Margaret Hargrove

New Jersey families, you have spoken! We asked you all to weigh in on New Jersey's Besties—the best family businesses and resources in categories that range from best restaurants, parties, activities, and more. With all the great family fun experiences and resources in New Jersey, it was hard to choose just 23, but you were up to the task! Each winner was selected from a competitive crop of 10 nominees in each category.

A special thank you to the Bestie Sponsors, and congratulations to the four lucky voters who were picked at random to enjoy some amazing prizes!

We've grouped the winners into three winning categories: Parenting Resources, Enrichment Programs, and Family Fun. 

Without further ado, here is your guide to the best of family-friendly New Jersey, the 2017 New Jersey Besties!

Best Parenting Resources Winners | Best Enrichment Programs Winners

With all of the amazing bakeries in New Jersey, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a cake for your kid’s birthday bash. But which ones are a cut above? We cake-tested our way across northern New Jersey (somebody had to do it!) to find show-stopping sweets that take the cake!

Whether you want ice cream, gluten-free goodies, or a 3-D replica of your child’s favorite TV show character, there’s something for everyone in this delicious roundup of northern NJ bakeries and bakers. You can find even more party-planning info in our NJ Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Guide. 

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to do more fun things with your kids, why not kick off 2017 by taking advantage of all the great places that are open on New Year's Day? We came up with six resolutions for NJ families and found activities to fulfill each one—all at places that are open on January 1, 2017. Just a few options include skating at a roller rink, and meeting the underwater occupants of Adventure Aquarium. If being outdoors is more your speed, you can hit the slopes, visit a Winter Wonderland, or see some dazzling light displays. Read on for the full scoop on super-cool adventures to celebrate your family’s first day of 2017. And if you're still looking for things to do on New Year's Eve with the kids, we've got that covered, too. Happy New Year!