Morris

Best July Fairs and Festivals for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 12:30pm

Fairs and festivals and feasts, oh my! It’s non-stop action in NJ this month—read on for our recommendations and choose your favorites. With everything from state and county fairs to music and food festivals—and of course, awesome July 4th celebrations—there’s something happening almost every day in July. Mark your calendar now, and have a blast all month long.

Berry lovers: be sure to check out our roundup of NJ's awesome blueberry festivals, many of which take place in July. And for more warm-weather action, visit our Summer Fun Guide.

Best Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms and Festivals for NJ Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 12:00pm

Blueberry picking is a perfect summer activity for the whole family: the bushes are low, the berries pop off the plants easily, and your family can literally pick hundreds without breaking the bank—or your back hauling them home. Lucky for us, blueberries are the official state fruit of New Jersey, and they are plentiful throughout the Garden State. We’ve assembled a list of some of the best pick-your-own farms and blueberry festivals NJ has to offer for kids. Happy picking!

20+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Madison, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 06/14/2017 - 3:55pm

If your family is into history, the arts, or nature, put picturesque Madison, NJ, on your radar. This Morris County gem has a quaint, small-town vibe with a tight-knit community and a thriving downtown. Nicknamed the Rose City, Madison is a perfect day trip destination that offers lots of things to do, including great restaurants, nearby museums, an awesome playground, and three private colleges in close proximity. Here are 20+ ways to have a great day in Madison.

Father's Day in New Jersey: 12 Fun Ways to Celebrate Dad with Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 1:00pm

Father's Day can be more than golfing and barbecues this year, with such a great variety of family-friendly activities happening across the state. Whether Dad prefers baseball or fishing, airplanes or the arts, our list of Father's Day happenings has something for everyone. Read on for our top dozen picks for celebrating Dad this June.

For more ways to have fun with fathers throughout the month, check out our playground guide, roundup of family festivals, and Event Calendar. And if Dad really has his heart set on golfing, there's always (mini) golf!

Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads in New Jersey

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 2:00pm

When the heat becomes unbearable with the kids this summer, you might be yearning to bust open a fire hydrant. Before you do, consider one of New Jersey's splash pads and sprinkler parks, many of which are located in local parks and playgrounds.

We've rounded up some of our favorite water playgrounds around the state, organized by region. Remember, these are not water parks, so you won't find a ton of bells and whistles—though some do offer interactive features like dumping buckets or whimsical designs like water spouts in the shape of cattails (Van Saun Park!); animal fixtures (Bridgeton); or basketball sprayers (Manalapan). But the best part? Most of these splash zones are completely FREE.

Visit our Best NJ Water Parks article to go all in for theme park fun. Or strap on those water shoes, pack the towels, and read on for some of New Jersey's best water playgrounds and spray parks in your neighborhood.

Pick Your Own Strawberry Farms and Festivals in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 05/12/2017 - 12:57pm

Nothing screams springtime in the Garden State like getting your hands dirty picking strawberries. Heading to a pick-your-own farm is an outdoor adventure with a sweet reward—what kid (or grown-up) doesn’t love red, ripe strawberries? Whether this is your child’s first time at the berry patch or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, we’ve rounded up more than 20 farms and festivals around the state where your sweeties can their hands on bushels full of juicy red berries.

Check out our June GoList and Spring Fun Guide to find more events and activities to enjoy with your kids this season.

20 Best Things To Do with Tweens in New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Wed, 05/10/2017 - 1:00pm

Your tweens may be too big for bouncy houses and tea parties, yet too young for solo outings with friends. But they still love family fun (even if they won't always admit it). To keep those in-betweeners happy and engaged, find an activity that sparks their curiosity or stretches their growing limbs. When a trip to your local playground is met with eye-rolling instead of cheering, it's time to check out these amazing activities for older kids in New Jersey. The good news? You may genuinely enjoy competing with your tween in bowling and mini golf, tackling the fast slides at a water park, or seeing a play or concert. Read on for 20 ideas that are cool enough for big kids.

Best Miniature Golf Courses for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Laurie R on Fri, 04/21/2017 - 12:10pm

Summer is on the horizon, and that means day trips, swimming, water parks, random adventures with the small people, and yes, putt-putt. New Jersey apparently has a thing for windmills and teeny-weeny pencils—our fair state has at least 53 miniature golf courses! We're highlighting nearly half of these courses, so get out that little pencil and make your way around the state. See websites for prices and hours.

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.

Hop Aboard the Easter Express: NJ Classic Train Rides with the Easter Bunny

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Thu, 03/09/2017 - 4:15pm

It’s almost spring, and that means Easter will soon be here. Time to dye eggs and get ready to hop on the Easter Express! Three New Jersey railroads offer an exciting opportunity to meet Peter Cottontail while riding the rails—a perfect activity for your train-loving kid. Be sure to get your tickets early, as these rides sell out quickly.