Bring on summer vacation! “Vacation - all I ever wanted! Vacation - had to get away!” Who didn’t grow up singing that song by the Go-Go’s? It’s THAT time of year: school is out for summer, the weather is beautiful, and the whole family is ready to get out and do something. But what?! We are so lucky to live in New Jersey where the activities, day-trip destinations, and yes, even vacations are plentiful. Whether you want to explore a new museum, splash around at the waterpark, or beat the heat with a free summer movie, our Summer Day Trips and Destinations Guide will help you make your summer vacation all YOU ever wanted. Thank you to our team of writers for their work to create the great articles and directories. We appreciate our advertisers who make it all possible. And a special thanks to Biscotti & Kate Mack for sharing the Flitter Flutter collection with us. Their beautiful summer clothing, pictured on the cover and page 37 is great for beach visits and special summer days. No matter what adventures you choose this summer we wish you many fun adventures.
Enjoy your summer, Jennifer Auer, Nancy Palutis, Melanie Cortese and all of the Jersey Family Fun Team
Table of Contents Events 2 Free & Discount Adm. Days 3 Free Food & Meal Days 9 Free & $1 Movie Days 11 Concerts & Performances 21 Unique Events 26 Activities 37 Day Trips 49 Family Travel 83
Click the image for our complete calendar of events.
The Jersey Family Fun Team Editor Jennifer Auer Team Members Melanie Cortese Joanna Gnudi Cortina Jillian Fletcher Nancy Moore Palutis Kimberly Mastro Michelle Douglass
Bank of America’s Museums on Us On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America's Museums on Us Program allows each card holder to get one free general admission at more than 150 museums nationwide. Look below for a list of museums in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. Each card holder gets one free general admission. All you need is a photo id and your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card. Bank of America Free Admission Weekends Summer Schedule June 4th & 5th July 2nd & 3rd August 6th & 7th September 3rd & 4th Participating Museums in New Jersey Montclair Art Museum Liberty Science Center Newark Museum Aijira, a center for contemporary art (closed Sundays) Morris Museum Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center The Noyes Museum of Art at Richard Stockton College Garden State Discovery Museum Participating Museums in Philadelphia Philadelphia Museum of Art National Constitution Center National Museum of American Jewish History African American Museum in Philadelphia Allentown Art Museum Carnegie Museum of Art
Participating Museums in Delaware Delaware Art Museum (No Sundays) Delaware Museum of Natural History Participating Museums in New York The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Museum of Modern Art Staten Island Children's Museum Brooklyn Historical Society Children's Museum of Manhattan Queens Museum of Art Long Island Children's Museum Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum Long Island Museum of American Art, History, & Carriages (Closed Jan-Feb) Old Westbury Gardens (May - Dec Only)
Philadelphia Museum of Art During special Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art Pay What You Wish Days on the first Sunday of the month and Wednesday evenings your family can go to the Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art at at fraction of the price. On these special days you are invited to the museum and you can pay whatever you can afford, just please pay something as the museum says even if it's just a penny. It is a great way to introduce you family to the arts museum. Pay What You Wish Days 2016 Summer Schedule No advance registration is required. Sundays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and pay what you wish is all day. Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:45 pm pay what you wish begins after 5 pm. • • • • • • • •
Sunday, June 5th Wednesday, June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th Sunday, July 3rd Wednesday, July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th Sunday, August 7th Wednesday, August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st Sunday, September 4th Wednesday, September 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
The Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130 Phone Number 215-763-8100
Please Touch Museum offers $2 Admission Days On the first Wednesday night of each month your family can visit the Please Touch Museum for $2 a person. Summer Schedule of $2 Admission Days At the Please Touch Museum Free parking will be offered as well during these times. No advance registration is required. • Wed., June 1st 4pm to 7pm • Wed., July 6th 4pm to 7pm • Wed., August 3rd 4pm to 7pm • Wed., September 7th 4pm to 7pm The Please Touch Museum is located at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (formerly North Concourse Drive) in Philadelphia.
Franklin Institute Free Admission Days
During special Target Community nights you can go to Franklin Institute for Free! Free Admission nights generally occur on the third Thursday of the month. No advance registration is required however registration on site might be requested. Parking is also a discounted rate of $6 during the evening! 2016 FREE Admission Day Summer Schedule • Wed., June 22nd 5pm to 8pm - Wild Weather • Wed., July 20th 5pm to 8pm - Science of Sport • There is no August schedule. For tips on how to make the most of a Franklin Institute Free Admission Day read this blog post. The Franklin Institute is located at 222 N 20th Street in Philadelphia.
Wawa Welcome America Free Events! Wawa will be hosting a week full of family fun free events during the week of fourth of July. The events will run from June 27th until July 4th.
Wawa Welcome America events in Philadelphia Monday, June 27, 2016
Free Museum Day – Ben Franklin Museum Ben Franklin Museum 317 Chestnut St
Go 4th & Learn about History 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The National Constitution Center 525 Arch St Wawa Hoagie Day 12:00 pm Independence Visitor’s Center 1 N Independence Mall W Join Wawa for a 5-ton hoagie salute in honor of our military, fire and police on the Independence Visitor’s Center Lawn
Philly @ the Movies: Finding Nemo at Franklin Square 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm Franklin Square 200 6th Street Go 4th & Learn about Science Behind Pixar 7:00 pm Franklin Square 200 6th St
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Philly @ the Movies: The Good Dinosaur at Xfinity Live! 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm XFINITY Live! 1100 Pattison Avenue
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Free Museum Day – Rodin Museum Philly @ the Movies: Rocky at the steps at Philadelphia Museum of Art 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm Steps of Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Free Museum Day – National Constitution Center (Courtesy of Wawa) The National Constitution Center 525 Arch St
Philly @ the Movies: National Treasure at Penn’s Landing 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm Penn’s Landing
Friday, July 1, 2016
Free Museum Day – African American Museum African American Museum 701 Arch St Go 4th & Learn about Fitness 10:00 am Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert at Penn’s Landing 8:00 pm Penn’s Landing Continued on the next page
Continued from the previous page Fireworks at Penn’s Landing 9:30 pm Penn’s Landing
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Citywide Reading Free Libraries of Philadelphia Free Museum Day – National Constitution Center (Courtesy of Wawa) The National Constitution Center 525 Arch St Pershing’s Own Concert at Penn’s Landing 8:00 pm Penn’s Landing Wawa Welcome America! Fireworks 9:30 pm Penn’s Landing
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Free Museum Day – Philadelphia Museum of Art Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy Free Museum Day – Barnes Museum (PECO) Barnes Museum 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy Historic Philadelphia Block Party 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm Independence Hall 520 Chestnut St A block party adjacent to Independence Hall filled with music, food and fun activities. POPS! on Independence at Independence Hall 8:00 pm Independence Hall 520 Chestnut St Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Monday, July 4, 2016
Free Museum Day – National Museum of Jewish American History National Museum of Jewish American History 101 S Independence Mall E Celebration of Freedom Ceremony 10:00 am Independence Hall
520 Chestnut St Tribute to our nation and Everyday Heroes at Independence Hall with patriotic musical performances, inspiring speeches and a celebrity reading of the Declaration of Independence Celebrity guest: Philadelphia’s own, Leslie Odom Jr., best known for portraying Aaron Burr in the Broadway Musical, Hamilton Independence Day Parade 11:00 am Independence Visitor’s Center 1 N Independence Mall W Patriotic parade travels through Historic Philadelphia Party on the Parkway 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Benjamin Franklin Parkway Largest, free, outdoor concert event in America on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway 12-5 p.m. Meet Your Neighbors Block Party – music, food, fun & games 5-8 p.m. Concert on the Parkway – a tribute to the Sound of Philadelphia and Gamble & Huff 8-10 p.m. Philadelphia POPS! 10 p.m. Fireworks on the Parkway July 4th Concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway 5:00 pm Benjamin Franklin Parkway POPS! on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway 8:00 pm Benjamin Franklin Parkway Wawa Welcome America! July 4th Fireworks 10:00 pm Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Give yourself the night off from cooking at a discount! Take advantage of these restaurants in New Jersey offering kids a free meal! We suggest calling the location to confirm participation and terms. For the specific schedule by day and locations visit our complete listing online. Atlantic County
Pizza Hut, Denny’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, IHOP, Mays Landing Diner
Shack, Hooters
Middlesex County
Denny’s, The Station Tavern, IHOP, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Hooters, Pizzeria Uno, Brother Jimmy’s, Moe’s, Arirang, Joe’s Crab Shack, Buffalo Wild Wings, Miller’s Ale House
Monmouth County
Griffin’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, IHOP, Jalapenos, Rocca, Hooters, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, Miller’s Ale House, IKEA, Horizon Diner, Lakeside Grille and Bar, Bennigans, Que Pasta
Court Jester, Windmill, Perkins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Joe’s Crab Shack, Perkins, Rosalita’s, All Seasons Restaurant Diner, Court Jester, Valentino’s, Inkanto, Red Oak Diner, Chubby Pickle, IHOP, Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza, Sycamore Grill, Brass Rail, The Burger Shop, Blue Swan Diner, Main Street Bar and Grill
Burlington County
Morris County
Bergen County
Dennys, IHOP, Sonic, Pizzeria Uno, Marlton Tavern, Distrito
IHOP, Montville Inn, Buffalo Wild Wings, Moe’s, Scallopini
Camden County
Water’s Edge, Buffalo Wild Wings, IHOP, Joe’s Crab Shack, Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza, Windmill, Perkins, 21 South, Sandy’s Cozy Corner, Lamp Post Inn, Farrell’s, Burger 25, Four Seasons Diner, Pizza Hut, Sand Castle Diner, Toms River Diner, Tiff’s, Tuscan House
Qdoba, Denny’s, Tortilla Press, Pop Shop, Miller’s Ale House, Bob Evans, IHOP
Cape May County
Oceanside Seafood, Cabanas
Ocean County
Passaic County
Cumberland County Bennigan’s, Denny’s
Chevy’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, Pizzeria Uno, IHOP, Moe’s, IHOP, Firehouse Subs, Hooters, Mothers Ale House
Essex County
Salem County
IHOP, Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill, Moonshine Supper Club, Joe’s Crab Shack, Franklin Steakhouse, Toro Loco, Ricalton’s, Verona Inn
Gloucester County
Pizzeria Uno, Joe’s Crab Shack, Landmark, Val’s Seafood Trattoria, Denny’s
Hudson County
Otaiko, Arthur’s, Elysian Cafe, IHOP, Cheeseburger in Paradise
Denny’s, Elmer Diner
Somerset County
Moe’s, Willie McBride’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, IHOP, Perkins, Trio, Stoney Brook Grille, Stage House, Melting Pot, Uproot
Sussex County O’Reilly’s
Union County
Hunterdon County Lovin’ Oven, The Rail
Molly Maguire’s, Oh’Brian’s on the Green, IKEA, The Station, Chevy’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Arirang, Villa Tequila, Pizza Vita, Tiff’s
Mercer County
Warren County
Town Diner, Moe’s, Pizzeria Uno, IHOP, Moe’s, Joe’s Crab
IHOP
For 9 weeks NJ Regal Cinemas will show select G & PG rated movies for only $1 a show. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Movies will be shown on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Participating NJ Regal Cinemas
Week 4 ~ July 12th and 13th (July 19th and 20th in Vineland) • Despicable Me 2 PG (Our Despicable Me 2 movie review) • Home PG (Our Home movie review)
• Regal Burlington, Stadium 20, Burlington • Regal Hamilton Commons, Stadium 14, Mays Landing • Regal Pohatcong, Stadium 12, Phillipsburg, • Regal Cumberland Mall, Stadium 14, Vineland
Week 5 ~ July 19th and 20th (July 26th and 27th in Vineland) • Minons PG • The Peanuts Movie G (Our Peanuts Movie movie review)
The movie schedule may vary slightly, but no worries we’ll keep you updated all summer long on what is showing where.
Week 6 ~ July 26th and 7th (August 2nd and 3rd in Vineland) • Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip PG • Curious George G
Summer Movie Express Movie Schedule Week 1 ~ June 21st and 22nd (June 28th and June 29th in Vineland) • The Lego Movie PG Our The Lego Movie review • Max PG Week 2 ~ June 28th and 29th (July 5th and 6th in Vineland) • Goosebumps PG • The Iron Giant PG Week 3 ~ July 5th and 6th (July 12th and 13th in Vineland) • Pan PG • The Smurfs 2 PG (Our Smurfs 2 movie review)
Week 7 ~ August 2nd and 3rd (August 9th and 10th in Vineland) • The Book of Life PG Our Book of Life movie review • Hotel Transylvania 2 PG Week 8 ~ August 9th and 10th (August 16th and 17th in Vineland) • Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 PG (Our Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 movie review) • Shaun the Sheep PG Week 9 ~ August 16th and 17th (August 23 and 24th in Vineland) • The Croods PG Our The Croods movie review • Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Movie PG (Our Dr Seuss’ The Lorax movie review)
Free Friday Flicks
at Kip’s Castle Very few castles exist in the United States. However New Jersey, and more specifically, Essex County is the home to Kip's Castle. The ten acre estate spans Montclair and Verona, but Kip's Castle originally built in the early 1900's is considered a resident of Verona. Originally referred to as "Kypsburg" it took over three years to build. After many years of neglect, in 2007 it acquired a new owner, the County of Essex which then became part of the Essex County Parks. Fast forward to Free Flicks on Fridays. This annual FREE activity is a fun tradition. The gates of Kip's Castle open at 6:30 PM on Friday nights in June to the public for movie nights. Before the film there will be entertainment that ties into the film being shown. At dusk, the family friendly films are shown on the grassy lawn. Families are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blankets, and just enjoy each other's company on spring nights. If the weather is not conducive to outdoor viewings, then the rain date is the following Saturday.
2016 Free Friday Flicks at Kip’s Castle Movie Schedule! • •
Big Hero 6 - June 10 (Our Big Hero 6 movie review) Cinderella (2015) - June 17
Kip's Castle is located at 22 Crestmont Road in Verona (Essex County).
Take your family and meet up with friends at this outdoor movie event!
If you live near a Cinemark Theater boy are you in luck. This year for their summer movie clubhouse you can purchase a punch card that will grant you admission into all ten of the movies in their clubhouse for only $5 per person. No worries, if you can't get to the theater to purchase the tickets in advance you can purchase tickets at each showing for only $1 per person. The Summer Movie Clubhouse is a ten-week program of recently released G and PG films for kids. Day, times, and weeks of the series are determined by the local theatres.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse - Movie Schedule Cinemark 16 (Use this coupon for $1 off a snack pack) Showtimes are at 10:00 AM each Wednesday 6/15- Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip 6/22- The Peanuts Movie (Read our Peanuts Movie review here.) 6/29- Pan 7/6- Home (Our Home movie review) 7/13- The Boxtrolls 7/20- The Sandlot 7/27- Norm of the North 8/3- Shaun the Sheep Movie 8/10- Max 8/17- Paddington Please check our online link for updates.
A Good Movie. A Bag of Popcorn. A Cone of Ice Cream or Maybe A Burger or Cotton Candy. Special times with friends. That's Movie Night at OSPAC. 7:30pm OSPAC Free Summer Movies will be at 4 Boland Drive in West Orange. Movie Nights Schedule Tuesday, August 2 ~ The Good Dinosaur Tuesday, August 9 ~ Big Hero 6 (Our Big Hero 6 Movie Review)
The Marquee Cinemas Free Summer Movies is an 8 week program of recently released G and PG films for kids. Kids have their choice between 2 movies playing on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am. Movie tickets are FREE! The New Jersey Marquee Cinema Orchard 10 is located at 1311 Rt 37 West in Toms River.
Summer Movies Series Schedule Orchard 10 June 28 and 29 Home (Our Home movie review) Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 July 5 and 6 Turbo (Our Turbo movie review) Paddington July 12 and 13 Pan Hotel Transylvania 2 July 19 and 20 Penguins of Madagascar Goosebumps July 26 and 27 Spongebob: Sponge Out of Water The Peanuts Movie (Our Peanuts Movie movie review) August 2 and 3 Mr. Peabody and Sherman Minions August 9 and 10 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb How to Train Your Dragon 2 August 16 and 17 The Lego Movie Our The Lego Movie review Alvin and the Chipmunks Road Chip *Special discounts on popcorn and drinks.
Movies are presented by Pemberton Recreation and Pemberton Township Alliance Group on the Mirror Lake Beach. FREE admission. FREE popcorn. FREE gift for children in attendance! Pemberton Township Free Movies on the Beach Movie Schedule July 1 - Minions July 8 - Pitch Perfect II July 15 - Inside Out Our Inside Out Movie Review July 22 - Jurassic World July 29 - The Good Dinosaur August 5th - The Mockingjay II August 12th - Pan August 19 - Hotel Transylvania 2 August 26 - Flashback Friday! JAWS *For this presentation, the movie screen will be angled toward the water, and viewers are encouraged to bring their watercraft to watch the show COMING SOON!! Visit this link to check for updates!
Gloucester County Free Movies CONTINUED Wednesday, August 31 Minions Borough of Pitman, Sunset Auditorium, Laurel Avenue For more information see the Gloucester County Park Events Guide.
Woodbury Heights, Community Center Wednesday, July 20 Paddington Woolwich Township, 120 Village Green Drive
Bring your blankets and chairs to catch a free movie anywhere throughout the county all summer long!
