If you’re not prepping Thanksgiving dinner, or it wraps up early, you might be wondering: What’s open on Thanksgiving Day in NJ? Many museums and stores close for the holiday, but there are still plenty of kid-friendly places to go on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
We’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas to get you going, including turkey trots, drive-thru holiday light displays, and a visit with the animals at the free Cape May County Park & Zoo. There’s even an all-inclusive Thanksgiving feast at iPlay America for families who’d rather skip kitchen duty.
What’s Open on Thanksgiving in NJ, At-a-Glance:
- Best Family Attraction That’s Open: iPlay America
- Best Bucket-List Event: The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Best Free Outing: Cape May County Park & Zoo
- Best Thanksgiving Morning Tradition: Chatham Turkey Trot
- Best for Little Kids: Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland
Skip kitchen duty with our roundup of NJ restaurants open on Thanksgiving, or browse our NJ fall day trips guide for more ways to get out of the house.
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Which Family Attractions Are Open on Thanksgiving 2026 in NJ?
Zoos, nature preserves, drive-thru light shows, and family entertainment centers are your best bets for Thanksgiving Day fun in New Jersey. Here are six spots open on Thursday, November 26, 2026, including one big NYC tradition that’s worth the trip across the Hudson.
1. Mapleton Preserve – Kingston, NJ
Join the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for its free, family-friendly Thanksgiving Day walk at Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. This popular annual walk runs from 10am to noon, so you’ll be home in plenty of time to baste the turkey. Prefer to choose your own path? Try a family hike along one of NJ’s many kid-friendly trails.
Thanksgiving Day hours: Guided walk 10am–noon
Reservations/tickets: Walk-ins welcome
Cost: Free
2. Cape May County Park & Zoo – Cape May Court House, NJ
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is open every day except Christmas, including Thanksgiving Day 2026. Admission is always free, and after seeing the animals, kids can burn off some energy at the expanded playground.
Thanksgiving Day hours: 10am–3:30pm
Reservations/tickets: Walk-ins welcome
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
Head to NYC for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo by Kent Miller for Macy’s
3. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York, NY
If you’re feeling ambitious, head into NYC for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which steps off at 8:30am. New balloons for the centennial include a new Hello Kitty, Joe Cool Snoopy and Woodstock, and Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse. Underdog also returns to the lineup for the first time in 42 years.
Thanksgiving Day hours: 8:30am–noon
Reservations/tickets: None needed, but people start lining up hours early for a good viewing spot
Cost: Free
4. Magic of Lights – Holmdel, NJ
For a seasonal spectacle closer to home, drive through Magic of Lights at the PNC Bank Arts Center, which opens for the season on November 20, 2026. Your family can stay warm in the car while you wind past dancing LED displays and animated holiday scenes. For more glowing options, see our guide to the best holiday light displays in New Jersey.
Thanksgiving Day hours: 5pm–10pm
Reservations/tickets: Buy online in advance to save; tickets aren’t tied to a specific date or time, and season passes are available
Cost: November-only tickets are $22 per standard car online ($30 at the gate)
5. iPlay America – Freehold, NJ
iPlay America opens at 2pm on Thanksgiving Day, with its arcade, Topgolf Swing Suite, laser tag, and Game Time Bar & Grill ready for family fun. The Bistro at iPlay America is serving a family-style Thanksgiving Feast + Fun dinner with roasted turkey, traditional sides, and dessert. Each dinner includes free laser tag, XD Dark Ride VR, and video game passes.
Thanksgiving Day hours: Starting at 2pm
Reservations/tickets: Required for the Thanksgiving dinner; book through iPlay America or Resy
Cost: $50 per adult and $25 per child for the dinner package
Drive past construction vehicles wrapped in lights at the Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland in West Berlin. Photo courtesy of Diggerland
6. Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland – West Berlin, NJ
Little construction fans will love Diggerland’s drive-thru holiday light show, which winds more than 1.5 miles through the park. Look for millions of twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, and more than 35 construction and emergency vehicles wrapped in lights. Tune your car radio to the park’s holiday station for a festive soundtrack.
Thanksgiving Day hours: 5:30pm–9:30pm
Reservations/tickets: Buy online in advance for a smoother visit
Cost: $37.99 per vehicle
Where Can Families Run a Turkey Trot or Catch a Game on Thanksgiving in NJ?
Turkey trots, new family movies, and high school football rivalries are three classic ways to spend Thanksgiving Day in New Jersey. Here’s where to find them in 2026.
7. Run or Walk in a Turkey Trot
Participate in a turkey trot before gobbling down dinner. Don’t worry if your typical exercise regimen consists mainly of sprinting after your toddler; many of these annual races include a walk or a kids’ run. Some races don’t allow strollers, so check before you sign up.
Check out these great trots, all on Thursday, November 26, 2026:
Thanksgiving Day hours: Most races start between 8:30am and 10am
Reservations/tickets: Registration required
Cost: Varies by race; for example, the REPLENISH 5K is $40 and the Racefaster Kids Fun Run is $30
8. Go to the Movies
Two new animated family films are in theaters for Thanksgiving 2026. Warner Bros.’ The Cat in the Hat, based on the Dr. Seuss classic, opened on Friday, November 6, 2026, and Disney’s Hexed opens on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. Either one is a nice way to relax with the kids before or after the big meal.
Thanksgiving Day hours: Vary by theater
Reservations/tickets: Recommended, though walk-ins are usually fine if you keep an eye on availability
Cost: Varies by theater; tickets generally run about $15–$20
9. Catch a High School Football Game
In some towns, Thanksgiving rivalry games are decades-long traditions that draw huge, enthusiastic crowds. The Phillipsburg vs. Easton, PA, matchup dates back more than a century and typically draws more than 13,000 fans. Other longtime rivalries include Atlantic City vs. Holy Spirit, Haddonfield vs. Haddon Heights, and Vineland vs. Millville, but check your local school’s schedule, since state playoff games can shift the lineup.
Thanksgiving Day hours: Kickoff is generally between 10am and 11am, depending on the game
Reservations/tickets: Buy in advance
Cost: Tickets are generally $5–$10
Which NJ Grocery Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving?
Wegmans and Kings Food Markets are typically open until 4pm on Thanksgiving, while ShopRite, Stop & Shop, and Acme hours vary by location. If you forget the cranberry sauce or run out of aluminum foil, call your local store to confirm its holiday hours. ALDI, Trader Joe’s, Target, Costco, and Walmart are closed on Thanksgiving.
What Should Families Know Before Heading Out on Thanksgiving Day in NJ?
Plan ahead, because holiday hours and traffic can both throw off your day. Keep these tips in mind:
- Check hours in advance, since holiday schedules often differ from daily ones.
- Bundle up for outdoor fun.
- Check the traffic report and leave extra time.
- Don’t feel like going out? Stay in and watch a Thanksgiving movie or do a Thanksgiving craft.
This post was last updated in fall 2026.
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