Jared Galleria of Jewelry (Watchung and select NJ locations)
Bringing kids into a jewelry store can be like bringing a bull into a china shop. Luckily, some Jared locations feature Jared’s Kids play area. While the grownups peruse the jewelry, kids can have fun mastering video games and playing on a small climbing structure.

Bob’s Discount Furniture (various NJ locations)
My kids actually ask to go furniture shopping when it comes to Bob’s. Upon entering the store, you encounter a large pond of fish, providing a great distraction from jumping on the couches and repeatedly pushing buttons on the reclining chairs (personal experience). If you’re lucky, the employees may let the kids feed the fish. But the piece de resistance of Bob’s is the complimentary cafe with free ice cream, cookies and other treats for the kids, a great post-shopping bribe.

Shoprite (Clark, Clinton, Phillipsburg and select NJ locations)
When my kids were toddlers and loathed grocery shopping, a friend let me in on a little secret. Shoprite in Clark has a playroom, called Scrunchy’s Playhouse, where you can securely leave your kids while shopping. The room has toys, a television and even supervised crafts. And it’s free to shoppers. The childcare has an hour and a half limit, so if you finish your shopping early, you may be able to sneak in a cup of coffee at the in-house cafe.

IKEA (Elizabeth and Paramus)
Shopping for home goods and furnishings can be like going to an amusement park when it comes to IKEA. The kids will have a blast exploring the children’s bedroom displays, complete with slides, tunnels and okay-to-climb furniture. And if you want to do some serious shopping, drop off potty-trained little ones at IKEA’s free, supervised play zone, featuring a ball pit, movies and toys. Be sure to stop for a post-shopping bite at the in-store restaurant, with budget-friendly kid meals, hot dogs and ice cream.

Trader Joe’s (various NJ locations)
While you hunt for groceries, the kids can hunt for stuffed animals throughout Trader Joe’s. The plushes then get turned in for prizes. Some locations also offer small grocery carts for the little ones to push. And, of course, a trip to TJ’s isn’t complete without a stopover at the samples table.

Creative Ceramic Tile (East Windsor)
While home improvements can be stressful, bringing the kids to a home decorating store is probably just as exhausting. Creative Ceramic Tile’s 3500 square foot showroom houses a children’s play area, a welcome distraction from rough play around breakable tiles.

Destination Maternity (Metuchen and select NJ locations)
Clothing shopping is probably not on the top of of any kid’s fun-things-to-do list. Destination Maternity offers a great interference for shopping tantrums. The “kiddie corral” is a small play area that entertains big brothers and sisters-to-be while mom does a little shopping.

Lusso Nails (Summit)
Need a little pick me up before the holidays? Bringing kids to a nail salon sound far from relaxing, however, Lusso Nails houses a small children’s waiting area with videos and toys. So go ahead and get yourself a mani/pedi.

Old Navy (various NJ locations)
I don’t know about you, but when I hit Old Navy, I like to comb through all the sales racks and bargains, preferably alone. But when the kids are along for the ride, it helps that some locations have small tables with crayons and coloring sheets for a little diversion.

photo: Trader Joe's stuffed animal hunt