Gloucester County Park Movie Schedule with Park Locations Friday, June 3 Monsters University Deptford Township, Fasola Park, 12 Sycamore Lane Friday, June 10 Minions East Greenwich Twp, Samuel Mickle School, 559 Kings Hwy. Wednesday, June 15 Paddington Borough of Wenonah, Wenonah Park, East Mantua and South West Avenues Saturday, June 18 Minions Borough of Glassboro, Rowan Blvd. **Rain or shine** Friday, June 24 The Boxtrolls Borough of Westville, Galbraith Park, River Drive Wednesday, June 29 Lego Movie Our The Lego Movie review Logan Township, Municipal Building, 125 Main Street Friday, July 1 Minions Washington Township, Washington Lake Park Amphitheatre, 626 Hurffville - Cross Keys Road Wednesday, July 13 Minions Monroe Township, Free Public Library of Monroe Monday, July 18 Pan
Friday, July 22 Inside Out Our Inside Out Movie Review James G. Atkinson Park, 138 Bethel Mill Road, Sewell Wednesday, July 27 Minions West Deptford, Riverwinds Community Center, 1000 Riverwinds Drive Friday, July 29 Hotel Transylvania 2 Red Bank Battlefield 100 Hessian Avenue National Park Wednesday, August 3 Minions Franklin Township, Pennsylvania Avenue Sports Field, 500 Pennsylvania Ave Friday, August 5 Descendants Greenwich Township, Memorial Avenue Park Wednesday, August 10 Despicable Me 2 Our Despicable Me 2 Movie Review Mantua Township, Chestnut Branch Park, 545 Main Street Friday, August 12 Monsters University Borough of Swedesboro, Lake Park- Park Ave. Friday, August 19 Lego Movie Our The Lego Movie review Clayton, Sandelier Park, 125 N Delsea Drive Wdddednesday, August 24 Lego Movie Our The Lego Movie review South Harrison Twnsp, Stewart Park, 67 Ferrell Road Friday, August 26 Minions Borough of Paulsboro, Fort Billings Park, North Delaware Avenue Continued on previous page
3 movie review) Continuing his "legendary adventures of awesomeness", Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home. August 3, Muppets Most Wanted (our Muppets Most Wanted movie review)
Turtleback Zoo celebrates
While on a grand world
Summer with Free Family Movies at the Zoo! What is happening at the Turtleback Zoo this summer? Come to the zoo on any of their Family Fun Nights on Wednesdays and stay for the Zoo-vies! Films begin at dusk. Wednesday evenings in July and August! Enjoy blockbuster movies under the stars on the rooftop of our parking deck at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. Free admission. Bring your own chair. Rain cancels. Free Summer Zoo-vies at the Turtleback Zoo Movie Schedule July 6 Jumanji When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game. July 13 Jaws In celebration of Shark Week! When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and a grizzled fisherman set out to stop it. July 20, Zookeeper In celebration of National Zookeeper Week! A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zoo keeper find love -- without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious. July 27, Kung Fu Panda 3 (our Kung Fu Panda
tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. August 10, Aladdin When a street urchin vies for the love of a beautiful princess, he uses a genie\'s magic power to make himself off as a prince in order to marry her. August 17, Finding Nemo After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home. August 24, Babe the Gallant Pig Babe, a pig raised by sheepdogs, learns to herd sheep with a little help from Farmer Hoggett. August 31, Zootopia In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Films begin at dusk. For more information see the Turtleback Zoo website.
Although the films are free, there is limited seating. Tickets are issued on a first come- first served basis at 9:00 AM. The films and schedules subject to change without notice.
New Jersey Bow Tie Cinemas locations participating in the Free Summer Movies: Bergenfield Cinema 5 – Bergenfield, NJ Bernardsville Cinema 3- Bernardsville, NJ Closter Cinema 4 - Closter, NJ Mansfield Cinema 14 – Hackettstown, NJ Hoboken Cinema – Hoboken, NJ Kinnelon 8 – Kinnelon, NJ Madison Cinema 4- Madison, NJ Millburn Cinemas- Millburn, NJ Clairidge Cinema - Montclair, NJ Red Bank Theater- Red Bank, NJ Warner Theater- Ridgewood, NJ South Orange 5 – South Orange, NJ Parsippany Cinema 12 - Parsippany, NJ Strathmore Cinema 4 - Aberdeen, NJ Succasunna Cinema 10 - Roxbury Township, NJ Tenafly Cinema 4- Tenafly, NJ Washington Township Cinema 3 - Washington Township, NJ Wayne Preakness Cinemas - Wayne, NJ
2016 Bow Tie Cinemas Free Summer Movies Series Schedule June 21 & 22: Diary of a Wimpy Kid June 28 & 29: How to Train Your Dragon 2 July 5 & 6: Big July 12 & 13: Mr. Peabody and Sherman July 19 & 20: The Sandlot July 26 & 27: The Peanuts Movie (Our
Peanuts Movie movie review)
August 2 & 3: Ramona and Beezus August 9 & 10: Home (Our
Home movie review)
August 16 & 17: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip For more information about this summer series, click here.
Ocean County has more than just sand and surf to offer for your family fun! Starting in June, towns will be showing movies in parks and on the beach. Feel free to bring a beach chair, blanket and some snacks and ENJOY THE SHOW!
Free Movies in Brick Movies are drive-in style and take place at dusk, on the lawn at Windward Beach on Princeton Ave in Brick. August 12th-Top Gun August 19th-ET August 26th-The Peanuts Movie - The Peanuts Movie review
Free Movies in Lavallette Movies are at 8:30 pm on Bay Beach in Lavallette. The movie titles have not yet been released. Please save this link to check for updates. July 5th- To be announced July 12th- To be announced July 19th- To be announced July 26th- To be announced August 2nd- To be announced August 9th- To be announced August 16- To be announced August 23rd- To be announced
Free Movies in Point Pleasant Beach
July 29th-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles review August 5th-Goosebumps August 12th-The Good Dinosaur August 19th-Jurassic World September 2nd-Avengers:Age of Ulton
Free Movies In Seaside Heights All movies are on Sundays and Tuesdays on the beach at the Carteret Stage and begin at dusk in Seaside Heights. July 3rd-Jaws July 5th-Frozen July 10th-Minions July 12th-The Lego Movie - The Lego Movie review July 17th-Hotel Transylvania 2 July 19th-Big Hero 6 - Big Hero 6 movie review July 24th-Aladdin July 26th-The SpongeBob Movie July 31st-Pixels August 2nd-Jurassic World August 7th-Shaun the Sheep August 9th-Goosebumps August 14th-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles review August 16th-Inside Out - Inside Out movie review August 21st-Pan August 23rd-The Good Dinosaur
Movies are on the beach at Jenkinson's Pavillion
August 28th-Norm of the North
Beach and begin at dusk in Point Pleasant Beach
August 30th-Finding Nemo
June 24th-Pan July 1st-Minions July 8th-Pitch Perfect 2 July 15th-Zootopia July 22nd-Inside Out - Inside Out movie review
Free outdoor films under the stars at various locations throughout Montclair brought to you by the Montclair Film Festival. Venues open at 7:30 PM. Bring your lawn chair, a picnic, and enjoy the show!
Montclair Film Festival Summer Series Schedule •
Friday, June 3, at Presby Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Avenue - Inside Out (Inside Out movie review)! Rain Date 6/4
•
Friday, July 29, at Montclair Public Library, The Wiz Rain Date 7/30
•
Friday, August 19, on Church Street, Jaws with live music by Big Mamou Rain date 8/26
For more information about the Montclair Film Festival Summer Series, click here.
Coming Soon These free movie series are expected to return for the 2016 summer season. Unfortunately, their schedules were not available at the time this guide was produced. Please click on their links to bookmark them and keep watching for them to be updated.
Local Upcoming Family Theater Productions New Jersey has a plethora of theaters that offer top notch children's performances of all genres. From magic shows, to bands, to plays and musicals, these fun performances offer something for even the youngest audience member. Why not take a break from all of today's technical entertainment and introduce your children to the wonderful world of the performing arts. Atlantic County Theater Productions Eagle Theater, Hammonton •
Our Town: June 1-5, 8-12, 15 -19, and
22-26 Stockton Performing Arts Center, Pomona •
James and the Giant Peach: July 20
•
The Princess and the Pirate: July 27
•
Pinkalicous the Musical: August 3
Camden County Theater Productions Ritz Theatre Company, Haddon •
Stone Soup: May 26-28
•
The Emperor’s New Clothes: July 19-23
•
The Addams Family: July 14-August 7
Essex County Theater Productions
Middlesex County Theater Productions Plays in the Park, Edison •
The Little Mermaid: June 15-June 25
•
Sister Act: July 6-July 16
Monmouth County Theater Productions Two River Theater, Red Bank •
Count Basie Theater, Red Bank •
Seussical: June 11
•
Henry & Mudge: June 12 (autism friendly performance)
Gloucester County Theater Productions Broadway Theater of Pitman, Pitman •
Alice in Wonderland: June 3-4
•
The Musical Adventures of the Caribbean Pirates: July 20-30
Mercer County Theater Productions Kelsey Theater @ Mercer County Community College, West Windsor •
Junie B's Essential Survival Guide to School: June 4
No SHUSH-A Symphony Experience for Children: June 11
Papermill Playhouse, Millburn •
Where the Wild Things Are: June 9-12
Morris County Theater Productions MAYO Performing Arts Center, Morristown •
Mary Poppins: June 3-5
Pax Amicus Theater, Budd Lake, NJ •
The Frog Prince and the Peas: March 5-13
•
The Little Mermaid: July 9-23
Brundage Park Playhouse, Randolph •
Doctor Doolittle Jr.: Select dates, July 8-24
A Great Family Destination! Farm Animals NJ Surf Museum Decoy Carving Boat Building Lighthouse Historic Mini-Golf
Festivals Demonstrators Boardwalk Nature Trail Touch Tank Interactive Exhibits
Tuckerton Seaport endures as a sustainable community museum, a place for locals and newcomers to gather, socialize and learn about the surrounding landscape, seasonal cycles, artistic expression and way of life that was and is Barnegat Bay. April 30-May 1
June 25-26
September 24-25
October 15-16
Truckerton Food Truck & Brew Fest
Baymen’s Seafood & Music Festival
Decoy & Gunning Show
May 21
July 9-10
Classic & Antique Car & Truck Show
Haunted Seaport
October 8
Christkindlmarkt Holiday Craft & Gift Market
Boat Show & Armed Forces Day
NJ Bacon Fest
June 11
Truckerton Food Truck & Brew Fest
Privateers & Pirates Fest
August 13-14
October 1
Truckerton Food Truck, Brew & Cider Fall Fest
NJ Lighthouse Challenge October 20-22 December 2-4
Kid Friendly Exhibits • Folklife Classes • Summer Programs & Events Please visit our website for exact event times, highlights and fees: www.TuckertonSeaport.org
JerseyShoreFolklifeCenter
Jersey Family Fun
at Tuckerton Seaport
Open Daily All Year, Rain or Shine 10am-5pm, Spend An Hour or Stay The Day 15 Minutes from LBI • In Historic Tuckerton • 30 Minutes from AC
120 West Main Street • Tuckerton NJ • 609-296-8868 • TuckertonSeaport.org
Plays in the Park, More Theater Fun for Families
Are you looking for a fun and inexpensive way to introduce your family to live theater? Plays in the Park is a great way to introduce your child to live theater. Children age 12 and under are able to attend the shows for FREE and adults tickets are inexpensive. Imagine a night under the stars, (don't forget your lawn chair or blanket to sit on) enjoying a snack with your kids watching a family friendly play on a large outdoor stage. Sounds perfect right? The Plays in the Park program has been around for over 50 years and makes for some great childhood memories. Shows start at 8:30 pm and the box office opens at 5:30 pm to sell tickets. You can purchase your ticket, set up your chairs, and go explore the grounds of the park or spend the day at the park, pack a picnic dinner and then go see a show.
Plays in the Park 2016 Summer Performance Schedule The Little Mermaid Wednesday, June 15 through Saturday, June 25
Plays in the Park Location Plays in the Park is located in Roosevelt Park in Edison, off Route 1 next to Menlo Park Mall.
Sister Act Wednesday, July 6 through Saturday, July 16 South Pacific Wednesday, July 27 through Saturday, August 6 Shows play every night of the week at 8:30 pm, except for Sundays
Box Office Information • All summer performances begin at 8:30 p.m. There are no performances on Sunday. • They only accept cash. • Adults - $7.00 • Senior Citizens - $5.00 • Children 12 and Under Free
Click these links to see what’s new in these series: • Family Friendly Concerts • Family Friendy Performances • Concert Calendar of Events • Performance Calendar of Events
Bring the Magic of Live Theatre to your Family this Summer at Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre Beginning June 18, 2016, the outdoor theatre will kick off its season. There will be 9 family friendly shows on the weekends featuring some of our favorite fairy tales and stories even a few of our Disney Favorites. The open air theatre is attached to Washington Crossing State Park where you could go on a hike, take a tour and visit the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River either before or after you see a performance. Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre Children’s Play Schedule for 2016 Disney’s The Aristocats Kids - June 18, 19, 25 & 26, 2016, Saturday at 11am, Sunday at 4 pm Madame’s jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. What’s a cat to do? Luckily, Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of Alley Cats come to their rescue! Snow White - July 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10, 2016 Fridays & Saturdays at 11am, Sunday at 4 pm A Wicked Queen banishes the beautiful Snow White out into the woods where she is pursued by the Royal Huntsmen. Her journey is a dangerous one and along the way, she meets a troll king, a hag, Rose Red, two handsome princes, and some cute but protective dwarfs. Pinocchio - July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24, 2016 - Fridays & Saturdays at 11am, Sunday at 4 pm Based on the children’s classic, we follow the beloved character on his quest to become a real boy. Disney’s Cinderella Kids - July 29, 30 & 31, August 5, 6 & 7, 2016 - Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00 am & Sundays at 4 pm Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters and denied a chance to go to the royal ball. With a little help from her mice friends, and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s dreams come true. She goes to the ball, meets the Prince, and falls in love! Jack & the Giant - August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21, 2016- Fridays & Saturdays at 11:00 am & Sundays at 4 pm The newest children’s theatre show by Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Louis Palena based on the timehonored tale of the boy who sells his cow for some magic beans. Disney’s Sleeping Beauty - August 26, 27 & 28, September 2, 3 & 4, 2016 - Fridays & Saturdays at 11:00 am & Sundays at 4 pm
It’s princess Aurora’s sixteenth birthday, and Flora, Fauna and Merryweather must use their fairy magic to save her from the spell of the evil sorceress Maleficent! Hansel & Gretel - September 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 2016 - Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm Based on the original tale, take a trip with a brother and sister through the woods of Germany. Complete with a Witch, some gingerbread men and a magical singing bird, this tale is sure to hit a sweet note with audiences of all ages! The Snow Queen’s Frozen Adventure - September 24 & 25, October 1 & 2, 2016 - Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm When a troll drops the Mirror of Disenchantment it shatters into pieces which get blown around the world. A piece ends up in the eye of a young boy and the Snow Queen comes to take him back to her winter palace where she erases his memories of his family. Luckily for the boy, his sister comes to save him from the Queen and on the journey she meets many new friends who live in the frozen land. Box Office Information Adults & Children whom are New Jersey Residents - $5.00 per person, Non New Jersey Residents are $7.00 per person. They only accept cash. The park does have a parking fee of $5 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm All seats are general admission on wooden benches. The park recommends bringing a blanket to be more comfortable. Please call 267-885-9857 for cancellations and delays due to weather. Picnic tables are available in the vicinity for you to enjoy before or after the show. Public restrooms are available adjacent to the box office. Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre Location 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd, Titusville NJ 08560 (267)-885-9857 For more information about the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre please visit their website.
Explore the Hudson River on City of Water Day By Melanie Cortese
When you think of the water surrounding New Jersey, the first thought is often of the Atlantic Ocean. The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance wants you to rethink the New Jersey waterfront and explore the Hudson River and its history! Join them on Saturday, July 16, 10 AM - 4 PM for City of Water Day. With hundreds of waterfront activities held concurrently in Hoboken and Governor's Island NYC, you're sure to appreciate our waterfront in a new way! Some of the things you will find: • Boat tours! By far the most popular feature of the day, the educational boat rides require early registration and a deposit (many are free, some are low cost), but you will experience a tour of the rivers and the sights of the NYC/NJ area. Sailboats, fireboats, yachts and more are open to the public on City of Water Day: 2015 offered 31 boat tours and more than 5000 seats. Reservations for boat tours open in June, but you may find some boat tour openings that day as well. • Governor's Island. Didn't get onto a coveted boat tour? You'll still be able to take a free ferry to NYC's Governor's Island, a 172 acre island in New York Harbor. The island was home to a military base and was sold to the city in 2003. It now offers a hammock grove, public space, a sculpture garden, and biking. No cars are allowed on the island. City of Water Day activities - food offerings and more - will happen there as well. Be sure to know the ferry schedule though, as return trips to Hoboken may be limited. Bonus - children's activities by Disney will be held there! • Kayaking! Last time we discovered the small beach at Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken, where a whole lot of kayaks were out in the Hudson! Hoboken Cove Boathouse is a non profit public boathouse that will offer free kayaking during City of Water Day. Don't miss the chance to say you kayaked on the Hudson! Get there early for the City of Water Day activities and stay to explore Hoboken. Parking is available in local garages but is not free. The PATH stops in Hoboken though, so mass transit could be a great option.
Skimmer Weekend in Sea Isle City is one of our favorite weekends of the year! June is a gorgeous time of year at the Jersey shore which is why this festival by the beach always ranks high on our summer to-do list.
What is Skimmer Weekend? offering sales in honor of the weekend. Skimmer Weekend is a two day festival in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. On Saturday, June 18, the
Skimmer Weekend Full Schedule
festival features 400 vendors on the promenade
of Events:
selling everything from sunglasses to socks to decorative crafts and jewelry. In addition to the
Saturday, June 18, 2016
flea market on the promenade, there is a food
• NEW for 2016! Amusement rides from 9 am to
court at JFK and Pleasure featuring a variety
4 pm
of local restaurants and live entertainment at
• Sea Side Vendor Craft Market 9 am to 4 pm
Excursion Park. The main event on Sunday, June
• Food Court 9 am to 4 pm
19 is the Antique Auto show on the promenade.
• Sand Art 9 am to 4 pm • Old Tyme Photos 10 am to 3 pm
5 Things you need to know about
• Live Entertainment by Funky Bone 10 am to 3
Skimmer Weekend in Sea Isle City
pm • Face Painting and Balloon Artists 10 am to 3 pm
• Flea Market with an ocean view.
• Waxy Hands 10 am to 3 pm
Skimmer Weekend gets its name from the straw
• Moon Bounce 10 am to 3 pm
hats that Victorian-era men wore during the
• EVENING WRISTBANDS for amusement rides
summer months. You may see some version of
from 6 pm to 930 pm for $12, single tickets $1
these hats at the festival.
• Dance Party by DJ Eric 6 pm to 9 pm
• Arrive early and stay late. Hit the flea market early to get a look at all your shopping options
Sunday, June 19, 2016
break for lunch and then go back again. At the
• Antique Auto Show 9 am to 1 pm
end of the day vendors are much more willing to
• Live Entertainment by The Snake Brothers
make a deal.
Band 10 am to 12 pm
• It's more than a flea market. While the shopping
• Free Guided Historical Trolley Tours 10 am to
is my favorite part there is also a full schedule of
12:30 pm
events including live entertainment, amusement
• Awards Ceremony 1 pm
rides and guided trolley tours. See below for a full
• Antique Auto Parade 1:30 pm
listing of Skimmer Weekend events.
All events take place at Excursion Park located on
• Jitney's will be up and running for the event so
JFK and Pleasure unless otherwise noted.
don't stress about finding parking down town as it will be tough to find a spot.
For more information about Skimmer Weekend,
• If the promenade gets too crowded, stroll down
click here.
