Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Best New Jersey Christmas Towns that Go All-Out for the Holidays

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 11/21/2024 - 1:06pm

There's nothing quite like Christmastime at Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland in Cape May. Photo courtesy Cape Resorts

Santa Claus is coming to the Garden State, and we’ve found 11 New Jersey Christmas towns that prove it. We're talking about the places where sleigh bells ring, carolers sing, and thousands of Christmas lights sparkle. These local New Jersey Christmas towns are getting into the holiday spirit with decked-out trees, strolling entertainment, and visits with Santa.

So, pull out the warm clothes, cue the holiday music, and drive to one of these charming, Christmas-crazed New Jersey towns. Then, keep the holiday fun going with a ride on one of these Polar Express trains in New Jersey, or find more ways to be merry in our New Jersey Holiday Fun Guide.

Best Farms with Family Entertainment in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 8:55am

Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New Jersey’s inviting family-friendly farms offer year-round activities that blend agriculture with entertainment. Whether your kids want to meet baby barnyard animals, pick their own fruit, or take a hayride, these top "agritainment" centers guarantee enough fresh air and playtime to tucker out your mini farmer by day's end.

New Jersey isn’t known as the Garden State for nothing!

Find more great options in our Pick Your Own Guide to Farms in New Jersey.

39 Best Things To Do in New Jersey Before School Starts

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 08/11/2024 - 5:29am

Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth

You know it's time for an end-of-summer list of things to do in New Jersey when August rolls around and Target is once again fully stocked with school supplies. If you haven’t been to the beach, picked your own fruit, or ridden a roller coaster, there's still time to squeeze it in before saying "so long" to summer.

Read on for dozens of awesome adventures to pack in with your kids before school starts, and get ready to go out with a bang!

Find even more bucket list-worthy ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and on our Activity Calendar.

Where To Go Peach Picking in New Jersey this Summer

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 07/19/2024 - 5:40am

Peach picking in New Jersey is one of the great pleasures of summer. Photo courtesy of Johnson's Corner Farm

Peach picking in New Jersey offers up one of the great joys of summer: A sweet treat plucked fresh off the tree. The Garden State has pick-your-own farms aplenty, so you should be able to find one close by.

The peach picking season in New Jersey really gets going in mid-July and carries on through August and even early September at some farms. Before heading out on a peach-picking adventure, call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page to make sure crops are still plentiful and see what other fruits are available on any given day—you might also be able to pick blueberries, which are available at many farms through the end of July.

Find more pick your own fun in our Guide to Farms in New Jersey for Families, and for more ways to enjoy the warm weather, don't miss our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 06/23/2024 - 6:03am

The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

The best playgrounds in New Jersey go above and beyond, with design features offering way more than the basic park down the block. From awesome jungle gyms to zip lines, a carousel, and even a zoo, these stellar rec areas allow kids to slide, swing, splash, climb, and imagine the day away.

For a comprehensive rundown on playgrounds with water features, check our rundown on 35+ sprinkler parks in New Jersey, and be sure to bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 10:06am

Ocean Oasis in Wildwood is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.

Outdoor water parks abound in New Jersey, and several of them are right on the beach! From big-name parks like Six Flags to boardwalk attractions, we've rounded up the top ones open for splashing this summer.

If you're looking for ways to cool off that are slightly cheaper, check out our roundup of water playgrounds and splash pads, most of which are FREE. For more summer fun, bookmark our Summer Guide for New Jersey Families.

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:06am

Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

If you're wondering, "Are there zoos near me in New Jersey?" then look no further: We've rounded up the best places in the Garden State for kids to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals of every kind.

At these day trip-worthy spots, little animal lovers can meet their favorite furry friends, check out exotic wildlife from other continents, or swim with the sharks (yes, really!).

Looking for more animal encounters? Find the best zoo in all 50 states to inspire more exploration.

Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 05/10/2024 - 6:57am

Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

A trip to a local amusement park in or near New Jersey is always high on my vacation bucket list, and we're lucky that New Jersey and nearby states offer lots of family-friendly amusement park adventures.

Whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Casino Pier and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure, here are the best amusement parks to visit this summer.

New this year: The groundbreaking Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, which is slated to open in summer 2024.

Find more wild rides in our Guide to Water and Amusement Parks, and read on for dozens of amusement parks in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania that are perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.