Liz Alterman

Latest posts by Liz Alterman

Private Playtime: 12 NJ Indoor Play Spaces to Book For Your Pod or Play Date

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:38am

Cold weather and the ongoing pandemic have created the perfect storm for parents and caregivers who wish kids had more opportunities to burn off some energy and hang out with their pals. Even if you've put together your own quaran-team—a small group or homeschool pod who agree to only socialize with each other to minimize the risk of exposure—you may be looking for new places to chill. Fortunately, play spaces throughout New Jersey cater to pods and offer reservations for private play in safe and sanitized environments.

If you're hoping to host a play date outside your home, the following play spaces are ready to accommodate your pod. Many facilities require that you sign waivers in advance, so visit the website and complete the forms before arrival.

Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

20 Winter Day Trips For NJ Families

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 12/11/2020 - 1:21pm

Freezing weather can lead to stir-crazy kids (and parents), so we've pulled together a list of more than 25 great winter day trip ideas for New Jersey families.

Bundle up for a day of snow tubing, or watch the wolves wrestle in their snowy habitat at the Lakota Wolf Preserve.

If you're dreaming of summer days, check out an indoor water park, where kids can splash the day away, or visit the Adventure Aquarium to see penguins, sharks, and stingrays in action.

Whether your crew loves outdoor adventures, or prefers indoor pursuits, read on to find the perfect winter activity for you from this list of 20 great winter day trips for New Jersey families.

Adopt a Kid's Letter to Santa via USPS This Holiday Season

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 12/04/2020 - 8:46am

The annual USPS Operation Santa program has gone national in 2020—a year when we could all use a bit more cheer. Once again, families and organizations have a chance to play Santa by adopting a letter from a child or family in need, and this year, the USPS has opened the program up to kids across the country, not just select cities.

Adopt a letter (or two!) beginning Friday, December 4, and kids (or even adults) can write a letter to "Santa" with their holiday wish list through December 15, 2020.

CDC Issues Halloween Guidelines for 2020: Is It Safe to Trick or Treat?

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Thu, 09/24/2020 - 11:11am

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released guidelines for Halloween safety — and it doesn't look good for trick-or-treating.

The pandemic has drastically changed how we live our daily lives, including all our favorite fall and winter holidays. With Halloween right around the corner and Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas close behind, these new guidelines from the CDC and pediatricians aim to keep kids and families safe while enjoying modified celebrations.

Free Admission for Kids at 50 of NJ's Biggest Family Attractions

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 01/15/2020 - 11:00am

NJ is home to many wonderful places for kids—the state’s museums, zoos, farms, and lighthouses are all great venues for family outings. Many of these destinations offer free admission for kids under certain ages, and we've rounded up 50 of them here.

Keep this post handy, and make sure to strategically plan your visit before your child's next birthday! And find more inspiration in our guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids.

25 Things to Do in Raleigh, NC, with Kids

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sat, 12/21/2019 - 2:01pm

There are plenty of fun things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina, with kids whether you're looking for a fun Southern city to explore with younger kids or beginning the college search with teens.

Known as the "City of Oaks," thanks to its mighty trees, the North Carolina state capital is the second-largest city in the state, right behind Charlotte. It's home to 12 colleges and universities, so it's no surprise that you'll find plenty of educational venues here, including museums and science centers. If you're also in the market for an action-packed good time, check out the go-karts and obstacle courses to arcades, escape rooms, and trampoline parks around Raleigh. We've also included our favorite free things to do in Raleigh for kids and noted at what ages free admission applies to some of the city's top attractions.

Here are 25 things to do in Raleigh for families, many of which are FREE.

Family-Friendly NJ Alpaca Farms for a Cute and Cozy Day Trip

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 10:00am

If you're looking to expand your barnyard repertoire beyond cows, horses, and pot-bellied pigs, the Garden State is home to plenty of family-friendly alpaca farms that offer a chance to feed, touch, and spend time with these soft and gentle creatures.

Native to the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, alpacas found their way to North American back in 1984, when a small group of importers brought a carefully chosen herd to the United States and Canada. As of the end of 2018, that group had steadily grown to 20,000, spread among zoos and private farms, including more than a dozen farms in New Jersey.

Read on for five of our favorites.

Interactive 'Dr. Seuss Experience' to Tour North America

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 11:17am

Readers of all ages have probably longed to step inside the colorful and whimsical worlds that exist inside Dr. Seuss' beloved stories. Now fans can finally get their fantastical fix as "The Dr. Seuss Experience," a brand-new exhibit, tours North America. The immersive and interactive celebration of the imagination of author and illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel is billed as a "Seuss-tacular sensory spectacle" families won't want to miss.

Liz Alterman

Liz Alterman

Latest posts by Liz Alterman

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