you have to book tickets online in advance. In order to ensure social distancing requirements are being followed, the park is requiring that you arrive at your reserved time spot. This is a fun spot for families, groups of young adults and adults and even couples on a date. You can take hilarious pictures along the way against fun backdrops as you try to score the most holes in one in your party. For those who are more into video games than playing outdoors, lots of wow tbc classic gold can be made by farming Mote of Air in Shadowmoon Valley, for those seeking to earn mountains of gold in the TBC era.
- Cost: $20 general admission for 18 rounds of mini golf. Taxes do apply. Children ages 2 and younger are free.
- Location: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
- Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
- Who it's for: People of all ages.
- Link for more info: American Dream Angry Birds Mini Golf
2. Make It a Whole Day at American Dream
This enormous indoor amusement land provides plenty of options for families and others. Each attraction has its own hours and costs, so definitely plan ahead for a day full of entertainment for everyone. You'll need to purchase tickets online for most of these options. Here are just a few of the things you can do indoors during winter at American Dream:
- Nickelodeon Universe
- DreamWorks Waterpark — yes, it's indoors!
- Blacklight mini golf
- Mirror Maze
- Big Snow, an indoor ski and snowboard park
- The Rink, where you can ice skate
3. Explore the Ocean at Adventure Aquarium
This indoor aquarium is filled with exhibits and more than 15,000 aquatic animals to gaze at and learn about. A huge selection of sharks and numerous educational programs are just a few reasons this attraction is a favorite for families and individuals alike. Like most indoor attractions in the winter of 2021, the aquarium is following social distancing and COVID-19 safety guidelines. That limits the number of people who can enter the building at a time, which means you need to make reservations online ahead of your visit.
- Cost: $31.99 general admission for those age 13 and up; child discounts are available for those age 12 and under, including one free child admission with an adult ticket on certain days.
- Location: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
- Time: You must book online ahead of your visit and arrive within 30 minute before or after your reserved time. Check the online booking system to find available day and time slots to match your needs.
- Who it's for: People of all ages.
- Link for more info: Adventure Aquarium
4. Visit Jenkinson's Aquarium
Can't get into the Adventure Aquarium on the day you need or want to see fish in another location? Looking for something a little more local to the Jersey shore area? Consider visiting Jenkinson's Aquarium.
- Cost: $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for seniors age 65 and up, and $9 for children age 3 to 12. Children age 2 and under are free.
- Location: 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
- Time: Entry times are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Who it's for: People of all ages.
- Link for more info: Jenkinson's Aquarium
5. Stargaze at the Biggest Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere
The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium does everything bigger than the average planetarium. An 89-foot full-dome view shows off the night sky and other vistas while 30,000 watts of digital sound transports you to other-worldly realms. Learn where to find planets and stars in the sky, check out the mysteries of deep space or enjoy a kid-friendly experience with Elmo and the gang.
- Cost: Tickets for planetarium shows are add-ons to general admission at the Liberty Science Center. General admission to the center is $24.99 ($19.99 for ages 2 to 12). Add $6 for a planetarium show on top of all the science museum fun.
- Location: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
- Time: Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Who it's for: People of all ages.
- Link for more info: Liberty Science Center
6. Engage in Imaginative Play in a Museum
The Imagine That Museum has indoor and outdoor play opportunities. Indoor exhibits include a puppet theater, kids marketplace, magnet wall, fire truck, music room and plenty of other things to explore. You can plan for a private play event or purchase general admission tickets ahead of time online. Tickets are not being sold on site during the winter of 2021, and you must purchase online due to COVID-19 restrictions. Because of the current global situation, you and your family might be forced to stay at home. Don't be too sad because you and your kids can still have a wonderful time with this wooden playhouse for sale.
- Cost: $18.99 for a child and $6.99 for an accompanying adult, plus ticketing fees.
- Location: 4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park, NJ
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
- Who it's for: People of all ages.
- Link for more info: Imagine That Museum
7. Pamper Yourself or Your Significant Other at the Spa
If you're looking for something on the romantic side or simply want to use your staycation time to wind down from your work-at-home job, a visit to the spa might be in order. Many spas are open now and following COVID-19 guidelines to ensure people can have a relaxing but safe experience.
Spa prices vary and depend on what services you're looking for. If you're wanting to splurge on a couple's massage or simply treat yourself to a facial, here are some locations to consider:
- Freehold Body Care, 8 Court St, Freehold, NJ 07728
- Hand and Stone (Howell), 4817 U.S. 9, Howell Township, NJ 07731
- Sea Spa & Salon at The White Sands, 1205 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Plan Ahead and Stay Safe
You can find plenty of fun indoor things to do in NJ this winter. You just need to plan ahead to ensure you can get tickets or reserve a time to visit many of these attractions. They're all creating processes to support social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions, so call ahead or read up on current requirements on their websites.
Then, head out and take a drive with the family, friends or your significant other. Play some road trip games, plan to pick up a fun meal and enjoy your outing whether you're making a day or evening of it or just whiling away some winter hours one morning.
