Long Beach Island

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.

Long Beach Island with Kids: Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

Submitted by Amy Meader on Mon, 06/25/2018 - 10:00am

For quality family time, there are few places more magical than Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore. This 18-mile barrier island has everything you could want in a summer vacation with the kids. Whether you're after a low-key beach getaway or a high-energy, action-packed weekend trip, the Island has it all.

LBI beaches offer the best of both worlds: the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the calmer waters of the Barnegat Bay. My family has been coming here since I was born, so I may be biased, but this Jersey beach truly is the best place for some family fun in the sun. Often less crowded than other popular shore towns in New Jersey, it still feels like a hidden gem. Read on for top tips on visiting Long Beach Island with kids.

10 Great Beachfront Playgrounds in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 3:20pm

Put your kids in the swings and your feet in the sand at beachfront playgrounds along the Jersey Shore. The beaches of New Jersey are home to playgrounds that are like giant sandboxes, with colorful play structures and ocean views. Swing by some of these beachy-keen playgrounds on your next day trip or vacation to the shore.

Please note that some of these playgrounds may require fees for beach entrance during the summer months.

70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 07/07/2017 - 11:00am

There's nothing better than lazy, relaxing summer days at the beaches of the Jersey Shore with its miles of sandy coastline. Of course, at some point the kids are going to want to get up and do and see something, right?

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during a vacation at the shore this summer, this list of 70 family-friendly activities for toddlers to teens all up and down the New Jersey coast should hit the spot. We've even included a number of FREE things to do.

For more fun down the shore, check out our Jersey Shore Guide, which includes information on amusement parks and water parks, top beaches, best boardwalks, and more.

New Jersey Theater Alliance Stages Festival: Your Guide to Kid-Friendly Shows

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Mon, 02/22/2016 - 9:13am

If you'd like to introduce your kids to the magic of theater, check out the performances and theater-related activities that are a part of the 2016 New Jersey Theatre Alliance Stages Festival. With over 80 kid-friendly performances, workshops, classes, and camp samplers offered throughout New Jersey free or at low-cost, The Stages Festival is the perfect introduction to professional theater for children of all ages. All events are produced by the professional theaters of New Jersey. According to Ruth Zamoyta, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance Stages' Development & Communications Director, parents love live performances because "they get the kids off the computer, off the phone, and even away from the screens that you find on the TV or in the movie theater." She adds, when it comes to the workshops, mini-camps, and classes, "kids get to express themselves freely and creatively. In all Stages events, participants come away with a feeling of togetherness--live theatre is a shared experience, and the workshops and classes are collaborative."

Ten Great NJ Activities To Do During Your Baby's First Summer

Submitted by Stephanie Forton on Tue, 07/21/2015 - 9:00am

If you're a new mom, you've probably noticed that the "lazy days of summer" aren't quite as relaxing as they once were. Beach bags stocked with little more than sunscreen and a good book have been replaced with wagons full of swim diapers and baby gear. Finding things to do that are fun for both mom and baby on a hot, sticky summer day can be tough. Luckily, we've come up with a list of great activities that will make your babies first summer a memorable one.

Splurge on Your NJ Kid with These Over-The-Top Party Destinations

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Tue, 05/05/2015 - 9:30am

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, special occasion, or just want to treat your kid to something extra cool, New Jersey offers a host of over-the-top experiences. There are kids-only salons, arcades that come to your house, and even a helicopter ride, and we've rounded up some of the best for your next bash. While some of the experiences listed below may seem a wee bit extravagant, just remember—you're only a kid once!

Find more out-of-this-world kids' party ideas in our Birthday Party Guide.

Best Family-Friendly Hanukkah Events in New Jersey

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Fri, 12/12/2014 - 11:00am

Hanukkah is almost here! This year, it begins the evening of Tuesday, December 16th and ends the evening of Wednesday, December 24th. Here in New Jersey there are many Menorah Lightings and musical events that are fun for the whole family these next few days, so check one out and enjoy the Festival of Lights. Also, click here for more wonderful events in the Garden State as 2014 gradually comes to a close and we usher in a new year.

That's My Name! Best Shops for Personalized Gifts in New Jersey

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Thu, 12/04/2014 - 9:00am

Personalized gifts are so whimsical and fun; especially if you have a unique name. This holiday season, nab the special children in your life a personalized gift, such as a water bottle, hat, step stool, or even a toy chest. Below is a list of really fun shops that can help you select a name-adorned item kids will cherish. And don't forget to view our family-friendly 25 Best Things to Do in New Jersey for the Holidays list as you prep for end of year festivities.

Family-Friendly "Small Business Saturday" Events in New Jersey

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Thu, 11/20/2014 - 8:54am

After Thanksgiving (and after you've had a day to relax), consider spending some quality time with your family celebrating "Small Business Saturday", (November 29th) supporting the local "mom and pop" shops in your neighborhood. Some NJ towns, such as Haddonfield and Red Bank, go all out on Small Business Saturday, involve the whole town, and really make the day something memorable. Don't forget to check out MommyPoppins.com's Fun Holiday Activity Guide, too.