Turtle Back Zoo is one of our favorite attractions in New Jersey, and for plenty of reasons: it’s an incredible, beautiful destination that appeals to kids of all ages, with great exhibits and programs. Crucially, it also offers several opportunities for kids to get hands-on experience with animals. The facility also hosts amazing holiday activities, camps, and family-friendly programming throughout the year.

Turtle Back Zoo is located in Essex County in the South Mountain Reservation, and there are tons of other things nearby for kids to do—including romping in a treetop adventure course and playing some mini-golf; read through our guide below for the many nearby activities worth checking out. 

Turtle Back Zoo has been enthralling visitors since it opened in 1963, with a collection of 140 animals of 40 species, and it has continued to expand its rich offerings over the years. Should you go? Of course! Should you have a game plan? You better. Read on for what you should know before you and the family get wild.

If you're looking for other great New Jersey adventures, check out our rundown of the state's top things to do with kids. And be sure to peruse our guide to Zoos and Gardens for New Jersey Kids if you're on the hunt for other animal encounters. 

There’s no snow required for these thrilling mountain coaster rides. Come summer, several of our favorite local ski resorts switch gears from skiing and snow tubing to alpine slides and mountain coasters. These mountain coasters are as exciting as one you’d find at any theme park and come with better views as you wind through gorgeous mountain scenery at speeds up to 25 miles per hour with vertical drops of 500 feet or more. A mountain coaster is often a two-seater, so parents and children can ride together, enjoying the view from top to bottom.

If you want to see these popular ski resorts from every angle and have a blast doing it—even when it’s hot outside—read on for our picks for a thrilling mountain coaster ride in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Once you've conquered the coasters, take note: Many of these local resorts offer more off-season fun from adventure courses, zip lines, and ropes courses to thrilling water parks, making them great weekend-long destinations for active, family-friendly fun.

Pizza and spaghetti are perennial kid pleasers, so choosing an Italian restaurant is a good start for a delightful family meal. But let’s face it: Some Italian restaurants just aren’t suited for the younger set. Red sauce stains on white tablecloths, forks on the floor, and high-volume iPads are all a recipe for disaster, both for parents and other diners.

Luckily, these 20 family-friendly Italian restaurants welcome kids to their tables with special kids' menus and comfy accommodations so everyone can enjoy their meal. Sunday suppers are something of an Italian tradition, so why not pick one of these delicious restaurants to dine this weekend with your famiglia? And if you're looking for more dinner spots for your family in New Jersey, check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.