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Amazing Corn Mazes at Family-Friendly New Jersey Farms

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Get ready… get set… get lost in an amazing New Jersey corn maze! The Garden State is home to oodles of spectacular corn mazes, ranging from massive 10-acre labyrinths to simpler, child-friendly courses, including hay bale mazes just right for toddlers and preschoolers. Games, clues, and even techie bonuses enhance many of the more elaborate maze experiences. Got a tween or teen? Check out haunted corn mazes that are open after hours for a spooky, nighttime adventure.

Many of the 16 corn mazes we've rounded up are day trip–worthy on their own, but you'll also likely find apple and pumpkin picking options, hayrides, and even fall festivals, plus petting zoos in some instances. So get out your fall to-do list, and navigate your way through one of these great New Jersey corn mazes. Check out our Fall Fun Guide for NJ Kids to find even more ways to enjoy the crisp autumn days.

35 Things To Do with Tweens in New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on

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). When a trip to your local playground is met with eye-rolling instead of cheering, it's time to check out these amazing things to do with tweens 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 together.

Read on for 30 ideas that are cool enough for big kids. 

Swim Lessons and Classes for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on

Looking for a way to introduce your child to the pool? Parent-child swim classes are a great way to help kids develop a love of swimming and instill confidence around the water. These programs teach water skills in a safe and age-appropriate way, and most allow children as young as 6 months to participate. Once your little one gets the hang of it, you can take the family to the pool, beach, or water park with confidence. And most programs continue to offer lessons for kids up to age 12 and beyond.

For more kids' classes, be sure to check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs.

Where To Go Pumpkin Picking with New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

This year, skip the grocery store pumpkins and go pumpkin picking at a family-friendly New Jersey farm, where you're sure to run into more fall fun, including barnyard animals, hay and corn mazes, and even the season's other favorite fruit: apples. 

Red on for more than a dozen spots that are perfect for pumpkin picking with kids.

Closer to the New York border? Check out these Westchester and Hudson Valley pumpkin patches. If you're in south Jersey or headed for a Bucks County getaway this fall, our Philadelphia site has the scoop on Pennsylvania pumpkin patches.

13 Exciting Boat Rides for Families in New Jersey

Liz Alterman's picture Submitted by Liz Alterman on

Adventures abound on the high and low seas of New Jersey with boat rides, tours, and cruises for families throughout the summer. Young pirates can dress up for a real pirate adventure; sailors can man the rigging aboard the historic A.J. Meerwald; and young naturalists will feel at home in the Meadowland marshes aboard specially rigged pontoon boats. Whalers will enjoy riding ships in search of whales and dolphins, and adventurers can always ride the wild white waters of the Delaware River either on rafts or tubes. Who knows when you may regain your land legs?

For more warm-weather fun, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Top Pick-Your-Own Peach Farms in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on

One of the great joys of summer is a warm-off-the-tree peach, and New Jersey has pick-your-own farms a-plenty and peaches ripe for the picking!

The peach-picking season in the Garden State really gets going in mid-July and carries on through August and early September at some farms. Before you go, call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page to make sure crops are still plentiful and what, specifically, is available on any given day. (You might also be able to pick blueberries, which are available at many farms through July.)

Read on to find out where the juiciest fruit can be found. And for more ways to enjoy the warm weather, don't miss our Summer Fun Guide for NJ Kids.

100 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Shari Simpson on

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 lush gardens to thrill-filled boardwalks and amusement parks, New Jersey offers tons of incredible sights and activities for families and kids. We have beautiful forests for hiking, Jersey Shore beaches for lounging, and cool playgrounds and parks—all of which make for great day trips with Jersey kids.

NEW: We have a free printable version with the best anytime NJ activities from this list. Print it out and stick it on your fridge to inspire you anytime you need an activity idea.

Read on for our 100 best things to do in NJ.

The Best NJ Zoos and Aquariums for Animal Encounters with Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on

Treat your kids to a real animal adventure at one of New Jersey's amazing zoos, aquariums, and animal preserves. At these day trip–worthy spots, little animal lovers can meet their favorite furry friend, check out exotic wildlife from other continents, or swim with the sharks (yes, really!). We've rounded up the best places in the Garden State for New Jersey kids to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals of every kind. 

Cooking Classes for Kids in New Jersey

Michelle Vames's picture Submitted by Michelle Vames on

Whether you have an aspiring Ina Garten at home, or you're just looking for something different to do with the kids, consider signing up for a fun, hands-on cooking class. We’ve rounded up several places throughout NJ that offer wonderful programs for children of all ages. Cooking classes not only teach culinary technique, they’re also a great way to try new foods, master hand-eye coordination, and practice social skills like sharing and following directions.

For more enrichment ideas, visit our guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for New Jersey Kids.

Pick-Your-Own Blueberries and More NJ Berry Farms for Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

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 NJ has to offer for kids, along with a few blueberry festivals. Happy picking!

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