Landis Avenue many of the local shops will be
New Jersey’s
4H Fair Schedule Who doesn't love a day at the fair? We love everything about the fair: the animals, the shows, the rides, and all that wonderful fair food. No summer is complete without a trip to the fair and there are so many to choose from. We have compiled a list each county fair to help you find the closest one to you. We’ve listed dates here. For locations and more information please visit our full complete listing of 4H Fairs. Atlantic County 4H Fair August 11, 2016- August 13, 2016 3120 Rt. 50 Egg Harbor City, NJ 609-625-0056 Bergen County 4H Fair October 8, 2016-October 9, 2016 Overpeck County Park 40 Fort Lee Rd. Leonia, NJ 201-336-6785
Burlington County Fair July 19, 2016-July 24, 2016 Intersection of County Rt. 670 and Rt. 206 Springfield Township, NJ 609-784-8369 Camden County Fair September 24, 2016-September 25, 2016 Camden County College, 200 College Dr Blackwood, NJ 856-216-7130 Cape May County 4H Fair July 21, 2016- July 23, 2016 Cape May County Fairgrounds 355 Court House, South Dennis Road (Rt. 657) 856-825 3820 Cumberland County Cooperative Fair July 5, 2016- July 9, 2016 Cumberland County Fairgrounds 3001 Carmel Rd. Millville, NJ 609-465-5115 x 656 Essex and Hudson County Fall Fair September 24, 2016 Essex County Environmental Center 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland (973) 228-8776 Gloucester County 4H Fair July 28, 2016-July 31, 2016 275 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, NJ 856-307-6450
Hunterdon County 4H Fair August 24, 2016- August 28, 2016 Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fairgrounds 1207 Rt 179 Ringoes, NJ 908-782-6809 Mercer County 4H Fair July 30, 2016- July 31, 2016 Howell Living History Farm 70 Wooden Ln Lamberville, NJ 609-989-6833 Middlesex County 4H Fair August 1, 2016- August 7, 2016 655 Cranbury Rd/ Route 535 East Brunswick, NJ 732-257-8858 Monmouth County 4H Fair July 27, 2016- July 31, 2016 East Freehold Park & Show Grounds Kozloski Rd. Freehold Township, NJ 732-842-4000 x 4312 Morris County 4H Fair July 20, 2016- July 24, 2016 Chubb Park Route 24 Chester, NJ 973-285-8300 x 3 Ocean County Fair July 13, 2016- July 17, 2016 Robert J. Miller Airport Route 530 Berkeley Township, NJ 732-914-9466
Passaic County 4H Fair August 18, 2016- August 21, 2016 Garret Mountain Reserve, 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ (973) 684-4786 Salem County Fair August 9, 2016- August 12, 2016 Salem County Fairgrounds Route 40 Woodstown, NJ 856-769-3494 Somerset County 4H Fair August 10, 2016- August 12, 2016 4H Fairgrounds at North Branch Park Milltown Rd. Bridgewater, NJ 908-526-6644 Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/New Jersey State Fair August 5, 2016-August 14, 2016 37 Plains Rd. Augusta, NJ 973-948-5500 Warren County Farmer’s Fair July 30, 2016- August 6, 2016 165 Co. Rt. 519 South Belvidere, NJ 908-459-4360
Jenkinson's Pavilion and Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach is the place to be this summer! Families can enjoy live performances, weekly fireworks, movies under the stars and musical concerts. Admission to all of the events listed below is FREE. Parking is available at both the Jenkinson's Aquarium lot as well as private lots located on Ocean Ave. Rates for the lots varies by the day and hour.
Jenkinson's Free Summer Events for Kids Children's Variety Shows ~ Mondays Shows begin at 7 pm at the South Beach Stage (located across from the amusement park train) • June 27- Ron Valentine Comedy Variety Show • July 11-Pinao Hawaii Hula show • July 18-Doc Swan Magical comedy & Variety Show • July 25-Yosi • Aug 1-Junk Rock Band • August 8-Gooens Ballowins • August 15-Cowboy Larry’s Wild West Show • August 22-Brenn Swanson Silly Circus • August 29-Yosi Musical Festival ~ Wednesdays FREE concerts are at 7:30 pm at the inlet beach • • • • •
July 6th-Bronx Wanderers July 13th- The British Invasion Tribute July 2oth- La Diva Tenors July 27th-B-Street Tribute Band August 3rd-Fest Italiana featuring Moreno Fruzzetti • August 10th-Broadway and Beyond • August 17th-Irish Festival featuring Bobby Byrne • Aug 24th-Big Band – Elton John – Billy Joel – Barry Manilow Tributes
• August 31 – Beginnings – Chicago Tribute Free Movies under the Stars ~ Fridays Movies are at 8:30 pm at Jenkinson’s Beach Pavilion • • • • • • • • • • •
June 24th-Pan July 1st-Minions July 8th-Pitch Perfect 2 July 15th-Zootopia July 22nd-Inside Out Inside Out movie review July 29th-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles August 5th-Goosebumps August 12th-The Good Dinosaur August 19th-Jurassic World August 26th-Star Wars The Force Awakens September 6th-Avengers Age of Ulton
Kids Eat Free during “Dining with Perky” Tuesdays from 5-7 all summer! Fireworks ~ Thursdays Fireworks occur at dusk from June 23rd-Aug 29th.. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show!
Thunder Over the Boardwalk.
Tips to Enjoy the Air Show With Your Kids The Atlantic City Airshow "Thunder Over The Boardwalk" returns to the skies over the beautiful free beaches and boardwalk of Atlantic City on Wednesday, August 17 and we have your tips to enjoying the show. Our team has been taking our kids to the Atlantic City Air Show Thunder Over the Boardwalk for at least 6 years and we have some tips to make the Atlantic City Air Show Thunder Over the Boardwalk more manageable for parents. After all, it is a once-a-year event and we want you to be there when the Atlantic City Air Show returns.
Tips to enjoying Atlantic City’s Air Show Thunder Over the Boardwalk Take advantage of public transportation or the shuttles – shuttles usually run from Bader Field and a few other locations on the outside of Atlantic City. Beat the inflated parking prices and take the shuttle instead. Learn more about the options on our site later this summer. Arrive early! – Yes, admission is FREE. Get there early, whether you want to sit on the beach, on the boardwalk, or you’ve bought a VIP seat in a tent, get there early to claim your spot. Bathrooms – Nope, you don’t have to go trek into a casino when your child has to go potty. Behind the tents there are port-o-potties. They are spaced out, there was one every couple of feet. Make sure you have your flip flops or sandals on. Underneath the blaring sun the sand gets incredibly hot to walk on. Pack lunch and snacks – You’ve found your spot on the beach. You’re comfortable. The kids are good. Do you really want to track all the way up the beach to stand in lines for overpriced food? Enough said. Moms and dads you know what I mean. Pack, pack, and pack again – Atlantic City Air Show Thunder Over the Boardwalk will run for several hours. If you arrive early that can be a long day in the sun for the kids. Make sure you are prepared. Pack all the essentials. Keep following us online for the performance schedule and more details as the air show gets closer.
Education & Farm Family Fun at Swan Bay Folk Art Center by Kimberly Mastro This past winter, my family and I were lucky enough to discover Swan Bay Folk Art Center, located in the heart of Port Republic, in Atlantic County. The small, family run farm, has been in business for the past 25 years, operating on land that has been owned by Gary Giberson’s family since 1637. Gary and his wife, Niki, open the sheep farm to the public on several occasions throughout the year. In February, “Lamb Celebration Day” is held, where everyone is invited to meet the newborn lambs. Children have an opportunity to hold the babies for photos at this free event, that is enjoyed by all. The public is invited back in April for shearing day, where the sheep get their new haircuts for the warmer months, and professional shearer, Hoyt Emmons, explains the process while he works. The sheep don’t dislike the process. They are positioned in such a way that all four feet are off the ground and they are in a sitting position, where they become very relaxed. My children learned many “fun facts” this year on shearing day! We were surprised to learn that as much as 15-20 lbs of wool can be shorn from each full grown sheep! We also learned that once all the sheep are shorn, they no longer recognize each other, because not only do they look different, they also smell different. The young lambs have to figure out who their mothers are before they can nurse, because a sheep will not feed a baby that is not hers. Very Cool! Once shearing is done, all the sheep get their hooves trimmed (NOT their favorite part), and they get their worm vaccines. Sheep under one year old do not get shorn, because their wool is not long enough and they need it to keep warm. As we ventured around the farm after shearing, we also had the chance to meet the family’s chickens, in a coop across the yard from the sheep; check out the coy pond; and my son’s absolute favorite part... play in the outdoor “garage”, a 1931 gas station replica, where
Gary has restored 2 antique trucks that are available for photo ops! This little farm was the perfect day trip for my family, small enough for the kids to venture around with some freedom, but enough to see to keep them busy for a couple of hours. Niki and her daughter Megan were very friendly to all of the guests, and also full of information on the animals as well as the process. Aside from these free annual events, Swan Bay Folk Art Center also offers basketry and felting classes, quilting and doll making classes, Boy/Girl scout outings, field trips and birthday parties. Also, in the farm store, available for purchase are homemade jellies and jams, candles, wool hats and other accessories, hand woven baskets, and of course, hand died skeins of wool from the farm’s very own sheep. Admission to the public is only on select days. Keep checking our Atlantic County Calendar of Events for their events. Admission is free, but donations are also accepted at any of the public events. If you are interested in learning more about Swan Bay Folk Art Center, follow them on Facebook, or check out their website at www.handsonhistory.com.
How to Create a Free Summer Camp for your Kids By Jennifer Auer Summer Camp doesn't have to be expensive. It doesn't have to stick to a straight Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm schedule. As moms, we know that sometimes day camp isn't in the budget or the schedule doesn't work with yours. Regardless of the reason, we've got lots of ways you can have free or frugal fun with your kids this summer and create your own summer camp. We've even broke it down by activities, to help you find what your kids are most interested in.
Movie time Catch free or $1 movies showing all summer long. You can watch many movies outside in the park after sunset or inside at your local library or theater. Check our Movie Calendar for our complete listing of FREE summer movies or click over to see NJ Free Movies & $1 Movies series.
Reading & Learning Libraries & bookstores across our state not only hold weekly story times, that you can find on our calendar, but they also offer incentive programs to reward your kids for reading. Visit our listing of libraries, summer reading programs, or our listing on library events.
Physical Exercise We are fortunate to have roller rinks and bowling alleys where kids can play free. Visit these links to learn more •
Roller Skate for Free
•
Bowling for Free
•
New Jersey Parks & Playgrounds are also a great way to get exercise while having fun.
Arts & Crafts These nationwide stores offer times where kids can build and create projects for free • A.C. Moore Summer Fun Wednesdays (We're awaiting confirmation of the 2016 schedule.) • Michael's Camp Creativity (Now $5 for a 2 hour session.) • Home Depot Kid's Workshops • Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics In New Jersey only, Lakeshore Learning Stores offers free make and take projects on Saturday mornings.
Swimming & Splish Splashing Fun We've got your listing of local beaches that are open and free and a listing of Splash Pads & Spraygrounds.
Concerts & Live Theater In parks, on the boardwalk, along the beaches there will be free performances for families to enjoy. Click over to check our Calendar of Concert Events or live theater performances.
Free Field Trips Did you know there are many places that offer free admission? Check out our listing of free places to visit. Also, many libraries offer programs where their members can borrow a pass for free admission to area museums. Of course, if you follow our giveaways you could just win a family four-pack of tickets to somewhere fun as well. Are you ready for a summer of FREE fun?
Kids Bowl Free with the
Kids Bowl Free Program Kids Bowl Free provides bowling games to children nationwide age 15 and under at participating centers. It’s a great way to start a busy day of fun or to wind down after a long day of running. The free bowling is also a great perk on a rainy day. It gave the kids a reason to get some exercise and get out of the house for a bit. Many programs started this month.
How The Kids Bowl Free Program Works: •Complete the FREE registration form on KidsBowlFree.Com for the bowling alley you want to attend. (Please note you can go to more than one participating alley but you will need to register for each one separately using a different email address as per the KidsBowlFree.Com website). •Kids get to bowl up to 2 free games per day, all summer long. Some of the alleys are actually starting their free game passes this month. You can find out start and end dates on each location’s registration page or the Jersey Family Fun website. •The Kids Bowl Free playing times are available 7 days a week. Check the registration page for the times your alley allows. •Kids must be 15 years old or younger. •Shoe rentals are not included, but some of the bowling alleys do offer a shoe rental pass for purchase. You would have to check with your bowling alley for fees. •Some alleys offer a discount on food, check with each individual alley. •You’ll receive an email every Sunday containing a link to the coupons for that week. Just print them out and bring them with you. •There’s also a Family Pass that allows up to 4 adults to bowl all summer. The pass costs $24.95 and can be added on to your account at any time. An adult is considered anyone 16 and up.
Find participating bowling alleys at these sites:
• Jersey Family Fun • Kids Bowl Free
Kids Skate Free this Summer Did you know there are roller skating rinks around the country that offer FREE roller skating for kids? Kids Skate Free has a nationwide listing of where kids can skate for free. We’re sharing the listing of New Jersey locations.
New Jersey locations where Kids Can Roller Skate for Free in New Jersey
To view more details or register for a center please click on their name. You will then be brought to their page where you will be able to sign up and start skating for free. About once a week you will get an email with information to download your free passes. You can register up to 4 children under the age of 12. Roller Skating Rinks in Mays Landing, Atlantic County, New Jersey Young’s Skating Center, 763 Park Rd., 609-625-1191 Roller Skating Rinks in Mt. Laurel, Burlington County, New Jersey International Sports, Skating, and Fun Centre of Mt. Laurel, 1 Hovtech Blvd, 856273-2828 Roller Skating Rinks in Cherry Hill, Camden County, New Jersey International Sports, Skating, & Fun Centre, Cherry Hill, 600 Kresson Road, 856-428-8588 Roller Skating Rinks in Deptford, Gloucester County, New Jersey Deptford Skating & Fun Center, 510 Deptford Ave, 856 845 7353 Don't see your local skating center? Try to recruit them to be part of the program. Click here to print out a letter from Kids Skate Free for your local skating center.
New Jersey Roller Skating Rinks Most parents have fond memories of spending their childhood years at the town roller skating rink. Roller rinks are great places to go and spend some time together while burning off some energy. Check out our list of roller skating rinks across New Jersey and head out to one with your family! •
No need to buy skates - rentals are available at all rinks.
•
Unsure of your own skating skills? Call your local rink to see if they offer skating lessons.
Atlantic County Roller Rinks •
Rollway Skating Rink, Hammonton, 609-561-8061
•
Young's Skating Center, Mays Landing, 609-837-9741
Bergen County Roller Rinks •
Fun Force, Wallington, 973-777-0767
•
Inline Skating Club of America, North Arlington, 201-998-4722
Burlington County Roller Rinks •
Holiday Skating & Fun Center, Delanco, 856-461-3770
•
International Sports, Skating, & Fun Centre, Mt. Laurel, 856-273-2828
Camden County Roller Rinks •
Cherry Hill Skating Center, Cherry Hill, 856795-1919
•
Millennium Skate World, Camden, 856-7579460
•
International Sports, Skating, & Fun Centre, Cherry Hill, 856-428-8588
Cumberland County Roller Rinks •
•
Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center,
•
•
Deptford Skating and Fun Center, Westville,
•
Roosevelt Park, Edison, 732-494-3785
•
Pro Skate, Monmouth Junction, 732-9406400
•
Choice Inline Arena, Sewell, 856-582-1600
•
Franklin Skating Center, Franklinville, 856694-0600
Hunterdon County Roller Rinks •
Frenchtown Roller Rink, Frenchtown, 908996-6313
Kendall Park Roller Skating, Kendall Park, 732-297-3003
Morris County Roller Rinks •
Florham Park Roller Rink, Florham Park, 973-377-0465
Ocean County Roller Rinks •
Jackson Skating Center, Jackson, 732-3632222
856-845-7353 •
Woodbridge Community Center, Woodbridge, 732-596-4000
Newark, 973-482-8900 Gloucester County Roller Rinks
South Amboy Arena, South Amboy, 732-7271122
Skate 2000, Bridgeton, 856-459-3666
Essex County Roller Rinks •
Middlesex County Roller Rinks
Union County Roller Rinks •
Skate 22, Union, 908-686-6838
Warren County Roller Rinks •
Villa Roller Rink, Broadway, 908-689-6155
•
Excel Roller Skating Center, Hackettstown, 908-852-6029
Ice Skating Rinks On a hot summer day, ice skating can be just the thing to help kids cool down quickly. Many of these locations are open year round! •
Ice skates rentals are available at most rinks.
•
Unsure on the ice? Consider enrolling your child in a class before heading out to an open skate.
•
Be ready to take a break in the middle for ice cleaning. But the Zamboni can be fun to watch!
Atlantic County Ice Rinks •
Flyers Skate Zone, Atlantic City, 609-441-1780
Bergen County Ice Rinks •
Fritz Dietl Ice Rink, Westwood, 201-666-9883
•
Ice House, Hackensack, 201-487-8444
•
Ice Rink at Mackay Park, Englewood, 201-5683133
Burlington County Ice Rinks
•
Rock Ice Center, Dunellen, 732-752-8600
•
•
Roosevelt Park Rink, Edison, 732-494-2980
Igloo Ice Rink, Mt. Laurel, (856) 638-0801
Camden County Ice Rinks
Monmouth County Ice Rinks
•
Flyers Skate Zone, Pennsauken, 856-488-9300
•
Red Bank Armory, Red Bank, 732-450-9001
•
Flyers Skate Zone, Voorhees, 856-309-4400
•
Jersey Shore Arena, Wall, 732-919-7070
•
Howell Ice World, Farmingdale, 732-378-6600
Essex County Ice Rinks •
Clary Anderson Arena, Montclair, 973-744-6088
Morris County Ice Rinks
•
Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain, West
•
Aspen Ice At Randolph, Randolph, 973-927-9122
Orange, 973-731-3828
•
Mennen Sports Arena, Morristown, 973-326-7651
•
Twin Oaks Ice Rink, Morristown, 973-292-5699
Gloucester County Ice Rinks •
Hollydell Ice Arena, Sewell 856-589-5599
Ocean County Ice Rinks
•
Winterland Ice Rink, Glassboro, 856-723-9069
•
Winding River Skating Center, Toms River, (732) 244-0720
Hudson County Ice Rinks •
Ocean Ice Palace, Brick, (732)-477-4411
Richard J. Korpi Ice Rink, Bayonne, 201-8586000
Hunterdon County Ice Rinks •
•
Passaic County Ice Rinks •
Floyd Hall Arena, Little Falls, 973-746-7744
•
Ice Vault Arena, Wayne, 973-628-1500
Aspen Ice at Flemington, Flemington, 908.237.1423
Somerset County Ice Rinks •
732-627-0006
Mercer County Ice Rinks •
Ice Land, Hamilton, 609-588-6672
•
Mercer County Skating Center (seasonal), West
Bridgewater Sports and Ice Arena, Bridgewater,
•
ProTecHockey Ponds Ice Center, Somerset, 732868-9181
Windsor, 609-371-1766 Sussex County Ice Rinks Middlesex County Ice Rinks
•
Skylands Ice World, Stockholm, 973.697.1600
•
Old Bridge Ice Arena, Old Bridge, 732-607-7971
•
Aspen Ice Arena, Randolph, 973-927-9122
•
ProSkate , Monmouth Junction, 732-940-6400
•
Arenas at Woodbridge, Woodbridge, 732-596-
Union County Ice Rinks
4000
•
Union Sports Arena, Union, 908-687-8610
Summer Seining
There were containers of water lined up on the beach, to hold the fish that were caught by the net. Most of the fish caught were bait fish, but in
By Melanie Cortese
our case a young bluefish, a crab, and a snapper fish came out. As the net comes out of the bay, the
Do some seining and see what's in the bay!
children run to rescue the fish and put them in the containers.
