Ocean City

100 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Sun, 04/01/2018 - 12:00pm

Now that my oldest child is a 'tween, I understand that phrase I heard often during those difficult baby/toddler times: "The days are long, but the years are short." Thankfully, filling those short years with quality bonding time is even easier with our top 100 not-to-be-missed family activities right here in New Jersey.

From indoor play to awesome zoos, and from quiet fun to thrill-seeking adventures, there's tons of incredible stuff to make memories that will last forever. We have beautiful forests for hiking, beaches for lounging, and cool playgrounds and parks—all of which make for a great day trip with Jersey kids.

Read on for our 100 best things to do right now in NJ.

A Dozen Must-Do Holiday Activities for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/12/2017 - 12:00pm

There are five weekends from December 1 to January 1, and hundreds of ways to fill them. Overwhelmed by the possibilities? If you’re looking for fun activities the kids will love that don’t cost an arm and a leg, look no further than our list of the best family outings worth adding to your busy December to-do list. From holiday light shows to breakfast with Santa, we’ve compiled 12 great memory-making activities for this month.

Check out our full calendar of events and our holiday guide for more options.

40 Things To Do with Kids on a Rainy Day at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 11:00am

The Jersey Shore is known for its gorgeous beaches, of course, and outdoor entertainment like boardwalk fun. But not every summer day can turn into a sunny beach day. What happens to the family fun when it rains? Beach houses, no matter how grand, start to feel pretty small when you are stuck indoors.

Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor spots to explore along the shore. From Asbury Park to Cape May, we've put together a list of shore activities that will get you off the beach and out of your condo. So whether the rain is spoiling your beach day, you need a day out of the sun, or just a change from the sand and surf, we have you covered.

For more entertaining activities this season, check our list of 70 Best Things To Do at the Shore all summer.

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.

15 Awesome Water Parks for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 06/02/2017 - 2:46pm

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 or our NJ Theme Parks Guide.

Great Amusement Parks for Preschoolers and Toddlers in New Jersey

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 05/26/2017 - 1:00pm

Looking for a place to take your little ones for gentle thrills and kid-friendly amusements? We've rounded up 15 NJ amusement parks that are perfect for the younger set. Some, like Storybook Land, are geared exclusively toward small children, while others, like Morey's Piers and Jenkinson's Boardwalk, offer a solid selection of kiddie rides in addition to bigger thrills.

We've limited our list of amusement parks to those located in New Jersey—to search for more tot-friendly spots in surrounding areas, check out the Best Amusement Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC.

Haunted Houses and Spooky Attractions for NJ Families

Submitted by Tracy B on Fri, 10/14/2016 - 6:05pm

Whether you enjoy a good fright or you prefer your Halloween haunt-free, we've got you covered. There are plenty of night-time haunts to please the older kids, some creepy walking tours of (possibly) haunted towns, a scaredy-cat amusement park, and even a few scare-free zones where younger kids can just trick-or-treat. Several places have options for both older and younger kids. For even more choices, check out our NJ Halloween Guide. And you'll find plenty for the little ones in the Best Halloween Events for NJ Preschoolers.

See specific websites for hours and prices.

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."

Play Spaces, Museums, and Aquariums: 10 Educational and Fun Winter Outings

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 9:00am

The holidays are behind us but there are still a couple of months before spring is sprung, and it can be a challenge to fill up these lazy, winter days. As a mom to three young kids, I'm all for cozy afternoons watching movies, play-doh sessions in our pjs and finger painting to pass the hours. But sometimes, we need a change of scenery! A chance to get out of the house, explore, learn and fill another gray and chilly day. Fortunately, New Jersey offers up some awesome indoor activities. Bundle up, pile the gang into the car and check out our top 10 fun and educational picks.

NJ's Best Independent "Back to School" Clothing Shops

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Thu, 09/03/2015 - 9:00am

Summer can't last forever, although that certainly would be swell. It's Back to School time and for many kids, that also means "Back to Cool." As in, what styles for boys and gals are cool and hip for the new academic year? We rounded up the best independent clothing stores in New Jersey--both storefront and online--and asked what kids under 10 are shopping for this days. (We also learned Montclair dominates the indie fashion scene for kids!) Here's the feedback; and be sure to check out our September GOLis t to make this the best month ever.