Danielle Halibey

Latest posts by Danielle Halibey

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey 2025

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Sun, 12/07/2025 - 10:18am

Sofia serves festive brunches and dinners on Christmas Day.

If your Christmas morning is anything like mine—early wake-up call, gift-giving excitement, cleanup and prep for a special meal, church—you're exhausted by lunchtime! If you're craving a less stressful day, all you have to do is make one little reservation. Imagine this: once all the presents under your Christmas tree have been unwrapped and the stockings scavenged, you can actually lounge in your PJs, sip your coffee, and just watch the kids play with their gifts and goodies—without worrying about cooking or cleaning. Go on, treat yourself!

What New Jersey restaurants are open on Christmas Day? We’ve rounded up several New Jersey restaurants that are serving up a festive feast on Christmas Day. Make certain to call ahead to secure your spot. After that's done, take a drive to enjoy these festive New Jersey holiday light displays and peruse all the other ways to be merry in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: A List of Awesome Things to Do

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Sun, 12/15/2024 - 6:42am

Santa ships out before Christmas Day, but there's still plenty to see at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

We've got ideas for Christmas Day fun once the presents are unwrapped.

25 Things To Do in Jersey City with Kids

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 6:51am

Liberty Science Center is a must-visit attraction in Jersey City. Photo courtesy of LSC

Jersey City is popular with families for its great neighborhoods, walkability, and proximity to New York City. And there is so much to do here, from cool cafes and sassy sweet-treat spots to beautiful parks and a plethora of playgrounds. It's no wonder the Sixth Borough is also called Chilltown.

JC is certifiably chill—and no longer considered the awkward stepsister to Hoboken. Tons of visitors make it a day trip destination, and those who live here don’t have to look too far for fun. Read on for 25 things to add to your to-do list if you’re spending some time in Jersey City.

Visiting Brookhollow's Barnyard: Tips for Visiting this NJ Petting Zoo with Kids

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 6:52am

Brookhollow's Barnyard is a family-run petting zoo in Boonton.

Brookhollow’s Barnyard, a petting zoo and farm in Boonton, is the perfect destination if your child loves animals. This sweet spot may just be Morris County's best-kept secret. The family-run farm will not only entertain your own baby animal, but older kids will also love this serene, yet interactive, spot.

Check out our Guide to NJ Farms for even more family-friendly fun, from pick-your-own fruit to top "agritainment" centers.

Fun First Birthday Party Ideas for NJ Kids

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 1:09pm

Little ones can blow out their candles at a pair of Rainforest Cafes in the Garden State. Photo courtesy of the venue

When it comes time to brainstorm first birthday party ideas, keep in mind: Hitting the 1-year-old milestone is definitely a cause for celebration—not only for baby, but also for his or her tired, yet hopelessly devoted parents, too. Despite the abundance of kids birthday party venues in New Jersey, not all are suitable for the littlest birthday parties.

That's where this list of first birthday party ideas in New Jersey comes in. Whether you are looking for a location indoors or out, with animals or in a toddler gym, we have some great kids birthday party ideas. While 1-year-olds might not yet be ready to jump, climb, or ride ponies themselves, they'll love watching their guests play. Most of these first birthday party ideas emphasize parental participation, so the fun can be had by all. And truthfully, as long as there’s some cake to smash and smiles to capture, your first birthday party is sure to be a blast.

From animal encounters to playtime in the park, these are our top picks for first birthday celebrations in New Jersey. Be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide for more inspiration.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.

Unique Goody Bag and Party Favor Ideas for Kids' Birthday Parties

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Thu, 02/16/2023 - 10:55am

Skip the candy and the plastic that ends up in a landfill with these creative goody bag and party favor ideas. Photo courtesy of Hannah Rodrigo/Unsplash

A goody bag or party favor is the icing on the cake of a kids' birthday party. But they're also the bane of the party planning parent's existence. No parent wants to give or receive plastic garbage that heads straight to the landfill. The best goody bags contain unique party favors that please both parents and kids. These ideas below hit that sweet spot, and allow you to bring your kiddo's personality or party theme into play, as well. Sometimes, creating the goody bag at the party even becomes one of the party activities. (Score!)

Read on for unique ideas to take your little guy or girl’s goody bag from basic to brag-worthy. These aren't the only birthday hints we've got in the bag. In our Birthday Party Ideas Guide, you'll find instructions for making a pinata at home, great cakes for kids' parties, and even birthday freebies for kids.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays.

12 Fun Things To Do in NJ Before Your Baby's First Birthday

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Tue, 08/30/2022 - 11:23am

Before you hit the cake-smash milestone, check out this baby bucket list of things to do in New Jersey with your little one. Photo by Lisa Warden

Welcome to year one! You’re officially “in it”—and even though you’ll have quite a few occasions in which you’ll want time to fly by, like those first few nights your infant sleeps in a crib for the first time, this year will be over in a flash. So, on top of all the daily snuggle fests and snapshots of milestones, do your best to make the most of these first 12 months with fun activities and family outings.

We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with your infant, from a trip to a park or playground to a visit to one of Jersey's themed eateries to practice eating those solids.

Read on for 12 things to do in New Jersey before your baby turns 1–plus one to grow on!

12 Play Cafes and Indoor Playgrounds in New Jersey With Perks for Parents

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 2:43pm

Watch kids have a blast in the bubble ball area at Lily and Liam while you sit nearby sipping coffee.

These play cafes and indoor playgrounds in New Jersey cater to kids and their caretakers, offering fun places to play plus grown-up amenities like free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and snacks and sips that go way beyond basic vending-machine munchies.

Read on for 12 of the best spots for indoor play, parental perks, and more. Because at the end of the day, if the little ones love it, it’s well worth the cost of admission; if mom and dad get something out of it, too, then that’s grounds for a repeat trip. You can find more fun kids' play spaces in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey for Kids.

Latest posts by Danielle Halibey

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