Programs like these are why I love writing
At the end of the program all fish and creatures
for Jersey Family Fun. It's rewarding to find
are released back into the bay.
something educational, fun, and free that excites your children and gets all of you out in the fresh
Monmouth County Parks employee, Frank was
air, and I'm so glad I can tell more people about
leading the program, and he had a great way with
it!
the children, answering their questions, getting them all involved and giving them information
Seining is the act of holding a net vertically in the
at a level which they could understand. Other
water, dredging slightly at the bottom and seeing
volunteers and park employees are on hand to
what comes out! In this case we were seining in
help with fish retrieval and release, and answer
the Sandy Hook Bay.
questions.
We have family in northern Monmouth County
If you go to Summer Seining at Bayshore
so we frequent the bayshore area. On a recent
Waterfront Park:
Friday we headed to Port Monmouth's Bayshore
• Parking was available, but limited. Arrive early
Waterfront Park for their free Summer Seining
or look for nearby off street parking.
program. We didn't know what to expect either
• Wear your bathing suit so you can go in the
at the park or with the program, so imagine our
water with the net!
surprise when we found a gorgeous beach, pier,
• Closed toe shoes are required per their website
and activities building! Parking and beach entry,
(though most children were barefoot).
and the seining program are all FREE!
• It's on the beach so sunscreen is a must. • Bring your beach gear and make a day of it! No
The crowd was gathered a bit down the beach
lifeguards are at the park so swim with caution.
from the parking lot, so they had already
• The program runs Mondays, Wednesdays and
started by the time we got there. No worries
Fridays, June 22–August 21, from 11 a.m.–12
though, as they seine the water numerous times
p.m.
during the hour. There were all ages of children participating, and any child who wanted to work
Sound like something you'd enjoy?
the 30 foot net in the water was given a chance. See more Summer Seining at Bayshore Waterfront Park photos in our Facebook album. Monmouth County Bayshore Waterfront Park is at 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth. Park opens at 7 a.m. 365 days a year. Closing time is 9 p.m. July 18-August 15; and 8:30 p.m. August 16-31.
Michael’s Camp Creativity This summer Michael's Camp Creativity is offering a 7- week program where kids can create crafts. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am - 12 pm. The cost is only $5 per day or $12 for 3 sessions. Registration is recommended. 3 Reasons to Sign Your Kids Up 1. Beat the Heat! These crafts are a great way to keep your kids busy while staying cool. 2. Family Bonding! This a great opportunity to work together with your child to create something you are both proud of! 3. Educational without the kids knowing! Art boosts creativity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Themes for Camp Creativity Week of June 13 - Land of the Dinosaurs • Monday - Dinosaur Silhouette Painting and Clothespin Pterodactyl • Wednesday - Painted Fossil and Dino Memory Game • Friday - Dinosaur Visor and Flying Pterodactyl Week of June 20 - Under the Sea • Monday - Flying Fish and a Clothespin Shark • Wednesday - Scuba Diver and Paper Jellyfish • Friday - Clay Pot Octopus and Beach Scene Week of June 27 - Life on Pluto • Monday - Model Magic Aliens and a Watercolor Galaxy • Wednesday -Foam Rocket Ship and Alien Headband • Friday - Cardboard Aliens and Sticky Puff UFO Week of July 4 - Castles and Princesses • Monday - Court Jester’s Hat and Wand and an Accordion Dragon • Wednesday - Playing Card Knight and a Castle Book
• Friday - Felt King or Queen and a Pom Pom Dragon Week of July 11 - Pet City • Monday - Puzzle Piece Pet and a Felt Fish Bowl • Wednesday - Puppy Pull Card and Fish Bowl Tic-Tac-Toe game • Friday - Felt Bird Cage and a Pet on a Stick Week of July 18 - Woodland Forest • Monday - Woodland Forest Scene and Foam Creature Masks • Wednesday - Cardboard Owls and a Rock Turtle or Frog • Friday - Owl Portrait and Model Magic® Animals Week of July 25 - All About Me • Monday - Family Crest Bag Tag and a Family Tree • Wednesday - Make a dimensional version of your own country and Perler® flag • Friday - Foam Bead Bracelet and a Crazy Hat Contact your local Michael’s or visit them online to register.
Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinics Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics are the perfect Saturday morning activity for kids ages 4 and up.
Here is what you need to know about Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics: • Available two Saturdays a month from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (some exceptions may apply) • Registration is highly recommended. • Waivers must be signed for each child participating. • The Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics are FREE! • Great for children ages 4 and up. • At every Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics each child gets a free building kit, goggles, apron and patch. • Each Lowe's Build and Grow Kids kit comes with easy to follow directions. • Friendly Lowe's employees are on hand to help parents and children. • If you don't have time to the Lowe's Build and Grow Kids project that day, you can pick up a kit to take home (They make great projects for a snow day or school vacation.)
Why we LOVE Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics:
• These Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics are a great option for play dates and family days. Kids have such a fun time working together and showing each other their finished projects. • Each clinic has a theme that is usually associated with an upcoming movie or event. • Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinic participation helps children develop valuable skills. Building these amazing kits helps children enhance fine motor control and strength, increase eye-hand coordination and improve listening skills as they learn to follow directions. Social skills are also enhanced as children work together with friends and parents to make the projects. We have made so many fun and interactive projects last year at the Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics. We are really looking forward to all the great projects Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics will offer this upcoming year. Registration usually opens the Monday after the last workshop, and it is highly recommended as the clinics fill up very quickly.
Upcoming Clinics
• June 11 - Captain America • June 25 - Iron Man To find the latest Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics visit our Calendar of New Jersey Events or the Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics Schedule.
Home Depot Kids Workshops From race cars to boats to desktop calendars, Home Depot Kids Workshops offers a different workshop the first Saturday of the month intended for children ages 5-12. You can drop in between 9 am - 12 pm and have your kids create that month’s project. While Home Depot requests the Kids Workshop attendees register online, they can accept walk ins.
Here is some information about the Home Depot Kids Workshops and why we enjoy them. • Free and fun Home Depot Kids Workshops are for children ages 5-12. • Home Depot Kids Workshops are offered the first Saturday of the month at your local Home Depot store between 9 am – 12 pm. • All children keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron (for new attendees), and a commemorative pin. • Home Depot staff are there to assist with the projects. • This is first come, first serve. The apron and workshop kit is given to those who arrive earlier so there may not be sufficient supplies towards the end of the workshop. • Children need to be present at the store to participate in the Home Depot Kids Workshops. • At some stores, paint is offered for each project so it might be best to dress the kids for mess. • Registration for the Home Depot Kids Workshops is available online and is requested to ensure that there is sufficient supplies for all the attendees. • Finished projects can make great gifts for grandparents, godparents, or other relatives. • Summer workshops may be held outside. Make sure to register for Home Depot Kids Workshops on Home Depot’s website.
Home Depot Kids Workshops Summer Schedule • June 4, 2016 • July 2, 2016 • August 6, 2016 • September 3, 2016
Click over to read more about Jersey Family Fun’s experiences at the Home Depot Kids Workshops.
Lakeshore Learning Store
Free Make & Takes for Kids Every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm Lakeshore Learning Store hosts a free craft and registration is not required. The crafts are for children 3 and older. The crafts are based on themes like current events or the season.
Upcoming Make and Take Events • • • • • • • • • •
June 4th: Crafty Bird Feeder June 1tth: Blast Off In a Rocket Ship June 18th: Out of This World Craft for Dad June 25th: Crabby Headband July 2: Star-Spangled Wreath July 9: ABC Tree July 16: Colors of the Rainbow! Bookmark July 23: Make Me Talk! Fish July 30: Craft Stick Puppy August projects are not yet listed.
Lakeshore also offers: • A giant smart board where your children can play interactive multi-player educational games. • They also have tons of toys around the store that are open that your kids can test out before they buy them.
NJ Lakeshore Learning locations Cherry Hill Marketplace at Garden State Park 2020 Marlton Pike West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 856-910-0888 East Brunswick 275 State Route 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816 732-967-8585 The East Brunswick Lakeshore also offers FREE crafts on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Hackensack 449 Essex St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9214
Currently listing events for Michael’s Home Depot Lowe’s Lakeshore Learning Stores
Coming Soon Event listings A.C. Moore Joann’s Fabrics & More
Coming Soon Event listings for Shoprite Whole Foods Market Wegmans & More
Our Day at the Gravity Vault by Melanie Cortese Perhaps you can relate to having a child that just won't sit still... who sees life as an obstacle course to jump through, swing from, and climb up. For me, that's my son. Recently I watched him play and thought, "Rock climbing! That's what he needs!" The workout of climbing would be great for us parents, and could be something our family of four could do together. None of us had ever done it and I wasn't sure if there was a local rock climbing facility nearby. Happily, a quick internet search brought us to The Gravity Vault (their website). There are multiple rock climbing locations in New Jersey, but the nearest to us is the Chatham facility. There are plenty of options for climbing including: •
One hour private session
•
Walk In Climbing (two climbs)
•
Introduction to Rock Climbing for groups
•
Day Passes for experienced climbers
•
Belay Training
We scheduled a one hour staff belayed session for a Sunday, and headed to Chatham unsure of what to expect. (I had to look up the term "belay" - which refers to a climbing partner holding onto the rope, and the climber attached to the harness.) When we walked in we were beyond impressed. The rock climbing facility has 13,500 square feet of climbing space and is visually stunning! There were at least 10 staff visible from the lobby area and all customers were being attended to. It felt like a mix between an indoor play space (there was a birthday party just getting underway) and a gym. There are couches for resting or watching the
There are some serious rock climbers there, as well as plenty of first timers. The kids at the birthday party were loving it! Each was getting a turn and some were going up blindfolded. It was a welcoming and fun environment, but also safe. Staff members were present throughout the location and redirecting anyone who might be in danger. The parents loved it. It was a workout for us but one where we could include our kids, and watch them surprise us as they scaled the walls. The kids definitely had a great time too! The challenge and the constant movement and the feeling of accomplishment when you get to the top makes it an hour well spent. I anticipate many more rock climbing hours here in our near future! If you go rock climbing at the Gravity Vault: •
It is a workout! Dress in layers and dress in comfortable clothing. The harness goes around your waist and thighs so the less bulky the better.
climbers. We were introduced to our staff for the
•
valuables.
hour and given our equipment. We were assigned two instructors and given our harnesses and
•
No reservations are necessary for walk in climbing, but call ahead for lessons.
shoes (you'll find the shoes are uncomfortable but necessary to get that grip) and got ourselves
There is a locker room if you wish to lock your
•
Weekend hours are 9AM - 8PM and weekdays 12 - 10 PM
ready to climb. •
Visit their website for additional details.
There was a quick rundown on what to do during rock climbing - use your legs, how to fall, but it's
See more pictures from our visit to The Gravity
generally just time to CLIMB! We went up two
Vault in our Facebook album.
at a time, and started easy. For the next hour we were taken through 5 or 6 walls, all different skill levels. It gets easier as you go, and you figure out how to move your feet and hands, and just how far you can push your body. Some walls have letters as grips, or animals, which makes it easier for the instructor to tell the climbers where to move. In the hour, the kids did all 5 or 6 climbs and the adults watched for a couple. It was great to have the couches for a rest, and to have our possessions in a nearby cubby (lockers are also available down the hall). My son, the active one, loved just jumping on the bouncy surface when he wasn't climbing. The whole family got in on it!
Experience iPlay’s Summer Season Pass! Here it comes, ready or not, it's summer! Kids are off school, temperatures rise, and some days you just don't know what to do with the kids. We have a solution! The iPlay America Summer Season Pass is here! Located in Freehold, and a favorite of Jersey Family Fun, iPlay America offers something for all ages; rides, games, entertainment and more. Good news for those too hot or too rainy summer days it's all indoor! With the iPlay America Summer Season Pass, you can ride all summer for one low price! These rides are included as part of the iPlay America Summer Season Pass • Kite Flyer • Sky Scraper • GoKarts • Freedom Rider (new ride opening this summer!) • Spin Zone • Happy Swing • Jump Around • Dizzy Dragons • Mini Carousel Additional information about the iPlay America Summer Season Pass • The Summer Season pass is $49.99/person and with it you get endless rides AND coupons valued at over $100, even a Bring Your Friend Free pass! • Passes can be purchased on location at the Welcome Center, or buy online. • No need to wait for the official start of the summer season - your Summer Season Pass is valid from Memorial Day to Labor Day! Start your summer fun before school lets out. The pass is good every day o All day on weekends and from 3 PM - close on weekdays. More about iPlay America: iPlay America, the indoor city, recreates the Jersey Shore from more than 30,000-feet of Boardwalk space and mid-way style games people loved as kids, to the asphalt city streets complete with twostory buildings, mailboxes, fire hydrants, benches and more to create the feel of downtown. ALWAYS free to enter, guests can access affordable play packages for all of the rides and attractions iPlay America has to offer in their 115,000 square feet of space. Visitors can race on the iPA Speedway go karts, challenge their friends to an epic battle of laser tag in the two-level Cosmic Battle Laser Tag Experience (largest in Central New Jersey!), spin around in the bumper cars and take flight on Kite Flyer, as well as other favorite rides. The 4-D Theatre is a multi-sensory movie experience not to be missed and the HUGE Arcade has something for everyone with over 200 of the newest and hottest
games including classics like skee-ball and air hockey. To satisfy everyone’s appetite, iPlay America offers Boardwalk style fare from hot dogs and pizza, to cotton candy and funnel cakes as well as Broadway Sweets, the BEST candy store in Central New Jersey. Sit and relax on the Game Time Bar & Grill porch that overlooks City Square. Enjoy delicious favorites on its American menu, specialty cocktails, and signature creations by Executive Chef Joe Raiola, a season five "Chopped" champion. Guests can watch their favorite team play on over 20 different flat screen TVs and 3 large screen projectors. iPlay America also offers a special discount to veterans and active military personnel. No matter who wants to have fun — or how they want to play — iPlay America is the place to Get Inside the Fun! iPlay America is located on Route 9 at 110 Schanck Road in Freehold, New Jersey.
I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for ICE CREAM!! July brings with it fireworks, warm days, days by the pool and ICE CREAM! That is right, July is National Ice Cream Month. Summer in New Jersey just wouldn't be complete without trips to the local ice cream parlor to grab a cup or cone of ice cream. New Jersey is home to some of the most unique and fun ice cream parlors in the Tri- state area. From hand churned varieties and parlors with singing servers to classic 50's style and guided tours, there is something sure to please your entire family's sweet tooth this summer. Bischoffs Confectionery- 468 Cedar Lane, Teaneck • Established in 1934. •
The staff at Bischoffs are dressed the way you might have seen them 50 years ago, complete with serving hats and bowties.
•
Ice Cream counter where you can try over 40 flavors of homemade ice cream.
•
Besides your average cone, patrons can order soda fountain specialties, banana splits and old fashioned hot fudge sundaes.
•
An additional section of the store is the old fashioned candy section of the parlor filled with homemade candy, chocolates and sugar confections.
Torico Ice Cream-20 Ewing Street, Jersey City •
Established in 1968.
•
A fruit based ice cream parlor, stemming from the owners Puerto Rican heritage.
•
Torico Ice Cream uses only fresh ingredients.
•
All of the fruit used in making the over 65 ice cream flavors is visible to patrons via the churning room.
•
Over 65 flavors, including tropically inspired, lychee, papaya and ube fruit. Continued on the next page
Hoffmans Ice Cream- 800 Richmond Ave, Point Pleasant Beach •
Established in 1955.
•
Fresh made ice cream churned in front of patrons via the huge observation window
•
Host site of children's birthday parties:which include pizza, soda, make your own sundaes and cake
•
3 other locations at the Jersey Shore: Long Branch, Little Silver, and Spring Lake Heights
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe- 2305 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette •
Established in 2003
•
Singing waiters and waitresses perform songs as they take orders and deliver ice cream
•
Interactive family fun that makes the audience part of the show
•
Specialty shows throughout the season such as Children's Fairy tales, and Broadway Cabarets
•
Servers all have background experience in musical theater, college based Music programs and previous theater experience.
Cool Scoops- 1111 New Jersey Avenue 12th & New Jersey Ave, Wildwood •
50's style art decor ice cream parlor
•
Vintage car style booths
•
Working jukebox
•
Relics from past TV shows adorn the walls
•
Sugar free flavors
•
Pinball and video games to play while waiting for your order
Our Trip to The Funny Farm! ~ An Atlantic County Animal Rescue By Kimberly Mastro My family and I recently had the opportunity to tour the Funny Farm animal rescue in Mays Landing. I had heard great things about the farm, and having three little animal lovers, I decided it was time we check it out ourselves! We had no idea what was in store for us on that cloudy Saturday morning! Upon entering the big metal gates at the top of the driveway, we were in awe of the size of the farm, the Funny Farm was nestled back off the road in a very quiet part of Mays Landing. The next thing that took us by surprise were several dogs that greeted us on our way down the driveway...as well as one very nosy turkey named Rosie. As we got out of the van and met farm owner Laurie Zaleski, we instantly felt
welcome and realized we were in for a real treat!
up a few squabbles between them while we were
We had been invited to tour the Funny Farm on
there!
a Saturday, when it is not usually open to the public, so we had time to chat with Laurie about
The Funny Farm animal rescue is open to the
the history of the farm as well as some of the
public on Tuesdays and Sundays, as well as a few
animals' stories.
other days throughout the year, for fundraisers and special events. The farm is free to visit, and
The farm was originally purchased as a home
runs solely on donations. There is no paid staff at
but with so much land, Laurie realized it could
the farm, the animals are cared for by Laurie and
be so much more. She adopted a horse...a few
an assortment of volunteers.
chickens...and the rest is history. Now, 16 years later, she has hundreds of animals at the farm,
Funny Farm Animal Rescue is located at 6908
each with it's own space, story, and name. I lost
Railroad Blvd. in Mays Landing (Atlantic
track at some point during our visit, but I know
County). Visiting hours are Tuesdays and
I met a pig named Bacon Bit, a donkey named
Sundays from 8am to 4:30pm. For more
Eeyore (who LOVES attention), a steer named
information, please visit their website.
