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50+ Things We Can't Wait To Do with Kids This Spring in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 11:00am

Spring is on its way! It's almost time to trade in boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, parks and playgrounds, spring getaways, and New Jersey farm fun. Get outside to take advantage of all of the seasonal fun the Garden State has to offer!

Read on for 50+ fantastic spring activities to enjoy with your family. Looking for more? Check out our Spring Fun Guide, with new events added throughout the season.

Easter Bunny Brunches and Photo-Ops for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 12:00pm

Grab your bonnets and bow ties, and hop on over to a fun photo-op with the Easter Bunny. We've got the scoop on where you can meet the long-eared guest of honor and take part in activities like bunny brunches, parades, storytimes, and crafts.

Looking for a more straightforward meet-and-greet? Check out our listing of professional photo setups at malls throughout the Garden State below. And if you'd rather take a train ride with your favorite hare, you can always hop aboard the Easter Express.

Themed Restaurants and Family-Friendly Interactive Dining in NJ

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 10:00am

Looking for some fun along with your food? From knights and horses to magicians and model trains, many New Jersey restaurants offer themed and interactive dining experiences for the entire family. Read on for more than 15 spots that will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our restaurant guide for more ideas for kid-friendly eating experiences, including restaurants where kids eat free and the best family-friendly restaurants near Liberty Science Center. Top it all off with some doughnuts or ice cream. Bon appetit!

25+ Art Studios with Drop-In Sessions for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 10:00am

Like the idea of crafting with your kid but cringe at the thought of paint and glitter all over your house? Lucky for us, New Jersey is home to a variety of drop-in art studios that offer your spontaneous painter, potter, glassmaker, and jeweler the chance to get their craft on. The perfect destinations for a cold winter day, these craft-tastic spaces let you skip the mess at home while catering to your budding artist's creative impulses.

Find Family Fun for All Ages at the Morris Museum

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 02/14/2019 - 11:00am

If you’re looking for an interactive museum experience the whole family will enjoy, head over to The Morris Museum. While smaller and simpler than a big-city institution, the museum, housed in an old mansion, features an eclectic showing of family-friendly exhibits.

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood near Morristown’s historic district, Morris Museum has become one of my family's go-to's for a quick weekend day trip or a stopover at one of its annual festivals. The vintage musical instruments, model train exhibit, and rock and mineral collection remain big hits with my tweens.

In addition to the hands-on exhibits, the museum features a children’s theater and a robust lineup of family programs and events. There are plenty of reasons that Morris Museum is on our list of 100 Things to Do in NJ with Kids!

25 Fun Things To Do with Kids in Millburn, New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 10:00am

Millburn may be known for top-notch schools and swanky shopping at its Short Hills mall, but look a little closer and you'll find a vibrant town packed with family fun.

The heart of downtown, where Main Street and Millburn Avenue meet, is dotted with shops and restaurants and is home to the town's annual street festival. Kid-friendly activities in Millburn range from swimming and theater classes to storytimes and live performances. Creative play spaces, charming cafes, gardens, and parks round out the fun.

Located less than 20 miles from New York City in Northern NJ, Millburn is a great bet for an easy day trip any time of year. Spend some time exploring all the arts, recreation, food, and fresh-air fun that Millburn has to offer.

Top 12 Indoor Play Spaces for Kids Across New Jersey

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 2:15pm

Looking for an indoor play space that makes your jaw drop and your kids jump for joy? We've rounded up a dozen of the biggest and best spots for playing, jumping, bouncing, climbing, and thrill-seeking throughout New Jersey.

The Garden State is home to tons of awesome play spaces, and it was tough choosing just 12. We limited our list to those with major wow factor—places where you can tackle a Ninja Warrior–style obstacle course, play laser tag, climb on and through play mazes, bounce on inflatables and trampolines, play arcade games, scale rock walls, and even go roller skating or bowling. While most of these spots aren't specifically geared toward the smaller set, all have areas and/or times set aside just for them.

Read on to find out which fun zones made the cut. And for even more options, check out our guide to indoor play spaces, where you'll find drop-in play for $15 or less, the best trampoline parks and bounce houses in NJ, and much more.

20 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in NJ with the Family

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:30am

Move over romantic Valentine's celebrations—Valentine's Day becomes a family affair once you have kids. Treat your crew to love-themed, kid-friendly fun at celebrations leading up to the big day. Have a Family Date Night at Jenkinson's, sample sweets at the Annual Valentine's Day Chocolate Walk, or enjoy a Chocolate Family Day at the museum.

Ready for a cheap date? Check out Valentine's freebies that include a storytime, craft, and cookie-decorating.

Read on for more ways to celebrate with the ones you love. And for even more mid-winter fun, check out our Event Calendar and February GoList. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Top Summer Day Camps for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 11:27am

Before you know it, the end of the school year will be in sight and you'll start wondering: “What the heck am I going to do with these small people I call 'my children' for the summer?" We’ve got you covered with the best of New Jersey–area summer camps. These camps take fun seriously—so much so that they plan all year long for eight weeks of summer. Many of these camps have had entire generations of families pass through. Though some are quite large, they offer great counselor-to-camper ratios, with additional support from adults supervising younger staff.

Find more New Jersey summer camps in our Camp Guide and Full Directory of Listings.

Affordable Summer Camps for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 2:00pm

Summer camps in New Jersey vary wildly in price, so it’s important to choose a camp that’s right for your child AND your pocketbook. Many camps let you register by the week or even the day, so you don't have to commit to an entire summer. Other options, like three-day weeks and half-day camp, also allow you to keep costs down. The cost of certain camps can be applied against the child care tax credit for children of single parents/two working parents, and some camps offer financial assistance—especially ones that get money from donors.

Here we've rounded up 15 affordable day camp options for NJ kids. To find more New Jersey summer camps, check out our Camp Guide and Full Directory of Listings.