Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Yoga Classes and Studios for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 1:24pm

The daily dash from school to soccer practice to dance lessons leaves little time for kids to find some calm on busy days. But there’s an easy way to slow down and refocus—add yoga to your kid’s routine. Whether you want your toddler, tot, tween, or teen to find balance, physical activity, mindfulness, or a combination of all three, there’s a local NJ yoga studio that can help.

There’s no arguing with 2,000-plus years’ worth of evidence: The benefits of yoga are many. Research shows that kids who practice yoga boost their concentration and self-esteem, increase their flexibility, strength and coordination, and develop a foundation for dealing with stress in healthy ways.

If you’re ready to give yoga a try with your kids, scroll down for a list of our favorite studios with yoga classes for kids. For more kids classes, check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids.

Best New NJ Destinations for Kids That Opened in 2019

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 11:09am

As we prepare to count down to the new year, we're looking back at all the wonderful new kid attractions that opened in New Jersey over the last year. We added a few new indoor play spaces, a cool playground outfitted with accessible equipment for kids of all abilities, and a museum dedicated to our iconic symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty.

If you didn't get enough shopping during the holiday season, swing by the newly re-imagined Toys R Us store at Garden State Plaza. American Dream finally opened in October—and even though there’s only one store open so far, between the amusement park, indoor ice skating rink, and indoor ski slopes, you’ll find plenty to do.

Read on for the coolest, brightest, and best new offerings for NJ kids.

Montclair Art Museum Is Perfect for a Kid-Size Culture Fix

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 10/16/2019 - 12:00pm

The Montclair Art Museum is a great place to introduce kids to the visual arts. My 6-year-old daughter and I moved to Montclair last year, and when a Sunday afternoon opened up on our calendar recently, we finally got a chance to visit. Even my very active daughter, whose idea of culture is cheese (as in Chuck E.), was eager to go inside the big building she sees on our frequent trips to the Whole Foods right across the street.

To be honest, art museums plus kids doesn't always equal a successful day of art appreciation. For me, it's more about exposing my daughter to art and culture, even in small (or local) doses. That being said, the Montclair Art Museum absolutely did not disappoint! Plus, a visit to MAM makes a great post-brunch stop during a family-friendly day in Montclair.

Read on for our day—well, 90 minutes—at this awesome Northern NJ museum.

Kid-Friendly Newark Restaurants Near Popular NJ Destinations

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 10:00am

Not only is Newark home to several popular venues and attractions—namely the Prudential Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and the Newark Museum—but the restaurants in this part of the city are particularly family-friendly. With the impending arrival of hockey season and a host of upcoming performances, including Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live!, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly Newark restaurants where everyone can find their fill.

We've also included a few extras you can’t miss while you’re in town, including two Ironbound gems and the best diner in NJ. So the next time you're in Newark for a concert or show, check out one of these spots to lunch, brunch, or dine with your crew.

Essex County's New Accessible Playground Lets All Kids Play Together

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 08/21/2019 - 11:00am

All children can benefit from outdoor play in a park or playground, and lucky for us, there's a new accessible playground in Bloomfield, NJ, designed with the needs of kids with physical and developmental disabilities in mind.

Watsessing Park's all-access playground opened at the end of July after a seven-month, $4 million renovation. This new addition to the 69-acre Essex County park, located at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street, boasts inclusive features such as wheelchair-friendly surfacing and ramps, a seated merry-go-round, special swings, and much, much more—all in delicious, candy-colored hues.

Already fans of Watsessing Park's splash playground, my 6-year-old and I spent a perfect summer afternoon at this updated play space where all kids can play together and have fun. Read on for the scoop.

Kip's Castle Park in Verona, NJ: A Day Trip Fit for Royalty

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 08/05/2019 - 2:00pm

Did you know there's an actual castle located in the heart of Essex County? Despite its location just off busy Bloomfield Avenue and Route 23, Kip's Castle Park is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. So secret, in fact, that I hadn't even heard of this hidden gem until recently, and I've lived in the area my whole life!

Since my 6-year-old daughter already fancies herself a princess, I figured a trip to this New Jersey park would be right up her alley. Sure enough, she happily explored the castle and pranced around the gorgeous green grounds, even without slides and swings. But playground action isn't far—we decided to pair our visit to Kip's Castle with a stop at nearby Verona Park, for the perfect double-header day trip.

Find even more warm-weather adventures in our Summer Fun Guide, plus check out these other super-cool summer day trips.

End-of-Summer Bucket List: 30 Things To Do With NJ Kids Before School Starts

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 08/02/2019 - 8:00am

August is here, and Target is fully stocked with school supplies... which only means one thing: Summer is almost over! If you haven’t been to the beach, picked your own fruit, or ridden a roller coaster yet, there's still time to squeeze in more fun before saying so long to summer. Read on for 30 awesome adventures to have with your kids before school starts, and get ready to go out with a bang!

Find even more bucket list–worthy ideas in our Summer Fun Guide, August Go List, and Events Calendar.

Special Needs Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 1:46pm

Parents of children with special needs often face a great challenge in finding after-school and weekend recreational and enrichment programs. Luckily, we live in a very inclusive state that offers many special needs classes, social-skills groups, and enrichment programs that provide structured, supportive, and judgment-free environments where children with a range of abilities can grow and learn while having fun.

Here, we've compiled a list of special spots and activities throughout New Jersey where you can know that your child will feel welcomed and loved, just as they are!

For more kids' classes, be sure to check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids.

Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Pages