Jersey City and Iselin host some of the largest Diwali fireworks displays, which are held on the streets. Large crowds gather to watch the fireworks, and people are encouraged to light their own fireworks and enjoy the celebrations together. Holi is openly celebrated in many parks, temples, and other public places. You’ll typically see signs indicating the dates and times of the events.
When: Ongoing, usually on weekends and during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Janmashtami.
What: The Mandir offers cultural programs for kids, including storytelling, arts and crafts, dance performances, and religious education. These programs focus on learning about Hinduism, Indian traditions, and spiritual practices. Learn Gujarti, Music Intruments, Tabla and others. Adults are also welcome to learn.
Cost: Free for members of the community.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment.
When: Annual event, typically in March (date varies).
What: A vibrant celebration of the Holi Festival, featuring color throwing, live music, dance, and cultural performances. While it’s more fun and festive, kids can also learn about the cultural significance of the festival.
Cost: Usually free or a small fee for food and activities.
Type of Activity: Playing, cultural education.
When: Year-round, often held on weekends.
What: Dance studios and community centers in NJ offer Bollywood dance classes for kids. These classes teach energetic dance moves to popular Bollywood songs, providing both fun and fitness. Sometimes, these programs culminate in recitals and performances.
Cost: Typically $10–$20 per class or $100–$200 for a session.
Type of Activity: Physical activity, learning cultural dance.
When: Summer (June–August).
What: Several cultural centers offer summer camps where kids learn about Indian culture, including dance, music, arts, crafts, and traditional cooking. For example, the Indian Cultural Society of Central Jersey holds such camps.
Cost: Fees vary, but most camps are affordable and range from $200–$500 for the full session.
Type of Activity: Learning (arts, music, language, dance).
When: Often during festivals like India Day, Diwali, or Navratri.
What: Many temples and community organizations organize talent shows where kids can participate in dance, music, acting, and other performances. It’s a great opportunity for kids to showcase their talents in front of an audience.
Cost: Typically free to participate, but there might be a small fee for family attendance or food.
Type of Activity: Playing and learning (performing arts).
When: August–September, during Ganesh Chaturthi.
What: Many temples in NJ celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with specific activities for kids, such as making Ganesh idols, learning about the deity through storytelling, and participating in family-oriented rituals.
Cost: Free or minimal fees for special activities.
Type of Activity: Learning & crafting (art, culture, religion).
When: Year-round, especially during festival seasons (Diwali, Makar Sankranti, etc.).
What: Some cultural centers host art and craft workshops for kids, where they can learn to create traditional Indian art forms like Rangoli, Madhubani painting, and Henna designs. It’s a fun way for kids to engage with their cultural heritage.
Cost: Many workshops are free, or there might be a nominal fee for materials.
Type of Activity: Crafting, learning (art).
When: Year-round, with summer training camps.
What: The Indian-American Cultural & Sports Association (IACSA) offers youth cricket programs where kids can learn how to play cricket. This includes skills training and friendly tournaments, with a focus on teamwork and sportsmanship.
Cost: $100–$200 for a season or training camp.
Type of Activity: Physical activity, learning (sports).
When: Ongoing throughout the year, usually on weekends or after school.
What: Various cultural and community centers, including Indian Cultural Center in Edison and Shree Sanatan Mandir in Piscataway, offer language classes in Hindi, Punjabi, and Gujarati. These classes focus on reading, writing, and speaking the language in an engaging, interactive way for kids.
Cost: Often free or low-cost for community members, usually around $50–$100 per session.
Type of Activity: Learning (language acquisition).
When: August, around India’s Independence Day.
What: The India Day Parade in Edison is a large cultural celebration, featuring performances, games, and food. Kids can enjoy cultural dance, learn about India’s history, and participate in family-friendly activities.
Cost: Free to attend the parade and festival, but food and some activities may require a small fee.
Type of Activity: Playing & cultural learning (festival).
When: Year-round, often weekends.
What: Some Sahaja Yoga centers in New Jersey offer family yoga classes where kids and parents can participate together. These classes may also include meditation and mindfulness practices based on Indian traditions.
Cost: Free or low-cost (donations are often encouraged).
