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Top Pick-Your-Own Peach Farms in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

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 Sun, 07/07/2019 - 10:00am

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 Wed, 07/03/2019 - 12:00pm

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.

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

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 06/27/2019 - 10:00am

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!

Top New Jersey Playgrounds for Toddlers

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 10:19am

Toddlers may be tiny, but their sense of adventure is enormous. On the playground, this can mean near-heart attack moments for us parents and caregivers! Luckily, NJ has a bunch of great playgrounds that have age-appropriate equipment for the littlest daredevils. Here, we've rounded up some of the best NJ playgrounds for toddlers to enjoy.

Best 4th of July Fireworks for NJ Families from Jersey City to the Shore

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 11:00am

We've got the scoop on NJ's best family-friendly fireworks shows on the 4th of July, from small-town celebrations to waterfront extravaganzas. You can cheer on the red, white, and blue in Atlantic City, which hosts one of the country's biggest 4th of July celebrations; spread out a beach blanket and enjoy a display down the shore; take in the fireworks extravaganza at the New Jersey State Fair; or choose from more than a dozen other great fireworks displays happening throughout the state.

Big kids might enjoy a special trip out to the NYC 4th of July fireworks show, or the fireworks festival in Philadelphia.

In addition to fireworks, these Fourth of July festivities include lots of other fun activities, such as parades, rides, live music, and more. Read on for more than a dozen picks, and try these non-fireworks July 4th activities for kids before the show or with little ones looking for a little less noise.

For even more holiday-weekend fun, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide.

30 Super-Fun Summer Day Trips for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Alison Reiser on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 10:00am

Road trips rock! And we've got 30 ideas for NJ summer day trips that minimize the drive time and maximize the fun time. Whether it's gathering fresh fruit at a pick-your-own farm, swimming at a lake, hitting the Jersey Shore's beaches and boardwalk s, or visiting an amusement park, get ready to hit the road to one of these favorite summer destinations.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Summer Fun Guide for NJ Kids for even more ideas for family fun.

And, if it's too hot or rainy to head outside, look to our indoor guide and rainy-day suggestions to keep the good times rolling.

Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Wed, 06/12/2019 - 11:00am

While most non-residents don't equate New Jersey with beautiful green spaces, there are a whopping 36 state parks and 13 state forests to explore in NJ—and at least one of them should be on your summer fun to-do list.

We've picked nine destinations that are perfect for a fun-filled day trip, where hiking, biking, swimming, and boating are just some of the fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Add acres of gorgeous scenery and some wildlife-spotting, and NJ state parks and forests make for an ideal day of family fun in the fresh air.

Best NJ Swimming Pools with Day Passes for Families and Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 06/09/2019 - 9:00am

Not ready to take the plunge on a swimming pool membership? Not to worry: there are pool clubs throughout New Jersey that allow guests to spend the day swimming without membership or residency. Many of them feature splash pads, kiddie pools, water slides, and playgrounds, making a day at the pool one of our favorite summer activities for kids.

Read on for a dozen NJ swimming pools that offer day passes without restrictions. And be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

10 Awesome Accessible Playgrounds for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Thu, 05/23/2019 - 2:00pm

New Jersey has a growing number of parks and playgrounds that cater to every outdoor adventurer, particularly children with special needs. Every child has a right to play in his or her own special way, so we’re recognizing some of the best all-access playgrounds the state has to offer.

Featuring ground-level playthings, wide ramps for wheelchairs, belts and buckles for added protection, and plenty of rest and reflection areas to retire to between bouts of fun, these playgrounds are beyond special and well-deserving of their shout-outs!

And now that summer is on the horizon, find more inclusive outdoor fun at the Watchung Sensory Trail, and at Van Saun Park's Harmony Playground, featuring a pond-themed, ADA-accessible splash pad.