Do you have an emerging star at home? Try one of the many performing arts summer camps New Jersey has to offer. Whether your child is a shy newbie who wants to build social skills or a little Lin-Manuel Miranda who's aiming for Broadway, there are a myriad of choices in the Garden State.

We've rounded up 20 camps that offer instruction in acting, musical theater, playwriting, improv, dance, and more. 

Look to our Camp Guide and Full Directory of Listings for even more New Jersey summer camps.

Once the holiday season starts to fade and winter sets in, it's hard not to find yourself in a rut with your little one. We've built this list of 37 things to do with your toddler around New York City that will keep those blizzard blues away, from warm and toasty indoor activities to get-up-and-moving outdoor frolics. Eight of the suggestions are FREE activities.

Everything included below is just the right speed and time commitment for the toddler set—and won't have you dreading another trip wandering around the children's section of B&N, restocking the books as your little one pulls them down one after another!

It's always a good time to enjoy a good book and Long Island offers an array of storytimes -- many of which are free -- that will captivate your little listener.  From inspiring museums to cozy independent bookstores, storytimes are happening all over the island and many of these read-a-longs offer children the chance to express their own creative spirit with a fun craft or activity afterward. 

There is no shortage of indoor activities on Long Island during these chillier months. Be sure to check out Mommy Poppins’ Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids. For more active indoor fun, you’ll love The Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks for Long Island Kids. 

As we prepare to count down to the new year, we're looking back at all the wonderful new kid attractions that opened in New Jersey over the last year. We added a few new indoor play spaces, a cool playground outfitted with accessible equipment for kids of all abilities, and a museum dedicated to our iconic symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. 

If you didn't get enough shopping during the holiday season, swing by the newly re-imagined Toys R Us store at Garden State Plaza. American Dream finally opened in October—and even though there’s only one store open so far, between the amusement park, indoor ice skating rink, and indoor ski slopes, you’ll find plenty to do. 

Read on for the coolest, brightest, and best new offerings for NJ kids.

Teach kids how to make rock candy for an edible rainy day activity. Making rock candy is also part science experiment, allowing kids hands-on learning with a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.

Our easy rock candy recipe lets kids observe the crystallization process firsthand while making some pretty delicious treats. Sugar, water, and few more items found at home are all you need to turn your kitchen into a rock candy laboratory.

Read on for how to make rock candy with kids.