The Garden State's many wonderful farms are perfect spots for a family-friendly outing any time of year. But a few special farmsteads offer visitors the unique opportunity to experience farm life just as it existed many years ago. These living history farms give visitors the chance to try their hand at chores like bottle-feeding lambs, gathering honey, and harvesting ice. If you're looking for a fun, educational experience for the entire family, hands-on historical farms are a great choice.

For even more outdoor family fun, check out these New Jersey farms and historic villages. 

New Jersey is home to nearly a dozen lighthouses that are open to the public. Whether your kids are old enough to climb up to the top or not, there's plenty to do and see on a lighthouse tour. Most are located near beaches or state parks full of family-friendly diversions, so they make great destinations for day trips. This is an affordable—sometimes even free—summer activity your whole family will love. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

For more Jersey Shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide and Summer Fun Guide.

Early exposure to a foreign language can be a rewarding and fun experience for a young child. New Jersey offers many programs representing a wide variety of languages and cultures. Read on for our picks of the best options available—from Mommy & Me programs for the little ones to group or private lessons for older children. And for more great class options, visit our guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for New Jersey Kids.

While socialization comes naturally to some kids, others may need help developing the skills necessary to make and keep friends. If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to socialize with peers, you may want to consider a social skills group which fosters self-confidence through activities such as role-playing, cooperative games and group interactions. They’ll learn important skills such as sharing, taking turns and resolving conflict, and most importantly, they’ll have fun doing it! And for more enrichment opportunities, check out our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide for NJ Kids.

Ah, the good ol' days. Remember roller-skating, ice cream sodas and drive-in theaters? These simple pleasures can still be found all over New Jersey. Relive your childhood while introducing your kids to some new-old activities this summer. We’ve rounded up 25 great ideas to get you started, everything from vintage train rides to living history farms. So put down that smartphone and step back in time. There’s plenty of old-fashioned fun to be had in NJ!

The winter months can be a challenging time for parents. Keeping your kids busy when it’s too cold to play outdoors is never an easy feat. To help you out, we’ve rounded up 10 great indoor spots in Bergen County to bounce around, create art, play mini golf or make a museum visit—there are plenty of options to keep them entertained (and ensure your sanity). And check out our Indoor Play Spaces articles for Hudson County and Essex County!

Before the madness of the holiday season sets in, relax and enjoy autumn at these wonderful fairs and festivals taking place throughout NJ this month. Take a train ride, discover exciting new comic books, and explore rocks and minerals of all shapes and sizes. We’ve rounded up eight fabulous finds to keep you busy all November long. For more fun happenings every day of the month, visit our Events Calendar.

Watchung Reservation, the largest park in Union County, is home to many wonderful kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect day-trip destination for any time of year.

Numerous hiking trails, an interactive nature center with fish and taxidermy, and a fabulous playground, provide both indoor and outdoor fun for NJ families. Whether you’re planning to visit for just a few hours or bring along lunch and stay all day, Watchung is a great place to relax, have fun and spend some time enjoying nature.

Find more great day trips in our NJ Day Trip Guide, or check out our Parks & Playgrounds Guide for more outdoor fun.