Whether you’re trying to escape the cold and rain or beat the heat on a summer day, it can be tricky to find indoor activities in New Jersey that will captivate your attention! We’ve gathered 29 of the best activities for adults, families and children that will fascinate you, no matter the weather.
The history of New Jersey is filled with important moments in America’s story, from key battles in the American Revolution to politicians like Woodrow Wilson and inventors like Thomas Edison.
According to NJ.gov, this state has a lot to offer in terms of historical significance and modern innovation. Join us as we traverse the state and share some of the best indoor activities in New Jersey that highlight that history and creativity.
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- Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Adults
- Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Families
- Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Kids
- Free Indoor Activities in New Jersey
Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Adults
1. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes in New Jersey are an excellent way for you to stay indoors and learn a new skill, no matter the weather! Even the most experienced home cooks can benefit from taking a class taught by seasoned professionals.
2. Improve your Photography Skills
One of the best indoor activities in New Jersey for adults this weekend is a fun and straightforward photography class taught by an expert. Sign up for photography classes in New Jersey to learn new skills and take your photography skills to the next level.
3. Try Indoor Go-Karting
Visit an adrenaline-pumping indoor racecourse like RPM Raceway in Jersey City for fun activities in New Jersey for adults. In addition to several different tracks, they offer a snack bar and suite of arcade games.
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4. Brush up on your Shakespeare
If you’re looking for indoor winter activities in New Jersey that will really wow you, visit the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison for a dose of culture.
They perform plays by the Bard, of course, but they also offer other shows that are great for date night or even as a family outing.
5. Book a Luxury Spa Day
Book a trip for two toCrystal Springs Resortand enjoy the beautiful scenery and an incredible variety of spa treatments indoors. If you’re looking for indoor activities in New Jersey for couples, a couples massage at the spa is a luxurious treat for your senses.
6. Soar Through Space at the State Planetarium
Part of the New Jersey State Museum, the Planetarium offers weekly shows that include a live talk with their staff. Many of the exhibits and shows at the State Museum would make for great date ideas in New Jersey.
7. Book a Unique TopGolf Experience
It can sometimes be difficult to plan unique group activities for adults, but a visit to 1776 by David Burke is a unique option in Morristown.
This restaurant and bar also offers the “TopGolf Swing Suite,” a unique experience that brings a little bit of luxury to your typical TopGolf night. Book with a group to celebrate a birthday or bachelor party.
8. See a Movie
Other options for fun activities in New Jersey for adults include seeing a movie. You can find a local movie theater to catch the latest blockbuster, or you can opt for something a little more high-end, like the AMC Dine-In movie theater in Hackensack.
This theater was redesigned to feel like a glamorous moviegoing experience, and with a bar and full menu available, you really will get dinner and a show!
9. Visit a Brewery
Looking for indoor activities in New Jersey for adults this weekend? Why not visit a brewery to enjoy a tour and drink together? This is a great date night idea for two or a group, and there are literally hundreds to choose from across the state.
10. Go on a Food Tour
Indoor activities in New Jersey for couples can take many forms. One common way to spend time together and indulge your foodie side is to go on a food tour.
Whether you craft your own food tour by scouring Yelp pages or use a third party food tour service like Beyond the Plate Food Tours, there is plenty of delicious dining to be done all across New Jersey.
11. Attend a Hockey Game
The New Jersey Devils are the NHL team located in New Jersey. Their home ice is Prudential Center in Newark, so book tickets for date night or with a group of friends and watch the action up close.
12. Learn More About Aviation
Visit the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum to learn more about aviation and military history. This museum is located inside an authentic WWII aircraft hangar and makes for a great stop for any history buffs who want to learn more about the history of aviation.
13. Book a Trip to Atlantic City
One of the most popular destinations in New Jersey, Atlantic City is home to the famous boardwalk, casinos and other great resorts and activities. This is the perfect place for a quick getaway or for a fun bachelor or bachelorette party.
Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Families
14. Try a Family Team Building Exercise
Team Building exercises aren’t just for corporate retreats. In fact, there are amazing team building activities in New Jersey that would be great to help bring your family closer together and strengthen your communication and group problem-solving skills.
