Winter school vacation week will be here soon. In the midst of all the holiday planning, have you thought about what family fun things to do are happening that week? I’ve searched the web for things to do with kids in NJ for not only Christmas vacation week, but also in December.

New Jersey has many opportunities for places to visit with some of the most popular being New Jersey Museums including the NJ Children’s Museum and Theatres including The Surflight Theatre. Enjoy your holiday fun things to do with your grandchildren in NJ! But don’t forget to visit Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium in Pt. Pleasant.

Jersey Shore Fun

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium

Free Pictures with Santa at the Sweet Shop
Sat., Dec 5th 2-5pm & Sat., Dec 19th 3-6pm
Holiday Merchandise on Sale and extra savings throughout the store; Coloring Contests for Ages 3-5, 6-8 & 9 and Up; Hot Cocoa, Cookies and Milk, and other Treats Available for Purchase; For More Info Call: 732-892-7576

Holiday Express- Big Joe Henry’s Holiday Extravaganza!
Saturday, December 12th at Jenkinson’s Pavilion
Doors Open at 1:00pm; $20 for Adults & $7 for Children Under 7yrs
Entertainment: Southside Johnny, Holiday Express, Pat Guadango, The Beth Ann Clayton Band, Total Soul & The Sheps!

For more information or to purchase tickets online please visit the Rock and Roll Music Fund website at: www.rockandrollmusicfund.org/eventinfopage.html
You can also purchase tickets in person at Jenkinson’s Aquarium Gift Shop between 10am and 5pm Daily.

Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Dec. 18th, 19th, 26th -28th & Jan. 2nd 6-9pm
$6 per Person
Indoor holiday light spectacular!

NJ MUSEUMS with Children’s Programs

Air Victory Museum

The Air Victory Museum is home to a number of historic Aircraft, Engines, Uniforms, Vehicles and other memorabilia from the first powered flight on December 17, 1903 to Today. Our volunteers are constantly working on new exhibits and maintaining and preserving our collection of artifacts so that future generations can view, enjoy and learn from them.

A wind tunnel, built under the supervision of the Wright Brothers sits next to a large scale diorama of the historic first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A flight suit that was donated by Maj. Fred Stankovich, who flew the Number 2 Skyhawk for the Blue Angels, stands next to our A-4C Skyhawk painted to match his aircraft. Captured German and Japanese technology from World War Two as well as a complete Junkers Jumo 004 Engine occupy a corner of the museum.

As you can see, we have a wide range of artifacts that help tell the story of aviation in the past, the present and for the future. Come and take a look around and catch a glimpse into aviation’s past!

Kids Port is an area designed with our younger visitors in mind. Everything from how an airplane flies to space exploration, all in a hands on environment that’s fun for kids of all ages.

Battle Ship NJ

SECOND BREAKFAST WITH SANTA ADDED FOR SAT. DEC. 12
12/02/2009 – 12/13/2009

Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 5 is sold out. But the Battleship has added a second Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 am – 11 am. Enjoy a hot, delicious breakfast served chowline-style from the crew’s galley, a chance to win prizes, a self-guided tour of the ship and meet and get your photo with Santa Claus! Tickets are $20 per adult and $16 for kids. Call 1-866-877-6262 ext. 107 to order your tickets today!

GIVE THE GIFT OF FIREPOWER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
11/18/2009 – 12/27/2009

Give your family and friends a tour of the Battleship New Jersey this Holiday Season! Take a guided or audio tour of our nation’s largest and most decorated battleship! Climb inside the legendary 16-inch gun turrets, experience the Combat Engagement Center, re-live how the officers and crew lived aboard this floating city and more! Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-866-877-6262 ext. 107 and can be used whenever you and/or your family and friends want to come and visit the ship!

BRICKS FOR THE HOLIDAY!
11/24/2009 – 12/26/2009

This holiday season, give a historic gift that the recipient will never forget — a personalized brick on the Battleship’s Memorial Pier. Plus, you will help support our nation’s most decorated battleship! Visit the Support page of this website for an order form or more details.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST VIEW OF THE NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS TWO TIMES!
12/02/2009 – 01/01/2010

A 6 pm Fireworks Display has been added for New Year’s Eve! Now families with younger children can experience the best view of the Fireworks over the Delaware River on New Year’s from the Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy music, prizes, food and bar concessions, as well as a unique view of both the 6 pm or the midnight fireworks from the decks of the Battleship. The ship will open at 4 pm for the early show and 10 pm for the midnight show. The price is a $8 donation per person. NJ Transits RiverLine will offer late service to the Camden Waterfront on New Year’s Eve. For a schedule, visit www.Riverline.com. Tickets for the Battleship can be purchased online, or by phone at 866-877-6262 x 107, or at the Ticket Office until midnight of Dec. 31.

