Parent and child classes can be some of the most wonderful bonding activities during those early years (and months)—plus it's a great excuse to get out of the house! These interactive classes help babies, toddlers, and preschoolers forge new relationships with others, sample a host of playthings, and test out new skills.

The class choices seem to multiply every year: in music, art, yoga, sports, ballet, world languages, nature, swimming, and more. You are sure to find something that will interest both you and your child. And don’t expect these sessions to be filled with just moms. Dads, nannies, grandparents, and all types of caregivers can join in the fun. Some classes offer independent play for toddlers, or even options where siblings can attend.

Read on for a sampling of the best baby classes around New Jersey. Find even more options in our NJ Classes Guide and Directory of Listings.

Free massages. Aromatherapy. Complimentary fruit baskets. Getting pampered while you push is the latest trend to hit maternity wards around the Garden State. Forget about birth plans consisting of no more than an iTunes playlist—many NJ hospitals are helping moms get through the pains of labor with personalized spa-like services that offer much-needed distraction and natural pain support. They also provide plenty of perks for moms and family members after baby arrives. Here are some maternity units that are wowing moms-to-be with some extra-special services.

If you're planning the perfect family outing, Morris County's Frelinghuysen Arboretum may be just the memory-making trip you're looking for.

This Morristown gem is located minutes from the Morris Museum and Washington Headquarters Museum, and offers 128 beautiful acres to enjoy.

This fall brings with it some super fun outdoor festivals, pick-your-own farm fun, new interactive art, train rides, and more for the 5-and-under set! 

We've rounded up almost two dozen great events in New Jersey this fall (September through early November) that are perfect for preschool-age kids. Catch big names at preschool-friendly performances of Peppa Pig, Daniel Tiger, Shopkins, Disney On Ice, and Thomas & Friends at Liberty Science Center.

Or head outside with your little ones to enjoy the beautiful weather and colors at events like the Great Pumpkin Train ride, Terhune Orchards’ Fall Family Weekends, and Hefty Harvest and Scary Scarecrows at Camden Children’s Garden.

Read on for the full list of fun fall events for little ones in New jersey. Don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide and Event Calendar to find even more great things to do this season. 

Amusement parks are a super-fun way to spend a summer day with the kids. But let's face it: between the price of admission, parking, food, and games, the cost really adds up—especially for large families. How can you save big at theme and water parks? Here are our tips for scoring discounted admission at NJ amusement parks.

If you're looking for toddler-friendly options, check out our listing of the best amusement parks for toddlers.

The rollercoaster whizzes down the track, the sweet smell of funnel cake fills the air, and an orchestra of buzzers and whistles plays from a nearby arcade. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were enjoying an evening on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, but this is iPlay America, a nearly four-acre indoor amusement park and fun center in Freehold, New Jersey that's open all year round.

What's your favorite type of theme park attraction: water rides, dry rides, or wave pools? If your family loves all three, there's no need to choose at Clementon Park and Splashworld. This South Jersey combo theme/water park next to Clementon Lake has a 110-year history of entertaining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware families with a variety of attractions.

Something magical has come to Morganville, NJ: Magic Sky Play, a new indoor play facility for young children (8 and under). 

Magic Sky is a 2017 Mommy Poppins Bestie Awards Winner, for good reason. Its bright, open layout and creative activities are perfectly suited to a young child's imagination (and the needs of his or her parent). I recently visited with my 6- and 3-year-olds, and we had a blast exploring this sweet new spot.