Middlesex

Best STEM Classes for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 9:00am

Is your child interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them? STEM classes can be a wonderful way to foster their curiosity and help them think critically and creatively. We've rounded up 14 STEM enrichment programs in New Jersey that offer instruction in coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.

For more kids' classes, be sure to check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids.

Deals and Special Offers on New Jersey Kids Classes

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 08/08/2019 - 3:30pm

If it feels like kids activities are really busting your budget, you're in luck! Some of New Jersey's much-loved children's programs have offered to extend special money-saving offers to Mommy Poppins readers just in time for fall. Read on to find deals on academic enrichment courses, theater and dance classes, swimming lessons, kids cooking classes, and so much more.

Don't dilly-dally, because these deals will literally disappear as they expire. If you don't see a deal listed below it means the offer is no longer available. If you're looking for even more kids classes, visit our New Jersey Classes Guide, or you can even search our Directory by location and age!

Top Pick-Your-Own Peach Farms in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

One of the great joys of summer is a warm-off-the-tree peach, and New Jersey has pick-your-own farms a-plenty and peaches ripe for the picking!

The peach-picking season in the Garden State really gets going in mid-July and carries on through August and early September at some farms. Before you go, call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page to make sure crops are still plentiful and what, specifically, is available on any given day. (You might also be able to pick blueberries, which are available at many farms through July.)

Read on to find out where the juiciest fruit can be found. And for more ways to enjoy the warm weather, don't miss our Summer Fun Guide for NJ Kids.

The Best NJ Zoos and Aquariums for Animal Encounters with Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 12:00pm

Treat your kids to a real animal adventure at one of New Jersey's amazing zoos, aquariums, and animal preserves. At these day trip–worthy spots, little animal lovers can meet their favorite furry friend, check out exotic wildlife from other continents, or swim with the sharks (yes, really!). We've rounded up the best places in the Garden State for New Jersey kids to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals of every kind.

Top New Jersey Playgrounds for Toddlers

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 10:19am

Toddlers may be tiny, but their sense of adventure is enormous. On the playground, this can mean near-heart attack moments for us parents and caregivers! Luckily, NJ has a bunch of great playgrounds that have age-appropriate equipment for the littlest daredevils. Here, we've rounded up some of the best NJ playgrounds for toddlers to enjoy.

Best NJ Swimming Pools with Day Passes for Families and Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 06/09/2019 - 9:00am

Not ready to take the plunge on a swimming pool membership? Not to worry: there are pool clubs throughout New Jersey that allow guests to spend the day swimming without membership or residency. Many of them feature splash pads, kiddie pools, water slides, and playgrounds, making a day at the pool one of our favorite summer activities for kids.

Read on for a dozen NJ swimming pools that offer day passes without restrictions. And be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

The Best Lakes for Swimming with Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 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.

For more wet (and dry) summer fun, check out our NJ Kids Summer Activities Guide—and sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox!

15 Awesome Water Parks for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 9:00am

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.

SeaQuest Aquarium Coming to Woodbridge, NJ This Fall

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 05/06/2019 - 1:00pm

Calling all marine and wildlife enthusiasts: SeaQuest Woodbridge, a 24,000-square-foot, hands-on global sea life education and entertainment experience, is coming to Woodbridge Center this fall.

Visitors will be able to travel through a variety of realistic environments like rainforests, deserts, caves, coastlines, and oceans to meet stingrays, fish, birds, snakes, caimans, iguanas, turtles, and more. SeaQuest will be the latest family-friendly attraction to open at Woodbridge Center, whose recent additions include a Dave & Buster's and an All In Adventures escape room center.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms and Festivals in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 1:00pm

Nothing screams springtime in the Garden State like getting your hands dirty picking strawberries, and heading to a pick-your-own farm is an outdoor adventure with a sweet reward.

Whether this is your child’s first time at the strawberry patch or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, you'll want to check out our list of more than 20 New Jersey farms and festivals around the state, where your sweeties can their hands on bushels full of juicy red berries.

Check out our May GoList and Spring Fun Guide to find more events and activities to enjoy with your NJ kids this strawberry season. Happy picking!