Grounds for Sculpture

SPECIAL CONCERT
Opera NJ: Holiday Fare!
Fri, Dec. 11th at 7pm

Opera NJ performs a free holiday concert to delight the senses of adults and children alike. Come relax and enjoy the holiday spirit with friends and family. Dinner available before the concert at The Peacock Café. For dinner reservations, please call (609) 890-6015.

This event is free to the public.

Holiday Family Workshop & Winter Tales
Sat, Dec. 12th beginning at 1pm

Create your own fun holiday packaging in our Holiday Family Workshop. Learn how to make gift boxes and bags and create our own special cards. All ages are welcome for this drop-in workshop.
Time: 1 – 3pm.

Then at 3pm, join poet, musician, and artist D.J. Haslett as he reads “Winter Tales” for the whole family to enjoy in celebration of the holiday season.

These events are free with park admission.

Liberty Science Center

Polar Express – A Seasonal Tradition at Liberty Science Center!

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Please note, films shown in the IMAX Dome Theater are not 3D.

Showing at 5:15 pm and 7:00 pm on December 11, 12, 13, 17
Showing only at 5:15 pm on December 10

Cost: $11.25/adults; $8.50/juniors and seniors

Call 201.253.1310 for advance tickets. Please arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than your showtime in order to purchase tickets and get seated in the theater. There are no previews shown before the film.

Twelve Days of Science

Beginning on December 23, now in its third year, the Twelve Days of Science provide an exciting finish to the year with free daily activities. These family-friendly extras make a special holiday visit even more memorable!

Free with paid admission except Bubblemania. Schedules are subject to change without notice and space or supplies may be limited. Activities available on a first come, first served basis. Check the website for activities, dates, and times.

They’re Cold Blooded!
When winter comes, warm-blooded animals can ramp up their metabolisms, but cold-blooded creatures must use special behaviors and adaptations to make it through the winter.

It’s Electrifying
Discover shocking facts about electricity as you enjoy a fast-paced presentation with one of our professional science educators.

Meet Greg T. from Z100
Say hi to everyone’s favorite radio personality, Greg T! He’ll be playing great music, giving out prizes, and visiting his favorite Liberty Science Center exhibitions.

Funny Flavors Ice Cream Making
Watch as our professional educators make shocking ice cream the scientific way – with super cold liquid nitrogen.

The Playful Penguin
Join presenters from Jenkinson’s Aquarium as they explain all about these amazing birds and let you meet one of their special penguin residents.

Animals!
If you love animals, you’ll love seeing denizens from the Turtleback Zoo.

Bubblemania
Experience a high-energy mix of visual comedy, quick wit, swing music, and amazing soap bubble manipulations from round bubbles to intricate Bubble Art (bubble chains, bubble spaceships, fog-filled bubbles, and more). Learn how these shapes form, how to make a cube bubble and the science of bubble bursting, with each topic related to physical laws of the natural world. Great for all ages. Tickets are $5 per person. Joseph D. Williams Science Theater 1:30 and 2:30 pm.

Morris Museum

Sun., Dec. 6 – Sat., Dec. 12
Holiday Festival & Holly Shoppes
FREE admission
Open Daily – Sunday thru Saturday
10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 16
Art Sampler – Painting Animals
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 20
A Carol Sing and a Yuletime Swing
Morris Choral Society
3 p.m.

Sunday , Dec. 27
Winter Family Festival
Reopening of Model Trains Gallery! Noon – 4 p.m.

NJ State Museum Planetarium

Holiday Schedule runs 11/28/09 – 1/3/10

Laser Nutcracker Spectacular 3D

Saturdays & Sundays; 1 & 3 pm; 40 minutes; General Audiences; $6/Person, includes 3D glasses
This entertaining show captures the joyous spirit of the season with spectacular effects and brilliant laser light. In addition to the classical music from Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, the program includes Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other favorites. Suitable for all ages.

One World, One Sky

Saturdays & Sundays; 2 pm; 40 minutes; Ages: 3-6 with adult; $5/Adult, $4/Child
Big Bird’s adventure begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on an exciting discovery of the sun, moon and stars. They also learn about the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and the North Star (Polaris). Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu then take an imaginary trip to the Moon where they learn that the Moon is a very different place from the Earth. When they imagine themselves back on Earth, they celebrate the idea that even though they live in two different countries, they still share the same sky. They even pick the North Star as their friendship star to always remind them of their shared joy of looking up at the sky together. Made possible by the Sesame Street Workshop and the National Science Foundation with special funding from the PNC Foundation through the Grow Up Great initiative.

Montclair Art Museum

Sunday, December 13, 1 – 5 p.m.

