One doesn’t usually associate the phrase, “fun things to do with kids in NJ” with spring cleaning. However, this beautiful weather has got me thinking about how to combine the two! I have started to clean out one closet a day and I’ve found a great way to get my two kids involved by adding a twist. My daughters sort the piles into ‘donate,’ ‘garbage’ or ‘consign’. Consigning is a great way to repurpose and recycle and save or earn money. With the money we make from consignment shops my kids can either buy a new summer toy/outfit or bank it in our family Disney Cruise fund. They’re so into it, it is getting a bit out of hand- I found my favorite pair of Tory Burch sandals in a ‘consign’ bag!!!!! Here are some of my favorite “green” consignment shops that are merchandised to look like boutiques in Northern New Jersey.

Are your kids climbing the walls and jumping from couch to couch? When it's too cold for your favorite park there are plenty of places to blow off steam indoors in Northwestern New Jersey.  Many of these venues offer open play or classes geared from little ones to tweens and most offer birthday party packages as well. Each is $10 or less per child and most offer group rates. The mommy bonus of indoor open play? Bring a box of joe and some juice boxes and make your own party- without the clean up!