Check out these iconic things to do in New Jersey with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every Garden State native really must experience!

I never imagined that I would be raising three kids in New Jersey, but I'm happy with how things turned out, and living here definitely makes it easy to entertain kids.

Our state is crazy expensive, as we all know, but it's also diverse, both in population and geography, so there are plenty of fun things to do in New Jersey with kids of all ages and interests. From the gorgeous Jersey Shore beaches to our plentiful Garden State farms, New Jersey offers tons of incredible kids' activities during all four seasons. We have cool playgrounds, fantastic hikes and parks, and awesome zoos. 

Read on for our list of the 100 best things to do in New Jersey with kids, and don't let those kids tell you they're bored again! For more bucket-list things to do with kids in NJ, check out our Best-Of Guide to New Jersey, which includes our piece on the absolute top attractions in New Jersey to see with kids. 

The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, CA is a total hidden gem. I’ve been looking for fun things to do with my kids now, and writing about it, for over a dozen years. I know every fun hole in the wall in LA, OC, San Diego, Ventura Counties, and a good bit of the rest of California, too. And I still hadn't been to this camel farm.

Well, let me save you from wasting any more time. Make a plan today to visit Oasis; it’s more than just camel rides, camel feeding, and camel petting. We went when the turkey races were happening, and my son laughed until tears were streaming down his face. There’s also a highly impressive bird show, as well as the cutest little sheep you can meet and feed. 

Read on for all the details, including when to visit, where to stay, where else to go in the hood (hint: someplace else with LOADS of animals is right down the street), and more…

100 of the best things to do in the Lone Star State.

When my 8-year-old got a chess set for Christmas and was suddenly interested in learning the game, I found myself scouring the internet for places to play chess in NYC. I was thrilled to discover plenty of free and low-cost options across the city.

Chess has been a popular pastime in the Big Apple for more than a century. Many of the city’s most iconic parks feature tables for chess and checkers, and all of the public library systems offer events where kids can learn and play chess for free.

Read on for 10 places where your budding grandmasters can castle their way to fun, and find more local classes and enrichment opportunities in our Guide to Classes in NYC for Kids.

Planning a family game night? Check out our ultimate list of the 100 best family game night games.

Located within a former industrial storage complex along the waterfront in Sunset Park, Industry City has evolved into a cultural and foodie hub. The eight formerly derelict, city-block-sized buildings, running from 33rd to 37th Streets between Second and Third Avenues, are now home to artist studios, workspaces, great shopping, art exhibitions, a chocolate factory, an international food hall, and even one of our favorite ice skating rinks. Recent additions also include a kid-friendly climbing gym and a tech-powered play space.

Industry City is the perfect spot for shoppers, food lovers, and families, offering a unique mix of tastes, sights, art, and family programming. Read on for 20 ways to make the most of a trip to Industry City with kids.

Cherry Hill's brand-new Wild Child Play Co. is an engaging, enriching play space you will enjoy as much as your children. This innovative South Jersey indoor play space is geared toward kids 8 and under and packs a lot into its space, providing many opportunities for kids to get their energy out and engage in imaginative play. 

Read on to find out why my three very different kids loved this place, and why I found it a breath of fresh air as a parent. 

And, if Cherry Hill is too far of a drive for you, or you have older kids, check out our write-up of 20 Best Kids’ Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NJ and our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids.