What to do this Winter? Go outside for great family fun!

New Jersey and the tri-state area is a winter wonderland with plenty of things to do with the children. Even though you're outside, everyone should follow CDC safety protocols, keep six feet away from people, wear a face mask when you're near others, and wash your hands. Try your hand at cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, horseback riding or head up the mountains for downhill skiing or snow tubing. There's something for everyone! Check with individual venues for hours of operation, as they may be subject to closures. 

GO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING!

Enjoy these great parks! Most trails are not groomed.
• Palisades Interstate Parkway, 5 mile trail (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), groomed

GO CRUISING!

Statue Cruises, 877.523.9849, statuecruises.com
The Statue of Liberty Experience with departures from NY and NJ. Right now in 2021, there is limited access, you can only buy tickets with access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. 

GO HIKING!

Not just snow and ice, adventure winter fun also includes exploring open hiking trails. Put on a hat, lace up the boots, grab some gloves, bring some snacks and enjoy an invigorating winter hike. Check out nature centers and dozens of NJ State Parks.
• D&R Canal State Park (Middlesex County, New Brunswick NJ)
• Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Morris County, Chatham, Basking Ridge NJ)
• Fort Lee Historic Park (Bergen County, Fort Lee NJ)
• South Mountain Reservation (Essex County, West Orange NJ)

GO ICE FISHING!

Fishing is not just a summer sport. Some NJ parks are stocked in the winter so now is the perfect time to lower your hook.
• Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Hackettstown NJ
• Budd Lake, Mt. Olive NJ
• Hopatcong State Park, Hopatcong NJ
• Ringwood State Park, Ringwood NJ
• Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton NJ

GO OUTDOOR POND SKATING!

Skate the old-fashioned way, outside on a frozen pond. There are quite a few NJ State parks that offer pond skating BUT make sure to call ahead to see if the pond is safe. NEVER skate on a pond that is not properly marked!
• Parks Lake, Rockaway Township NJ
• Holmdel Park Pond, Holmdel NJ



GO SLEDDING!

Grab your red flyer and sit tight! Best sledding hills in NJ:
• 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
• Fort Mott State Park, Pennsville

GO SKIING

Many resorts to choose from in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Read our list of top ski resorts.

GO SNOWMOBILING!

• Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Hackettstown NJ
• High Point State Park, Sussex NJ
• Ringwood State Park, Ringwood NJ
• Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt NJ
• Wharton State Forest, Hammonton NJ

Snowshoeing in the mountains

GO SNOWSHOEING!

Snowshoeing is fun and easy to learn! Here are some parks and trails:
• Ramapo Mountain State Forest (Bergen County)
• Round Valley Recreation Area (Hunterdon County)
• Pyramid Mountain Natural Area (Morris County)
• High Point State Park (Sussex County)
• Allamuchy Mountain State Park (Warren County)
• Jenny Jump State Park (Warren County)

GO WINTER HORSEBACK RIDING!

At Seaton Hackney Stables, winter riding is truly an experience. Year round riding lessons and trail rides. 440 South St, Morristown, NJ, 973.644.3355.