Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach have long been popular family-friendly Jersey Shore destinations. About an hour's drive from New York City and Philadelphia, this picturesque stretch of shoreline lies between the beaches of Monmouth County and the craziness of Seaside Heights. The boardwalk plays host to many kid-friendly attractions, including an aquarium, arcades, mini-golf courses, a ropes course, and an amusement park with a whole section that’s just right for toddlers and preschoolers.

I spent many summers here in my youth, and with my own little one in tow this summer, I headed down to Exit 98 to spend the day at this popular Shore spot.

Looking for more warm-weather fun? Check out our Summer Fun Guide and Jersey Shore Family Guide for ideas. 

There’s no snow required for these thrilling mountain coaster rides. Come summer, several of our favorite local ski resorts switch gears from skiing and snow tubing to alpine slides and mountain coasters. These mountain coasters are as exciting as one you’d find at any theme park and come with better views as you wind through gorgeous mountain scenery at speeds up to 25 miles per hour with vertical drops of 500 feet or more. A mountain coaster is often a two-seater, so parents and children can ride together, enjoying the view from top to bottom.

If you want to see these popular ski resorts from every angle and have a blast doing it—even when it’s hot outside—read on for our picks for a thrilling mountain coaster ride in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Once you've conquered the coasters, take note: Many of these local resorts offer more off-season fun from adventure courses, zip lines, and ropes courses to thrilling water parks, making them great weekend-long destinations for active, family-friendly fun.

Pizza and spaghetti are perennial kid pleasers, so choosing an Italian restaurant is a good start for a delightful family meal. But let’s face it: Some Italian restaurants just aren’t suited for the younger set. Red sauce stains on white tablecloths, forks on the floor, and high-volume iPads are all a recipe for disaster, both for parents and other diners.

Luckily, these 20 family-friendly Italian restaurants welcome kids to their tables with special kids' menus and comfy accommodations so everyone can enjoy their meal. Sunday suppers are something of an Italian tradition, so why not pick one of these delicious restaurants to dine this weekend with your famiglia? And if you're looking for more dinner spots for your family in New Jersey, check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.