After the holidays, many families want to get out of the house without spending a lot of money. January is the perfect time to shake off cabin fever, spend time together, and enjoy simple moments—and New Jersey makes it easy.

From festivals to expos to community events, New Jersey offers plenty of family‑friendly activities that won’t cost a thing. Whether you’re exploring snowy parks, warming up indoors with hands‑on learning, or discovering local traditions, January is full of hidden (and budget‑friendly) gems. In this guide, we’re highlighting some of the best free and affordable things to do with kids across New Jersey in January 2026, perfect for families with toddlers, school‑age kids, and teens alike. Bundle up, grab a calendar, and start planning—fun doesn’t have to come with a price tag.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at Historic Smithville
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you! Enjoy an orchestrated show of lights and music across the lake, plus 50 Shoppes, 7 eateries, carousel and train rides, on-site lodging at the Colonial Inn, and over 26 free weekend events.
Details: Historic Smithville
Time: Dark till 8 • 5:30–8:30 pm
Nov 27 – Jan 6 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday; every night)

Wildwood Fishing & Boat Expo
The biggest “little” expo in New Jersey returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center on the boardwalk. Explore over 80,000 sq. ft. of boats and exhibits featuring center consoles, cabin cruisers, pontoons, skiffs, wave runners, and more. With 100+ vendor booths and daily FREE Yeti 65 Cooler giveaways, it’s everything you need to kick off the 2026 fishing and boating season.
Details: Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Time: January 9–11, 2026

Rahway Soup Stroll
Beat the winter blues and warm up with delicious soups during the Rahway Soup Stroll! On Saturdays in January, bundle up and stroll through participating restaurants to enjoy FREE 4-oz samples of featured soups. No registration required—just show up ready to sip, stroll, and savor. Details: Downtown Rahway, NJ
Date & Time: January 10, 17, 24 & 31 | 1–4 pm
Cost: Free

Super Pet Expo at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
Celebrate the 25th Annual Super Pet Expo with thousands of pet lovers and their four-legged companions enjoying a weekend of exciting shows, interactive exhibits, and fun experiences designed for pets and their owners.
Details: New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison
Time: Event hours vary
Dates: January 9–11, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)

Princess Tea Party with Elsa
Bring your little princess to join the Winter Ice Queen for a special tea time at the Historic Mathis House Victorian Tea Room! Pose for photos, enjoy warm scones, homemade cupcakes, and hot or cold tea.
Details: Tickets $20 adults / $10 children • Call 732-818-7580 or visit www.mathishouse600main.com • 600 Main Street, Downtown Toms River • Parking behind the Inn • Please no early birds • Come dressed in princess outfits and bring your camera.
Tue, Jan 14, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

WILD-CON 2026
Come out and join us as we bring in 2026 with what is guaranteed to be a Wild time! WILD-CON will feature a great guest lineup, artists, vendors, and interactive activities for attendees of all ages. Meet artists Joe del Beato, Jeff Brennan, and Keith Williams, and participate in the costume contest. Fun for the whole family—kids under 10 free!
Details: Guest appearances • Artists & vendors • Costume contest • Interactive activities • Kids under 10 free
Sat, Jan 17, 2026 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Pier Village Ice Carving Competition
Watch skilled ice sculptors transform massive blocks of ice into stunning works of art during this FREE, family-friendly winter spectacle. The finished sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (or until they melt!). Afterward, enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment throughout Pier Village.
Details: January 17 | 12–3 pm
The Blue Wave, behind Wave Resort, Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free

Pokemon Market
A must-attend event for Pokémon fans of all ages, featuring 350+ tables from top vendors across the tri-state area. Whether you’re a collector, competitive player, or just starting your Pokémon journey, there’s something for everyone.
Details: Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ • 350+ vendor tables • Collectibles & cards • Family-friendly
Dates: Fri, Jan 17 • 10 AM–5 PM • Cost: Free

Downtown Cranford Souperhero Stroll
A fun, family-friendly stroll through Downtown Cranford featuring life-size superhero balloon sculptures and delicious soup tastings from local restaurants. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes or wear capes while enjoying this rain-or-shine event. Canned soup donations for local food banks are welcome at registration.Details: Downtown Cranford, NJ • Life-size balloon sculptures • Soup tastings • Family-friendly • Rain or shine
Dates: Fri–Sat, Jan 17–18
Cost: $12

Born 2 Move at Jersey City Free Public Library
A dance and movement session for toddlers and their guardians! Fun, interactive activities to get little ones moving and grooving. Details: Ages 1–5 • Bring your guardian • Free program • Jersey City Free Public Library
Dates: Mon, Jan 20; Feb 3, 17; Mar 3, 17, 31; Apr 14, 28; May 12, 2026

Totally Rad Vintage Fest
A high-energy celebration of retro style and nostalgia featuring vintage fashion, throwback games, and immersive experiences. Shop 80s, 90s, and Y2K clothing and accessories, explore nostalgic exhibits, enjoy a free-play vintage arcade, and snap photos at fun throwback photo ops.
Details: Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ • Free-play arcade • Museum exhibits • Photo ops
Dates: Fri–Sat, Jan 17–18 • 10 AM–5 PM • Cost: $8–$25

Family Game Night at Tulpehaking Nature Center
Visit the Tulpehaking Nature Center for an evening of family fun with board games, bingo, turtle time, and light refreshments!
Details: Mercer County Park Commission program • Registration required through the link on the event site
Thu, Jan 23, 2026 • 6:00–8:00 pm

Dessertopia
A sweet-filled day of indulgence and fun celebrating the best desserts New Jersey has to offer. Enjoy endless dessert options, specialty dessert drinks, an adult beverage bar, retail vendors, and music from a live DJ.
Details: Morristown Armory, Morristown, NJ • Dessert vendors • Adult beverage bar • Live DJ • Retail shopping
Dates: Sat, Jan 24 • 11 AM–6 PM • Cost: $5

Garden State Comic Fest
A family-friendly celebration of comics featuring talented artists, diverse vendors, cosplay, and food trucks. Explore comic books, anime, collectibles, and enjoy a fun-filled weekend for fans of all ages.
Details: Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ • Comic artists & vendors • Cosplayers • Food trucks • Family-friendly
Dates: Sat, Jan 24 (10 AM–4 PM) & Sun, Jan 25 (10 AM–3 PM) • Cost: $10 cash only • Kids under 12 free

Atlantic City Wing Fest
A finger-licking celebration of South Jersey’s best wings, featuring an all-you-can-eat experience with more than 20 local restaurants competing for ultimate bragging rights. Sample, vote, and crown your favorite wing at this delicious festival.
Details: Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ • 20+ restaurants • All-you-can-eat wings • Voting for best wing
Dates: Sat, Jan 31 • 12 PM–4 PM • Cost: $5+

January proves that family fun in New Jersey doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With so many free and low-cost events happening across the state, it’s easy to turn winter weekends into memorable experiences for the whole family. Whether you’re sampling soups, dancing with toddlers, exploring expos, or discovering something new together, these budget-friendly outings make it simple to start the year on a fun—and affordable—note.

Read more at NJ Kids