Jaime Wisz

Latest posts by Jaime Wisz

Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Fri, 04/12/2024 - 9:02am

Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

At New Jersey petting zoos, you and your family get to spend time outdoors while visiting cute, cuddly animals. In addition to seeing chicks, calves, lambs, bunnies, and piglets, kids can often pick fruit and vegetables. Some farms even host events where kids can watch cows being milked or take in another demonstration, like learning how cheese and bread are made.

Read on for more than a dozen of our favorite NJ petting zoos.

Top Preschool Birthday Party Places in NJ

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Tue, 03/12/2024 - 7:39am

Kidville in Montclair offers action-packed parties for preschoolers and toddlers.

There are tons of great birthday party spots across New Jersey that cater to preschoolers and toddlers, since big-kid birthday party places can be a bit too grown-up for this age group.

Read on for a list of cool play spaces, play cafes, and kiddie gyms that specialize in birthday party celebrations for the 6-and-under set. Find even more ideas for birthday party fun in our Guide to Birthday Parties in New Jersey.

25 Things To Do in Morristown, NJ, with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Tue, 01/23/2024 - 6:46am

Grow It Green is an urban farm that teaches kids about healthy eating and caring for the environment. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown

Just 25 miles west of NYC, Morristown, New Jersey, is rich in history and culture—and it offers lots of fun for families.

In this day trip–worthy town, you can walk alongside a seeing-eye dog in training, sample treats from one of the best chocolate shops in the region, catch a kid-friendly theater performance, and visit a few places where George Washington slept! Morristown also boasts beautiful gardens, several fun museums, and one of NJ's best swimming lakes.

Read on for our top 25 fun things to do in this great suburban town, and check out our Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey for more adventures close to home.

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Tue, 01/16/2024 - 7:29am

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.

Many New Jersey restaurants offer themed and interactive dining experiences for the entire family, from knights and horses to model trains. So if you're looking for some fun along with your food, read on for more than a dozen restaurants in New Jersey that will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our Family-Friendly New Jersey Restaurant Guide for more ideas for kid-friendly restaurants, including places where kids eat free and more.

Where to Enjoy a Family-Friendly Mother’s Day Brunch at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Tue, 05/03/2022 - 12:00pm

Enjoy a lovely brunch and follow it up by dipping your toes in the sands of the Jersey Shore this Mother's Day.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and moms everywhere are celebrating with a fabulous Mother's Day brunch. We already shared out top picks for Mother's Day brunch in northern New Jersey, but we know there are plenty of deserving moms elsewhere in the Garden State. Here, then, are 10 destinations for Mother's Day brunch on the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back vibe or you prefer something more upscale, the family-friendly Jersey Shore has plenty of delicious, family-friendly restaurants to choose from.

Check out one of these local favorites for a wonderful Mother's Day brunch on the Jersey Shore; no cooking or clean-up required. Then, relax, dip your toes in the sand, enjoy yourself, and have a very happy Mother’s Day!

Pick-Your-Own Adventures Await on the Many Gorgeous Flower Farms of New Jersey

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Tue, 04/26/2022 - 6:19pm

Beautiful blossoms await at Johnson's Locust Hall Farm.

New Jersey is known for its bountiful farmland, and the pick-your-own-farms dotting the state offer opportunities for many hours of family fun. These New Jersey farms are overflowing with acres of beautiful flowers, including camera-ready zinnia and lavender fields. Sunflower fields in New Jersey offer a particular treat for fans of the long-stemmed plants during its long growing season, which typically lasts from mid-July through October. In the fall, some farms host sunflower mazes, sunflower trails, and even sunflower festivals. Read on for everything you need to know about spending a day of flower-picking in New Jersey and bringing home a fragrant assortment of blooms.

If your family also gets excited about picking your own produce, check out our guides to picking strawberries in late spring, blueberries and peaches in the summertime, and apples and pumpkins in the fall.

Hit the Water with Paddleboat, Canoe, and Kayak Rentals in New Jersey

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Fri, 08/13/2021 - 5:41pm

Try the Aqua Trike at Pedals and Paddles in Seaside Heights for something new. Photo courtesy the venue

Looking for a great summer outing that’ll float the family’s boat? A ride in a paddleboat (sometimes called a pedal boat), kayak, canoe, or rowboat offers panoramic views of New Jersey's scenic parks and lakes, plus an opportunity for family time that may actually be peaceful.

Paddleboat and kayak rentals are available throughout the state. Check the specific paddling locations for any age or weight restrictions, then sit back and enjoy the ride. (And don't forget the sunscreen!)

Feeling more adventurous? Find the best places for tubing and rafting in and around NJ.

Best Music Classes for NJ Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 3:22pm

Kids feel the beat at a Musical Munchkins music class.

From Beethoven to Bob Marley, music delights children from a very young age and fosters healthy brain development. These NJ music classes for babies to preschoolers will inspire your little ones while providing great bonding experiences for parents and children.

For more cool classes, from s wimming lessons to STEM programs, check out our guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for New Jersey Kids.