Type of Activity: Physical activity, mindfulness.
When: Typically once a month, often in the evening.
What: The library hosts Bollywood movie nights for families, including a kids’ screening of animated or family-friendly Bollywood movies. Before or after the movie, they may have related arts and crafts activities.
Cost: Usually free to attend, but limited seating and snacks may cost extra.
Type of Activity: Playing (watching movies), cultural learning.
When: Weekly classes, often weekends.
What: Community centers like the Jersey City Indian Cultural Center sometimes offer free Bollywood dance classes for kids. These sessions allow kids to learn dance moves from popular Bollywood songs while having fun.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Physical activity, cultural learning.
When: Periodically, usually during festivals or long weekends.
What: These are informal playdate events organized by community groups where Desi families get together. Kids can engage in games, arts and crafts, and cultural activities while interacting with other children from the Desi community.
Cost: Free, though some events may ask for contributions for snacks or activities.
Type of Activity: Playing (socialization, fun).
When: Saturdays, year-round.
What: Offered by the Gujarati Samaj of Central Jersey, these language classes are for kids to learn Gujarati in a structured, interactive format.
Cost: $50–$100 per session.
Type of Activity: Learning (language).
Activities: The Gurdwara offers Sikhism-based educational programs for children. They conduct Gurmat classes (studying Sikh principles and scriptures), Kirtan classes (learning traditional Sikh music), and organize community events like Vaisakhi and Gurpurabs.
When: Weekends, special festivals, and holidays.
Cost: Free (donations accepted).
Type of Activity: Learning (religion, music, culture).
Activities: This temple provides a variety of educational activities for kids, including Bhajan classes, cultural dance lessons, and youth programs to teach children about Hindu mythology and values. The temple also holds religious celebrations and community events such as Durga Puja and Diwali, with kids’ activities during these festivals.
When: Weekends, festivals, and during school breaks.
Cost: Free for members; nominal charges for special events or materials.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment (dance, spirituality).
Activities: The mosque offers Islamic classes for children that focus on learning the Quran, Arabic, and Islamic teachings. During Ramadan, they organize events and activities like Iftar parties and children’s Quran recitation competitions.
When: Weekends, Ramadan, and during religious events like Eid.
Cost: Free for classes and events.
Type of Activity: Learning & religious education (Quran, Islam, spirituality).
Activities: The Jain Center offers religious education classes for kids, where they learn about Jainism, its values, and rituals. They organize youth camps, cultural workshops, and fun activities like Rangoli competitions, and celebrate festivals such as Paryushan and Diwali.
When: Weekends, festivals, and special events.
Cost: Free or minimal charges for camps and activities.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment (Jain philosophy, arts).
Activities: This mosque provides Islamic Sunday school for children, teaching them about Prophet Muhammad's life, Quran, and Islamic traditions. The mosque also hosts events like Eid celebrations, Quran memorization competitions, and family nights with special children’s activities.
When: Weekends, Ramadan, and Eid.
Cost: Free for the community.
Type of Activity: Learning & religious education (Islamic teachings, community events).
Activities: Mata Durga Mandir offers Hindu religious education programs for children, including learning the Bhagavad Gita, practicing chanting, and participating in festivals. Special events like Durga Puja and Navratri feature kids’ activities such as dandia dancing and arts & crafts.
When: Weekends, festivals, and during special community events.
Cost: Free, but donations are encouraged.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural (religion, dance, crafts).
Activities: Masjid Al-Ansar provides Islamic studies programs for kids, teaching Quran, Arabic language, and Islamic history. During Ramadan, the mosque organizes youth Quran competitions, community iftars, and religious talks for children.
When: Weekends, Ramadan, Eid.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Learning (religion, language).
Activities: The Gita Temple offers Bhagavad Gita classes for children, where they learn the teachings of the Gita in a fun and interactive way. The temple also celebrates traditional Hindu festivals with kids’ activities, including arts and crafts, dance performances, and religious classes.
When: Weekends, during major Hindu festivals.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural education (religion, arts, spirituality).
Activities: Offers Islamic Sunday school for children, focusing on Quran recitation, Arabic language, and Islamic morals and values. During Eid and Ramadan, there are special events like youth Quran contests, community outreach programs, and fun activities for kids.
