New Jersey Kids Guide

New Jersey isn't called the Garden State for nothing. Whether you live there for the big backyards, or you just like to use it as your backyard on select weekends, New Jersey is filled with fun stuff to do all year round. From summer festivals to winter skiing, water parks and beaches or museums and zoos; you can pick your own fruits or cut your own Christmas tree; there's always something fun going on for kids in New Jersey.

Latest news from the area

May 21 2013

Organic Farm Shares in New Jersey

Don’t have a green thumb? Critters spoiling you attempts at a garden again this year? Join a CSA farm. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between a local farmer and the people who consume his/her fresh, often organic, produce. Members purchase a "share" of the farm's anticipated harvest. This partnership becomes a win/win situation to the CSA members by giving them the best quality, freshest, widest variety of locally grown produce while ensuring the survival of the farms by guaranteeing the farmer a fair return on his/her efforts. Members pay at the beginning of the season and the farmer delivers a weekly assortment of vegetables, herbs and sometimes fruit as they become available. Each of the farms runs a little differently, so check the websites and choose the program that best suits your family’s needs. And enjoy!

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May 17 2013

Kid-Friendly NJ-Based Party Boats

Ok, let’s admit it: Boat parties are awesome. They’re unique, they’re memorable, they’re different. Good to know: Most party boat rentals involve some type of fishing. Not all, but some. Note: If your child is interested in a boat party, it’s strongly advised to strap them into a life preserver. Most marinas have life vests for children, but it may be wise to invest in a floatation device for every child. Here are five NJ-based marinas that offer some boat-riding fun for the whole family.

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May 14 2013

Spend a Day at the Turtle Back Zoo

There is a gem nestled inside Essex County: Turtle Back Zoo. Part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, TBZ is a lovely little zoo with a big commitment to wildlife education and conservation. With the added perk of being smack in the middle of a treetop obstacle course, an indoor skating rink and a mini golf course, the TBZ is an amazing day trip for anyone in Northern New Jersey and worth the trip for any family in the whole state. Read on for all the highlights!

May 13 2013

Skylands: New Jersey Botanical Garden

Once spring hits I could jump for joy; no more germ ridden, crowded indoor play-spaces! After my joyous display of enthusiasm, my kids and I sit down and make our spring and summer bucket list; places we want to visit before the weather gets chilly. Skylands Botanical garden is on the list every year, and we go as many times as possible.

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May 9 2013

Traincation! A NJ Transit "Fun" Day on the Midtown Direct

If you need a simple activity as the weather warms up but before swim lessons start, look no further than your own town station. A fun and family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) trip in between a staycation and a vacation, is a traincation! Here are four towns, Summit, Chatham, Madison and Morristown along the Midtown Direct to Penn Station, and some great walkable activities. Ditch your car and shout it with us, “All-aboard!”

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May 6 2013

NJ Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms & Strawberry Festivals

If locally-grown foods and warm weather daytrips are things that your family enjoys – grab the small ones and take them strawberry picking! It’s like an outdoor adventure with a sweet reward, and what kid doesn’t love red, ripe strawberries. New Jersey may be known for its tomatoes and blueberries, but we’ve also got some great places to pick-your-own strawberries, most of which start in late May. Check out some of the best spots to take your NJ kids strawberry picking.

May 3 2013

Get Jersey Fresh at One of Hudson County’s Farmer’s Markets

The days are warmer, the produce is ripening and it's a great time of year to get the kids involved in choosing healthy fresh food ingredients. You may not immediately think of Hudson County as offering many options in that department; we all know it offers close proximity to NYC, museums, fabulous restaurants, but the truth is Hudson County offers 12 fantastic Farmer’s Markets, so check out our list of Hudson County Farmer’s Markets by city and get Jersey Fresh with your NJ kids and families!

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May 1 2013

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, New Jersey-Style

Don your sombrero, dust off the marimba, and head out for some Cinco de Mayo family fun! There’s music to dance to (at a library, if you can believe it), food and drink to consume (everywhere), Monarch butterfly celebrations, parades, and a 5K to run (to negate the cheese calories). With all this going on, your kids will surely siesta well, and you can mix up that margarita you so richly deserve.

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