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Monster Jam, Soup Tasting, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

Reptile lovers and other animal aficionados will have a blast at Super Pet Expo. Photo courtesy of the expo
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1/9/26 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This last full weekend of January will please your palate with some delicious options, including a variety of sweets and children's activities at Dessertopia in Morritown, and a yummy soup sampling at Alstede Farms' Free Soup Tasting Weekend.

Plus, massive trucks take the stage at the action-packed Monster Jam at Prudential Center. 

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our New Jersey Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even FREE events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for FREE and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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Top Things To Do in NJ this Weekend with Kids

Monster Jam at Prudential Center

Newark
Friday, January 23-Sunday, January 25
Don't miss this action-packed motorsport event, with some of the most famous trucks in the world taking center stage at the Prudential Center. Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over Newark for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. READ MORE

Winnie the Pooh- Popcorn and Pajamas at UCPAC

Rahway
Friday, January 23
Spend a cozy family evening at the movies with a showing of the 2011 Winnie the Pooh. The fun includes free popcorn and crafts. READ MORE

Dessertopia in Morristown

Morristown
Saturday, January 24
Bring your sweet tooth to the Morristown Armory for a delicious day of desserts. Enjoy a selection of the very best desserts in New Jersey, featuring vendors, a DJ, a  kid zone, face painting and a wide array of desserts. READ MORE

Free Soup Tasting Weekend at Alstede Farms

Chester – FREE
Saturday, January 24-Sunday, January 25
Warm up this winter with a free soup tasting at Alstede Farms. Visit the Chester or Wharton Farm Store and sample a selection of chef-inspired, homemade soups, carefully crafted with seasonal ingredients. READ MORE

Maple Sugaring Demonstrations at Great Swamp

Chatham
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, January 24-Sunday, February 22
Families can learn about the process of maple sugaring from start to finish. Kids and their parents learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. READ MORE

Garden State Comic Fest Winter Fest

Augusta
Saturday, January 24-Sunday, January 25
Experience the world of comics with talented artists, diverse vendors showcasing comic books, anime, and collectibles, alongside food trucks and cosplayers. Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun that promises to be a celebration of comics. READ MORE

Jurassic Bark Live!- The Pre-historic Stunt Dog Show

Millville
Saturday, January 24
Get ready to step back in time with real dinosauts while witnessing Freestyle Dancing Dogs, Agility Dogs, Frisbee Dogs, High Jumping Dogs, Hilarious Canine Costumes, and even Hot Dogs! READ MORE

Penguin Awareness at Jenkinson's Aquarium

Point Pleasant
Saturday, January 24
This is a day to celebrate the world's penguins. Come learn about all 18 species through crafts, activities, and keeper chats. READ MORE

Click, Clack, Moo at Wilkins Theatre

Union
Saturday, January 24
Enjoy a hilariously moving musical about negotiation and compromise, based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. When Farmer Brown's granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, he declares the farm a tech-free zone. READ MORE

Snowflake Sunday: Winter on the Farm at Miller-Cory House Museum

Westfield
Sunday, January 25
Join the Miller-Cory House Museum for this kid-friendly program where guests share some snowy stories, make snowflake crafts, and learn how colonial families kept warm when it snowed. READ MORE

Gabby's Dollhouse Live at State Theatre New Jersey

New Brunswick
Sunday, January 25
State Theatre New Jersey welcomes Gabby's Dollhouse Live, a brand-new stage show inspired by the magical world of the global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation. In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. READ MORE

Ropework on the Farm at Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel – FREE
Sunday, January 25
Join the folks at Longstreet Farm for a fun, hands-on session, exploring the fascinating world of knots and splices. Discover the difference between a square knot and a reef knot, learn when to use a bend or a hitch, and see how to splice an “eye” in a rope. READ MORE
Rancocas Nature Center has great outdoor activities in the winter. Photo by Lisa Warden
Rancocas Nature Center has great outdoor activities in the winter. Photo by Lisa Warden

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:

Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey January 2026, from Mommy Poppins Editors

These are the best things to do in NJ with kids in January. READ MORE

27 Free and Fun Activities in New Jersey January 2026

Kick off the new year with lots of free fun throughout NJ. READ MORE

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Find the best FREE kids activities in New Jersey. READ MORE

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Check out our mega-list of free things to do with your family in NJ. READ MORE
Toys R Us is a fun play spot during the colder months. Photo courtesy of American Dream
Toys R Us is a fun play spot during the colder months. Photo courtesy of American Dream

More Fun Winter Season Things To Do With Kids

Best Indoor Water Parks near New Jersey for a Warm Weather Getaway in 2026

Summertime fun in the middle of winter is just a drive away at these indoor water parks. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Winter is no reason to hibernate–try one of these fun activities in NJ. READ MORE

23 Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

This is where to take the kids to play indoors in NJ without spending a cent! READ MORE

Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in New Jersey

Get your culture fix at these no-cost institutions throughout the Garden State. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.