Palmer Square is centerstage for a Christmas Eve Sing-A-Long. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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Zootopia 2 is playing at the Cranford Theater on Christmas. Photo by JF Photography
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The twinkling lights at Turtleback Zoo sparkle into the new year. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
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Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
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Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
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Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
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The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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Portland Maine Family Travel Guide

Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
8/9/19 - By Rose Gordon Sala

The charming coastal city of Portland, Maine, has undergone something of a revival in the last couple of decades, racking up awards for its restaurants and breweries. Families-in-the-know have always been drawn to its down-to-earth vibe and kid-friendly outdoor and indoor attractions, including a great children's museum, railroad museum, lighthouses, parks, and boat and ferry rides.

Portland is also a great destination for families seeking to explore the rest of Maine. Travel Down East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park or drive south to the family-friendly beaches of York, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. The latter includes a full-size amusement park right along the beach. Don't forget to stop at the various lobster shacks that dot Maine's coast for a roadside treat.

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The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon
The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon

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Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth
Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth

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