Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey
New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Noon Year's Eve, Fireworks, First Night Parties
Holland Ridge Farms combines a tulip theme and the holidays in its Winter Wonderland installation. Photo courtesy of Holland Ridge Farms
Christmas Vacation in New Jersey: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids
Celebrate with music, magic, skating and a host of other activities culminating in a fireworks show at First Night OCNJ. Photo courtesy OCNJ
New Year's Eve Fireworks, Live Shows, and Other New Jersey Celebrations for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

NJ Centers Open for Remote Learning Support During School Hours

Remote learning support pods are popping up all over New Jersey to help kids during school hours.
Remote learning support pods are popping up all over New Jersey to help kids during school hours.
9/8/20 - By Rose Gordon Sala

Hundreds of New Jersey schools are opening with online classes only this fall, leaving working parents looking for a childcare solution during school hours. A number of community centers and organizations, such as some YMCA and JCC locations, have stepped into the void, offering childcare that also supports the kids' local distance learning programs. A number of sports complexes and children's gyms in New Jersey are also opening up their cavernous spaces for remote learning support, pods, and aftercare.

If you need to go work, or just need support during your child's normal school day, these centers might be a good option. Find more classes for kids at our online Back to School Fair or in the NJ Classes Directory.

Most request that students bring their school-issued devices and other gear, such as Chromebooks and headphones. Their staff will then support students as they go through their online school day. Some programs offer other types of enrichment and certainly the kids will enjoy some time with peers, too. Read on to find one of these distance learning support centers in your area, and remember, even as many of these slots are going fast, it doesn't hurt to get on the waitlist now.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The JCC MetroWest has a safe and supportive set-up for learning support. Photo courtesy of the JCC
The JCC MetroWest has a safe and supportive set-up for learning support. Photo courtesy of the JCC

School-age Child Care at NJ Community Centers

New Jersey YMCA

New Jersey's dozens of YMCA locations offer a variety of classes and camps, as well as in-person remote learning support at certain locations in 2020. There are half- and full-day options, as well as aftercare. Check your local Y. READ MORE

Katz JCC

The Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, is an award-winning summer day camp program, for campers ages 2-5 to have big fun. READ MORE

Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, Bridgewater - Classes

Early childhood classes include karate, sports and more for ages 3-6. READ MORE

The JCC of Bayonne

Join Club 1050 All Day at the JCC of Bayonne for full-day remote learning support at its center. Kids will wear masks and practice social distancing for small group pods this fall. READ MORE

JCC MetroWest

Kids in grades K-5 can join the JCC for support with their remote learning this fall. Students will be placed in small groups and have access to socializing, extracurriculars, and physical activity, along with homework help. READ MORE
Get help with distance learning as well as gym class at High Exposure Climbing. Photo courtesy of the gym
Get help with distance learning as well as gym class at High Exposure Climbing. Photo courtesy of the gym

Distance Learning Support at NJ Gyms & Classes Spots

High Exposure Climbing

Full-day and half-day distance learning support options are available at this climbing center in fall 2020 for K-7th grade, along with the usual climbing and ninja warrior classes. Kids will get homework support and post-school organized activities. READ MORE

Sylvan Learning - New Jersey

Sylvan tutoring centers are offering a "school support" program for in-person help with virtual school this year. There are half-day, full-day, and monthly packages, as well as online tutoring and test prep on tap in 2020. READ MORE

Branchburg Sports Complex - Camps, Classes, Parties

This massive indoor facility features three turf fields, four batting cages, a multi-level play maze, an arcade, and a huge laser tag arena. Choose from various party themes to celebrate your active child. BSC offers a variety of specialty sports camps and educational enrichment camps for kids year-round.  READ MORE

Diamond Gymnastics

Diamond offers a variety of classes including ninja warrior, tumbling, and combo gymnastics/rock climbing classes. There are small-size gymnastics classes for all ages starting at 15 months. READ MORE

The Fields Sports Complex

Full-day, half-day (morning or afternoon), and aftercare options are available at this 50,000-square-foot sports complex in 2020. Kids will be divided into small groups and given their own desk for learning time. They'll also have access to sports, arts, and other extracurriculars when their online school day is complete. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: