Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark: Next-Level Family Fun in New York's Catskills

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sat, 06/01/2019 - 2:02pm

The indoor water offers thrill slides, dumping buckets, and toddler splash pads.

Billed as the biggest indoor water park in New York state, the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is finally open!

Since we first learned about this exciting new indoor water park in the Catskills more than a year ago, our New York-area families have been anticipating its grand opening, which took place in April.

Eager for a weekend getaway, I recently visited the family-friendly resort for an overnight stay with my 5-year-old daughter. Sitting on two beautiful acres, with 318,000 gallons of water running through it, and 80,000-square-feet of water attractions—plus lots of splashes and sprays—the Kartrite does not disappoint.

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

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

Little swashbucklers will love Blackbeard's Flying Pirate Ship.

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.

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

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

Kids will go wild for the huge new indoor water park.

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.

50+ Fun Things To Do with Kids Indoors in New Jersey: A Winter Survival Guide

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 9:00am

KIdz Bop Live comes to the Prudential Center on Friday, February 15. Photo courtesy of Kidz Bop

Being stuck inside on a cold, blustery day with your kids climbing the walls is far from our idea of a good time. Lucky for us, New Jersey has no shortage of ways to keep young 'uns entertained and active this winter, from museums and indoor play spaces to bowling alleys, N inja Warrior–inspired obstacle courses, and roller rinks.

Bundle up your little ones and hit the road to check out one of these 50+ fun ideas. Kid-friendly shows, drop-in arts & crafts, and sporty fun zones are just some of our favorite indoor activities guaranteed to cure cabin fever.

Read on for our list of the best of what New Jersey has to offer for the whole family this winter season. And be sure to check out our January GoList and Events Calendar for even more great ideas. Stay warm, NJ!

22 Hottest New NJ Destinations for Kids That Opened in 2018

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 12/30/2018 - 11:00am

Kids can pop in to Snapology to play with a long list of STEM toys. Photo courtesy of Snapology

As we prepare to count down to the new year, we're looking back at all the wonderful new kid attractions we gained in New Jersey over the last 12 months. We added more than a handful of new indoor play spaces, two playgrounds updated with modernized equipment and cool features, and a museum dedicated to NJ's Revolutionary War history.

If you didn't get enough shopping during the holiday season, swing by for storytime at Indigo, a gigantic new bookstore at Short Hills Mall. Menlo Park Mall's Disney Junior Play Zone and PopFit Kids at Paramus Park Mall also keep mini shoppers in mind with FREE indoor play.

Looking for a sweet treat? You can't go wrong with ice cream at Brooklyn-import Ample Hills, or a custom confection from Sugarsuckle, known for their amazing kids' birthday cakes.

Soar to new heights in 2019 at iFly, which opened its first NJ location this year. Other chains including Dave & Busters and Sky Zone expanded their presence in the Garden State this year with new locations. And what's old is new again, as favorites such as Asbury Lanes, Imagine That!!!, and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse reopened in 2018 after being closed for extensive renovations.

Whether you want to hit the (sensory) trail or jump for joy, you're in the right place. Read on for the coolest, brightest, and best new offerings for NJ kids.

50+ Awesome Santa Activities in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 12/02/2018 - 3:10pm

Liberty Hall hosts Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 16. Photo courtesy of the Liberty Hall Museum

December is here, and that means Santa is here, too! Your kids are sure to want to meet St. Nick, and you’re sure to want to snap a pic or two for a keepsake.

From photo ops to breakfasts and brunches, train rides, and even special holiday shows, we’ve rounded up more than 50 of the best places to see Santa across the state this year. They include some old classics as well as a few new favorites.

Whether you want to take in the holiday lights, have your preschooler mingle with Kris Kringle, or hear a token ho-ho-ho at a free event, there’s something for everybody.

Read on for where to catch up with the jolly jet-setter all over New Jersey this holiday season.

You'll find even more ways to get the yuletide party started in our Holiday Fun Guide and Dozen Holiday Must-Dos.

Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail Caters To NJ Kids of All Abilities

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 11/08/2018 - 3:55pm

Kids are encouraged to get hands-on on the trail.

Sensory play—any activity that stimulates any one or all of a child’s five senses—is a crucial part of development. And for children who have difficulties processing all the different sensations that they receive from their senses, sensory stimulation can be even more valuable.

Enter the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail in Mountainside. The first of its kind in Union County, the trail, located in Union County's largest park, is designed to provide sensory stimulation and interaction for all kids, with an emphasis on special needs children and their families. According to Union County park officials, it is the most extensive sensory trail in the U.S.

On a recent visit with my 5-year-old, we set out to determine if this sensory-friendly trail would stimulate all five of our senses. Read on to find out what we saw, heard, smelled, touched, and yes, maybe tasted, too.

Check out our Fall Fun Guide to find more easy trails along with other seasonal fun.