Calling all grandparents and grandkids! Get ready for some unforgettable bonding moments in the Garden State! Whether you’re seeking creative workshops, nature explorations, or magical cultural escapes, this winter and early spring offer a bounty of experiences to share. From building cuddly companions at Build-A-Bear to soaring with bald eagles on Barnegat Bay, from crafting ceramic keepsakes to singing along to Disney on Ice, this list has something for every grand-duo’s unique taste. So grab your sweaters, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to create lasting memories that will warm your hearts long after the winter chill fades. Dive into our curated selection of 20 events, and let the grand adventures begin!
Creative Activities
- Family Art Workshops at Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton): Every Saturday throughout January, grandparents and grandkids can create pottery, mixed media collages, or explore the beautiful grounds together. (Jan 6, 13, 20, 27)
- Grandparent & Grandchild Baking Class at The Baking Coach (Somerville): Bond over creating delicious treats in this fun and educational class on January 21st. Learn cookie decorating, cake pops, or cupcakes!
- Build-a-Bear Workshop at Build-A-Bear Workshop (multiple locations): Create a cuddly companion together! Select your bear, stuff it, choose an outfit, and bring it home to cherish.
- Storytelling & Crafts at the Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club (Galloway): Cozy up for a fireside storytelling session followed by fun crafting activities on January 13th and February 10th.
- Family Pottery Painting at Pinot’s Palette (Multiple Locations): Unleash your artistic sides and create personalized ceramic keepsakes together on various dates throughout January and February.
- LEGO Robotics Workshops at Brick City Bricks (Morristown): Learn the basics of robotics and coding as you build and program LEGO robots together. Various workshops offered throughout January and February.
- Puppet-Making Workshop at The Art Room (Montclair): Design and bring to life your own puppet characters in this interactive workshop on February 4th.
- Family Movie Making Workshop at The Film Institute at Drew University (Madison): Get behind the scenes and create your own short film as a family on February 11th.
Nature & Outdoor Fun
- Eagle Watching Cruise on Barnegat Bay (Barnegat Light): Embark on a scenic boat tour on February 4th to witness majestic bald eagles soaring through the skies. Learn about these protected birds and enjoy the winter wildlife.
- Winter Wonderland at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson): Experience the park’s magical winter transformation with twinkling lights, holiday shows, hot cocoa, and festive rides. Open weekends in January and February.
- Snow Tubing at Mountain Creek (Vernon): Slide down thrilling snow lanes on inflatable tubes for hours of laughter and excitement. Perfect for a winter bonding experience! (Open weekends and some weekdays)
- Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Hook Beach (Highlands): Brave the cold Atlantic waters together in this annual charity event on February 4th. Enjoy hot cocoa and cheer on the other plungers!
- Ice Skating at Bryant Park (Rockaway): Glide across the ice surrounded by winter scenery at this charming outdoor rink. Open weekdays and weekends throughout the winter.
- Winter Hike at Cheesequake State Park (Old Bridge): Explore the snowy trails and scenic overlooks of this beautiful park on a guided hike on January 21st.
- Sleigh Rides at Allaire State Park (Farmingdale): Take a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through the winter wonderland of the park on weekends throughout January and February.
- Birdwatching at Cape May (Multiple Locations): Discover the diverse birdlife of Cape May on a guided walking tour or self-guided exploration of the many birding hotspots. Numerous events and tours offered throughout the season.
Culture & Entertainment
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Performance at Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn): Relive the classic tale of Narnia through this enchanting musical running from January 11th to February 19th.
- “Jersey Boys” at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Newark): Celebrate the iconic sound of The Four Seasons with this Tony Award-winning musical, playing from January 31st to February 5th.
- Grandparents Day at Liberty Science Center (Jersey City): Enjoy special activities and exhibits designed for grandparents and grandchildren on February 18th. Discover the wonders of science together!
- Tea & History Tour at Dey Mansion (Totowa): Step back in time on a guided tour of this historic 18th-century home on February 25th. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea afterwards in the charming parlor.
- “Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto” at Prudential Center (Newark): Sing along to beloved Disney songs and be captivated by the magic of Frozen and Encanto on ice from January 17th to 22nd.
- “Anastasia” at the Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn): Immerse yourselves in the enchanting story of the Grand Duchess Anastasia in this captivating musical running from January 27th to March 5th.
- “The Magic School Bus Live!” at Mayo Performing Arts Center (Morristown): Join Ms. Frizzle and her students on a wacky science adventure in this interactive musical performance on February 18th.
- Chocolate Tour at Hershey’s Chocolate World (New York City): Go behind the scenes of chocolate-making and indulge in sweet treats on a guided tour on various dates throughout January and February.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Escape Room at Escape the Room Live (Edison): Work together to solve puzzles and escape the clutches of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in this immersive escape room experience. Several locations and themes available.
Remember to check websites for exact dates, times, and ticket information.