T-Bone, and a smiling dog named Fred. Most of the animals at the farm are allowed to roam free, with the exception of most of the horses, the steer, and the donkeys. One horse, named Socks, has free range of the farm, something you don't see too often. He actually approached us at one point, and posed for a photo! You could tell he was used to visitors! As we toured the Funny Farm, Laurie told me about the issues that led a lot of her animals to her. She has a peacock, who came to her with a broken back, who was going to be euthanized otherwise. She nursed him back to health and he lives happily with the other birds on the farm. She also has a German Shepherd named Chuck with a digestion issue that causes him to require only fluids (which she blends herself 4 times daily), and has to eat in a custom built high chair in order to keep the food down. She adopted him when he was 3 months old, and was told he could not survive his condition. He is currently 3 1/2 years old and as playful as can be. Laurie described the animals as her kids, which made complete sense to me, as she seemed to know everything about all of them and even had to break
New Jersey Towns
Selling Discount Amusement Park Tickets Here’s a great way to save on this summer’s family fun. Communities have started selling tickets again for this summer. This list below is an idea of what towns will sell again this year. Tickets sales may be limited to residents only. Atlantic County Egg Harbor Township had tickets for Adventure Aquarium, Morey’s Piers, Steel Pier, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Philadelphia Zoo, Hershey Park, Splash Zone, Clementon Park, Sahara Sam’s, and IPlay America. Bergen County Rutherford had tickets for Crayola Experience, IPlay America, Action Park, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Dorney Park, Diggerland, and Hershey Park. Burlington County Pemberton had tickets for Adventure Aquarium, Morey’s Piers, Crayola Experience, Hershey Park, Six Flags, Diggerland, Iplay America, Philadelphia Zoo, Sahara Sam’s, and Splash Zone – Wildwood. Camden County Gloucester had tickets for Adventure Aquarium, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Morey’s Piers, Philadelphia Zoo, Hershey Park, Sahara Sam’s, Steel Pier, Dorney Park, and Clementon Park. Essex County Roseland had tickets for Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Morey’s Pier, Casino Pier, Hershey Park, Philly Zoo, IPlay America, Dorney Park Splash Zone, and Adventure Aquarium. Gloucester County • Deptford had tickets for Hershey Park, Dorney Park, Philadelphia Zoo, Morey’s Piers, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Splash Zone, Adventure Aquarium, Clementon Park, and Dutch Wonderland. • East Greenwich had tickets for Camel Beach, Clementon Park, and Sahara Sam’s. • Glassboro had tickets for Sahara Sam’s, Philadelphia Zoo, and Adventure Aquarium. • Washington Township had tickets for Adventure Aquarium, Clementon Park, Splash Zone, Hershey Park, Dorney Park, Dutch Wonderland, Great Adventure, Morey’s Piers, Mountain Creek, Philadelphia Zoo, Sahara Sam’s, and Steel Pier.
• Harrison Township had tickets for Hershey Park, Splash Zone, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Morey’s Piers, Philadelphia Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, Steel Pier, Sahara Sam’s, Clementon Park, Crayola Experience, Diggerland, and Medieval Times. Middlesex County • Middlesex had tickets for Adventure Aquarium, Morey’s Piers, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Dorney Park, Philadelphia Zoo, Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, Mountain Creek Water Park, Hershey Park, and The Steel Pier. • South River had tickets for the Somerset Patriots. Morris County Montville had tickets for Action Park, Adventure Aquarium, Casino Pier, Clementon Park, Crayola Experience, Digglerand, Dorney Park, Hershey Park, iPlay America, Morey’s Piers, Philadelphia Zoo, Sahara Sam’s, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Splash Zone, and Steel Pier. Ocean County • Brick had tickets for Philadelphia Zoo, Morey’s Piers, Hershey Park, Dorney Park, Crayola Experience, Diggerland, Great Adventure, and Casino Pier. • Jackson had tickets for Great Adventure. Passaic County Clifton had tickets for Hershey Park, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Dorney Park, Philadelphia Zoo, Diggerland, Action Park and the Crayola Experience. Union County • Berkeley Heights had tickets for Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Dorney Park, Mountain Creek Water Park, and Hershey Park. • Clark had tickets for Great Adventure, Morey’s Piers, Hershey Park, and Dorney Park. • Westfield had tickets for Morey’s Piers, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Hershey Park, Dorney Park, Medieval Times, Clementon Park/SplashWorld, Action Park, Steel Pier, Sahara Sam’s, IPlay America, Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, Adventure Aquarium, and Diggerland. Please keep following this post where we’ll share our 2016 updates.
Put Your Library Card to Great Use with the Museum Pass Program Many New Jersey libraries are participating in museum pass programs. The museum pass program varies from library to library contact your library for more information. The basic way it works is to visit your library and sign out passes to take your family to visit your favorite museums. Some libraries allow you to sign out the passes for 3 days at a time though some may require a refundable cash deposit. The New Jersey counties that have libraries that participate in the Museum Pass Program are listed below. Click here to see our complete listing that lists and links to participating libraries. • Bergen County • Burlington County • Camden County • Essex County • Gloucester County • Hudson County • Hunterdon County • Middlesex County • Monmouth County
• Morris County • Passaic County • Somerset County • Sussex County • Union County • Warren County
Check out these
NJ Day Trip locations with Free Admission Cape May Zoo Cohanzick Zoo Cape May Point State Park nature trails & buildings Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve Howell Living History farm Barnegat Lighthouse Heritage Glass Museum New Jersey State Police Museum Princeton University Art Museum Atlantic City Art Center Southern New Jersey All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame Hopewell Museum Cape May County Museum Princeton Arts Museum Princeton Historical Society New Jersey State House Twin Lights Historic Site Somers Point Mansion Sea Girt Lighthouse C.A. Nothnagle Log House Fort Hancock Historic District Kuser Farm Mansion Historic Batsto Village US Coast Guard Training Center The Korean War Memorial Zimmerli Art Museum
Gardens & Arboretums In Atlantic County Egg Harbor Twp Arboretum 609-926-4093 In Bergen County Theilke Arboretum 201-447-0452 James McFaul Environmental Center Garden 201-891-5571 In Burlington County Butterfly Garden 609-265-5858 Smithville Mansion Garden 609-265-5858 Barton Arboretum 609-654-3000 Sculpture Garden 609-894-9311
In Camden County Camden Children’s Garden 856-365-8733 Barclay Farmstead 856-795-6225 In Cape May County Emlen Physic Estate 609-884-5404 Butterfly Garden 609-861-0700 Leaming’s Run 609-465-5871 Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden 609-898-2300 In Essex County Presby Iris Gardens 973-783-5974 Avis Campbell Gardens 201-746-9614 Cora Hartshorn Arboretum 973-376-3587
Greenwood Gardens 973-2584026
In Ocean County Edith Duff Gwin Gardens
In Hunterdon County Hunterdon County Arboretum 908-788-1202
In Passaic County New Jersey Botanical Garden 973-962-9534 Laurelwood Arboretum 973-202-9579
In Mercer County Grounds for Sculpture 609-5860616 Sayen Park Botanical Garden 609-890-3630 Drumthwacket Garden 609-609-683-0057 Herrontown Woods Arboretum 609-303-0700
Morven Museum & Garden 609-924-8144 In Middlesex County Bucceluch Mansion Gardens 732-745-5112 Rutger’s Gardens 732-932-8451 In Monmouth County David Shaw Arboretum Deep Cut Gardens 732-671-6050 In Morris County Willowwood Arboretum 973-326-7600 Frelinghuysen Arboretum 973-326-7603
In Somerset County Cross Estate Gardens 973-5392016 Leonard J. Buck Garden 908-234-2677 Duke Gardens 908-722-3700
Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden 732-873-2459 Wagner Farm Arboretum 908-350-7383 In Union County Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden 908-527-4900 Reeves Arboretum 908-273-8787 In Warren County Merrill Creek Reservoir Butterfly Garden 908-454-1213 Pohatcong Native Arboretum 908-343-5274
Woods Environmental New Jersey Nature Centers Huber Center In Atlantic County Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Warren E. Fox Nature Center In Bergen County Closter Nature Center Demarest Nature Center Flat Rock Brook Nature Center Lorrimer Sanctuary Meadowlands Environmental Center Ridgefield Nature Center Tenafly Nature Center James A McFaul Environmental Center In Burlington County Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Preserve Rancocas Nature Center Paws Nature Center Palmyra Cove Nature Center In Camden County Camden Co. Environmental Center In Cape May County Cape May Bird Observatory Nature Center of Cape May Cape May Point State Park The Wetlands Institute
In Cumberland County Albert J. Kolonich Jr. Nature Trail Meadow Wood Environmental Facility Maurice River Bluffs Nature Preserve
Poricy Park Allaire State Park Nature Center
In Morris County Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Kay Environmental Center In Essex County Bamboo Brook Outdoor EducaEssex Co. Environmental Center tion Center Cora Hartshorn Bird Sanctuary Schiff Nature Preserve The Raptor Trust In Gloucester County Scotland Run Park Nature Cen. In Ocean County Greenwich Lake Park Jakes Branch County Park Lighthouse Center for Natural In Hudson County Research Liberty State Park Interpretive Island Beach State Park Nature Center Center Cooper Environmental Center In Hunterdon County Wells Mills Nature Center Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary In Mercer County Lawrence Nature Center Stonybrook Millstone Watershed Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center In Middlesex County Plainsboro Preserve In Monmouth County Manasquan Reservoir Env. Cen.
In Passaic County Garret Mountain Reservation In Salem County Alloway Creek Watershed In Somerset County Somerset Co. Environmental Center Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary Bernardsville Duke Farms In Sussex County Kittatinny Valley State Park In Union County Trailside Nature & Science Center In Warren County Pequest Trout Hatchery Merrill Creek Reservoir
NEW JERSEY STATE PARKS
Do you know about New Jersey’s State Parks? We’re all familiar with local town and county parks, many of which are reviewed on Jersey Family Fun. New Jersey State Parks are run by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and lands were acquired for providing outdoor recreational opportunities. They might have historic buildings within their confines, or have lakes or streams, but most do not have playgrounds so be ready for some walking and exploring. State parks offer lots of special events. Many are at an additional fee, but most are still a bargain! Find them here.
NEW JERSEY STATE PARKS ADMISSION FEES State parks generally charge a parking fee, usually $5 or $10 per car depending on the day. It is higher for out of state residents, so be sure to have your ID with you. Click here for the list of specific fees. State park passes are $50 for the year and free to senior citizens so be sure to sign up grandparents!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• Allaire State Park - Wall, Monmouth County • Allamuchy Mountain State Park - Allumuchy • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - Long Beach Island, Ocean County • Cape May Point State Park Cape May, Cape May County • Cheesequake State Park - Old Bridge, Middlesex County • Corson’s Inlet State Park Cape May County • Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park - Spans multiple western counties • Double Trouble State Park Lacey and Berkeley Township, Ocean County Edison State Park - Menlo Park, Middlesex County Farny State Park - Rockaway, Morris County Fort Mott State Park- Pennsville, Salem County Hacklebarney State Park - Long Valley and Chester, Morris County High Point State Park - Montague, Sussex County Hopatcong State Park - Landing, Morris County Island Beach State Park - Berkeley, Ocean County Kittatinny Valley State Park - Andover, Sussex County Liberty State Park - Jersey City, Hudson County Long Pond Ironworks State Park - West Milford, Passaic County Monmouth Battlefield State Park - Manalapan and Freehold, Monmouth County Parvin State Park - Pittsgrove Township, Salem County Pigeon Swamp State Park - South Brunswick, Middlesex County Princeton Battlefield State Park - Princeton, Mercer County Rancocas State Park - Hainesport, Burlington
• County • Ringwood State Park - Ringwood, Passaic County • Stephens State Park - Hackettstown, Morris County • Swartswood State Park - Stillwater Township, Sussex County • Voorhees State Park - Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County • Washington Crossing State Park - Hopewell, Mercer County • Washington Rock State Park - Green Brook, Somerset County • Wawayanda State Park - Vernon and West Milford, Sussex and Passaic Counties
NEW JERSEY STATE FORESTS The NJDEP also maintains the following state forests. Forest lands were acquired for conservation of natural resource (trees); timber production; watershed protection; soil erosion control; and demonstration areas for forestry practices. Many offer recreational
park activities such as camping, fishing and hiking. • Abram S. Hewitt State Forest- West Milford, Passaic County • Bass River State Forest - Tuckerton, Ocean and Burlington Counties • Belleplain State Forest - Woodbine, Cape May and Cumberland Counties • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest - New Lisbon, Burlington County • Jenny Jump State Forest - Hope, Warren County • Norvin Green State Forest - Bloomingdale, Passaic County • Penn State Forest - Jenkin’s Neck, Burlington County • Ramapo Mountain State Forest - Ringwood, Bergen and Passaic Counties • Stokes State Forest - Branchville, Sussex County • Wharton State Forest - Hammonton, Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties • Worthington State Forest - Columbia, Warren County
watching, nature trails, Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook lighthouse await! Delaware Water Gap Warren County. No entrance fee but amenity fees may apply from April - October. Mountains, streams, and the 1000 foot deep water gap are available for outdoor fun. Thomas Edison Historical Park - West Orange, Essex County. Explore Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory. Entrance fee $10, 16 and under free.
The National Park Service maintains 9 National Parks as well as other protected areas in New Jersey to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors!
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMISSION FEES • Fees vary, but there are free entry days at each park (mainly holidays and National Public Lands Day). • A park entrance pass can be purchased for $80/year or $10 for senior citizens (lifetime). • Free for military. • With the “Every Kid in a Park” initiative, all 4th graders get free admission to all National Parks.
NATIONAL PARKS IN NEW JERSEY Ellis Island - take ferry from Jersey City, Hudson County. No entrance fee but various ferry fees apply as well as fees for advanced tours. Visit the hall where 12 million immigrants entered on their way to an American life. Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook, Monmouth County. Parking fees in summer only, no entrance fees. Beach, bird
Paterson Great Falls Paterson, Passaic County. No entrance fee. View the majestic falls and explore the Great Falls Historic District Cultural Center. Morristown National Historical Park Morristown, Morris County. $7 to enter, 15 and under free. Encompasses the sites of George Washington’s winter encampment from 17791780. Explore trails, museums, and the Ford Mansion.
NON PARKS, MAINTAINED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • Washington - Rochambeau Trail. Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, No fees. The trail preserves the march of the American-French allied forces in 1781-1783. • Appalachian Trail - Sussex and Warren Counties. No fees. The trail extends more than 2000 miles through 14 states. • New Jersey Pinelands Reserve - No fees. Biosphere reserve: 0ver a million acres over 56 communities. Check out the Junior Ranger program for added educational fun while visiting your National Park!
Which National Park will you visit?
New Jersey Zoos Turtle Back Zoo (Essex County) - 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange. 973-731-5800. Our review Space Farms Zoo & Museum (Sussex County) 218 County Road 519, Sussex. 973-875-5800. Bergen County Zoo (Bergen County) - 216 Forest Ave, Paramus. 201-262-3771. Our review Popcorn Park Zoo (Ocean County) - 1 Humane Way, Forked River. 609-693-1900. Our review
Pennsylvania Zoos Local to NJ
Elmwood Park Zoo - 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA. 610-277-3825. Lehigh Valley Zoo - 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA. 610-799-4171. Philadelphia Zoo - 3400 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA. 215-243-1100. Our review
Cape May County Zoo (Cape May County) - 707 Route 9 North, Cape May. 609-465-5271. Our review Cohanzick Zoo (Cumberland County) - 45 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton. 856-453-1658. Our review
Other NJ Places to View Animals Lakota Wolf Preserve (Warren County) - 89 Mt Pleasant Road, Columbia,. 908-496-9244. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Morris County) - 568 Tempe Wick Road, New Vernon. 973-538-3500. Pequest Trout Hatchery (Warren County) - 605 Pequest Road, Oxford. 908-637-4125. Six Flags Great Adventure (Ocean County) - 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson. (732) 928-2000
New York Zoos Local to NJ Bronx Zoo - 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY. 718367-1010. Central Park Zoo - 64th Street and 5th Avenue, New York, NY. 212-439-6500. Prospect Park Zoo - 450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. 718-399-7339. Staten Island Zoo - 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY. 718-442-3100. Our review
Dive into fun without getting wet at
New Jersey’s Aquariums Who doesn't love exploring an aquarium? There are so many great animals living under the sea, and an aquarium is a great place to check them out. Fish, seals, dolphins, and sharks! How can you pick a favorite? You have to check them all out. We are lucky enough to have several local aquariums for you to check out this summer. We've listed them here to help you plan your summer adventures.
Aquariums in New Jersey
• Adventure Aquarium (Camden County) 1 Riverside Dr. Camden, NJ 08103 (856) 3653300, Click over to read our Adventure Aquarium review. • Jenkinson's Aquarium (Ocean County) 300 Ocean Ave. Point Pleasant, NJ 07842 (732) 892-0600, Click over to read our Jenkinson's Aquarium review. • Atlantic City Aquarium (Atlantic County) 800 North New Hampshire Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 348-2880, Click over to read our Atlantic City Aquarium review. • Marine Mammal Stranding Center (Atlantic County) 3625 Brigantine Boulevard, Brigantine, NJ 08203 (609) 266-0538. This is not an aquarium but does teach about aquatic life and may have other rescued animals in shallow pools.
Aquariums in New York
• New York Aquarium 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 10460 (718) 220-5100 • Long Island Aquarium 431 East Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 (631) 208-9200
New Jersey Lighthouses In Atlantic County
Absecon Lighthouse 31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City Admission adults $7 to climb, seniors $5, children 4-12 $4, Atlantic City residents with ID $3, Active military & kids under 4 free.
In Cape May County
Cape May Lighthouse 215 Light House Ave, Cape May Point Admission adults $7, children 3-11 $3, free for under 3 (If you go the visitor’s center they give you free tickets to children 12 and under.) Our review Hereford Inlet Lighthouse 111 N Central Ave, Wildwood Oct. 20 - May 23 Open Wednesday - Sunday 10 AM - 2 PM. Please call to confirm hours during these months. May 24 - Oct 21 Open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. Admission adults 12 yrs. and up $4, 11 yrs. and under $1. Call 609 522-4520. Buy combination tickets for both Cape May County lighthouses at Hereford Lighthouse. Our review
In Cumberland County
East Point Lighthouse 10 Lighthouse Rd, Heislerville There is no online available information about admission but you can call (856) 546-7810.
In Gloucester County
Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse 2nd St, Paulsboro No fee to climb but they ask for a donation. Our review
In Monmouth County
Twin Lights Lighthouse 2 Light House Rd, Highlands There is no fee to climb. Sandy Hook Lighthouse Gateway National Recreation Area, Highlands There is no online available information about admission but there is a number to call.
Sea Girt Lighthouse 9 Ocean Ave, Sea Girt There is no online available information about admission but you can call (732) 974-0514.