When: Sundays, Eid, Ramadan.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Learning (religion, language).
Activities: Offers regular Hindu education classes for children, focusing on learning the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Bhajans. During festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami, kids can participate in Krishna-related dramas, songs, and dance. They also organize youth events during major holidays.
When: Weekends, festivals.
Cost: Free or donations.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural education (religion, music, arts).
Activities: Quran classes for kids, where they can learn to read and memorize the Quran, are available. The mosque also hosts events like Eid celebrations, Ramadan activities, and youth talks to engage children with Islamic teachings and community service.
When: Weekends, Eid, and Ramadan.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Learning (religion, Quran).
Activities: The temple offers youth education programs, teaching children about Hindu philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, and Indian culture. The temple also organizes cultural festivals like Diwali and Navratri, with special kids' activities, including dancing and art projects.
When: Weekends, major Hindu festivals.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment (religion, culture).
Activities: Offers Quranic studies classes for children to learn about Islam, including prayer practices, and holds family nights with fun games and activities. They also organize youth Ramadan programs like Quran recitations and community iftar dinners.
When: Weekends, Ramadan, Eid.
Cost: Free.
Type of Activity: Learning & community building (religion, language).
Activities: Offers Hindu spiritual education for children, where they learn about Deities, rituals, and festivals. During Navratri, kids can participate in Dandiya dancing and arts and crafts projects related to Hindu deities.
When: Weekends, festival times.
Cost: Free, donations welcome.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural activities (dance, arts, religion).
Activities: ISKCON offers a wide range of activities for kids, including Bhakti yoga classes, storytelling sessions about Lord Krishna, Kirtan (devotional singing), and art workshops. Children learn about Hindu traditions, the Bhagavad Gita, and the stories of the deities. During festivals like Janmashtami, they organize special children’s programs, such as Krishna-related arts, dance performances, and craft workshops.
When: Regular classes on weekends and special programs during festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, and Holi.
Cost: Many activities are free for community members. Donations may be requested for events.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment (spiritual teachings, arts, music, festivals).
Activities: Umiya Dham is known for organizing religious classes for children, where they learn about Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana. The temple also organizes youth programs focusing on teaching traditional values, as well as arts and crafts related to Hindu culture. The temple holds special events during Navratri, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti, with activities for children such as Dandiya dancing, cultural performances, and prayer services.
When: Weekends, festivals, and special holidays.
Cost: Free, but donations are encouraged.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural activities (religion, arts, dance).
Activities: Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple offers a variety of religious and cultural programs for children. These include Bhagavad Gita classes, spiritual discourses, and prayer sessions. Children also participate in cultural activities such as Bhajans, traditional dance, and arts & crafts. During festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Sankranti, the temple organizes events with specific programs for kids, such as storytelling, pujas, and cultural performances.
When: Weekends, during festivals like Diwali and Navratri, and during special temple events.
Cost: Free for community members. Donations for special events may apply.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment (spiritual teachings, arts, dance).
Activities: Sai Datta Peetham provides religious education for children, focusing on the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba and Indian spirituality. The center offers youth spiritual programs, including Bhajans, prayer services, and storytelling sessions about Sai Baba’s life. The temple also hosts festivals such as Sai Baba Purnima, where children are involved in devotional activities and learn about Indian culture.
When: Regular weekly programs, Sai Baba's Purnima, and other key Hindu festivals.
Cost: Free, with an option for donations during events.
Type of Activity: Learning & spiritual activities (religion, prayer, culture).
Activities: Gayatri Chetna Center focuses on spiritual and cultural education for kids. They offer classes on Gayatri Mantras, Hindu scriptures, and meditation. The center hosts youth programs, where kids learn about spirituality, Indian culture, and traditional Hindu practices. During festivals like Makar Sankranti and Diwali, the center organizes special kids' programs that include pujas, yoga, dance, and arts & crafts.
When: Regular weekend classes, and special events during Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Navratri, and Holika Dahan.
Cost: Free for the community; donations are often requested for events and materials.
Type of Activity: Learning & cultural enrichment (religion, spirituality, arts).
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