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New Jersey Stores with Free Places To Play

1. Barnes & Noble – Multiple Locations

Multi-level stores in Clifton and Edison have huge children's sections, and outposts in Clark, Hackensack, and Livingston have train tables to keep little hands occupied while you sip a latte. Check the website for weekly story times and events.

2. Apple Store – Bridgewater, Lawrence Township, Secaucus

Check the daily schedule and take a free kids' workshop on topics like "Make a Theme Song," "Code Your First App," or "Make an Emoji."

3. IKEA – Elizabeth and Paramus

Mega-stores may not be the first place you think of for passing a calm hour, but Ikea is in a league of its own. The Swedish home emporium's popular Småland has supervised play spaces with ball pits, and there's plenty more to keep kids engaged. Roam the store and let kids explore the bunk beds, tents, mini-tables, and toys scattered throughout the furniture displays. Follow it up with a healthy, kid-friendly lunch in the cafe. The Elizabeth location is near Newark Airport, so take-offs and landings may add some excitement to your outing.

4. Indigo Bookstore – Short Hills

This luxury bookstore, located in the Short Hills Mall, features a huge children's section with a cool train table, an oversized throne for reading, tables for coloring and creating, and even a foosball table.

5. Learning Express – Multiple Locations

At these jam-packed toy stores, you'll often find an activity table or train table tucked between toy shelves and stocked with demo toys for your play experts. In some stores with extra floor space, kids can take scooters around for a test drive. And check out these other great toy stores around the state for more small play areas, like the train table at Just Kidding Around in Montclair.

RELATED: Free Admission for Kids at Nearly 50 of NJ's Biggest Family Attractions

Most Lego stores offer areas to build and free workshops. Photo by Shira Kronzon

6. Lego – Multiple Locations

Little builders will love visiting this paradise of plastic bricks, and many stores have pint-sized Lego tables set up for tinkering. My kids could spend hours at the Minifigure bar, customizing their creations–even if they know there's no way they're coming home with us.

7. Pottery Barn Kids – Short Hills

Colorful kid-sized tables loaded with dolls, trains, books, and other toys invite little ones to tinker while you browse the newest children's furniture at this mall shop.

8. Toys R Us – East Rutherford

Housed in the American Dream mega-mall and entertainment complex, the retailer's only U.S. store is a two-level wonderland, complete with a twisty slide to whisk you from one floor to the other. Beyond the slide, you'll find 20,000 square feet of retail space complete with interactive experiences and product demos, plus photo-ops with Geoffrey the Giraffe.

Free Mall Play Spaces in New Jersey

9. Freehold Raceway Mall – Freehold

Pass some time at the children's play area on the upper level next to The Carousel. Meant for pint-sized visitors, this spot is reserved for children under 42 inches.

RELATED: Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey kids

Take a seat while the kids play at the Disney Jr. Play Zone in Edison, NJ. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

10. Disney Jr. Play Zone – Edison

Toddlers and preschoolers love this spot in the Menlo Park Mall. Featuring all their favorite Disney Jr. cartoon characters, including Mickey Mouse and Friends, Puppy Dog Pals, and Muppet Babies, the play space is located on the upper level near Nordstrom's. Life-size Mickey ears, Minnie's Bow-Tique, touch-screen video games, a dance floor mat, and kid-sized roadsters keep kids busy, and there is plenty of bench seating for parents and a restroom nearby as well.

11. Westfield Garden State Plaza – Paramus

The Westfield Family PlaySpace offers plenty of romping room for toddlers and preschoolers, but also activities for older kids. It's located near the food court on the lower level. There's a soft, padded area for little ones, as well as climbing nets and a wall, bridges, and tunnels, a faux ship to climb aboard, and sensory fun like fish tanks and bright blinking lights for kids to touch. It has a Jersey Shore theme with plenty of nautical touches.

RELATED: Top Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey Open Now

Livingston Mall's play zone features small climbers and puzzles, and there's a mini carousel next door. Photo courtesy of the mall

12. Livingston Mall – Livingston

This bright, carpeted play zone features small climbers and puzzles to keep toddlers happy for a while. Comfortable adult seating means you can enjoy a break while the kids romp.

13. Paramus Park – Paramus

Toddlers and preschoolers love the ABC-themed climbing structures at this enclosed play area on the mall's second level. There's a mini slide, too, and just outside of the enclosed lot, you'll find paid kiddie rides and a few games.

14. Rockaway Townsquare – Rockaway

This play area has been renovated with soft play fixtures that make this space a fun and safe place for kids to place. 

And Don't Forget the Library!

Libraries are packed with FREE, fun activities—kids can watch movies, build with Legos, read to a therapy dog, make crafts, listen to stories, and more. Check your local library's website for info!

Originally published in 2017, this post is updated annually.