Morris

5 Special Summer Day Camps for NJ Kids

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 10:00am

School may not be in session come June, but there are plenty of summer programs in and around New Jersey with opportunities for kids to keep on learning and growing—all while having fun, of course.

You'll find long-standing family-owned camps that foster relationship building and community. There are unplugged camps that encourage children to explore and embrace nature. There are arts-focused camps that inspire creativity and boost confidence. And there are even STEAM-centric camps that push kids to ask questions and experiment. Most of these programs serve up a ton of quintessential summer camp activities too, so kids really get the best of all worlds. And some offer perks parents can really appreciate, like flexible schedules and transportation.

To help you sort out your kiddo's summer plans, we're sharing a list of some of our much-loved New Jersey camp partners below. For even more options, take a look at our New Jersey Camp Guide or browse the Directory, where you can search by location or camp type.

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!

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.

New Birthday Party Spots for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 01/25/2019 - 1:10pm

Your little one's birthday is coming up, and the pressure is on. There are seemingly countless places to hold your birthday bash, but which ones will keep your guests happy and engaged (without breaking the bank)? From toddlers to teens, we've compiled a list of some of the newest party options throughout the great Garden State, including indoor play spaces, a trampoline park, art studio, and more. For even more ideas, check out our birthday party guide.

Three New Swim Class Options for Kids in North Jersey

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Mon, 01/21/2019 - 12:00pm

Looking for an indoor activity to keep your kids fit this winter? Head to the newest pools in town.

Not only is swimming a fun, year-round sport; it’s a life skill that can keep kids safe. So whether your child is an infant dipping his or her foot into the water for the first time or a high-schooler wanting to work on competitive strokes for swim team, these three new options in North Jersey are welcome additions. In may be cold outside, but inside these swim centers kids will no doubt feel the fun of summer.

Looking for more lessons? Check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids, including a roundup of swim classes throughout the state.

New Jersey Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 01/17/2019 - 1:05pm

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants throughout New Jersey offer free kid meal promotions nearly every night of the week. (Basically, you never have to cook again.) Visit your favorite family-friendly restaurant on a kids-eat-free night, and you won’t have to worry about overspending on kids’ entrees, especially the ones that are barely touched. Check out some of these New Jersey dining spots that feature free kid meals on certain nights of the week.

35+ Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Northern NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 10:00am

Neither flurries nor rain, nor heat nor cold should keep New Jersey children from enjoying a day of play—especially when there are so many awesome indoor play spaces in Northern Jersey. From toddler play dates to teen outings, we've compiled a list of the best indoor playgrounds in Northern New Jersey where kids can drop in for play. No memberships needed!

If you're looking for sites that are a bit farther south, check out this listing of Central Jersey play spaces.

16 Stores That Offer Free and Cheap Classes for NJ Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 3:25pm

Extracurricular activities create enriching experiences for kids, but they can also take a toll on your wallet. While kids are encouraged to explore their passions, the price tag on sports teams, dance classes, and art lessons can be overwhelming.

The good news is that stores throughout the state offer free—and nearly free—classes that allow you to save money while developing your family’s interests. These low- or no-cost classes, crafts, storytimes, and other activities are great ways to fill in schedule gaps without busting your budget.

Many stores have various locations, so be sure to check the websites for local schedules.

Where To Enjoy High Tea in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 12:00pm

If your little sweetie loves the finer things in life—and has the patience to make it through a sit-down meal—he or she may be ready to enjoy an afternoon at one of NJ's many local tea rooms. From the fine china and finger sandwiches to the tempting sweets, your little one will be enchanted during this special one-on-one mommy time. Many host sweet birthday parties, and several offer special holiday events.

A Dozen Must-Do Holiday and Christmas Experiences for NJ Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 12:00pm

This year, 2018, has the earliest possible date for Thanksgiving: November 22. What we lost in turkey prep time, we'll make up for in a lovely, elongated holiday season on the road to Christmas and New Year's. In between your Christmas shopping and holiday to-dos, we've assembled our annual list of activities kids will love—and won't cost an arm and a leg. From holiday light shows to breakfast with Santa to Christmas trains, we’ve compiled 12 great memory-making activities for this month.

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