In Ocean County
Tuckerton Seaport Tucker’s Island Lighthouse 120 W Main St #1, Tuckerton Climb is included in Tuckerton Seaport admission. Our review Barnegat Lighthouse 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light Admission is free before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Our review
In Salem County
Finn’s Rear Range Lighthouse Old Fort Mott Rd, Pennsville No fee to climb but they ask for a donation. Our review
New Jersey Beaches Below is a list of New Jersey Beaches by county and information about their daily/weekly beach Badges/ Tags rate. More detailed information about each beach and their tags is available on our site.
Atlantic County Beaches • Atlantic City - Free • Brigantine - Daily $8, Weekly $14. • Longport- No daily information available. Season long badges available $15-$30. • Margate - $10 weekly. • Ventnor - $10 weekly. Margate badges are honored in Ventnor. Cape May County Beaches • Wildwoods - Free • Avalon - $12.00 weekly and daily $6.00. Beachtag reciprocity between Avalon and Stone Harbor • Cape May - Daily $6, Three-day $12, Weekly $18. • Cape May Point - Daily $10, Weekly $25 • Ocean City - Daily $5, Weekly $10 • Sea Isle City - Daily $5, Weekly $10 • Stone Harbor - Daily $6, Weekly $12. Beach-tag reciprocity between Avalon and Stone Harbor. Monmouth County Beaches • Allenhurst - Daily badge $7 • Asbury Park - Weekday $5, Weekend $6 • Avon-By-the-Sea - Daily $9
• Belmar- Daily $8. • Bradley Beach - Daily $8.50 • Deal - Weekday $8, Weekends/holiday badge: $10 • Highlands - Free access to river beaches • Keansburg - 732 787-0214, call to see if bay beaches will be open. • Loch Arbour - Monday- Thursday $6, Friday - Sunday and holidays $10 • Long Branch - No daily information available. Season long badges available. • Manasquan - Daily $9 Weekly $40 • Monmouth Beach - Daily $9 •Ocean Grove - Daily $8, Weekend special: $12, Weekly special $40 • Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area)- There is no entrance fee to Sandy Hook, there is a $15.00 per car parking fee • Sea Bright - Daily, $8 • Sea Girt- Daily $10 • Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park - Weekdays $8 Weekends and holidays, $8 for individuals. Daily parking is $8 • Spring Lake - Daily $10 • Union Beach - Bay beach is free; parking available Ocean County Beaches • Point Pleasant Beach - Daily-Weekdays- $2.50 (children 5-11) $9 (children 12-adult), children under 5 are free. Weekends- $2.50 (children 5-11) $10 (children 12-adult), children under 5 are free • Barnegat Light - Daily $5, Weekly $22 • Beach Haven - Daily $5, Weekly $20. • Brick - Daily $5 • Harvey Cedars - Daily $6, Weekly $20, Seniors $9 for season. Badges needed for age 11 and older • Long Beach Township - Weekly $20, Daily $7, • Ship Bottom - Daily $7, Weekly $20 • Surf City - Daily $7, Weekly $17 • Seaside Heights - $6 daily • Seaside Park - No daily information available. Season long badges available. • Lacey Township - $5 daily for children 5-adult
Have Splashtastic Fun with these
New Jersey Splash Pads Below is a list of New Jersey splash pads by county and information about their rates. More detailed information about each one is available on our site. Bergen County • Jewel Street Spray Park ~ FREE for Garfield residents, $5/day for non residents • Phelps Park ~ FREE • Borough Park ~ Fee • Lyndhurst Town Park ~ $1.00 Admission • Walter Lubbe, Jr. Playground - FREE • Inwood Terrace and Juanita Place ~ FREE • Polifly Park Splashppad, • Hackensack, Pollitt Driver, Must be an Elmwood Park resident. Burlington County • Johnson's Corner Farm ~ $7.50 per child, $3.75 ages 13 & up Camden County • 4th & Washington St. Park ~ FREE • 7th & Clinton St. Park ~ FREE • Pyne Poynt Park ~ FREE • Ralph Williams Park ~ FREE • Alberta Woods Park ~ FREE Cumberland County Bridgeton City Park/Cohanzick Zoo ~ $2
Essex County • West Side Park ~ FREE • Riverfront Park ~ FREE • Weequahic Park ~ FREE Hudson County We have a significant listing for Hudson County, more than we can list here. Please visit this link for more information. Mercer County • Nassau Park Pavilion ~ FREE Middlesex County • Veterans Park ~ FREE • Veterans Field & Carteret Waterfront Park ~ FREE Monmouth County • Dorbrook Recreation Area ~ FREE • Asbury Splash Park • Michael J. Tighe Park Morris County • Randolph Park ~ $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents • Mt. Olive ~ Turkey Brook Park coming soon Ocean County Sprayground in Pine Lake Park ~ Fees Passaic County Frank Aaccaria Park Weasel Brook Park Somerset County • Michael Lepp Park Union County • Phil Rizzuto Park ~ FREE • Kellogg Park ~ FREE • Snyder Ave Park ~ FREE • Warinanco Park ~ FREE • Pine Street Park ~ FREE • Ponderosa Farm Park ~ FREE • Cedar Brook Park ~ FREE • Mattano Park ~ FREE • Mickey Walker Spray Grounds ~ FREE
Wonderful Water Parks for Families New Jersey is home to 20 water parks both indoors and outdoors making it easy to find a place to splash within a short drive. There is nothing like splashing in a wave pool or hearing your child scream with delight as your family conquers the family raft ride or a giant water slide at their favorite water park.
Monmouth County Water Parks • Runaway Rapids, 275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg (732) 495-1400
Burlington County Water Parks • CoCo Key Indoor Water Park, 915 rt 73, Mt Laurel (856) - 234-7300 *See our review, please note the giveaway is over* • Splashing Speedway at The Funplex 3320-24 rt 38, Mt Laurel (856) 273-9666
Ocean County Water Parks • Thundering Surf Water Park, Taylor & Bay Ave, Beach Haven (609) - 492-0869 • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, 537 Monmouth Rd, Jackson (732) 928-1821 See our review • Breakwater Beach, 800 Terrace Ave, Seaside Heights (732) 793-6488 See our review
Camden County Water Parks • Clementon Splash World, 114 Berlin Rd, Clementon (856) 783-0263, See our review • Sahara Sams Oasis Indoor/Outdoor Water Park, 535 North Rt 73, West Berlin (856) 7677580 *JFF Partner in Fun* See our reviews Cape May County Water Parks • OC Water Park, 728 Boardwalk, Ocean City (609) 399-0483 • Montego Bay Indoor Waterpark, 1800 Boardwalk, North Wildwood (800) 962-1349 • Raging Waters (Morey's Pier), 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood (609) 522-3900 • Ocean Oasis (Morey's Pier), 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood (609) 5223900 • Splash Zone Water Park, 3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood (609) 7295600 Mercer County Water Parks • Waterworks Aquatic Park, 271 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor (609) 799-2400 Middlesex County Water Parks Crystal Springs, 380 Dunhams Corner Rd, East Brunswick (732) 390-6981
Morris County Water Parks • Splashplex at The Funplex, 182 NJ Rt 10, East Hanover (973) 428-1166
Sussex County Water Parks • Biosphere Pool Complex at Crystal Springs Resort, Route 94 Hamburg (855) 842-0558 • Tomahawk Lake Water Park, 155 Tomahawk Trl, Sparta (973) 398-7777 *Cash Only* • Action Park Mountain Creek, 2000 Rt 94, Vernon (973) 827-2000 Warren County Water Parks • Pirates Cove, 354 Great Meadows Rd, Hope (908) 459-9000
Sahara Sam’s New Mirage The new Mirage opened just before Memorial Day and we were there for the first swims. Check it out yourself this summer!
Click over to see our video tour of Sahara Sam’s new Mirage
Get Ready to Shake N’ Roll at Diggerland! Give your kid the experience of working on the highway but withough all the risk. Diggerland’s Shake N’ Roll has double drum rollers, making it a scaled down version of the massive asphalt rollers one might associate with highway construction. The RD12 models, made a new home at Diggerland this spring. They are one-ton hydrostatic vibrating rollers featuring front drum vibration and articulated steering. The Shake N’ Roll ride is the 26th attraction at Diggerland. Come dig into this new ride and explore the rest of Diggerland this summer.
Terrific Times Ahead with
the Tuckerton Seaport If you’ve been a Jersey Family Fun reader for a while you know how awesome we think Tuckerton Seaport is. Whether it’s a great event or an interactive exhibit, there’s always so much to explore.
Tuckerton Seaport Upcoming Events Privateers & Pirates Festival June 11 @ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM included with general admission Where do Pirates hang out at the Jersey Shore? At Tuckerton Seaport of course! Arrrgh, me hearties. Would-be pirates of all ages are invited to Tuckerton Seaport on Saturday, June 11th for the 5th Annual Privateers & Pirates Festival, when the Seaport will be taken over by Captain Black and the crew of the Valhalla who have been plundering the eastern shore of the American colonies for centuries. This is your chance to set sail for a fun-filled day for the entire family. The Seaport staff has been plottin’ and schemin’ for months to come up with a line-up even a landlubber would enjoy. The day’s activities begin at 11am with a Pirate Meet & Greet. Get your hands on a treasure map as you enter to join in the fun of a treasure hunt. Wear your best pirate costume and you might win a prize. Live the life of a privateer or pirate and learn the difference between the two. Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day with Pirates for Sail and be immersed in an interactive pirate adventure for a swashbuckling good time. Channel your inner pirate at the Pirate’s Market, where you can purchase eye patches, swords, and other pirate paraphernalia. If it’s treasured memories you seek, spend the day at the Seaport and live the pirate’s life of plunder. Baymen’s Seafood & Music Festival June 25th & 26th @ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM included with general admission On June 25th & 26th from 11am to 5pm the Tuckerton Seaport will host its annual Baymen’s Seafood & Music Festival. Enjoy delicious Jersey fresh clams, crabs, scallops and shrimp from the finest local seafood purveyors. Drink from the brew court featuring crafted beers from New Jersey’s own River House Brewery. Shop for gifts and souvenirs from dozens of unique vendors. Listen and dance to the music from local favorites. Enjoy
crafters, family activities, demonstrations, boat rides, boat builders and decoy carvers as just some of the planned activities. Speak to commercial fisherman to learn about occupations on the bay or take
a clam shucking class. Bring the whole family and plan to spend the day. This event has been selected as one of the Best Outdoor Festivals by NJ Monthly Magazine and is presented by the Jersey Shore Folklife Center. 24th Annual Baymen’s Seafood & Music Festival Highlights: • Learn to open a clam, courtesy of Parson’s Seafood • Taste a clam fresh from the Barnegat Bay • Discover how clamming has changed over the past 50 years • Make a craft to take home • Watch Demonstrations & Meet Commercial Fishermen • Sing along with live bands • Participate in Family Activities • Enjoy a cold brew from the craft beer court • Seafood Food Court with Seaport Seafood Tent and other food trucks featuring seafood. • Sea Grant Consortium Rain Barrels Art Display visits the Seaport!
BaconFest July 9th & 10th @ 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM included with general admission Sizzle into summer with all things bacon, featuring food trucks and restaurants plus pig races and a bacon eating competition. Who will win the Bacon Eating Championship belt? Food prices set by individual food truck vendors. Festival Highlights: • Mechanical Pig (Just like a mechanical bull but so much cooler!) • Mini Pig Races • Live Music by Over Easy • Gourmet Food Trucks & Restaurants serving up bacon’s best • Bacon Eating Competition Summer Concert Series Fridays 6:30 - 8 pm July 8 - August 26 FREE Concert Series on Tuckerton Seaport’s outdoor stage. Please bring your own beach chairs or blanket. Pets are not permitted. “Truck”erton Food Truck & Brew Fest Summer Edition August 13th & 14th included with general admission Drive to the Tuckerton Seaport on August 13 and 14 for the summer edition of our “Truck”erton Food Truck & Brew Fest. The Seaport will host more than a dozen gourmet food trucks from all over the region to bring a flavorful food blast that will satisfy every taste bud. Choose from fresh sandwiches and salads to fried alligator legs and everything in between. Live music all day will keep you dancing and working up a healthy appetite. Music begins at noon and lasts throughout the day. When you add fun Tuckerton Seaport activities to these unique upcoming events there’s plenty of reasons to visit the Tuckerton Seaport. Tuckerton Seaport Admission & Parking Rates: Adults $8, Seniors $6, Children ages 5-12 $5. Under 5 and Seaport members free. Tuckerton Seaport is located in Tuckerton at 120 West Main Street. You can check out our past articles about Tuckerton Seaport to see more reasons why it’s a great family day trip.
There is something magical about trains for kids. Boys and girls alike always stop to stare as a train glides into the station, and think taking a ride on a train is way cooler than hopping in the car. We have rounded up our favorite places to see all kinds of trains in New Jersey to share with you. Written by Nancy Palutis From museums to parks to historic terminals, pick your favorite destination and take your family for a train-tastic day! NEW JERSEY MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION ~ THE PINE CREEK RAILROAD AT ALLAIRE STATE PARK Monmouth County Founded in 1952, New Jersey Museum of Transportation’s Pine Creek Railroad is one of the oldest operating narrow gauge railway exhibits in the country. Trains run every weekend from noon to 4:30 (4:00 in November and December), weather permitting, from Easter until Christmas. Train rides are approximately 15 minutes long. Cost: $4 per person ages 3 and up. (See our Allaire State Park review.) MAGNOLIA TRAIN STATION MUSEUM Camden County If you are interested in learning the history of this local train station and seeing miniature train sets, Magnolia Train Station Museum is the place to go. The Museum operates by appointment only, and you may call to schedule an appointment. Cost: FREE! (See our Magnolia Train Station Museum review.) BLACK RIVER & WESTERN RAILROAD Hunterdon County The Black River & Western Railroad is an independently owned and operated railroad
located in rural Hunterdon County, New Jersey. From South to North, the railroad connects the towns of Lambertville, Ringoes, Flemington, and Three Bridges. Schedules and events vary, see the website for more details. Cost: Varies per event. (See our Black River & Western Railroad review.) WHIPPANY RAILWAY MUSEUM Morris County At the Whippany Railway Museum, you can enjoy an operating O-gauge model railroad layout, railroad artifacts, a gift shop, and outdoor railroad equipment. On the Whippany Railway, you and your family can enjoy various trips and events throughout the calendar year. All rides depart from and return to the Whippany Railway Museum site. Museum Cost: $1 for adults, $.50 for children 12 and under. Train Ride Cost: Varies by event. (See our Whippany Railway Museum review.) PATCONG VALLEY MODEL RAILWAY Atlantic County The Patcong Valley Model Railway hosts open houses where the railroad will be running and there are recently completed new track and
scenery changes that can be seen. Cost: The Railway is free (donations are accepted). (See our Patcong Valley Model Railway review.) CENTRAL RAILROAD OF THE NEW JERSEY TERMINAL Hudson County Located at Liberty State Park, the terminal is now the focal point of the three-part historic centerpiece that it shares with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on the Jersey City waterfront. The partially restored terminal is used as a visitors’ center and for exhibits and social and cultural events. The “Blue Comet” Auditorium on the first floor was formerly a ladies’ waiting room and part of the ticket office; it is used for interpretive programs about the facility. Cost: FREE! DELAWARE RIVER RAILROAD EXCURSIONS Warren County All year long you can ride along the beautiful Delaware river departing from Phillipsburg New Jersey or join one of the many themed excursions such as the Easter Bunny Train Rides, Corn Maze Train, Mine Train, The Great Pumpkin Train, The Warren County Winery Train, A Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express. Cost: Train Ride Only $10 for children, $17 for adults. (See our Delaware River Railroad Excursions review.)
Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum
Sussex County This model railroad museum contains both historical information and model train sets like Thomas and Friends, and holiday-themed trains. The museum is open on weekends only from April through the end of December. Cost: $6 per person, children under 4 are free. (See our Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum review.)
RAILROAD PLAZA PARK – ALLENHURST TRAIN STATION Monmouth County Looking for an easy, free way to see trains? Visit Railroad Plaza Park, a playground located right next to a NJ Transit train station. Trains come and go regularly (see the NJ Transit website for a specific schedule) while your children play on the playground. Cost: FREE! (See our Railroad Plaza Park review.) ARROW RIVER TRAIN – CAMDEN CHILDREN’S GARDEN’ RAILROAD GARDEN Camden County In the Railroad Garden is the 600′ long Arrow River Train Ride. It holds up to 38 children or 22 adults. As you travel on the train, for a small extra fee (after the admission fee), you’ll see: • Expanded “G” scale display of model trains running at different elevations • Miniature landscapes which includes a 10-foot high waterfall, several buildings made from natural products, and flowers • A village of custom houses and “Wally World”, a collection of storefronts. • A full-sized, 25-ton “Camden Caboose.” Originally used in 1942 for the New Haven Rail Line, this caboose was donated by Conrail.
Who has a child who loves dinosaurs? They may have gone extinct over 65 million years ago, but children are still fascinated with them. I know my house is full of dinosaur books, puzzles, toys, and movies. If your family is like mine, you are always looking for new places to learn about dinosaurs. Well, New Jersey is full of opportunities for learning about dinosaurs. Here is a list of some of our favorite places to see dinosaurs in New Jersey and nearby.
8 PLACES TO SEE DINOSAURS IN NEW JERSEY Morris Museum: Morristown. The Morris Museum has an entire exhibit dedicated to dinosaurs called “Dinosaur Den.” In the Dinosaur Den children can view dinosaur fossils, touch a dinosaur egg, follow dinosaur tracks, and many more fun interactive activities. • Open Tuesday- Sundays • Admission: $10 for adults, $7 for children Camden Children’s Garden: Camden. The Camden Children’s Garden hosts the “Dinosaur Garden” exhibit. In this area of the garden children can visit with the Apatosaurus made from recycled car parts, or check out the Hadrosaur and his nest. • Open Wednesday - Sunday • Admission: $8 per person ages 3 and up Hadrosaurus Foulkii Site: Haddonfield. This historic site is a perfect destination for the future paleontologists in your family. It is the spot where the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton was discovered. In 1858, William Parker Foulke unearthed a skeleton of New Jersey’s official dinosaur, the hadrosaur. During your visit you can see the spot where the discovery was made and visit the “Ground Zero” of dinosaur paleontology.
