Presidents Day 2026: Your Complete Guide to Activities in Essex County
School's out! Here's everything open and fun for kids in Livingston, Montclair, Maplewood, Millburn & beyond
🚨 Last-Minute Planning?
Presidents Day is THIS Monday, February 17. Most Essex County schools are closed (Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange-Maplewood, Millburn, West Orange, Montclair). If you haven't planned yet, don't panic—here's everything you need to know about what's open, what camps still have spots, and free backup options.
Presidents Day always sneaks up on working parents. You scramble to find camps (many are full), coordinate with other families, or take the day off work. This guide covers all your options—from one-day camps still accepting registrations to drop-in activities, free outdoor options, and rainy-day backups.
Weather forecast: Mid-40s, partly cloudy. Decent for outdoor activities if kids are dressed warmly, but indoor options are smart backups.
Presidents Day Camps (One-Day Options)
Many businesses offer single-day camps on Presidents Day. Here are venues that typically run them. Call TODAY to check availability—most fill up a week in advance.
🎪 Indoor Play Space Camps
Best for: Ages 3-7 years
What they offer: Drop-off camps with structured play, crafts, games, and snack time
Typical cost: $60-85 for 4-6 hours
Why it works: Kids burn energy, parents get a full workday
🎨 Arts & Creativity Camps
Best for: Ages 4-12 years
What they offer: Painting, pottery, crafts, sometimes combined with STEAM activities
Typical cost: $55-75 for half-day, $85-120 for full-day
Why it works: Quieter, creative outlet, kids take home projects
⚽ Sports & Gymnastics Camps
Best for: Ages 4-10 years
What they offer: Active camps with gymnastics, ninja courses, sports drills
Typical cost: $65-90 for half-day
Why it works: Exhausts high-energy kids, supervised by trained instructors
Pro tip: If camps are full, ask about drop-in "open play" sessions. Many venues offer extended hours on school holidays—not structured camps, but supervised play where you can drop kids for 2-3 hours.
Major Destinations (Plan a Full Day)
Make Presidents Day special with a bigger outing. These venues are perfect for 3-5 hour adventures.
🐢 Turtle Back Zoo - West Orange
New Jersey's top-rated zoo with 1,400+ animals, train rides, carousel, and treetop adventure course.
Hours: Monday 10 AM-3 PM (winter hours)
Admission: $20 adults, $16 kids (2-12), under 2 free
Best for: All ages, plan 3-4 hours
Weather factor: Mostly outdoor—dress warmly!
Tip: Arrive at opening to avoid crowds. Indoor exhibits (reptile house, aviary) offer warm-up spots.
🎭 Paper Mill Playhouse - Millburn
Check if there's a family-friendly show running. Presidents Day matinees are popular.
Best for: Ages 5+, show-dependent
Tickets: Vary by show, check website
Tip: If no shows, combine with downtown Millburn lunch + shopping
🎢 American Dream Mall - East Rutherford
30 minutes away but worth it: Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND, Big SNOW (indoor skiing), and 20+ other attractions.
Hours: Monday 10 AM-9 PM (varies by attraction)
Best strategy: Pick 1-2 attractions + lunch, don't try to do it all
Cost: $40-60 per person per attraction
Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for small discounts
Free Options (Budget-Friendly Day)
Presidents Day doesn't have to be expensive. These options cost nothing or nearly nothing:
🌳 Parks & Playgrounds
If the weather cooperates (mid-40s is doable with layers), hit the parks. Less crowded than summer, and kids appreciate the freedom after being cooped up all winter.
Top picks:
- South Mountain Nature School - Maplewood
- Regatta Playground - West Orange
- Montclair Public Library - Montclair
Pack hot chocolate in a thermos and make it an adventure!
📚 Library Programs
Check library websites for Presidents Day hours. Many offer special programming on school holidays—crafts, storytimes, movies, or drop-in STEAM activities.
Call these libraries Monday morning:
- Montclair Public Library (973-744-0500)
- Livingston Public Library (973-992-4600)
- Maplewood Memorial Library (973-762-1688)
- Millburn Free Public Library (973-376-1006)
Even if no special programs, libraries are warm, free, and kids can browse for an hour.
🏛️ Educational + Free Entry
These venues are free or low-cost:
- Cora Hartshorn Arboretum (Short Hills) - Nature trails, tree house, free admission
- Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair) - Formal gardens, free grounds access
- Greenwood Gardens (Short Hills) - $10 adults, kids under 12 free
Gardens may look bare in February, but kids enjoy exploring trails and finding wildlife.
🏠 Home Backup: Make it Special
If you're staying home, make it feel like an event to avoid "I'm bored" meltdowns:
- Presidential theme: Learn about presidents, make mini Oval Office, "vote" on lunch
- Movie marathon: Set up living room "theater" with blankets + popcorn
- Cooking project: Let kids make their own pizzas or decorate cookies
- Build challenge: LEGO competition, fort building, obstacle course
- Craft station: Set up supplies and let them create
Co-op with Other Families
One parent can't be in three places at once. If you're stuck working Monday, coordinate with other families:
🤝 Parent Swap
You take 3-4 kids Monday morning (9 AM-12 PM), another parent takes afternoon shift (12-3 PM), third parent takes evening (3-6 PM). Everyone gets a chunk of workday, kids have playmates.
🎨 Activity Station Rotation
Set up 3-4 activity stations at different houses (LEGO at House A, crafts at House B, movie at House C). Kids rotate every 90 minutes, parents take turns supervising. Keeps kids engaged, reduces boredom.
🚗 Carpool to Camp
If multiple families enrolled in same camp, coordinate dropoff/pickup. One parent does morning run, another does afternoon. Saves everyone time.
Bad Weather Backup Plans
If Monday's weather turns nasty (rain, snow, or just brutally cold), these indoor options don't require advance booking:
Drop-In Indoor Play (No Reservation)
- Pump It Up - Millburn
Private inflatable party arena with giant bounce houses, obstacle courses, and slides. Every party is completely private — you get the entire facility...
Pro tip: Call ahead Monday morning to check if they're open and how crowded they are. Holiday Mondays can be hit-or-miss for business hours.
Presidents Day Survival Checklist
Make Monday smooth with this quick prep list:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most businesses open on Presidents Day?
Yes! Presidents Day is a busy day for kid-focused businesses. Indoor play spaces, gyms, and arts studios often run special programming. Call ahead to confirm hours, as some may open late (10 AM instead of 9 AM).
What if I haven't registered for camps?
Start calling Friday or Saturday. Many camps have last-minute cancellations or add extra spots based on demand. If camps are full, look for drop-in open play sessions—less structured but gets you childcare for a few hours.
Can I just wing it Monday morning?
You can, but having a loose plan helps. Even if it's "start at the library, see if they have programs, then playground if weather's okay, then lunch, then indoor play in afternoon." Structure prevents the 10 AM "what now?" panic.
How much should I budget for Presidents Day?
Free day: $0-20 (maybe lunch out)
Mixed day: $40-80 (one paid activity + meals)
Camp day: $60-120 depending on hours
Major outing: $150-300 for family of four (zoo, attractions, meals)
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