Mommy and professional writer who has lived in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. You can also follow Rachel on Google+.
There's a chill in the air, the kids are headed back to school, and you know what that means... That's right, it’s finally apple picking time! No matter where you live in New Jersey, there's bound to be a u-pick farm nearby, many of which also offer fun activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos.
So grab a few baskets and head out to one of these great farms this fall.
Finding a fun, enriching summer camp close to home that is a good fit for your preschooler (or, soon-to-be preschooler) can be nerve-wracking. You want your child’s first camp experience to be safe and memorable, but not overwhelming. So where to begin?
Here’s a list of 11 Long Island preschool camps that offer a well-rounded summer experience filled with outdoor time, games, arts, sports, and socialization. All offer summer experiences for kids of all ages, so check out their offerings for older children and teens as well.
Remember: Every camp has its own philosophy and program emphasis, so explore the camp’s websites, call the director and, if possible, attend an open house. Be sure to also explore our Long Island Summer Camp Guide, or browse through the listings in our Camp Directory.
Not only will kids master important kitchen skills, these classes also improve fine motor skills, boost math comprehension (thanks to all that measuring), and encourage kids to try new foods.
We’ve rounded up more than 10 places that offer cooking and baking classes for kids in Nassau and Suffolk counties. So go ahead and encourage your future Emeril or Giada to get cooking! And for more enrichment programs, check out our Classes Guide.
If you're suffering from hot-weather burnout, don't sweat it: New Jersey has tons of cool activities to help the whole family chill out when the temperatures soar. From beaches and splash parks to blissfully air-conditioned bowling alleys and indoor mini-golf, we've got the best ways to beat the heat during the sizzling second half of summer. Check out even more refreshing activities in our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide. Stay cool, NJ!
Inside a 4,000-square-foot studio at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, Queens, Frank Kiernan, a father of two, recently opened a pop-up printmaking workshop for kids. An extension of his professional printing business, LittlePulp, preview workshops were held recently for kids as young as 4. Each 2.5-hour session led by Kiernan and assistants focused on collaborative art, teamwork and, of course, printmaking. Read on to learn more, and if you're looking for more Queens kids' play spaces, we've rounded up the top ones.
Though you can’t invite a real T. rex to your child's birthday party, you can certainly find places in New Jersey to host a dino-mite party with a prehistoric vibe. Here's a roundup of venues offering parties that are literally out of this world—or at least out of this time period! Some will even bring the party to you! Oh, and don’t forget to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide, which is chock-full of birthday inspiration.
A party's not a party without music, right? New Jersey is home to many professional DJs who bring rhythm and fun to any birthday celebration, whether in your home or at another venue. Best of all, these DJs are more than just music-makers: they'll set the mood, entertain the kids with face painting, games, balloons, and other surprises, and make sure even the shyest child is having a great time. For more party inspiration, be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.
Given the STEM movement in education and the always popular DIY-birthday party theme, it’s no surprise city kids are requesting robotics-fueled shindigs to celebrate their birthdays. At a robotics party, kids construct their own models—sometimes in 3D—that move and roll while also learning about the mechanics behind it all.
We've rounded up a collection of fun-and-educational spots to celebrate your kids next birthday robotics style where creativity—and sometimes little robotic creatures themselves—run wild.
Check out our NYC Kids' Birthday Party Guide for more inspiration.