A-tisket, a-tasket: Great Places in NJ to Bring Your Picnic Basket

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Even though I'm not a huge fan of sharing my personal space with bugs, I do appreciate being one with nature. Lucky for us, here in New Jersey we have many parks and natural areas to explore. If you want to make the most of a day outdoors, bring along some food and find a spot to picnic with your family.  You'll be glad to know that we've taken some of the guesswork out of “where” by listing some of the best picnic spots in NJ.

Summer Theater Classes for Long Island Kids

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Unleash your little Shakespeare and help them harness their dramatic energy with theater classes on Long Island. Several performing arts centers and theaters offer summertime classes and mostly culminate with a production. From musical theater to scene study and stage direction, these programs help give your child the tools to help transform into various characters on stage or screen. And be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide for other ideas to keep your kids engaged, energized and enthusiastic this summer.

News: Pre-K News, Time for Kids Reporter Contest, Luna Park Discount for Good Grades & Reading Rainbow Set to Return

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Almost all of our NYC news is good news in this edition of our biweekly links post. We've got the skinny on a couple of cool new children's stores, a kids' discount at Luna Park, a kid reporter contest at Time for Kids and the return of an old childhood favorite. Plus, the latest on pre-K admissions, FREE coding classes for kids and a tearful goodbye to a 20-foot-long NYC legend.

White Plains with Kids: 30 Things to Do for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on

White Plains has long been the "seat" of Westchester County--home to the county courthouse, county center and headquarters of some major companies like PepsiCo, IBM and Nestle. It is also the county's commercial hub. Inside this small city are five separate shopping centers--City Center, the Westchester Mall, the Galleria, the Source at White Plains and the Westchester Pavilion--along with more individual stores, restaurants and businesses than one could possibly visit in a day. We've mentioned White Plains many times when highlighting fun things to do with kids, including ice skating, cooking classes, miniature golf and more. 

The  5,000 seat Westchester County Center is a stopping point for hundreds of shows, sports competitions, expos, markets and events every year--two events made our June Go List--and several smaller venues provide culture and classes for residents and visitors alike. Just outside a bustling downtown, families can take refuge in a charming town and scenic county parks. 

In June, we'll take a closer look at White Plains and all it has to offer kids and families including the best places to play, eat and shop, starting with our list of 30 things to do with kids in White Plains. 

Golf Lessons for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Stephanie Forton on

When the grass turns green and the temperatures warm up many New Jersey moms and dads grab their golf clubs and hit the links.  This summer, why not get the kids in on the fun?  The game of golf teaches skill, logic and honesty, and it happens to be a great way for kids to pass the time during the summer months.  With some of the best golf courses in the country, New Jersey is the perfect place to introduce kids to this fantastic sport.  Start them swinging by enrolling them in one of these great kids golf programs.  Check out our post on the Best Miniature Golf Courses in New Jersey for more fun golf options this spring and summer.  

Last-Minute Teacher Gifts: Washi Tape Pencil Holders

Submitted by Dari Litchman on

This fun to make and non-messy project is a great idea for end of the year teacher gifts from your kids! We found cardboard chip canisters of different heights, and also some regular ole' glasses we got at the dollar store. Washi tape can be found at art supply stores or online. It's super fun, colorful, and can be used in so many ways!

Top Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a Family Getaway

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From pristine beaches and the start of Big Sur to missions and kid-friendly wineries and even some wildlife, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great relaxing family destination that adults and children will both enjoy. Imagine, if you will, spending the weekend someplace so laid back that comfortable shoes are mandated by city ordinance. For real. A place where businesses don't have street addresses and Main Street has more trees than signs. Or stop imagining and just hop on the 101 toward Carmel-by-the-Sea. We did just that and recharged the family batteries with a Carmel weekend - a treat of a getaway that I had not indulged in since I was a kid myself (decade to remain nameless). 

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