Southern

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.

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.

See Baby Animals and More at Family-Friendly NJ Farms

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Thu, 05/04/2017 - 2:45pm

Spring is here, and it's time to get out of the house and breathe in some fresh air. What better way to celebrate the season than visiting some baby animals on a farm? Your children can crack corn, collect eggs, see baby pigs, goats, and sheep, and even learn how cheese and bread are made. Here some of our favorite farms with baby animals in NJ.

Kids' Classes and Fun Family Activities at NJ Community Colleges

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 1:05pm

Your child might not be old enough to head off to college, but there are plenty of offerings for kids at New Jersey's many community colleges. There are about 20 community colleges throughout the state, and they offer everything from music programs to STEM classes. We've put together a list of some of the best classes and enrichment activities for tots to teens. Some summer camps are noted, but for a longer list of options, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.

New Indoor Trampoline Park Opens in Deptford, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 2:55pm

Got energetic kids who are bouncing off the walls at home? Head over the new Launch Trampoline Park in Deptford, where bouncing off walls is highly encouraged!

I recently went to the grand opening weekend with my 3- and 5-year-old boys and had a blast. There is a lot to do, and unlike your average bounce house or indoor playspace, adults can jump right in and participate without feeling out of place.

Here's what you need to know before you go.

Storybook Land in New Jersey: A Magical Park for Preschoolers and Tots

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 2:47pm

If you’re looking for an enjoyable amusement park experience minus crazy thrill rides and super-sized crowds, take a day trip to Storybook Land in Egg Harbor. This charming spot, in operation since 1955, was created with younger children in mind—the rides and attractions are all geared toward the under-10 crowd, making it great for toddlers and big siblings alike.

Visiting is a bit like stepping into a fairy tale: as you walk through the wooded grounds, you encounter characters from nursery rhymes and classic children's stories, like Humpty Dumpty and Alice in Wonderland. Even if you didn't go there as a kid, as many New Jerseyans did, you're sure to fall under its nostalgia-laced spell.

My husband and I recently visited for the first time with our two boys, ages 5 and 2, and we all loved it and will definitely go back. Storybook Land is No. 1 on our list of 30 Things to Do with NJ Preschoolers, with good reason. Read on for more about this sweet NJ gem.

Swim Lessons and Classes for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Thu, 03/30/2017 - 4:00pm

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. (Yes, it can be hard to put on a swimsuit so soon after having a baby, but the rewards for your child are well worth the sacrifice!) 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.

35 Things We Can't Wait To Do with Kids this Spring in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 03/29/2017 - 2:30am

Spring has sprung! Now's the time to trade in boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, outdoor fun, and festivals. Get outside and take advantage of all of the seasonal fun the Garden State has to offer. Here are 35 fantastic spring activities to enjoy with your family. Looking for more? Check out our Spring Fun Guide, with new events added throughout the season.

Easter Egg Hunts for New Jersey Kids in 2017

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 03/24/2017 - 2:27pm

Let the hunts begin! From train rides to photo shoots and brunches, the Easter Bunny is hopping through the Garden State—and he's hiding thousands of eggs from Cape May to Ridgewood and beyond.

Grab your baskets and head to one of New Jersey's fabulous Easter egg hunts this spring. We've rounded up two dozen eggs-traordinary events happening throughout the state.

Affordable Summer Camps for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 12:14pm

Summer camps in New Jersey vary wildly in price, so it’s important to choose a camp that’s right for your child AND your pocketbook. Many camps let you register by the week or even the day, so you don't have to commit to an entire summer. Other options, like three-day weeks and half-day camp, also allow you to keep costs down. The cost of certain camps can be applied against the child care tax credit for children of single parents/two working parents, and some camps offer financial assistance—especially ones that get money from donors. Here we've rounded up 15 affordable day camp options for NJ kids. To find more New Jersey summer camps, check out our Camp Guide and Full Directory of Listings.