New Jersey's many excellent splash pads and spray parks are surefire crowd-pleasers on hot and steamy summer days– after all, who doesn't love running through a sprinkler when the mercury rises?

The splash pads we profile below are not water parks, so you won't find a ton of bells and whistles—though some do offer interactive features like dumping buckets or whimsical designs like water spouts in the shape of flowers (Dorbrook); a pirate ship (Veterans Memorial Park); or basketball sprayers (Manalapan). But the best part? Most of these splash parks are completely FREE and located in local parks and playgrounds.

Find more ways to cool off in the Garden State in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes our favorite water parks, beaches, and more.

Ice skating season has arrived in New Jersey, offering families a safe, active outdoor activity that's great for keeping busy during the colder months. There are several outdoor ice skating rinks in New Jersey where you can take a skating lesson, play hockey, or grab a hot chocolate and go for a spin during a public skating session.

Of course, if you feel like staying indoors, you can always check out our list of the Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey.

Long Branch is an often-overlooked New Jersey beach town steeped in history. One of the largest towns on the Jersey Shore, Long Branch has recently experienced a rebirth and there are plenty of fun activities for children all year long. Walk the boards, grab a bite at one of the many family-friendly restaurants, take in a show, visit an art festival, spend time at the beach, and much more. 

Here’s our list of 25 fun things to do in Long Branch, New Jersey, for kids and families!

Check out our New Jersey Beaches, Lakes, Pools, and Water Parks Guide for more on NJ's best beaches. 

Make your New Jersey kid a beach baby and go down the Shore. New Jersey has 130 miles of shoreline and some of the prettiest beaches anywhere. Whether your family is looking for a busy boardwalk with children's rides, a beachside water park, a thrilling amusement park or something a bit quieter, the Jersey Shore has it.

We've rounded up 10 of our favorite Jersey beaches, from a national park on the northern shore down to the busier southern beaches of Cape May and Atlantic City. So pack the car with the best beach gear for a day trip or a long weekend.

The Jersey Shore season officially opens Saturday, May 28. Be sure to check with your local beach for beach tag information and capacity limits before heading out.

Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long.

Christmas Eve often takes a backseat to December 25, but I personally prefer the laid-back day before. Christmas Eve is the perfect time to remember old traditions or to start new ones with your family. After you've done your pictures with Santa, had some free holiday fun, and attended a quirky NJ Christmas event, it's time to settle in and share some special moments with your family. We've put together a list of a dozen fun things to do with your kids, from tracking Santa to baking cookies and making holiday crafts. Merry Christmas!

If you're looking for daytime Christmas and Hanukkah weekend fun, check out our full weekend events roundup, and more family events can always be found in our Event Calendar.

It might not feel like it now, but winter is on its way – and that means that you and the kids will soon be spending lots of time inside. The good news? You don't necessarily need to stay home. Battle boredom and fight off cabin fever with a visit to one of these 11 indoor hot spots in Essex County. To find even more indoor fun throughout New Jersey, check out our comprehensive guide to indoor playgrounds, kid gyms, sports centers, and fun zones.

The northernmost county of the Jersey Shore, Monmouth County is home to more than 50 miles of beautiful ocean and bay beaches, including Long Branch, Sandy Hook, and Asbury Park, plus sprawling parks and woodlands, fantastic restaurants, unique coastal culture and much more. It is the perfect place for New Jersey kids and families to have fun—year-round! Here are some of our top picks to get you started with exploring this great county. And for even more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.