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The Best New Jersey Party Places for Your Kids' Birthday Bash

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 09/17/2018 - 11:00am

Call off the online search! Close out the spreadsheet! We've rounded up some of the best New Jersey birthday venues for kids and teens so that you can spend more time celebrating you kiddo and less time frantically party planning from your iPhone. From awesome indoor amusement parks and fun-filled playspaces, to STEMtastic activities, cookie baking, and real-life escape rooms, there's something for birthday girls and boys of all ages.

Looking for even more ideas? Head over to the New Jersey Party Guide, or browse our directory for party places, entertainers, and even party supplies.

Harvest Festivals, Hayrides, and Fall Fair Fun in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 09/16/2018 - 12:00pm

The air is crisp, the apples are ripe, and fall fair and harvest festival season is about to get underway! We've rounded up 26 great harvest fests in New Jersey, all packed with signature autumn activities like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin decorating (and picking), pie contests, scarecrow making, live animals, live music, and more. Some even incorporate a little early Halloween fun.

Read on to find an event near you, including the Great Pumpkin Festival, the Blackwood Pumpkin Festival, and more.

For more seasonal activities around the Garden State, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide and our list of 40 Things We Can't Wait To Do with NJ Kids This Fall.

Family-Friendly Walkable Towns in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 1:00pm

Do you ever crave a city scene while living in the suburbs? Like many New Jersey residents, I moved here from Manhattan years ago but still feel that itch for metropolitan perks, like walkability, diversity of restaurants and shops, and an energetic community hub. The good news is, there's no need to leave the state for city amenities. Explore great walkable downtowns right here in New Jersey, where you'll find both chain and independent shops, art museums, unique bookstores, delicious cafes serving up local eats, and more. If you choose to leave the car at home, most of these downtowns are in close proximity to New Jersey Transit trains or buses.

Whether a day trip destination or a quick stop for lunch and shopping, these great walkable downtowns are worth a visit.

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.

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 STEM Classes for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 03/09/2018 - 2:25pm

Is your child interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them? STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) enrichment classes can be a wonderful way to foster their curiosity and help them think critically and creatively. We've rounded up 12 NJ enrichment programs that offer instruction in coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.

7 Awesomely Unique Summer Day Camps Fit for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Sun, 02/25/2018 - 10:00am

Do you have fond memories of riding the bus to summer camp? How about happy days filled with sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and good friends?

Some of those same classic summer day camps are still around today, with all the fun traditions, but updated with splash parks and STEM programs. Meanwhile, there are also really unique specialty camps that we would have never dreamed of decades ago. Musical theater lovers can create sets, design costumes, and perform on a professional stage. Tennis-pros-in-the-making can learn on air conditioned courts with hi-tech technique instruction. There's even a supportive program for kids who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Academic camps make sure brains get exercised with robotics, chess, and coding classes. A Montessori program offers programs for kids as young as 2. New Jersey families are lucky to have some of the best summer camps around!

Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner in New Jersey

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Sun, 10/22/2017 - 12:00pm

Not feeling up to hosting Thanksgiving this year? Here's something to be thankful for: There are plenty of restaurants open throughout the state on Thanksgiving Day. Having your holiday out means that you can sit back and enjoy the party—and you won't have to wash a single dish.

We've chosen 20 of New Jersey's best spots to enjoy a holiday feast. Call ahead for a reservation, and then use your extra time to plan some fall fun with the family, or try out one of these Thanksgiving crafts. Happy Thanksgiving!

Best Trick-or-Treating Neighborhoods in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 10/20/2017 - 2:00pm

Halloween is nearly here, and in several New Jersey neighborhoods the locals are thinking, “Bring it on!” These Halloween-obsessed towns deck out their homes every year with fabulous decorations that delight trick-or-treaters big and small. Others turn their streets into festive Halloween block parties.

Where can you join in the fun near your home? We’ve compiled a list of more than 30 towns and neighborhoods that are worth a visit. Those who make the trip can expect lots of treats—not to mention some prime photo ops.

Find more fun in our New Jersey Halloween Guide, including pumpkin patches and the best FREE Halloween events for local kids.

Two Dozen Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids on Columbus Day

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 10/05/2017 - 1:19pm

If you're scratching your head to come up with some fun ways to spend Columbus Day with kids who are home from school, look no further. We've pulled together a list of more than two dozen fun family outings that NJ kids are bound to love, from picking pumpkins to visiting sea turtles. You can find many more options in our Fall Fun Guide, and if the weather's looking iffy, check out our Indoor Playspace Guide for a backup plan!