Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

15 Awesome Water Parks for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 9:00am

New Jersey has several fantastic water parks, some of them right on the beach! From big-name parks and boardwalk favorites to the state's first municipal water park, we've rounded up 15 of New Jersey’s best water parks and an overview of what to expect from each one. We've even included a couple of fantastic indoor water parks to keep kids splashing on rainy days.

If you're looking for water fun on a slightly cheaper scale, check out our Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads roundup. For more summer awesomeness, visit our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide and our NJ Theme Parks Guide.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms and Festivals in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 1:00pm

Nothing screams springtime in the Garden State like getting your hands dirty picking strawberries, and heading to a pick-your-own farm is an outdoor adventure with a sweet reward.

Whether this is your child’s first time at the strawberry patch or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, you'll want to check out our list of more than 20 New Jersey farms and festivals around the state, where your sweeties can their hands on bushels full of juicy red berries.

Check out our May GoList and Spring Fun Guide to find more events and activities to enjoy with your NJ kids this strawberry season. Happy picking!

Worth The Drive: 10 Destination Playgrounds in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 04/21/2019 - 2:00pm

There's no doubt that New Jersey is home to countless parks and playgrounds, but some go above and beyond, with design features that make them more of a destination than the basic park down the block.

If you've been to your neighborhood playground so many times that the slides and swings have lost their thrill, now's the perfect time to switch up your kiddo's routine. Spring has sprung, and these 10 amazing playgrounds are worth the trip!

From cool play spaces featuring awesome jungle gyms you won't find anywhere else, as well as playgrounds with water features, zip lines, a carousel, and even a zoo, these stellar playscapes allow kids to slide, swing, splash, climb, and imagine the day away. Pile into the car and visit each at least once—but we bet you'll want to return again and again.

Land of Make Believe: A Charming Family-Friendly Amusement Park in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 03/27/2019 - 1:00pm

For more than 60 years, Land of Make Believe in Hope, NJ, has entertained and amused families and kids of all ages. Designed as an amusement park where kids and adults can have fun together, there’s literally something for everyone. And the best part is that it’s affordable. The Pay-One-Price policy covers both the amusement park rides and water park, giving you the convenience to move from attraction to attraction without the hassle of endlessly having to reach into your pocket. Parking is also free, and you can even bring your own food and drinks to picnic right inside the park.

Perhaps you visited Land of Make Believe when you were a kid. I know I did. That’s why I was eager to talk a walk down memory lane and introduce my 5-year-old daughter to the thrills and adventures of my own youth. While I found that a lot has changed since then, the essence of this charming amusement park remains.

Read on to experience a bit of this magical-sounding amusement park for yourself.

Spring Break Staycation: 45 Fun Things To Do with New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 11:00am

Who says you need to get on a plane for spring break? Skip the long airport security lines (or road-trip meltdowns) and enjoy a spring break staycation right here in New Jersey.

Different school districts are closed during different dates, but you can expect roughly 10 days of uninterrupted playtime anywhere between April 13–28.

Luckily, you don’t have to go far to make the most of your time off. The Garden State is home to museums, playgrounds, zoos, and other fun zones that are just a short drive away. There are also many special events and activities taking place on specific dates within this timeframe to give you and your kids something to look forward to.

Read on for 45 fun things to do with kids—no plane ticket required. You can also find great nearby getaways in our Day Trips Guide, and for far-flung destinations, check out our Family Travel Guide.

50+ Things We Can't Wait To Do with Kids This Spring in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 11:00am

Spring is on its way! It's almost time to trade in boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, parks and playgrounds, spring getaways, and New Jersey farm fun. Get outside to take advantage of all of the seasonal fun the Garden State has to offer!

Read on for 50+ fantastic spring activities to enjoy with your family. Looking for more? Check out our Spring Fun Guide, with new events added throughout the season.

Get Ready: New York State's Biggest Indoor Water Park Opens in April

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 02/28/2019 - 3:24pm

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark—billed as the biggest indoor water park in New York state—is finally opening this spring!

Since we first learned about this exciting new indoor water park in the Catskills over a year ago, we’ve been eagerly anticipating its grand opening. Originally scheduled for April 5, the resort has announced that the opening will now take place Friday, April 19, 2019.

Located about 2 hours from midtown Manhattan in Monticello, NY, the Kartrite is an exciting alternative to farther-afield indoor water parks in the NYC area. Reservations are now open for April and beyond—perfect for spring break, a weekend away, or your family's summer vacation. Read on for more details, plus a peek inside the space.

Top Summer Day Camps for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 11:27am

Before you know it, the end of the school year will be in sight and you'll start wondering: “What the heck am I going to do with these small people I call 'my children' for the summer?" We’ve got you covered with the best of New Jersey–area summer camps. These camps take fun seriously—so much so that they plan all year long for eight weeks of summer. Many of these camps have had entire generations of families pass through. Though some are quite large, they offer great counselor-to-camper ratios, with additional support from adults supervising younger staff.

Find more New Jersey summer camps in our Camp Guide and Full Directory of Listings.

Margaret Hargrove

Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

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