New Jersey State Museum: Trenton. Another great spot to check out dinosaur fossils and learn more about these amazing creatures is the natural history exhibit at the New Jersey State Museum. • Open Tuesday- Sunday • Admission: $5 for ages 12 and older Sterling Hill Mine: Ogdensburg, NJ. While you are touring the mine you can add on a visit to the Fossil Discovery Center. Visitors can dig through the fossil area and see what types of fossils they can discover. Each paid participant gets to keep 6 of the fossils they discover. This is a perfect way to experience what it’s like to be a paleontologist. • Open daily. Tour times and discovery center hours vary • Costs: Tours of the mine $8-$11 for adults. The fossil discovery center costs an additional $4.50 per person. Garden State Discovery Museum: Cherry Hill. Any little dinosaur lover will have a blast in the Dinosaurium section of the museum. Children can climb inside a T-rex skeleton, dig for bones, hear what they sound like as dinosaurs, and explore the scientist’s tent. This would definitely be a fun and interactive way to learn
about dinosaurs and paleontologists. • Open daily • Admission: $12.95 for ages 1 and older. Rutgers Geology Museum: New Brunswick. The Rutgers Geology Museum contains several dinosaur-related artifacts that have been discovered in New Jersey. They also host several special events related to dinosaurs. • Open Tuesday- Saturdays Turtle Back Zoo: West Orange. Find some dinosaur fun for your little ones while you are visiting the zoo by checking out their dinosaur themed playground. The playground equipment is designed to look like dinosaur bones and there is a dinosaur skeleton to climb through and play on. • Open Monday- Sundays • Admission: $13 for adults, $10 for children
2 Nearby Places to See Dinosaurs The Natural History Museum in New York City. Every dinosaur lover needs to check out the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs at the museum. It is full of fossils from one of the two main groups of dinosaurs. The museum is home to close to 100 specimens. • Open daily • Admission: Pay what you wish donation The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. During a visit to Dinosaur Hall children can view over 30 dinosaur specimens. They can also dig for fossils and participate in interactive dinosaur activities. • Open Monday- Sunday • Admission: $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for children As you can see there are so many different opportunities to learn about dinosaurs in New Jersey.
New Jersey Museums Our list of New Jersey Museums was so extensive we just couldn’t fit it in this guide. Please click over to see our listing on Jersey Family Fun with New Jersey’s museums listed by county.
What kid doesn’t love planes? If you are looking for some different type of family fun and your kids love planes, check out these great New Jersey places to watch airplanes take off and land. Below are some of the best airports for plane spotting in New Jersey. They provide excellent viewing angles and lots of space for your family to enjoy the thrill of watching beautiful aircrafts in flight. TIPS FOR WATCHING PLANES WITH YOUR KIDS • Find your nearest airport and check out their website to see if they have an observation park or area. • The best time to visit your local airport is in early morning or late afternoon on a weekday. • While plane spotting share your own stories about air travel and experiences you have had with your children. • Don’t forget your binoculars and camera.
NEW JERSEY PLACES TO WATCH AIRPLANES Bergen County Teterboro airport is located in Teterboro and has some playing fields located east of the airport on Redneck Drive. Bring some snacks and a picnic blanket. Burlington County Flying W Airport is located in Medford and has a restaurant located on Fostertown Road. In the back of the restaurant you’ll have a gazebo and some benches. On a nice day its common to see small airplanes and helicopters. Union County Ikea cafeteria is located in Elizabeth and offers the best views for huge airplanes. It is right across the highway from Newark International Airport. Hunterdon County Sky Manor is located in Pittstown and is a fabulous location for for watching aircrafts. It even has a restaurant and you can sit right near the runway with some yummy snacks. Solberg Airport is located in Whitehouse Station and offers lots of great space for your family to enjoy watching small aircrafts take off and land.
The Sky is the Limit at New Jersey Planetariums When the days are rainy and cloudy, indoor events are the place to be. There is no better way to combine science and fun than by gazing at a sky full of stars. Whether it be a laser filled light show at a planetarium or a taking a closer look through a telescope at an observatory, New Jersey has some awesome places where families can explore space and the great beyond! So go ahead bring a little bit of the outside in, and head to your nearest planetarium!
Bergen County
Ocean County College, Toms River, 732-255-
•
0343, Open to public on weekends.
William D McDowell Observatory, Meadowlands Environment Center,
Somerset County
Lyndhurst, 201-460-8300, Public viewing
•
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, North Branch, 908-231-8805,
hours Wednesday nights, weather dependent. Essex County
3M Observatory and planetarium, Public
•
Dreyfuss Planetarium, Newark Museum,
shows offered. Observatory open evenings
Newark, 973-596-6529, Interactive theater
during public show hours.
and planetarium Hunterdon County •
Cranford, 908-276-STAR, Open to the public ever Friday- 7:30-10:30 pm (weather
Astronomical Center, Voorhees State Park,
permitting-please check website). Informal
Glen Gardner, 908-638-8500, Daytime &
presentations every Friday night at 8:30 pm.
March for public events. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, Trenton, 609-292-6464, Largest planetarium in New Jersey. Open to the public weekends during the school year. Middlesex County Robert A. Schommer Observatory, Serin Physics Lab, Busch Campus of Rutgers, Piscataway, 848445-8973, Open to the public on the 2nd & 4th Thursday monthly (weather dependent) Morris County •
Longo Planetarium, Morris County College, Randolph, 973-328-5076, Digital theater & planetarium, Astronomer available for questions and give tours. Weekend shows.
Ocean County •
Sperry Observatory, Union County College,
sessions weather dependent), Buzz Aldrin
Mercer County
•
•
Paul H. Robinson Observatory, (viewing
nighttime sky viewing and tours. Opens in
•
Union County
Robert J. Novins Planetarium,
Amusement Parks in New Jersey • Six Flags Great Adventure (Ocean County) - 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ. 732-928-2000. Read our reviews. • Morey’s Piers (Cape May County) - 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ. 609-729-3700. • Casino Pier (Ocean County) - 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ. 732-793-6488. • Action Park (Sussex County) - 200 NJ-84, Vernon Township, NJ. 973-827-2000. • Bowcraft Amusement Park (Union County) 2545 US 22 W, Scotch Plains, NJ. 908-389-1234. • Clementon Amusement Park (Camden County) - 144 Berlin Road, Clementon, NJ. 856783-0263. • Gillian’s Wonderland Pier (Cape May County) - Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ. 609-399-7082. • Land of Make Believe (Warren County) - 354 Great Meadows Rd, Hope, NJ. 908-459-9000. Read our review. • Steel Pier (Atlantic County) - 1000 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ. 609-345-4893. • Diggerland USA (Camden County) - 100 Pinedge Ct, West Berlin, NJ. 856-768-1110. Read our series about Diggerland USA. • Keansburg Amusement Park (Monmouth County) - 275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ. 732495-1400.
• iPlay America (Monmouth County) - 110 Schanck Road, Freehold, NJ. 732-5778200. Read our series of blog posts on iPlay America. • The Funplex (Burlington County) - 3320-24 Route 38, Mt Laurel, NJ. 856-2739061. • Fantasy Island Amusement Park (Ocean County) - 320 7th Street, Beach Haven, NJ. 609-492-4000. • Wild West City (Sussex County) - 50 Lackawanna Dr, Stanhope, NJ. 973-3478900. • Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Ocean County) - 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. 732-892-0600. • Eagleswood Amusement Park (Ocean County) - 597 Main Street, West Creek, NJ. 609-978-6606. • Storybook Land (Atlantic County) - 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ. 609-646-0103. • Blackbeard’s Cave (Ocean County) 136 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville, NJ. 732-2864414.
Amusement Parks in Pennsylvania • Knoebels Amusement Resort - 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA. 570-672-2572. • Sesame Place - 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. 215-752-7070. Read our reviews. • Hershey Park - 100 W Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA. 717-534-3900. Read our review. • Dorney Park - 3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA. 610-395-3724. • Dutch Wonderland - 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA. 866-386-2839. Read our series of blog posts on Dutch Wonderland.
Amusement Parks in New York • Luna Park, Coney Island - 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. 718-373-5862. • Darien Lake - 9999 Alleghany Road, Darien Center, NY. 585-599-4641. • Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park 3059 Deno Vourderis Place, Brooklyn, NY. 718372-2592. • Rye Playland - 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY. 914813-7010. • Adventureland - 2245 NY-110, Farmingdale, NY. 631-694-6868.
afraid of police officers. Nursing Homes This is a great and simple way for children to give back to the community. There are many elderly individuals who do not have any family. Call the activities director and set up something fun for the children to do with the senior citizens, perhaps a craft or singing. I love to take my children Christmas Caroling every year during the holidays. The children and the senior citizens really enjoy it. Sometimes it's good to have them get out of their normal schedule and see the young faces. Restaurants Some restaurants offer free or low cost restaurant/kitchen tours. Some will include making pizza or having a dessert there as well. Chick-fil-a often does group kitchen tours
More free fun is right in your neighborhood Did you know there are many free places to visit in your community only a few miles away, perhaps even
for children, just contact your local restaurant and ask if they do something like this. You will be amazed at the things you didn't even know existed in your own community!
walking distance, that you and your children can visit?
Libraries
Sometimes it seems like exciting activities are a far
We have many posts breaking down what exactly
drive away or cost a lot of money, but sometimes fun
a library does for the community. Libraries are no
can be anywhere. Check out these local places that you
longer places of hushes and shushes but a place
can visit and tour for free!
for children to learn, grow, and explore. There are times to bounce, play with Legos, meet authors,
Fire Stations
and learn about different cultures. Check out our
Firefighters are looking for children who will one
listing of local library events and look out for
day be future volunteer firefighters. Firefighters
future posts on what the library has to offer.
hope to inspire and motivate children to follow their dreams. They hope that they can do this
Grocery Stores
by inviting them in to tour one of your local fire
It seems that more often, grocery stores are
houses. It may take a little bit of work but you can
becoming a community hub. Stores now offer
research local fire houses, get a group together,
cooking classes for adults and children, craft
and call your local fire chief. It is the perfect event
sessions, store tours and scavenger hunts. There
for one of those days off of school and your child
are even childcare rooms in some! Many larger
will learn something about how the local men and
stores have dietitians on staff that can help you
women save lives.
and your child to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Next time you're doing your food shopping, look for
Police Stations
signs for upcoming events, or just ask!
Another place that is tons of fun for children to tour. Call your local police station and see if
This is just a small sampling of some free
they will set something up. Police officers are
places to visit in your community. From the
usually glad to demonstrate how they help the
librarian, police officer, to the cook at your local
community and why children should not ever be
restaurant, learning is everywhere!
Rain or Shine find more fun at these places
Eat, Stay, & Play In Fredericksburg By Jennifer Auer
"You can't sit still." It's something my husband says to me often. I don't stay still or stay put for very long. A day with no sports, a week with no school, they're all great reasons to get out and explore. Whether it's a day trip in New Jersey or exploring a vacation spot for New Jersey families, we're off. This past spring break was no different. On the way back from visiting family in North Carolina we enjoyed a mini vacation to Fredericksburg, Virginia. Our friends at Visit Fred helped us plan a Fredericksburg, Virginia vacation filled with a mix of indoor and outdoor fun that was educational, interactive, and more. A vacation to Fredericksburg is a step back in time with a mix of modern day. The site of one of the most famous battles of the Civil War, the area has 4,400 acres of Civil War battlefields, buildings, and monuments that memorialize heroes and significant historical events. Learn through reading, touching, seeing and watching... in some cases even with ipads. Walking a path in the Historic District, one building may be historic. The next might be a modern art studio or local winery. Steps ahead is an eatery to grab lunch. Yet with all of this in Fredericksburg nothing seems out of place. It all comes together for a vacation with something everyone can love in a beautiful picturesque setting on the Rappahannock River. Fredericksburg is such a cute and convenient town to visit. Everything seems to feel just steps away from each other. You really could just park your car in the parking garage and enjoy the rest of your vacation on foot. Or even better leave the car at home and take the train in.... again the Fredericksburg train station is not far from the center of town. And there in the center of it all, is the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District by Marriott, a great hotel for families taking a vacation to Fredericksburg. Read more about our stay at the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District in the pages
ahead. Enjoy great family friendly dining at these Fredericksburg Virginia restaurants We actually ended up eating most of our meals on the road or at the attractions themselves, but these
restaurants were recommended to us by our friends at Visit Fred. •
Eileen’s Bakery and Café, where all pastries and breads are handmade fresh daily. 1115 Caroline St.
•
Amy’s Café. This historic tavern building dates back to the 18th century. Dine on classic American fare served with casual country elegance. 102 West Cambridge St.
•
Carl’s Frozen Custard. Visitors have been flocking to this 1940’s art deco ice cream shop for a sweet tooth fix for the last 50 years. With only three flavors, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, the custard is churned in 120-gallon Electro-Freeze ice cream machines. 2200 Princess Anne St.
•
Enjoy traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex and Latin American dishes for dinner at Soup and Taco. 813 Caroline St.
You can visit the Visit Fred site for more information about local Fredericksburg, Virginia restaurants. Have some family fun exploring these Fredericksburg, Virginia family attractions Any vacation to Fredericksburg can't begin without a visit to the Fredericksburg Visitor Center. It's at the heart of Fredericksburg's 40-block National Historic District across the street from the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District. Here, families can buy a pass to the region's museums and historic sites, get a trolley ticket, learn about the local art galleries and studios, or plan a meal at the more than 40 chef-owned restaurants within easy walking distance. Watch a short orientation program and get events, lodging, parking and additional travel information. Plus they have great souvenirs like these. You can also read about the Fredericksburg adventures we had in the upcoming pages. Make a visit to Fredericksburg, Virginia your family's next vacation. For more photos from our visit to Fredericksburg, Virginia, see our Facebook Albums. •
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
•
George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm
•
Historic Fredericksburg
•
Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District
•
Central Park Funland
•
Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg
Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District Have you stayed at the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District by Marriott? During our visit to Fredericksburg, Virginia we had the pleasure of staying at Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District. I could not ask for a better hotel for my family. This Fredericksburg hotel is situated perfectly within historic Fredericksburg. The Fredericksburg visitor center is right across the street and Fredericksburg historic buildings are all within a few blocks of the hotel itself. Even several restaurants were within walking distance. Almost everywhere we visited in Fredericksburg was within walking distance of our hotel. From the historic buildings to inside the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District lobby, learning about the role of Fredericksburg in the Civil War continues. Glass display cases exhibit different artifacts and other historical relics. Enjoy something from the café while you take a few additional moments to learn more about Civil War history. Up in our room my boys had plenty of space to work with their Crayola art cases they brought along. The desk has a pull out table underneath it. So with the bed as seating and that extra table, it was just what we needed during some down time between visiting Fredericksburg attractions. The Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District was a great place to stay, especially for a trip like our visit to Fredericksburg. With everything we needed right there, we were able to maximize the fun we had not just in walking around Frederickburg's Historic District but also at Fredericksburg's best family attractions. See our video tour of our room at Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District in our YouTube channel. The Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District room included: • 2 queen beds • Flat screen television • Dresser and night stand • Armoire • Minifridge • Desk with a pull away table and desk chair • 1 chair for additional seating • Standard size shower/tub combination • Semi-privacy wall to separate the sink from the toilet area Continued on the next page
What you should know if you stay at
for parking. Please ask about it BEFORE you park
Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District. •
The Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District,
your car. •
Fredericksburg hotel is located at 620 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. • • •
Wireless high-speed Internet access is available throughout the facility at no additional charge.
•
Room Rates may vary so it's best to check the
Plan ahead for your meals. Here are some options
Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District by
you can consider.
Marriott site for rates and availability.
Take advantage of the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District hotel cafe.
To view more Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic
Visit the Visit Fred's site for a list of restaurants
District photos visit our Facebook Gallery.
within walking or driving distance. • •
Bring food with you and take advantage of the mini refrigerator.
Check it out, and when you do please tell them Jersey
If you plan to swim, the Courtyard Fredericksburg
Family Fun sent you.
Historic District indoor pool is only accessible with a hotel key. •
The pool goes from 3 feet to 4½ feet and does have steps in the shallow end.
•
•
Showers are available.
•
A jacuzzi was available as well.
•
Towels are available for use.
If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, ask about cribs.
•
The Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District uses a Fredericksburg community parking lot. Hotel guests can pay a discounted rate in advance
Must See Must Do attractions in Fredericksburg VA for Kids by Jennifer Auer We started our family vacation with a trolley tour of Fredericksburg, Virginia. We arrived just in time to catch the 1:30 pm trolley leaving from the Visit Fred Visitor's Center in front of the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District. This was the perfect way to start our Fredericksburg journey. Being on the trolley tour allowed us to see a lot of Historic Fredericksburg attractions from the outside. Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg As the trolley navigated through the area, we took some great pictures (see them here) through the open air windows and learned about the history of the area and some unique
visit everywhere, but we were able to do most of the
facts. With so much to do in Fredericksburg this was
6 stamping locations by following a rectangular path.
a great way to see a little bit of a lot of the area and
Our favorite stops on the path were the James Monroe
determine which attractions we would want to go back
Museum and the Historic Kenmore Plantation. Read
and explore more during our #VisitFred trip. That's
more about them below.
where the below attractions first caught our eye and I knew we had to visit them.
A couple things to know about the Visit Fred's Children's Walking Tour:
Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg take a continuous 75
•
Give yourself plenty of time. It doesn't take a lot
minute tour of Fredericksburg. There are times when
of time to walk the path, but you may find yourself
the tour stops, but there is no getting on and off the
spending anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour
trolley once the tour stops. You can learn more at their
or so at each location. You could easily take a day
site http://www.fredericksburgtrolley.com.
or two to visit all of the Children's Walking Tour attractions.
Visit Fred's Children's Walking Tour
•
The sidewalks are paved and stroller accessible.
In the Visit Fred's Visitor Center, your child can pick
•
Most intersections do not have traffic lights.
up a map detailing the Frederickburg's Children's
Proceed carefully as you approach an intersection.
Walking Tour. The map details the different historical
•
Some locations will have an admission fee.
buildings and attractions in Fredericksburg you can
•
Most of the historical buildings close and
visit. There are 20 different buildings along the paved
stop giving tours between 4 and 5 pm, so plan
sidewalks.
accordingly. •
As you walk from one historic site to the next, you'll also find cute gift shops, and tasty eateries. At 6 of the
Also be aware that due to the artifacts within some buildings, photography may not be allowed.
•
Street parking is limited but there are some free
buildings kids can earn a special stamp on their map.
and affordable parking lots along some side
So be sure each child has their own map. Those maps
streets.
will make for a great free Fredericksburg souvenir. The descriptions on the map will also help your child
James Monroe Museum
remember what they learned. I grabbed an extra map
The James Monroe Museum might have been
for myself and used a highlighter to map out the path
built in honor of our fifth president, but this
we wanted to take. I knew my kids might not want to
Fredericksburg attraction surely must have been
we had a few of those extra oh no I hope my kids behave moments before the tour began. That's where we met our tour guide Miriam. Her grandmother senses must have been working because she came over to talk to the boys about some of the exhibits in the first building. At a time they could have been bored and antsy, she engaged them in learning and had them hanging on her every word. Then bestill my heart in certain buildings Miriam took them behind the ropes and showed them special artifacts to reward them for their good behavior. How awesome is that? You can't take photos in the buildings, so you'll have to trust me. We all learned so much. She had them searching for cannon balls in the wall, understanding how to tell if an oven is just right when you don't have a thermometer, how a trunk for luggage got its name, and so much more. She made history fun even for me. At at time when my boys could have been tired and ready to go this was a great way to round out our family vacation to Fredericksburg. designed by a mom. Yes, you can see elegant china and fancy clothing used in those times, but on the Fredericksburg Children's Walking Tour we found this to be the most child-friendly location. This Young Patriot's Corner had so much to see, do, and touch my kids could easily have played for over an hour while I relaxed in the chair. At the James Monroe Museum kids can •
Dress a colonial person or dress up themselves.
