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Family-Friendly Mother's Day Brunch Spots in Northern New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 3:00pm

Celebrate Mother's Day in style this year with an indulgent family brunch prepared by someone other than mom. Restaurants throughout Northern New Jersey are cooking up some fabulous luncheons full of breakfast delights, salads, carving stations, and desserts. Some of these eateries offer discounts for children, and others are FREE for young kids. Holiday brunches book up quickly though, and many require reservations.

If you're down the shore, explore these wonderful Mother's Day options.

Lush Arboretums and Gardens To Explore with New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 2:00pm

New Jersey is teeming with amazing outdoor places to take active kids—everything from nature centers to Jersey Shore lighthouses offer a multitude of fun events for little ones. But our beautiful state arboretums and gardens are often overlooked. These fabulous green spaces offer a great opportunity for children to see nature up close. Many locations also host educational and engaging programs, featuring activities such as gardening, hiking, and scavenger hunts.

As spring shifts into high gear, gather the kids and head to these beautiful local gardens. We're not known as the Garden State for nothing!

Newly Opened iFLY in Paramus Offers High-Flying Fun for NJ Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 12:00pm

Kids ages 3 and up can fly like their favorite superheroes at iFLY, New Jersey's first indoor skydiving center. iFLY Paramus, which opened its Route 4 facility on March 30, a couple of weeks head of schedule, offers kids and grown-ups alike a chance to experience the sensation of skydiving—no plane or parachute required.

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.

Best Nature Centers in New Jersey to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Alison Reiser on Wed, 03/14/2018 - 2:00pm

If you’re feeling burned out on indoor play spaces and museums, and longing for spring, try a visit to of New Jersey's awesome nature centers. No need to worry if the weather's still a little iffy—there are plenty throughout the state with programs happening year-round.

We've rounded up 10 nature centers that combine both indoor and outdoor fun for kids of all ages. Spend some time exploring nature and checking out hands-on exhibits and activities that explain our local flora and fauna. Most places on our list are open year-round, except for major holidays.

Birthday Party Spots for NJ Kids with Both Indoor and Outdoor Play

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 03/14/2018 - 8:30am

Every fall, I face the same dilemma planning my girls’ birthday party. Do I take advantage of the crisp autumn weather with an outdoor venue? Or do I play it safe with something indoors? Planning a party is stressful enough in any season, without the added anxiety over weather. If an outdoor party is what you have in mind, don’t let Mother Nature put a damper on your child’s special day. From nature centers to water parks, the following party venues offer outdoor party options with indoor alternatives.

For even more ideas for fun in our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Guide.

Top Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers in New Jersey

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Fri, 02/16/2018 - 11:15pm

While big-kid birthday party places often offer options for little kids, sometimes even those choices can be a bit too grown-up. So, when it comes to planning a party for a younger child, one option is to host the celebration at home. But if you'd rather not have a gaggle of cake-fueled little ones running wild at your house (no judgment), we’ve compiled a list of 10 spots around New Jersey that specialize in hosting parties for the preschool and toddler set.

Read on for a list of cool play spaces, play cafes, kiddie gyms, and even an animal-centric option. And find even more ideas for fun in our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Guide.

New Kids' Gym in Paramus Lets NJ Parents Drop and Shop

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 2:30pm

Shopping with kids can be a chore. When they’re not running around the sales floor or playing hide-and-seek in the clothing racks, they’re complaining or asking you to buy them something. Instead of dropping $20 on snacks and small toys to keep them happy, why not put that “treat” money toward something both of you can enjoy—a drop-off gym class at the mall. PopFit Kids, which recently opened in the South Court at Paramus Park Mall, offers this and more—including drop-in and weekly classes that offer kids plenty of active, indoor fun. It just might help both kids and parents enjoy a trip to the mall once again.

Top Birthday Party Places for Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Thu, 02/01/2018 - 9:40am

It's time to party, New Jersey! We've rounded up 15 of our favorite places to celebrate in the Garden State. Whether your birthday kid is into cooking, laser tagging, bouncing, or crafting, there's a place that's perfect for hosting your next bash. And if you're looking for more specific ideas—for a first birthday, perhaps, or the best spots for preschoolers' parties—be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

A Dozen New Party Spots to Celebrate Kids' Birthdays in New Jersey

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 1:10pm

New year, new birthday party to plan! And luckily for Garden State parents, there are new party places popping up every day. From just-teed-up trampoline parks to Brooklyn-transplant ice cream parlors, these new-to-Jersey hot spots have more than enough hype to meet your little ones’ birthday riders. Check out some of the newbies below—and if you need more inspiration, brush up on our list of the best places for kids to party in NJ. The old standbys never fail to make them smile!