Central Jersey

iPlay America is New Jersey's Largest Indoor Boardwalk

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 4:30pm

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.

20 Super-Fun Summer Day Trips for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 1:00pm

We've got 20 ideas for NJ summer day trips your family can take without leaving the state—and many are low cost. Whether it's gathering fresh fruit at a pick-your-own farm, swimming at the lake, hitting the Jersey shore's beaches and boardwalk, or visiting an amusement park, grab the camera and hit the road!

Need more inspiration? Check out our NJ Family Day Trip and Getaway Guide for even more ideas.

If it's too hot or rainy to head outside, look to our indoor guide and rainy day suggestions to keep the good times rolling.

100 Free Things To Do with Kids This Summer in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 06/30/2017 - 12:00pm

Summer is the season for no-cost fun all across New Jersey. From fireworks and festivals to free outdoor movies, we’ve rounded up 100 family-friendly events to enjoy all summer long that won’t break the bank.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide and Events Calendar. Have a fabulous (and free) summer, New Jersey!

New Indoor Play Space in Central NJ Is a Magical Spot for Small Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 06/28/2017 - 10:00am

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.

Best July Fairs and Festivals for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 12:30pm

Fairs and festivals and feasts, oh my! It’s non-stop action in NJ this month—read on for our recommendations and choose your favorites. With everything from state and county fairs to music and food festivals—and of course, awesome July 4th celebrations—there’s something happening almost every day in July. Mark your calendar now, and have a blast all month long.

Berry lovers: be sure to check out our roundup of NJ's awesome blueberry festivals, many of which take place in July. And for more warm-weather action, visit our Summer Fun Guide.

Best July 4th Fireworks for NJ Families from Jersey City to the Shore

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 06/23/2017 - 12:30pm

From small town celebrations to waterfront extravaganzas, we've got the scoop on NJ's best options for family-friendly fireworks shows on July 4th. You can cheer on the red, white, and blue in Atlantic City, which hosts one of the country's biggest celebrations; spread out a beach blanket and enjoy a display down the shore; take in the fireworks extravaganza at the New Jersey State Fair; or choose from more than a dozen other great shows happening throughout the state.

In addition to fireworks, these July 4th celebrations include lots of other fun activities, such as parades, a Revolutionary War encampment, live music, and even a canoe race. Read on for 16 of our picks.

For even more holiday-weekend fun, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Best Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms and Festivals for NJ Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 12:00pm

Blueberry picking is a perfect summer activity for the whole family: the bushes are low, the berries pop off the plants easily, and your family can literally pick hundreds without breaking the bank—or your back hauling them home. Lucky for us, blueberries are the official state fruit of New Jersey, and they are plentiful throughout the Garden State. We’ve assembled a list of some of the best pick-your-own farms and blueberry festivals NJ has to offer for kids. Happy picking!

Free Outdoor Summer Movies for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Mon, 06/19/2017 - 2:42pm

If you like watching movies under the stars—for free!—as much as we do, you're in luck: New Jersey will be showing hundreds of free films in parks and on beaches throughout the state this summer. Pack your chairs and blankets, put the kids in their PJs, and get there early to snag a good spot. Depending on the venue, you can either pack your own snacks or buy them onsite. And some events include pre-show activities such as dance parties, games, and meet-and-greets with movie characters. Don't forget the bug spray!

Scroll to the bottom of the list to find a few free (and practically free) indoor flicks—many of them shown in the morning—for those days when you just want to cool off in a nice, dark theater.

For more summer awesomeness, check out our Summer Fun Guide.

July 4th Fireworks and Parades Around New Jersey's Small Towns

Submitted by Stephanie Forton on Sat, 06/17/2017 - 2:08pm

Sure, you can go big 'n' splashy for July 4th. New Jersey hosts some of the best (and biggest) July 4th fireworks around, from Atlantic City to Jersey City to great beach spots. But why not try a celebration in a small town? They may not have Macy's fireworks, but the charm, the history, the food, and the Americana feel may more than make up for the loss of crowds, noise and, well, crowds.

Check out some of our favorite small town New Jersey July 4th celebrations below that come complete with parades, fun runs, antique car shows, and so much more than just fireworks! And for more summer awesomeness, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide and the newly minted July GoList with all the best things to do with kids in July. Of course, you can find even more July 4th fun in our Event Calendar.

The Best Lakes for Swimming with Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 06/16/2017 - 12:00pm

New Jersey is known for its outstanding beaches, but it also has some of the best lakes for swimming in the Northeast. This summer, if you want a break from the pounding waves, dive into the calm waters of one of these beautiful New Jersey lakes. And for more wet (and dry) summer fun, check out our NJ Kids Summer Activities Guide.