Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Movie Theater Birthday Parties for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 05/01/2017 - 11:00am

With a slate of highly-anticipated animated kids movies coming to a big screen near you this year, what better place to host your birthday kid’s party than at your local cinema? From multiplexes with stadium seating to intimate movie houses, we found the best big screens to give your birthday superstar the red carpet experience. And with snacks and drinks included, you do nothing (except maybe bring a cake), so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, too. For more birthday party planning advice, check out our NJ Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

Amazing Birthday Cakes for Kids in Northern New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 04/19/2017 - 6:15pm

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.

The Best Events for New Jersey Preschoolers in Spring 2017

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 04/07/2017 - 3:15pm

Despite the cool temperatures, believe it or not, spring has truly sprung! If you've got little ones who are itching to get out and enjoy the season, you're in luck: we've got a list of some of the best things to do with the under-5 set this spring. When the sun makes an appearance, get outside with your kiddo for a nature walk, Earth Day celebration, and F airy and Pirate Festival. April showers are the perfect excuse to head inside for preschool-friendly performances of Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, Sesame Street Live, Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr. If you're up for a day trip, the season openings of Sesame Place and The Land of Make Believe are worth the travel time.

Read on for our top spring event picks for NJ kids under 5. And be sure to check out our Spring Fun Guide to find even more great things to do.

What To Do on New Year's Day with NJ Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 12/30/2016 - 10:40am

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!

Kidoolo Is a New Play Space with an Upscale, Club-Like Vibe

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 12/08/2016 - 1:35pm

NOTE: As of January 2019, Kidoolo is not offering open play for toddlers. It does offer open laser tag sessions for kids ages 6 and up, along with arcade and video games, and it is available for birthday parties and events.

Kidoolo Play Club, a new indoor play space in Springfield, aims to appeal to kids and parents alike. The stylish space is currently open for business but will celebrate its grand opening on January 28. It's located next to PM Pediatrics between BMW and Fiat on Route 22 East.

New Indoor Play Space Catch Air Brings an Aquatic Vibe to Paramus

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 10/31/2016 - 4:00pm

On a recent rainy Monday I wondered – as most parents do on cold, wet days at home with their kids – “What are we going to do today?” Of course, a visit to my daughter’s favorite playground was out of the question. Then I remembered hearing about Catch Air, a new indoor play space that had recently opened in Paramus. I loaded my rain-slickered preschooler into the car and we headed up the Garden State Parkway. “Where are we going?,” she asked. Turns out, we were headed on an aquatic adventure.