15. Visit American Dream Indoor Amusem*nt Park
American Dream, located in East Rutherford, is jam-packed with activities that will suit everyone in the family. From indoor roller coasters to indoor ski slopes, movie theaters and more, you’ll be able to spend the day together trying new things and bonding with each other.
16. Slip and Slide at an Indoor Waterpark
It doesn’t have to be summer for you to enjoy all the fun of a waterpark. Big Kahuna’s in West Berlin offers a giant indoor complex for year-round fun, as well as a traditional outdoor waterpark.
This stop is great for the whole family, and will definitely have you feeling like summertime even in rainy or cold weather.
17. See Sea Creatures at Adventure Aquarium
One of the best indoor winter activities in New Jersey is a visit toAdventure Aquariumin Camden. Located on the banks of the Delaware River, you’ll see sharks, stingrays and more at this beautiful facility.
18. Visit the Morris Museum
Located in Morristown, the Morris Museum truly does offer something for everyone. Affiliated with the Smithsonian, they offer high-quality exhibits, film and performances.
Bring your kids to the Spark! Lab for adventures in STEM, or visit one of their live performances if you’re looking for unique indoor date ideas.
19. Try Indoor Rock Climbing Together
From bouldering to kid-friendly climbing spaces, New Jersey is home to many indoor rock climbing facilities. Visit as a family to learn a new skill and get some exercise together.
20. Visit an Indoor Sports Center
Take the whole family to an indoor sports center like Adventure Crossing USA, which boasts indoor facilities like axe throwing, arcade games and even a virtual flight and roller coaster simulator.
Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Kids
21. Attend an Art Class
Engage your kids’ artistic sides by taking them to art classes in New Jersey that are taught by professionals. Your kids will be able to engage different parts of their brains while trying out different artistic media and styles.
22. Visit the Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is a huge learning center on the bank of the Hudson River near the Statue of Liberty. Join their over 750,000 visitors each year and enjoy the live animals, wind simulators, special programming and dome theater.
23. Solve Puzzles Together
What to do when bored on a rainy day? Take the whole family to a fun and family-friendly escape room like Escapology in Garwood. This is a unique escape room because you will only be playing with people from your group.
Each puzzle experience is private and great for families! This would also make a great addition to your list of team building activities in New Jersey.
24. Bounce Around Indoors
Still wondering where to take kids on a rainy day in NJ? Try an indoor bounce park or play center like the Catch Air chain of locations across New Jersey.
Your kids will love the bright lights and fun characters inside, and with plenty of activities to keep them occupied, they’ll be tired out when you head home.
Free Indoor Activities in New Jersey
25. Visit Your Local Library
Great for adults and children alike, visiting your local library is a free way to beat the heat or get out of the rain and cold. No matter the weather, there are plenty of books to explore and helpful librarians to help you get the most out of your visit.
26. Window Shop at the Mall
There are several excellent Malls in New Jersey, which offer you the chance to enjoy some window shopping and maybe a quick visit to the food court.
Plus, several of the malls in New Jersey, like Freehold Raceway Mall and Menlo Park Mall, offer free play zones for kids to enjoy.
27. Visit the Raptor Trust
Located in Millington, many of the Raptor Trust site’s exhibits are outdoors, but they do offer indoor education programs about their birds of prey.
If you’re willing to brave the elements for part of your visit, you’ll see bald eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures up close. The aviary trail is free to visitors any time they are open.
28. Visit a Free Museum
Several museums in NJ offer free admission, just be sure to carefully check their website before visiting. One great example is the Museum of Cumberland County History in Carlisle.
Free self-guided tours are the hallmark of this museum, which features folk art and historical artifacts.
29. Register for Kids Bowl Free
Kids Bowl Freeis an amazing nationwide program that allows kids to bowl for free at local bowling alleys across the US. Your kids can play up to two games free per day when you register for this program. Simply look for the participating bowling centers in New Jersey and start the fun!
We hope this guide to 29 fun indoor activities in New Jersey gives you some ideas for your next weekend adventure or date night.
Whether you’re exploring the state as a local or a tourist, with your partner or with the whole family, there are plenty of things to see and investigate.
For even more fun things to do in New Jersey, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
