A trip to a local amusement park in or near New Jersey is always high on my vacation bucket list, and we're lucky that New Jersey and nearby states offer lots of family-friendly amusement park adventures. 

Whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Casino Pier and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure, here are the best amusement parks to visit this summer. 

New this year: The groundbreaking Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, which is slated to open in summer 2024. 

Find more wild rides in our Guide to Water and Amusement Parks, and read on for dozens of amusement parks in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania that are perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Strawberry picking in New Jersey is one of the sweetest times of year in the Garden State. 

Whether this is your child’s first time strawberry picking or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, you'll want to check out our long list of farms for strawberry picking in New Jersey where your kiddos can get their hands on bushels of juicy red berries.

Be sure to check out our rundown on the best places to go peach picking in New Jersey and other farm-fresh ideas in our Guide to Pick Your Own Farms in New Jersey.

With the arrival of spring, it's time to trade in those clunky boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, parks and playgrounds, spring getaways, and New Jersey farm fun. Get outside to take advantage of all of the great, seasonal things to do that the Garden State offers.

Read on for dozens of fantastic spring activities to enjoy with your family. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Spring Fun Guide, where new events, activities, and outings are added throughout the season.

This spring break, why not skip the long airport security lines in favor of a staycation right here in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey school districts are closed for spring break sometime between Monday, March 25, and Friday, April 26. Luckily, the Garden State is home to museums, playgrounds, zoos, and other fun zones just a short drive away. Plus, our Family Activity Calendar is full of great events taking place during spring break.

Read on for dozens of fun things to do during spring break in New Jersey with kids. 

New Jersey has no shortage of indoor playgrounds that offer drop-in hours, but many have pricey entrance fees or require memberships. That's not the case with the terrific options we've rounded up below, all of which cost $25 or under to enter. 

Your kids still get out of the house to experience a play space where everything seems new to them, and you don't have to clean up after, or empty your wallet! 

Find more indoor fun spots in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds in New Jersey. 

New Jersey is chock-full of indoor swimming pools where kids can splash around all year long—and that's good news when your little fishies need an aquatic fix to work out the winter wiggles. We've rounded up some of New Jersey's most family-friendly indoor pools where you can either drop in for the day or sign up for an affordable membership.

If you'd rather make a night or weekend of it, you can’t go wrong with any of New Jersey's awesome local indoor water parks—think water slides and wave pools! But if a quick dip in some warm water sounds like the perfect way to spend a chilly day, grab your swimsuits and goggles and scroll down for a list of the best indoor swimming pools in NJ. And when it's summertime, spend a little time in the sun at an outdoor pool that offers day passes.

Find more cold-weather playtime ideas in our Winter Fun Guide.

Toys For Tots, USPS Operation Santa, and many other organizations collect new toys every holiday season to deliver to kids in need throughout New Jersey. Read on for ways your family can donate toys in NJ and spread some holiday cheer.

And be sure to check out other feel-good holiday ideas, like our holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities for families, in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

Santa Claus is coming to the Garden State, and we’ve found 11 New Jersey Christmas towns that prove it. We're talking about the places where sleigh bells ring, carolers sing, and thousands of Christmas lights sparkle. These local New Jersey Christmas towns are getting into the holiday spirit with decked-out trees, strolling entertainment, and visits with Santa.

So, pull out the warm clothes, cue the holiday music, and take a drive to one of these charming, Christmas-crazed New Jersey towns. Then check out one of these Polar Express trains in New Jersey, plus plenty more ways to be merry in our New Jersey Holiday Fun Guide.