Newark

Must-See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey's Branch Brook Park

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 12:00pm

You don't have to travel to Washington, D.C., to see a stunning display of cherry blossoms this spring. You can enjoy the lush pink blooms right here in New Jersey this month at the 2019 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 14.

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival—Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest !—both of which offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the festival, along with tips for visiting with kids.

5 Inspiring Firefighter Museums Near New York City

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Fri, 07/13/2018 - 4:00pm

Kids love firefighters. And who can blame them? Brave men and women who drive around in shiny red trucks—and actually save lives—are kind of like real-life superheroes. And a chance to try on equipment, climb aboard fire trucks, and have questions answered by some of these superheroes themselves could be your little firefighter fan's dream come true. Luckily, the New York area is home to several museums dedicated to firefighters that are great for the whole family.

If you're looking for fun indoor activities to help you beat the heat (or the rainy day blues), here are some of the kid-friendly firefighter museums in our area where you and your kids can learn how firefighters do their jobs, plus how to prevent fires in your own home, and how to act in a fire emergency.

Get Merry and Go Round on Unique Carousels with NJ Kids

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Mon, 05/07/2018 - 2:00pm

With all the crazy thrill rides found in theme parks these days, there’s something simply magical about taking a spin on an old-fashioned carousel. Often one of the first rides a child gets to experience, carousels have a special way of making even the most timid tiny ones crack a smile, and they’re a treat for all ages. New Jersey is home to both traditional and turned-up-a-notch carousels, and you don’t have to trek far to find one. Hop on a carousel at one of the area malls for a year-round shopping distraction, go for a spin in a park or zoo, or catch views of the Atlantic from a Jersey shore carousel on the Boardwalk.

We’ve rounded up 15 of the best and most unique carousels in and around NJ, so pack up your little ponies and give them a whirl.

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!

The Newark Museum: Out-of-This-World Fun for NJ Kids and Families

Submitted by Payal Shetty on Thu, 11/16/2017 - 12:56pm

Nestled in the heart of downtown Newark’s Art District, 10 miles from New York City, is New Jersey's largest museum. The Newark Museum, established in 1909, is an art and science center that truly has something for everybody. I recently visited with my 5-year-old daughter to see a show at the planetarium, and I was impressed—not only is the planetarium perfect for young kids, but the museum offers tons of other family-friendly programs as well.

If you're looking for indoor activities for the winter ahead, put the Newark Museum on your to-do list. Read on for more about this Essex County gem.

New Grammy Museum in NJ Offers Hands-on Musical Fun for Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 11/09/2017 - 11:00am

Rocking out is encouraged at the new GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Strutting onstage, playing electronic instruments, and singing karaoke-style are part of the fun at this new museum celebrating pop music's biggest stars, including many with New Jersey roots. An electronic jam session may be the coolest way for kids to spend a rainy day.

Disney on Ice Brings Moana and Elsa Show to NYC Metro Area

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 10/19/2017 - 10:04am

A Disney on Ice show skates into the greater New York City area this November with some of the entertainment company's most popular female characters. This Dare to Dream production features Moana for the first time, but also Belle of Beauty and the Beast, Elsa and Anna of Frozen fame, and plenty more princesses.

The family show kicks off in the metro region at the Prudential Center in Newark, November 1-5. It then plays Barclays Center in Brooklyn, November 9-12, and finally at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, November 15-November 26.

Kids' Classes and Fun Family Activities at NJ Community Colleges

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 1:05pm

Your child might not be old enough to head off to college, but there are plenty of offerings for kids at New Jersey's many community colleges. There are about 20 community colleges throughout the state, and they offer everything from music programs to STEM classes. We've put together a list of some of the best classes and enrichment activities for tots to teens. Some summer camps are noted, but for a longer list of options, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.

New Jersey Art Studios that Encourage Kids To Play with Glass

Submitted by Alison Reiser on Mon, 04/17/2017 - 4:23pm

Broken glass at home often leads to warnings of keep back and be careful, but at a number of art studios across the state, kids are encouraged to play with the stuff. Don't worry, cuts and scratches are not involved. In these studios, kids (and adults) can cut, glue, blow, and fuse colorful bits and pieces of glass to make sun catchers, jewelry, picture frames, and other unique designs—often with the help of trained studio artists. We've searched out some spots with open studio times and classes where kids and adults can express their inner Chihuly.

Take Your Little Devils to NJ Devils Kids Day (Giveaway)

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 02/23/2017 - 10:00am

My family goes crazy for sports. We love baseball and Sundays are definitely reserved for rooting on our favorite NFL teams, but our recent afternoon to see the New Jersey Devils was our first taste of the action-packed family-friendly entertainment of a hockey game. The fun afternoon has me confident we'll be heading back again soon. And you should too. In fact, we're giving away a family four pack to the upcoming NJ Devils Kids Day on March 19th. Read on to hear more about my family's newest sports passion and how you can enter to win.