Nature

The Meadowlands, once a punch line to many NJ jokes, is now a beautifully landscaped, wild ecosystem.  This Northern New Jersey destination has enchanted many visitors as an urban oasis. The transformation of the one-time landfill is a history, environmental and health lesson all rolled into one, a perfect balance of city life and wildlife…with a few highways in between. From hiking a short trail to visiting the outlets, exploring the Meadowlands is the perfect day trip for any local family.

May is National Bike Month! Celebrate this annual event by enjoying one of the numerous family friendly bike trails throughout New Jersey. From the Kittatinny Mountains to the Pinelands; from your favorite shore town to historic Morristown, there are countless bike routes throughout the garden state. You’ll get an up close and personal look at the many changing landscapes NJ has to offer.

From watching The Vampire Diaries to updating a Facebook status, from checking email to casting a vote for the next American Idol…the list of daily distractions and stationary activities your child faces is endless. A shocking number of eight to eighteen-year olds spent 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media – not a week, a day! As parents, we’re just as busy; shooting off an email here, running to a meeting there. We ALL need time to take a step back and breathe in some fresh air.

New Jersey is home to many marvelous hiking trails. Hiking is not only an inexpensive family activity, but also an incredible bonding experience. So introduce your brood to nature and its beauty; it may not be easy to get them to put down their cell phones, but the rewards will be well worth it.

Spring has sprung! I won't belabor the fact that it's barely been winter, since lately I seem fixated on the weather in my Mommy Poppins NJ missives, but, seriously, I hope you've left your house these last few months, because it's actually been quite nice out. Moving on. Spring! We're big fans. It's always a pleasure to step out the front door into a perfect 70 degrees, and even after thirty-several years on the planet, there is much delight and surprise in the first pink blossoms fluttering in the wind.

I like to kick off my spring activities stories with a quote, so this one is for my NJ kid, my spring addict, who loves to be barefoot so much, she'll fight about it every day. 

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.  ~Nadine Stair

So go on, there's so much to do. Take deep breaths. Soak it in. Maybe take your shoes off. Here's a list of NJ spring happenings, including hikes, strolls, walks, gardening, and happy discovering.

As New Yorkers, we're lucky to have all the benefits of living in an amazing city with a nearby countryside filled with farms and great agricultural experiences. More and more, parents are looking to teach their children about the farm-to-table experience, and there's no better lesson than harvesting your own food. But beyond that, picking your own fruit and vegetables is tons of fun, and makes for a great day or weekend trip.

Below are our favorite places to pick apples, pumpkins, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables in and around New York City, as well as info on other fun farm outings.