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2024 Guide: Local, Winter Family Fun

Great Cold-Weather Activities for the Family

By Naida December 9, 2023

As the weather gets colder, it might not be as pleasant to do such activities as biking and tennis, rafting or all the other family fun we enjoyed throughout the summer and fall. But, no worries!!! Woodbridge and its surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor winter activities for families and individuals to enjoy.
Here are some options to consider:

Family Fun Winter Activities Nearby:

Woodbridge Community Center Ice Skating Rink:

600 Main St, Woodbridge, NJ, 07095
(732) 596-4000
https://njwcc.com/ice-skating/

Embrace the winter chill with a visit to the Woodbridge Community Center Ice Skating Rink. Lace up your skates and enjoy a fun day of gliding across the ice.

Cultural and Historical Parks:

Explore local parks such as Parker Press Park (400 Rahway Ave, Woodbridge Township) or Merrill Park (Fairview Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067) or Roosevelt Park (51 Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ 08837) for picturesque winter walks. These parks often have trails, open spaces, and historical landmarks to discover and Roosevelt Park also offers seasonal, outdoor ice skating.

Winter Bird Watching at Rahway River Parkway:

Elmwood Rd, Union, NJ 07083
(732) 535-7864
https://www.rahwayriverparkway.org/our-parks

Rahway River Parkway in Union County is a serene location for winter bird watching. Bundle up, bring your binoculars, and observe the winter birds that call the area home. Read our article on Bird Watching Together for great tips and advice.

Sledding at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park:

201 John T O'Leary Blvd, South Amboy, NJ 08879
(732) 745-3900
https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/67/36?npage=2&ref=travellens.co

If snowfall permits, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy is an excellent spot for sledding. It offers gentle slopes that are perfect for family-friendly sledding.

Winter Photography at Roosevelt Park:

151 Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 745-3900
https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/89/
Roosevelt Park in Edison, NJ, provides a scenic backdrop for winter photography. Capture the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes. Enjoy outdoor ice skating and great walking trails too.

Skiing and Snowboarding at Mountain Creek:

200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
(973) 827-2000

https://mountaincreek.com/

Take a short drive to Mountain Creek in Vernon, NJ, for skiing and snowboarding adventures. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the resort offers slopes for all skill levels.

Cross-Country Skiing at South Mountain Reservation:

Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 268-3500
https://essexcountyparks.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation

Head to South Mountain Reservation in nearby Essex County for cross-country skiing trails. This scenic location provides a tranquil setting for winter sports enthusiasts.

Winter Hiking at Cheesequake State Park:

300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747
(732) 566-2161
https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequakestatepark.html

Cheesequake State Park in Old Bridge, NJ, offers hiking trails suitable for winter exploration. Bundle up and take a nature walk to enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape.

Snowshoeing at Watchung Reservation:

Historic Trail, Mountainside, NJ 07092
(908) 789-3670
https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/paths-trails-greenways/watchung-reservation/

Try snowshoeing at Watchung Reservation in Union County. This activity is a great way to experience the winter scenery while getting some fun exercise in and great fresh air.

Fishing at Echo Lake Park:

1028 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, NJ 07092
https://www.getoutsidenj.com/places/echo-lake-park-mountainside-union-county-new-jersey/

If you enjoy fishing, consider trying your luck at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, NJ. The lake is open year-round, providing a peaceful winter fishing experience. Good sledding areas can be found here as well.

Before heading out, it's always a good idea to check the current conditions and any potential restrictions or regulations at the specific outdoor venues. Whether you're seeking adventure on the slopes or a peaceful winter hike, the Woodbridge area has a range of outdoor activities to suit various preferences.

For more daily family fun
Check out our 
Events Calendar
as well as our 2023 Holiday Family Fun Guide


Be sure to tell local businesses and events you found them 
on Macaroni Kid Greater Woodbridge
and make sure to tell all your friends!