29 Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Rain or Shine 2025
Indoor activities in New Jersey are more than just a rainy-day fallback — they’ve become an essential part of local life thanks to the state’s unpredictable climate. According to the New Jersey State Climate Office, the state sees over 120 days of measurable rainfall each year. Summers are no break either, with temperatures topping 90°F for about 25 days annually, based on data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.
It’s not just the weather sending people indoors. Immersive experiences like escape rooms, interactive exhibits and themed attractions are becoming more popular nationwide. According to Allied Market Research, the immersive experience industry is expected to more than double by 2032 and New Jersey is jumping on board.
With everything from world-famous attractions like Nickelodeon Universe to tucked-away museums and cozy cafés, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained indoors. And compared to nearby cities like New York or Philadelphia, New Jersey offers just as much variety, with less of the crowd.
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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
Feature image via Adventure Aquarium
Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Adults
1. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes in New Jersey are booming, with NJ Monthly calling them “in hot demand” at spots like Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge. It’s not just about staying indoors; it’s about learning to perfect handmade pasta or master your knife skills with a seasoned chef guiding the way.
Even experienced home cooks can pick up new tricks with classes ranging from sushi rolling to pastry technique. And thanks to the Garden State’s access to fresh, local produce and strong farm-to-table roots, you’re likely to walk away with a new go-to recipe and an appreciation for Jersey’s delicious food scene.
2. Improve your Photography Skills
Photography classes are another top pick for indoor activities in New Jersey, especially if you’re looking to slow down and see things from a new angle — literally.
Plenty of studios and local artists offer beginner-friendly workshops across the state, from Hoboken to Princeton. Whether you’re using a DSLR or just your phone, you’ll learn how to frame a shot, play with lighting.
3. Try Indoor Go-Karting
Looking for high-energy indoor activities in New Jersey that beat the weather and the usual routine? Indoor go-karting is the answer.
Head to RPM Raceway in Jersey City or Supercharged Entertainment in Edison for multi-level tracks, VR arcades and full snack bars. It's fast, fun and doesn't depend on good weather — just a little friendly trash talk.
4. Brush up on your Shakespeare
If you're in the mood for something a little more cultural, head to the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison. It’s one of the longest-running professional Shakespeare companies in the country and makes for a great night out when you have to stay in.
They don’t stick strictly to the Bard, either. The season usually includes modern classics and clever adaptations, so it’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s playing.
5. Book a Luxury Spa Day
Book a trip for two to Crystal Springs Resort and enjoy the beautiful scenery and an incredible variety of spa treatments. If you're planning a romantic weekend or just need to decompress, a couples massage or thermal pool session is a luxurious reset. It makes for a great date idea in New Jersey if you're planning a slightly longer getaway.
6. Soar Through Space at the State Planetarium
Tucked inside the New Jersey State Museum, the Planetarium hosts weekly shows and live presentations. You’ll feel like you’ve left for space without ever leaving the ground. It's a top choice for science lovers or anyone curious about the cosmos.
7. Book a Unique TopGolf Experience
At 1776 by David Burke in Morristown, you’ll find a stylish restaurant that also houses a TopGolf Swing Suite. It's a favorite spot for birthdays, double dates or even group activities for adults in general, because it’s casual, fun and way more social than your average night out.
8. See a Movie
Skip the usual multiplex and try something with a little more flair, like the AMC Dine-In theater in Hackensack. The theater was redesigned to feel like a glamorous moviegoing experience, but with reclining seats, a bar and a full menu, you'll get more than just a show.
9. Visit a Brewery
Looking for indoor activities in New Jersey for adults this weekend? Brewery tours are always a hit. From Kane Brewing Company to Carton or Flying Fish, New Jersey’s craft beer scene has plenty of options for low-key hangouts and tastings.
10. Go on a Food Tour
From Red Bank to Jersey City, New Jersey’s food scene is full of surprises and you don’t need sunshine to enjoy it. Guided tours like Beyond the Plate take you through local favorites and hidden gems, or you can build your own route with a little help from Yelp. It’s a tasty way to explore the state and one of the more delicious indoor activities in New Jersey, because there’s always plenty of dining to be done.
11. Attend a Hockey Game
Hockey fans, take note: catching a New Jersey Devils game at the Prudential Center is one of the fun-filled indoor activities in New Jersey. The Devils bring serious energy to the ice, especially when facing off against rivals like the Rangers or Flyers. Even if you're not a fan yet, be ready to pick a side and yell at the refs.
Hot tip: For big matchups or weekend games, grab your tickets early — they go fast.
12. Learn More About Aviation
Aviation buffs (or even just those who are curious) can check out the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum. The museum is housed in a WWII-era hangar and it’s packed with vintage planes, engines and flight simulators.
13. Book a Trip to Atlantic City
Atlantic City offers more than just beach days and boardwalk strolls; it’s packed with indoor fun, too. Think casinos, resorts, indoor pools, spa escapes and live shows all in one spot. Perfect for group trips or for memorable bachelor or bachelorette party ideas.
Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Families
14. Try a Family Team Building Exercise
Team-building activities in New Jersey aren’t just for office retreats; they work wonders for families, too. In New Jersey, these indoor activities are growing in popularity as parents look for ways to unplug and reconnect with their kids. Local team building activities in New Jersey include escape rooms, scavenger hunts and creative challenges that will get you working together and talking through your problems.
15. Visit American Dream Indoor Amusement Park
You don’t have to choose between roller coasters and staying dry. American Dream in East Rutherford is packed with things to do for indoor activities in New Jersey — think theme park rides, a water park, ice skating and even a ski slope. It's an option that works for the whole family.
16. Slip and Slide at an Indoor Waterpark
Rain or snow outside? No problem. Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin delivers that summer feeling year-round with massive indoor slides, a lazy river and kid-friendly splash zones. It’s a top pick when the weather’s not playing nice.
17. See Sea Creatures at Adventure Aquarium
One of the best indoor activities in New Jersey is a visit to Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Frequently rated the No. 1 attraction in Camden on TripAdvisor, it's also the largest aquarium in the state, with more than 15,000 aquatic species and a massive shark tunnel that lets you walk through the action.
Located right on the Delaware River, it’s a great spot to stay dry, stay warm and still feel like you’ve stepped into another world. From hippos to jellyfish, there’s plenty to keep both kids and grown-ups entertained.
18. Visit the Morris Museum
Located in Morristown, the Morris Museum is part of the Smithsonian Affiliations program, so you know you'll get to enjoy some high-quality exhibits. Don't forget to check out live performances or the Spark! Lab for interactive STEM play. And if you're looking for indoor date ideas, add this to your list.
19. Try Indoor Rock Climbing Together
If your crew has energy to burn, indoor rock climbing is a solid option. With bouldering gyms and beginner walls across the state, it’s easy to find a spot where kids and adults can learn the ropes — literally.
Gyms like The Gravity Vault and Method Climbing + Fitness offer a fun, weatherproof way to stay active together. With kid-friendly walls and beginner routes, it’s one of the more adventurous indoor activities in New Jersey that works for families with a mix of ages or energy levels.
20. Visit an Indoor Sports Center
When the weather rules out outdoor play, indoor sports centers like Adventure Crossing USA keep things moving. Try axe throwing, arcade games or a round in the virtual flight simulator. It’s big fun under one roof.
Indoor Activities in New Jersey for Kids
21. Attend an Art Class
Help kids tap into their creativity with art classes in New Jersey. From pottery to painting, these classes offer a low-pressure way to explore new materials and build confidence — and maybe even come home with something fridge-worthy. Psst... while the kids are creating masterpieces, parents can create their own, along with a bit of 18+ fun. Mom and dad can attend paint and sip classes in New Jersey so that you can all walk away with something to frame. Go on, we won't tell the kiddos.
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. With over 750,000 visitors a year, it’s one of the most popular indoor activities in New Jersey for curious kids.
23. Bounce Around Indoors
Still wondering where to take kids on a rainy day in NJ? Try an indoor bounce park like Catch Air. With lights, music and colorful inflatables, it’s a full-body workout disguised as fun — perfect for rainy days and high-energy afternoons.
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.
24. Solve Puzzles Together
Escape rooms aren’t just for adults. At Escapology in Garwood, each room is private and family-friendly, so your group can crack codes and uncover clues at your own pace. Great for teamwork and rainy-day laughs.
Free Indoor Activities in New Jersey
25. Visit Your Local Library
Libraries are free, warm and full of possibility. Let the kids roam the children’s section while you browse something new, or take advantage of scheduled storytimes, workshops and community events.
26. Window Shop at the Mall
New Jersey’s malls aren’t just for shopping. Spots like Menlo Park Mall and Freehold Raceway Mall have free kids’ play areas and plenty of space to wander without spending a cent.
27. Visit the Raptor Trust
While many of the Raptor Trust's exhibits are outdoors, they also offer indoor education programs about birds of prey.
So, if you're willing to brave a little drizzle, you'll be rewarded with up-close views of bald eagles, hawks, falcons and more. The aviary trail is free to visitors any time they are open.
28. Visit a Free Museum
Some museums around the state offer free admission — just double-check before you go. A hidden gem is the Paterson Museum, which displays New Jersey’s industrial history with exhibits on locomotives, inventions and early manufacturing.
29. Register for Kids Bowl Free
Kids Bowl Free is 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. Simply look for the participating bowling centers in New Jersey and start the fun.
Rain, heat or just a lazy Saturday — indoor activities in New Jersey aren’t just a backup plan anymore. They’re a great excuse to try something new, see a different side of the state or just stay dry without staying home.
So whether you’re planning ahead or winging it, there’s plenty to explore.
For even more fun things to do in New Jersey, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
