Roller Derby (throughout NJ)

Did you know that Roller Derby was a family affair!?! Clearly I did not since I attended my first two games sans kids. However, these early evening bouts (door open around 6:15pm and the whistle blows at 7pm) are actually kid-friendly events where you'll find the kids out there on the floor cheering for their favorite team and skaters. This is a fun and affordable (about $8-10 per ticket and children under 12 are FREE) night out for the family that will truly show your daughters (and sons) what Grrrl-power is all about! (as well as give them some fun fashion inspiration for the pre-teen and teenage years too!). One special note: Seating is limited, so get there early or “Bring your Own Chair!”  Check out your local team's website for their schedule of upcoming home bouts:

Jersey Shore Roller Girls (Asbury Park)
Skyland Roller Girls (Hackettstown)
NJ Hell Razors (Kendall Park)
Jerzey Derby Brigade (Morristown)
Garden State Roller Girls (Jersey City)

NJ Transit  (Everywhere in NJ)

I know that the city folk may be snickering at their computer screens, but remember that we suburban families live out of our cars these days and rarely get a chance to take a ride on the great railways that run all through New Jersey. On off hours, especially weekends, riding the train can be an amazingly fun adventure for you and your kids. The best part, it's a cheap adventure, as kids ride free with a paying adult. This fall, I embarked on this great journey with my kids and took the high-tech double decker train to Morristown for lunch. We had the opportunity to walk around and explore this town that we normally just drive through. With three kids in tow, ironically this was one of the most carefree experiences I have had with public transportation. I didn't even panic when we were delayed on the track for 15 minutes, as the kids got some extra time to play around (I mean sit quietly) on the train until we started moving again. Overall I recommend this as a great way to spend the afternoon with the family!

Tuckerton Seaport (Tuckerton)

Don't be fooled into thinking that this South Jersey gem of a destination is just for summertime; not only are there plenty of fall events on their schedule, but the fun and education continues throughout the year at the Tuckerton Seaport. Here you'll find an indoor seaport museum in the main building (Visitors Center) and your kids will enjoying getting outdoors to explore the 3/4 mile boardwalk of this maritime village which includes a lighthouse, fish market, clam house, decoy shop, Sea Captain's House and hotel. There is also a ½ mile nature trail. Prices are reasonable at $8 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, and FREE for children 5 and under. Upcoming events include the Haunted Seaport on October 21 & 22, 28 & 29, 6pm-9pm. Also check their website for additional information about their holiday Christstkindlmarkt on December 10-11^th.

Lambert Castle (Paterson)

Have you or your kids been dying to see a real life castle, without the hassle of traveling abroad?!? Look no further than a few short minutes from major highway Route 80 in Paterson, NJ for this beautiful piece of architecture, Lambert Castle. You certainly can't beat the view of NYC and the surrounding areas since this castle sits high atop Garrett Mountain. Even better still, if your kids happen to get bored of all the history and art, you can take them to the Garrett Mountain Reservation to run around their 2 mile trail. The castle grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk and are free to explore, however the museum inside the castle is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12pm to 4pm and costs $5 for adults and $3 for children 5 and up.  Under 5 is FREE.

Off the Beaten Path Fall Farm Fun

It's certainly the time of year for farm fun since harvest season upon us and of course it's prime pumpkin picking galore! If you still have room in your busy fall schedule, you might want to check out one of these smaller and less crowded farm experiences.

Urban Farm at Lafayette (Morristown)

Right in the middle of Morristown, the Urban Farm at Lafayette is part of the non-profit organization Grow It Green, whose mission includes promoting environmental awareness. This small farm does just that by providing kids with an opportunity to learn about real farming. There are weekly events where an Urban Farm worker will give walking tours of the farm and will teach about the plants as they harvest. Your kids can even get their hands dirty and help out on the farm on Saturday mornings from 9:30am – 12:00pm (FREE).  Also on Saturdays the farm sells their produce as well.

Brookhollow Barnyard (Boonton Township)

Brookhollow Barnyard is literally on the road less traveled, nestled within Boonton Township. Not only is it a beautiful drive out there to the farm, but once you get there your family will love the serene setting. Kids will enjoy feeding carrot slices to the goats, sheeps, pigs, alpacas, horses, bunnies, chickens and pigs. In October they have tractor rides for an additional fee to the pumpkin patch on the other side of the farm. There is an adorable playhouse for the kids to explore and an extra large sand box for additional amusement. This year they added a water spigot and rubber ducky activity station which provided much enjoyment for my kids.  Admission is $5 per person (children under 2 are free) and you can purchase a bucket of carrots to feed the animals for $1.

Bobolink Dairy Farm  (Milford)

Out west in Hunderdon county in Milford is Bobolink Dairy Farm where you and your kids can find out everything you ever wanted to know about cows (and cheese too!). You can sign up online ($5 per person – children 3 and under are FREE) to take a one hour walking tour of the farm, bakery, farm store, milking parlor, and weather permitting, hike up to see the cows frolicking in their pastures. And better yet, the tour ends with a tasting of the farm's breads and cheeses in the farm store. You can also get a coupon for a discount to a local brewery to sample their adult beverages, which I hear go very well with cheese too!