Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Best New Jersey Christmas Towns that Go All-Out for the Holidays

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 11/21/2024 - 1:06pm

There's nothing quite like Christmastime at Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland in Cape May. Photo courtesy Cape Resorts

Santa Claus is coming to the Garden State, and we’ve found 11 New Jersey Christmas towns that prove it. We're talking about the places where sleigh bells ring, carolers sing, and thousands of Christmas lights sparkle. These local New Jersey Christmas towns are getting into the holiday spirit with decked-out trees, strolling entertainment, and visits with Santa.

So, pull out the warm clothes, cue the holiday music, and drive to one of these charming, Christmas-crazed New Jersey towns. Then, keep the holiday fun going with a ride on one of these Polar Express trains in New Jersey, or find more ways to be merry in our New Jersey Holiday Fun Guide.

Best Farms with Family Entertainment in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 8:55am

Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New Jersey’s inviting family-friendly farms offer year-round activities that blend agriculture with entertainment. Whether your kids want to meet baby barnyard animals, pick their own fruit, or take a hayride, these top "agritainment" centers guarantee enough fresh air and playtime to tucker out your mini farmer by day's end.

New Jersey isn’t known as the Garden State for nothing!

Find more great options in our Pick Your Own Guide to Farms in New Jersey.

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 06/23/2024 - 6:03am

The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

The best playgrounds in New Jersey go above and beyond, with design features offering way more than the basic park down the block. From awesome jungle gyms to zip lines, a carousel, and even a zoo, these stellar rec areas allow kids to slide, swing, splash, climb, and imagine the day away.

For a comprehensive rundown on playgrounds with water features, check our rundown on 35+ sprinkler parks in New Jersey, and be sure to bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 10:06am

Ocean Oasis in Wildwood is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.

Outdoor water parks abound in New Jersey, and several of them are right on the beach! From big-name parks like Six Flags to boardwalk attractions, we've rounded up the top ones open for splashing this summer.

If you're looking for ways to cool off that are slightly cheaper, check out our roundup of water playgrounds and splash pads, most of which are FREE. For more summer fun, bookmark our Summer Guide for New Jersey Families.

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:06am

Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

If you're wondering, "Are there zoos near me in New Jersey?" then look no further: We've rounded up the best places in the Garden State for kids to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals of every kind.

At these day trip-worthy spots, little animal lovers can meet their favorite furry friends, check out exotic wildlife from other continents, or swim with the sharks (yes, really!).

Looking for more animal encounters? Find the best zoo in all 50 states to inspire more exploration.

Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 05/10/2024 - 6:57am

Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

A trip to a local amusement park in or near New Jersey is always high on my vacation bucket list, and we're lucky that New Jersey and nearby states offer lots of family-friendly amusement park adventures.

Whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Casino Pier and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure, here are the best amusement parks to visit this summer.

New this year: The groundbreaking Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, which is slated to open in summer 2024.

Find more wild rides in our Guide to Water and Amusement Parks, and read on for dozens of amusement parks in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania that are perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 7:14am

At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.

New Jersey has no shortage of indoor playgrounds that offer drop-in hours, but many have pricey entrance fees or require memberships. That's not the case with the terrific options we've rounded up below, all of which cost $25 or under to enter.

Your kids still get out of the house to experience a play space where everything seems new to them, and you don't have to clean up after, or empty your wallet!

Find more indoor fun spots in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds in New Jersey.

Indoor Pools with Day Passes in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Tue, 02/13/2024 - 7:04am

Kids and parents will love the pool at Goldfish Swim School, which is heated to 90 degrees and open several times a week for family swim.

New Jersey is chock-full of indoor swimming pools where kids can splash around all year long—and that's good news when your little fishies need an aquatic fix to work out the winter wiggles. We've rounded up some of New Jersey's most family-friendly indoor pools where you can either drop in for the day or sign up for an affordable membership.

If you'd rather make a night or weekend of it, you can’t go wrong with any of New Jersey's awesome local indoor water parks—think water slides and wave pools! But if a quick dip in some warm water sounds like the perfect way to spend a chilly day, grab your swimsuits and goggles and scroll down for a list of the best indoor swimming pools in NJ. And when it's summertime, spend a little time in the sun at an outdoor pool that offers day passes.

Find more cold-weather playtime ideas in our Winter Fun Guide.

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

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