FREE Family Day

Cézanne and American Modernism

Families are invited to participate in art projects, demonstrations, workshops, and gallery activities, all inspired by MAM’s exhibition Cézanne and American Modernism. Explore the galleries with our cell phone audio guide featuring exhibition-related commentary on Paul Cézanne and his American contemporaries.

The Newark Museum

Holiday Fun Week

December 26–30
12:30–4:30 pm
(Museum Opens at 10 am)

FREE with Suggested Museum Admission

Five Fabulous Festival Days!

Featuring Art and Science Workshops, Laser and Planetarium Shows, Scavenger Hunts, Puppet Shows, Live Music and a Victorian Christmas Celebration in the Ballantine House.

Sunday, December 27, 12:30–4:30 pm
Family Day: Skies Alive!
Learn about bird migration in New Jersey through this interactive exhibit.

Daily Performances (2 pm)

Saturday, December 26
Kwanzaa Celebration: Suunaa presents Eda Ne Kakati(From the Past to the Present)

Sunday, December 27
Twelve Miles West presents Miracle on 34th Street, A Radio Production, and The Dickens’ Carollers perform all of your seasonal favorites

Monday, December 28
Pushcart Players present Peter & the Wolf

Tuesday, December 29
Hudson Vagabond Puppets present The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck and other Stories by Beatrice Potter

Wednesday, December 30
Baze and his Silly Friends present a holiday music extravaganza

NJ THEATRE SHOWS for Children

Broadway Theatre of Pitman

Frosty the Snowman

Dec. 17 • 10 am
Dec. 18 • 10 am
Dec. 19 • 10 am & 1 pm & 3 pm

Thursday, December 17, 2009 10:00 am:
- General Admission Available
Friday, December 18, 2009 10:00 am:
- General Admission Available
Saturday, December 19, 2009 10am, 1pm & 3pm:
- TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

Frosty the Snowman is a jolly happy soul, with a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. There must be some magic in that old silk hat they found… for when they placed it on his head he began to dance around. Don’t miss Frosty the Snowman as he comes to ring in the holidays at the Broadway Theatre!

General Admission tickets for both Friday and Saturday shows can be purchased at the Box Office in advance or the day of the show. Plenty of tickets are available. Call 589-1911 for Box Office hours or arrive at the Theatre up to one hour prior to the show to purchase tickets.

It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol
We have merged two of the world’s most beloved Holiday movies into one heartwarming and hysterical Christmas show. Journey with Michael as the Ghosts of Christmas Past take him through the years to help him find his Holiday spirit. Featuring favorites such as I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and a fun medley of songs from some of your favorite Christmas specials, this will be a Holiday show not to be missed.

Dec. 11 • 7:30 pm
Dec. 12 • 2 pm & 7:30 pm
Dec. 13 • 2 pm
Dec. 18 • 7:30 pm
Dec. 19 • 7:30 pm
Dec. 20 • 2 pm & 7:30 pm

Count Basie Theatre

Sat, Dec 12, 2009 3:00 PM “The Nutcracker” Ballet
Sun, Dec 13, 2009 3:00 PM “The Nutcracker” Ballet
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 6:30 PM Cool School Fall Showcase
Tues, Dec 15, 2009 7:30 PM Holiday Express
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 7:30 PM Holiday Express
Thurs, Dec 17, 2009 8:00 PM Ronnie Spector & Darlene Love
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 8:00 PM Nancy Scharff’s “Christmas Joy!” Concert
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 7:30 PM Glen Burtnik’s Xmas Xtravaganza
Sun, Dec 20, 2009 3:00 PM Handel’s “Messiah” (Monmouth Civic Chorus)
Thurs, Dec 31, 2009 9:00 PM Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

The Strand Theatre

Strand Theater Ensemble presents
“Scrooge” The Musical

An annual family tradition, this light-hearted look at Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is an ideal festive warm-up treat. The ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’ will make you sad, the ‘Ghost of Christmas Present’ will make you laugh and the ‘Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come’ will alarm!

December 4, 5, 11, 12, 2009 at 8:00pm
December 6 & 13, 2009 at 2:00

Ticket Price: $23.00
(Child, Senior, and Group Discounts Available)
(Plus Service charges)

Babes in Toyland
Monday, December 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm
$7.00 (All Seats)

The Company of Dance Arts Presents
The Nutcracker
Every holiday season for over 20 years, the Company of Dance Arts brings the magic of The Nutcracker to life! Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score; soloists from NYC ballet companies join the accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time. Youngsters as well as the young-at-heart will delight with Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy.

Saturday December 19, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Sunday December 20, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Tickets: $30*, $22*, $15
*Discounts Available

Surflight Theatre

A Musical Christmas Carol EBENEEZER
Starring John Davidson

Dec 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 16 17 19 20 at 2:00
Dec 4 5 11 12 18 19 at 7:30

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