Winter is tough at the Jersey Shore. While the snow is usually pretty mild, the temperatures are uncomfortably low, and daylight hours are significantly shorter. Despite being far away from our beach and boardwalk days, many fun indoor activities can be enjoyed at the Jersey Shore during the off-season to relieve the heavy winter doldrums. From getting crafty at a paint and sip or pottery workshop to tapping into your spiritual side with an aura or palm reading, there is no shortage of activities to warm your heart, soul, and physical body. Read on for a list of things to do indoors at the Jersey Shore during the winter.
Asbury Park
Glassblowing at Hot Sand | 550 Cookman Avenue #103
Glassblowing: an indoor activity that is guaranteed to be warm. Hot Sand’s glass-blowing studio on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park allows guests to make their own drink tumblers, bowls, paperweights, vases, ornaments, candy dishes, and more. Under the guidance of a skilled artist, participants get to be hands-on with Hot Sand’s glass-blowing equipment and learn the ins and outs of the craft. All items made at Hot Sand are ready for pick up seven days after they are made. If participants aren’t local, items can be shipped. Reservations for glassblowing can be made on Hot Sand’s website.
Read More: Thrift, Consignment, + Vintage Stores in Asbury Park + Beyond
Paint at Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations | 612 Cookman Avenue
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Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations is an independent, locally-owned small business and boutique studio for paint-and-sip classes and events. The classes are easy and friendly for all skill levels — no prior painting or artistic experience is necessary. Guests will follow the instructions of a certified art teacher to paint their own 16×20 canvas masterpieces. Painters are encouraged to bring their favorite wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Uncorked will supply wine glasses, paper goods, and utensils. Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations events are $36 per person on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and $40 per person on weekends (Friday and Saturday) for a 2 1/2 hour event, unless otherwise noted. Paint and sip seats can be booked on the Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations website.
Get a Psychic Reading at Madam Marie’s | 1150 Ocean Avenue
Get a glimpse into your future at Madam Marie’s, the iconic psychic shop. Madam Marie’s is a staple on the Asbury Park boardwalk and is even referenced in Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 track “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” Drop in for a palm reading, a tarot card reading, or a full psychic reading.
Go to a Concert at The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue
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The historic music club known as The Stone Pony hosts local and national touring acts all year round. The venue — most known for launching the careers of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi — has a stacked calendar of concerts, events, and themed DJ nights. Show tickets and information can be found on The Stony Pony’s website.
Go Bowling at Asbury Lanes | 209 4th Avenue
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Asbury Lanes has bowling, drinks, and diner food. Bowling is available at $30 per half hour and up to six guests can be accommodated per lane. Shoe rentals are $5 on-site. The Diner — conveniently located inside of Asbury Lanes — offers delicious diner staples, including milkshakes, sliders, chicken finger platters, and more. Bowling hours are modified around private and ticketed events at the Lanes. If there is an event or concert date on the calendar page, the lanes will not be open for bowling unless otherwise stated.
Belmar
Get an Aura Reading at the Mineral Shop | 923 Main Street
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An aura photo describes an individual’s energy based on colors and where they’re located in a photograph. To capture an aura photo, the Mineral Shop has participants sit still with hands placed firmly on metal plates that measure electromagnetic fields. After the photo is developed, the Mineral Shop team will give a detailed reading about what the colors and placements in the photo mean. Aura photography sessions are available by walk-ins only on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 12PM to 5PM and Sundays from 12PM to 4PM. An aura photo with a reading is $42 (plus tax) and includes the printed aura photo, a reading on what each color and its placement means, and a detailed booklet with info on each color in the photo.
Take a Pottery Workshop at Lovelight Handmade | 57 Main Street, Suite 3
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Lovelight Handmade’s studio is a multi-purpose, collaborative space offering classes and workshops. The studio hosts a variety of events such as pinch pot pottery and ornament-making classes, candle pouring and dyeing workshops, as well as private lessons. BYOB is encouraged! Workshop spots can be purchased on Lovelight Handmade’s website.
Jackson
Go Roller Skating at United Skates | 2270 West County Line Road
United Skates Jackson — formerly known as Jackson Skating Center — reopened in March 2023 under new management. The rink regularly hosts themed public skate nights, such as Glow in the Dark Skate and Taylor Swift nights. It is $6.00 to rent regular inline skates and $7.00 to rent rollerblades. While no outside food or drink is permitted, there is a full-service cafe for snacks and beverages that is open during skating hours. United Skates lockers are available to store belongings on a first-come-first-served basis.
Marlboro
Make Your Own Candles at Brighter Days Candle Co. | 87 South Main Street
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Brighter Days Candle Co. offers candle-making workshops at its Marlboro, New Jersey studio. A candle expert from the Brighter Days team will give detailed instructions and tips on how to make the perfect soy wax candle. A ticket to a candle-making workshop includes two 8-oz hand-poured, scented wooden wick soy candles and the opportunity to pick and create a candle name, scent, and label. BYOB is welcome and encouraged. Candle-making workshops are geared towards adults and individuals aged 12 and up. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the candle workshop at any time. Candle-making workshop dates and times can be found on the website.
See More: Indoor Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Wall
Go Ice Skating at Jersey Shore Arena | 1215 Wyckoff Road
‘Tis the season to go ice skating. The Jersey Shore Arena has three NHL-size ice-skating rinks, a snack bar, and skate rentals available on-site. The skating complex hosts public skating sessions and DJ Skates every week. Public skate pricing is $11 while DJ Skate nights are $16. Skate Rentals are $5. Public skating information can be found on the Jersey Shore Arena website.
