Union

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!

New Sky Zone in Springfield Lets NJ Kids Grab Some Air

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 04/12/2018 - 11:00am

Trampoline parks are all the rage these days, and Union County families are jumping at the chance to try a brand-new option on the Route 22 corridor. Sky Zone Springfield is the newest location in the Sky Zone family, where kids of all ages (and adults) can burn off some serious energy all year round with a variety of fun, indoor attractions. Just don some non-slip grippy Sky Socks, and prepare to defy gravity.

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.

30+ Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Northern New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 01/14/2018 - 2:00pm

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.

Top 12 Indoor Play Spaces Across New Jersey

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 01/05/2018 - 1:15pm

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.

Special Needs Summer Camps in New Jersey

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Tue, 01/02/2018 - 9:00am

Summer camp is a pastime that every child should have the opportunity to experience, and for parents with little ones with special needs, it can be incredibly frustrating and tedious to pinpoint programs that are good fits for their sons and daughters. Because there are so many more sensor y and developmental factors a special needs parent needs to consider, it can be overwhelming at times. So, here is a small list of camps that not only accommodate, but cater to, children on the autism spectrum as well as children with developmental disabilities.

You can find more New Jersey summer camps in our Camp Guide and Full Directory of Listings.

15 Great Summer Tennis Camps in New Jersey

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Tue, 01/02/2018 - 7:30am

It may be winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking about summer camp. From day camps to art camps to riding and horse camps, the options in New Jersey are endless. If you’re looking to get your little Serena Williams some fundamental instruction or give your beginner basic lessons, try a week long tennis camp for fitness, team play and overall summer fun! And to find out all the day camp options in NJ, check out our New Jersey Summer Day Camp Guide.