New Jersey

Zip Lines and Adventure Ropes Courses for Kids in and Around NJ

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on

Gear up for an outdoor adventure at one of New Jersey's newest treetop obstacle courses, or buckle up for a soaring ride on a zip line. Swaying bridges, wobbly balance logs, cargo nets, high wires, and rope ladders are among the features at some sky-high ropes courses, along with tree climbers and platforms built right into tree trunks. Many treetop courses are best for older kids and teens, but some also offer tykes courses that are closer to the ground.

We've rounded up some of the coolest of these zip lines and ropes courses in New Jersey, a few in Pennsylvania, and even a year-round indoor option just over the state line in Westchester. You'll find these parks at local zoos, amusement parks, down the Jersey Shore, and even at some of the Poconos family resorts.

15 Awesome Water Parks for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on

New Jersey has several fantastic water parks, some of them right on the beach! From big-name parks and boardwalk favorites to the state's first municipal water park, we've rounded up 15 of New Jersey’s best water parks and an overview of what to expect from each one. We've even included a couple of fantastic indoor water parks to keep kids splashing on rainy days.

If you're looking for water fun on a slightly cheaper scale, check out our Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads roundup. For more summer awesomeness, visit our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide and our NJ Theme Parks Guide.

The Grove Resort and Water Park Is a Worthy Disney Alternative

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on

When planning a family vacation to Orlando, Florida, you and the kids might have just one destination on the brain: Disney. But actually, as we’ve pointed out before, there’s more to Orlando than theme parks, including plenty of family resorts from which to choose.

If you’re looking off-park for a hotel, consider The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando. The 106-acre resort is just a few miles down the road from the entrance to Walt Disney World, but sits on a pretty tract of land set back from the major highways in a natural marsh and wooded landscape. It has all the favorite perks of a great family resort, including suites for housing extended family, pools, on-site restaurants, a spa, activities for kids, and even a water park.

We just returned from a long weekend at the resort and are happy to share our review.

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Submitted by Kristen Haas on

Make your New Jersey kid a beach baby and go "down the shore." New Jersey boasts 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 or sprinkler playground, towering lighthouses, toddler attractions, 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 (and the kids) for a beach day trip or a long weekend—the summer possibilities are endless. And for more beach fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide, including a roundup of our favorite boardwalks.

10 Fun Things To Do with Kids at Warinanco Park in NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

I have fond childhood memories of my dad lacing up my ice skates and guiding me around the rink at Warinanco Park on the border of Roselle and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Much has changed about this Union County park since that time, but what remains constant is that families have tons of ways to have a great time at this 205-acre park—including sports classes, skating, trails, and paddle boats. 

Read on for 10 fun things to do at Warinanco Park with kids. And don't miss our Guide to NJ Playgrounds and Parks for even more options.

Iconic Asbury Park Bowling Alley Reopens After Major Makeover

Submitted by Alison Reiser on

Asbury Lanes will reopen on Friday, May 18, with a nod to the center's past and an eye to the town's future. The bowling alley-turned-music venue, which first opened in 1962, has been rebuilt with state-of-the-art bowling technology by Brunswick, and its performance space has been retooled to accommodate more than double the venue's old capacity of 300. 

The new Asbury Lanes features six lanes and will offer bowling lessons for children and adults, while the performance space will host concerts and other performances for all ages. The reinvented space marks another step in Asbury Park's renaissance as both a hipster retreat and a great getaway destination for New Jersey families. 

Weekend Fun: NJ Renaissance Faire, Ocean Fun Days, Mayfest

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Feel like festival-hopping? This weekend is packed with too many to choose from throughout the state. Chow down at food festivals, like the New Jersey Seafood Festival and New Jersey State Chili & Salsa Cookoff. Stroll through local neighborhood street fairs in Bordentown and Maplewood. Have a blast with the past at Historic Smithville's Mayfest, The New Jersey Renaissance Faire, and Walnford Day. You can even party with magical characters at the 9th Annual Princess and Pirate Festival.

Check out our Spring Guide for New Jersey Kids for more options for family fun, including Unique Carousels in New Jersey. And look to our event calendar and May GoList for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

25 Fun Things To Do with Kids in Morristown, New Jersey

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on

Just 25 miles west of NYC, Morristown is rich in history and culture—and it offers lots of fun for families. In this day trip–worthy town, you can walk alongside a seeing eye dog in training, sample treats from one of the best chocolate shops in the region, catch a kid-friendly theater performance, and visit a few places where George Washington actually slept! Morristown also boasts beautiful gardens, several fun museums, and one of NJ's best swimming lakes. 

Read on for our top 25 fun things to do in this great suburban town.

10 Themed Playgrounds in NJ that Take Fun to New Heights

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on

Now that playground season has arrived, it’s time to pack your sunscreen, hats, and bottled water and head to the park. If you’re looking for some new options to captivate your kids, both young and old, choose an outdoor play space with a cool theme to keep them entertained. From a supersized sailing ship to an entire wooden village for tots, these unique playgrounds go beyond the usual swings and slides.

For more ideas, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.

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