Finding ways to keep the kids entertained during the winter months isn’t easy. Bundling them up in winter gear can be about as much fun as wrestling an alligator. We get it.
We’ve put together a list of events for families in Essex, Morris, Union, Sussex, and Somerset counties that will keep the kids happy and busy during these winter months—and they might even learn a little something along the way. And lots of them are free. It could even make stuffing them into jackets, boots, hats, scarves, and mittens seem a tiny bit less daunting.
January
Mad Science Mayhem 
Have some winter-themed fun with pretend snow, snowball catapults and edible igloos. Spaghetti dinner and frozen dessert to follow. RSVP requested but not required, best for ages 2 – 6. Free
Gottesman RTW Academy, 146 Dover Chester Rd, Randolph
Thursday, January 12, 5 – 7:00 p.m.
Coffee & Camp Open Houses
Have a cup of coffee or tea and learn about Jewish sleepaway camps, how to choose a camp, and available scholarships. Choose from two dates and locations. RSVP requested but not required. Free
Mara’s Café, 250 South Ave, Fanwood
Thursday, January 12, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Panera, 3056 NJ-10, Denville
Thursday, January 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Sports Fun!
Work up a sweat at a mini-sports clinic led by the Golda Och Academy girls’ basketball team, cheer on the team during their basketball game, and eat some pizza. Best for ages 4 – 7 advance registration requested, walk-ins are welcome. Free
Golda Och Academy Upper School, 1418 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange
Wednesday, January 18, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Mitzvot of Greater MetroWest – Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project Fair
Meet with representatives from local organizations and learn about how to get your pre-teen involved in a variety of service projects. Advance registration requested, but not required. $18 per person, group rates available
Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus, 901 Rt. 10, Whippany
Sunday, January 29, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
February
Havdalah Under the Stars
Say goodbye to Shabbat with a musical havdalah service, songs, crafts, a light (kosher) dairy dinner, and an indoor planetarium. Best for ages 2 – 12, advance registration requested. Free
JCC MetroWest, 760 Northfield Ave, West Orange
Saturday, February 4, 6:15 – 7 :45 p.m.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Learn about fun ways to help the environment through stories, songs, and crafts with recycled materials. Best for ages 4 – 7, RSVP requested. Free
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, 110 South Orange Avenue, Livingston
Sunday, February 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Challah Bake Jr.
Learn how to braid and bake challah, make your own challah dough to bring home, eat some pizza, and participate in hands-on projects to help community members in need. Best for ages 6 and up, limited space available, advance registration required. $18 per family
Gottesman RTW Academy, 146 Dover Chester Rd, Randolph
Tuesday, February 7, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Havdalah Pajama Party
Come in your favorite PJ’s and say goodbye to Shabbat with havdalah, crafts, a light (kosher) dairy dinner, and gym time. For ages 8 and under, advance registration requested. Free
Kidville, 3130 Rt. 10, Denville
Saturday, February 11, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Tu Bishvat at The Messy Artist
Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat and learn about protecting the environment through creative art and fun activities. For ages 18 mos. – 5 years, limited space available, advance registration required. $10 per child, $5 for siblings, pay at the door.
The Messy Artist, 356 NJ Rt. 10, East Hanover
Friday, February 10, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Fun with STEM
Take a virtual trip to Israel, invent something new in a STEM maker-space, and snack on falafel and toppings. Best for ages 2 – 6, advance registration requested but not required. Free
Gottesman RTW Academy, 146 Dover Chester Rd, Randolph
Sunday, February 12, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
March
Havdalah Under The Stars
Say goodbye to Shabbat with havdalah, songs, and a planetarium show, for ages 5 and up, RSVP required. $10 adult/$5 child
Longo Planetarium at County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Rd, Randolph
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Editor’s Note: These listings were prepared using the most current information available, but before you pack up and schlep the kids out of the house, we recommend checking with each individual event organizer/organization to make sure that all of the information listed is correct.