•
Design a patchwork quilt.
•
Read a story about colonial times.
Historic Kenmore Plantation While a mom likely designed the James Monroe Museum, it was a grandma that lead us on our tour of the Historic Kenmore Plantation, another Fredericksburg attraction. This Fredericksburg historic site caught my attention from the trolley tour windows. It looked so magnificent from the outside, I knew I had to visit to explore the grounds. Even though the Historic Kenmore Plantation is part of the walking tour, we took the short drive over since it was our last Fredericksburg vacation stop before we headed back to New Jersey. Thankfully, we got there in enough time to catch the last tour of the day. In fact,
George Washington's Boyhood Home & The Ferry Farm George Washington Boyhood HomeGeorge Washington's boyhood home and Ferry Farm are just a short drive from Historic Fredericksburg. Keep your eyes opened as you drive by though. It sits back from the road and the signage is small. So while it's
easy to miss it, you don't want to. This is another
a nature trail if you want to explore more of this
Fredericksburg attraction that you could easily spend
beautiful Fredericksburg attraction.
hours at. I loved that learning at George Washington's home involved bits of the past combined with today's
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National
modern technology and an opportunity to look into
Military Park National Park
the future.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park National Park otherwise known as Fredericksburg
The main building has historical exhibits as well as an
Battlefield was the area of one of the Civil War's most
windowed hallway where you can see current artifacts
famous battles. This spacious National Park provided
being studied and examined. Yes, archaeology
us with a multitude of experiences for learning, fun,
something we usually hear about being used to study
and making great memories together. I had no idea
Egyptians and dinosaurs is being used to learn about
when I drove up to this Fredericksburg attraction all
George Washington and how he lived. There is an
that was in the building and beyond it.
actual dig site on Ferry Farm where archaeologists are looking for more artifacts. You can even step up
We entered and were immediately welcomed by a
to the sifting boxes and see if you can locate anything.
National Park Ranger. We were introduced to the
On another area of the property work has begun on
Kids to Parks Day program and how the National Park
building a recreation of George Washington's home.
Trust is celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service and the launch of the “Every Kid in
As you tour this Fredericksburg attraction, check out
a Park� initiative, which gives all US 4th graders
an iPad from the welcome center. Each numbered
and their families a pass to enjoy all national parks
spot along the trail corresponds to an area in the
free this year. You can learn more at https://www.
app, that allows visitors to learn more about George
parktrust.org/youthprograms/national-kids-to-parks-
Washington through pictures, stories, and videos. You
day.
can even use the app to look into the future and learn about the home they are building on Ferry Farm.
Our friendly park ranger told my boys about the Junior Ranger program. By completing the workbook,
Don't forget your lunch and snacks. The open spaces
each boy could earn their own Junior Ranger badge.
of Ferry Farm provide for a picturesque setting to
With each additional visit to a National Park my boys
enjoy your lunch overlooking the water. There's also
could earn additional rings for around their badge. They were excited and ready to learn and earn. Think of the Junior Ranger program as an educational scavenger hunt. Each page of the Junior Ranger booklet corresponded with a different location at the Fredericksburg Battlefield. My boys had to answer questions, take note of differences from then and now, and draw some images. In between their Junior Ranger activities, they acted out scenes from what they imagined the Civil War was like. Walking around the Battlefield it wasn't
hard to imagine what it must have been like. They
see him racing around the Funland racetrack in this
were so proud of their accomplishments and my 11
video.
year old enjoyed it so much he wrote his own blog post (coming soon) about the Fredericksburg Battlefield.
The outdoor area also has some classic boardwalk rides that will make your kids squeal and siblings get
Touring this Fredericksburg attraction, could easily
along.
fill another day or afternoon of your Visit Fred vacation. There are open spaces where you can enjoy your picnic lunch. Indoor and outdoor activates and
When it gets chillier, if it rains, or you're ready for
exhibits as well as short films you can watch about the
more fun, head inside of the Central Park Funland.
Civil War.
There are more rides, arcades, and a crazy cool laser tag. My oldest son, my 11 year old had such a blast
Central Park Funland
working his way around the course while my younger
Central Park Funland might not be a historic
guys wanted to stay out and play the skeeball and
Fredericksburg attraction, but you will most definitely
gigantic Connect 4 game. With a pizzeria inside, we
have an epic adventure here as well. Arrive early
easily could have spent hours and hours at Central
or give yourself an extra afternoon to enjoy all the
Park Funland. You can see more of our Funland
fun your family can have at this indoor outdoor
photos on Facebook.
Fredericksburg amusement park. Learn more about any of these Frederickburg Outdoors at Central Funland there are go carts for
attractions at the Visit Fred's site the best source
kids ages 8 and up as well as adults. My little guy was
to learn and plan for your family vacation to
so excited to be able to drive his own car around the
Fredericksburg, Virginia.
track. No worries mom, older kids and adults use the racetrack at a separate time than the younger kids. You can
be stunted. Rather than growing the full 17 to 19 feet expected on this species, he will be a few feet shorter. Stretch is now spending happier days greeting guests and making them chuckle when they feed him carrots from their hands... or even mouths. Next we learned the story of Molly the hog. Molly was chained to a fence with a wire while under the care of another. As she grew and grew the wire was never loosened to accommodate her growth. When she was found, the wire had to be surgically removed. Lee promised that once at Aloha, Molly would never be wired to anything again. Though she may still have the scars from her younger days, she's got free reign over Aloha Safari Zoo to explore when and how she pleases. As we took our safari tour around the Aloha Safari Zoo property, we saw larger game animals like camels, bison, zebra, an ostrich, and antelope! There was even an animal rescued from New Jersey. We tossed them
Every Rescue Animal Has a
pieces of bread to eat as we learned about their stories
Story Aloha Safari Zoo
them. While learning about what Aloha does we also
By Jennifer Auer
and the good work the Aloha Safari is doing with learned about the importance of researching and being prepared for the animals you take in. So many
We're visiting family in North Carolina this spring
adults expect that an undomesticated species can
break. Five boys in one house can prove to be a little
become a pet... and when the owner realizes they can't
loud so my sister is always looking to introduce us to
..... then these animals are left alone and neglected.
some new playground or family attraction in North
Such as the case with a turtle we saw. This turtle had
Carolina. Isn't it always the locals that know the best
a hold drilled through his shell from where a previous
place to go for family fun?! Today, she introduced us
owner had him chained to a gate and let him there.
all to a very special zoo, the Aloha Safari Zoo.
Thankfully, he was found and rescued.
The Aloha Safari Zoo is home to over 400 rescued
The last story we heard was that of the owner and
animals. They take in animals that were previously
how the Aloha Safari Zoo came to be. Lee Crutchfield
injured, abandoned, abused, neglected, or were
actually bought the land from his school principal
unable to be cared for by their previous owners to give
years ago, not knowing initially how he was going
them a brand new forever home! In fact, as we walked
to use the property. Then, when a unique contest
and toured the 65 acres we got to know a lot of the
had him winning a monkey, that monkey needed a
stories of these rescued animals and the story of the
home.....the rest becomes the history of the Aloha
owner, Lee Crutchfield.
Safari Zoo. Lee works non stop to provide animals a refuge where they can peacefully live out the
One of the first stories we learned while on the safari
remainder of their lives.
tour at the Aloha Safari Zoo was the story of the giraffe, Stretch. Stretch is a reticulated giraffe, also
While we didn't learn every animal's story there were
known as the Somali giraffe, a subspecies of giraffe
a few more that made quite an impression on us.
native to Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and northern
Check out our highlights in this video from the Aloha
Kenya. Stretch was rescued from a family home where
Safari Zoo.
he was being raised in a garage. Not only is that a poor habitat for a giraffe, but it also caused his growth to
Bodi, the Russian Brown Bear, had us laughing as
he splished and splashed in the water with a tire.
•
Bengal Tiger Luna likes to race with the kids. We even tried to get a special bird to dance. We had a great time at the Aloha Safari Zoo, but
Their website to learn more about their animals and exhibits is http://www.alohasafarizoo.org.
•
Open most weekends from 10 am - 5 pm.
•
Admission is $8 & up for ages 24 months & older.
•
Safari tours are $3 per person for ages 12 months
don't just take my word for it. Here's my 10 year old's
and older. Food to feed the animals on the safari is
review.
included. •
I liked the Aloha Safari Zoo because of the tour.
Animal feed for other animals at the Aloha Safari is $3 per bag.
The tour was cool because I was introduced to the
•
Gift shops items are available from $.50 to $3.
animals. Also as the ride was going we got to feed the
•
Port a potties are available on the property.
animals. I learned where the animals live. I think you
•
Parking is free.
should go there! You will be AMAZED!
•
You may bring your own picnic lunch.
•
The paths are stroller friendly.
•
The Aloha Safari Zoo is located at 159 Mini Lane,
What makes the Aloha Safari Zoo a unique place for these rescue animals? •
• •
About 400 animals of various species, most exotic,
Want to see more from the Aloha Safari Zoo? Check
have found a sanctuary in this educational zoo in
out our Aloha Safari Zoo pictures in our Facebook
Cameron, North Carolina.
Album.
The zoo is over 60-acres and is licensed to care for up to 500 rescued animals.
Which animal is your favorite? Whose story
Lee has built the zoo himself. “I built everything
would you like to learn?
you see, dug the ponds and all,” he says. All of the habitats are constructed at hurricane strength and accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. •
Every pen is also equipped with ultraviolet lighting, which helps to provide the animals with Vitamin B.
•
Three area veterinarians aid the zoo with medical care and health certificate exams.
•
Cameron, NC.
This working zoo is a family run zoo. Crutchfield’s mother, father, and sister all have roles in the daily activities.
Here is what else you should know about the Aloha Safari Zoo:
Go Behind the Scenes with Your Kids for a NBC Studios Tour By Melanie Cortese The iconic Rockefeller Center; where ice skaters glide, the most famous Christmas tree stands in December, and is only steps from Radio City Music Hall and close to Times Square. The building is an art deco beauty and houses stores, restaurants and the popular Magnolia Bakery. It's a destination with just those features but of course, it's also home to NBC Studios. Every weekday morning you can find a crowd hoping to have an appearance on the Today Show, and every weeknight Jimmy Fallon tapes his show on the 8th floor before a live studio audience. Since the 1930s NBC Studios has offered behind the scenes tours to the public. Today's NBC Studios Tour, often called, The Tour at NBC Studios is different than in the past - even from tours you may have taken a year ago. Over the recent school break, my daughter had tickets to a Broadway show, and my son and I didn't, so we needed something to do for a few hours nearby. In my 40 years living in New Jersey, I'd never taken a tour yet am a fan of all things entertainment (meaning, I'm a fangirl). I was ready! I wasn't sure a YouTube obsessed 6 year old would be as interested, but as I've discovered in the past sometimes if mom is enjoying herself, the kids find themselves unexpectedly having fun too. Since the minimum age is 6, I figured we'd go for it. I prepped my son by talking to him about what he'll see, and why he should be excited for it. Tours are offered 8:30 AM - 2 PM weekdays, and 8:30 AM - 5 PM weekends; we chose a 2 PM Wednesday tour and headed to 30 Rockefeller Center after lunch. Since last October, The Shop at NBC Studios has been relocated and updated, and is now the "home base" for all tours and studio audiences. Just inside the building at the 6th avenue entrance (the one under the Jimmy Fallon marquee), you'll be greeted by a bright and inviting space filled with unique NBC merchandise. We arrived early and had time to sit in a chair like the ones on The Voice, and explore a desk like the one on the Today Show. The Shop is a destination in itself, with special events and more. The approximately one hour NBC Studios tour begins with a security check, so travel light if you can. Also, NO PHOTOS are allowed on The Tour at NBC Studios, so leave the telephoto lens at home. Tours are run by NBC Pages - recent college graduates who also help with studio audiences, and learn about marketing and PR. We had two great young women, Dara (from Union County!) and Ella, who were upbeat, professional and completely knowledgeable. After watching a short video about the history of the NBC Studios, our tour began. The 13 of us were led through the building, up to the newly restored Art Deco rotunda. Video screens line the walls and change from a daily showing of original Margaret Bourke-White art that once hung in the space, to images of Jimmy Fallon for the waiting studio audience. Then onto the studios! The availability of the studios is dependent on the time of day, and the show's production schedule. We were brought to the NBC Nightly News, Saturday Night Live, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. All NBC Studios tours are guaranteed two studios, so we were lucky to see 3 on our 2:00 PM tour. Morning tours may bring you into the Tonight Show studios, and weekend tours will likely have all studios open. We had no celebrity sightings, but the excitement of being in a working studio, and walking through a working office building where you can potentially run into a celebrity or newsworthy person was fun!
We were brought to the NBC production gallery,
to is valuable. And like I mentioned, when mommy
where it got technical. The sound, graphics and more
was excited, he sensed something special happening.
take place in these glassed in rooms, and it makes you
I was most definitely starstruck sitting in the SNL
appreciate just how much work and skill goes into any
studio seats and I could see him taking it all in. There
one hour program! And then, you get to do it yourself.
are some costumes on display by the SNL stage and
One of the new features and fun parts of the tour is
I promised him I'd show him some of the clips that
when you produce and star in your own late night
feature the characters. As we ended our tour we
show segment! Tour participants choose roles like the
passed the line of that night's Tonight Show audience,
guest, host, band, camera operator or more, and the
and I excitedly told him, "These people will be on
finished clip is emailed to you almost instantly.
television tonight!" He definitely felt the energy in the building, and the uniqueness of what he experienced
The last stop is the Broadcast Operations Center,
at The Tour at NBC Studios.
which is the hub for how content actually makes it into your home (commercials and what plays in which
There are of course a lot of things to do in New York
time zones, etc.). The tour lasts just over an hour,
City, and especially in the midtown area. It can be
and finishes in The Shop at NBC Studios where you
hard to choose where to spend your time and money.
started.
If it's something educational and unique that you're looking for, look no further than The Tour at NBC
And did my son like The Tour at NBC Studios?
Studios! Your children will have fun AND learn a lot
He did! He doesn't watch any of the shows whose
along the way!
studios we entered, but no matter. There was a lot to take in with the elaborate cameras, and lights in each
If you take an NBC Studios Tour:
studio. The pages tweak the tour to be sure it suits
•
Purchase them here.
He enjoyed the "show" we produced, and maybe next time he would be braver and chose an on camera role.
Tickets are $33 for general admission and $29 for children (ages 6-12) and seniors (55-plus).
the participants, and they engaged with him often. •
Tours are offered 8:30 AM - 2 PM weekdays, and 8:30 AM - 5 PM weekends.
The tour wasn't too long, or too much walking, so he
•
Rockefeller Center is located between 5th & 6th
was able to stick it out physically. It would definitely
Avenues, and 49th & 50th streets in New York
be easier for my 10 year old to understand, but the
City.
exposure to a career path most of us don't have access
Time to Be a Tourist! by Melanie Cortese I am a lifelong New Jersey resident, as is my husband and of course, so are our children. We often visit New York City on weekends for the theater, shopping, and any of the thousands of other attractions found there. Our school trips as children in central and northern New Jersey brought us into New York City for The Statue of Liberty, the Museum of Natural History, the Circle Line, and more. In conversations with family that live out of state, it occurred to me lately that many of the traditional landmarks aren't ones we've visited with our kids. They've been to the High Line countless times, but never to the Empire State Building. Our daughter visited the Statue of Liberty with a family member, but not our son. Even though my husband has a strong interest in flight, we've never visited the Intrepid as a family. It was time to start adding these places to our New York City visits; in other words, time to be "tourists!" We live in Union County, and have no qualms about going into New York City, as the train is local and we usually find on street parking for the spots we visit. It doesn't always feel out of reach, or even cost prohibitive. But one look at the admission prices for the attractions we wanted to explore and I felt some real hesitation. How is a family of four going to justify $20 and up ticket prices per person PER attraction? There are a few "multi-attraction" ticket options for New York City. Some cost more and offer more, or are
available for fewer days. With some research I found
6th Avenues. Open daily, 8 AM - midnight
CityPASS to be the best for us. CityPASS is available for multiple cities, and is promoted by NYC &
The Empire State Building is surely one of the most
Company, the tourism board of New York City.
recognizable parts of the New York City skyline. And yet, we'd never gone to the top. So at 9 AM Saturday,
With CityPASS you can visit
we made our way to the building. With no wait, we
•
The Empire State Building Experience
made our way through the educational displays in the
•
American Museum of Natural History
waiting area and off to the two elevators to take us
•
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
to the top. On the 80th floor, your first elevator stop,
•
Top of the Rock Observation Deck OR
there's so much to learn about at the Dare to Dream
Guggenheim Museum
exhibit. You may be in a rush to get to the observation
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR Circle Line
at the 86th floor, but take time to look around (and
Sightseeing Cruises
that's where you'll find the gift shop!). On the 86th
9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air &
floor, our views were spectacular. It was a clear
Space Museum
morning and the deck wasn't crowded so we were able
• •
to count taxis, look for our hotel, and even try to find SIX attractions for one price! It's not only a
our New Jersey home. There's no where to sit at the
moneysaver, I see it as a great way to set your travel
top, so once little ones get tired it's time to move on.
itinerary. Once you use your CityPASS, it is valid for 9
We spent over an hour in the building though, and
days. This is plenty of time to visit these 6 attractions
really enjoyed all there was to learn.
if you plan it well, and keep reading for how we made the most of ours!
The Empire State Building Experience, 350 5th Avenue at 34th Street. Open daily, 8 AM - 2 AM.
Remember, you don't have to visit each place to make the CityPASS worth it. We were lucky to spend a night
With the two observation decks done, we were off
in Manhattan recently, and started our CityPASS on
to one of our "always wanted to do" attractions;
a Friday, and continued to the following Friday. We
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. What
visited four places and had the weather been better -
an amazing place to spend the day! The Intrepid, a
or we were able to cancel our other commitments - we
former active duty aircraft carrier because a museum
would have done at least one more.
in 1982 and has been docked at Pier 86 in Manhattan since then.
So What Did We See? We started our adventures with a sunset visit to Top of the Rock Observation Deck. We've been to Rockefeller Center countless times; the tree, ice skating, even for some show tapings but none of us ever to the top! We arrived at 6:45 to a crowded elevator area as everyone was eager to get to the top for the sunset. After a quick talk with an employee we found the room to get our tickets which went quickly! We were able to ride the elevator up immediately, but you can visit any time during the day to reserve a later ticket time. Before you board the elevator there are short movies that tell about the history of the building, and in the elevator, another movie - overhead! 70 stories up, we marveled at the colors of the sky at sunset. There are seats inside, and two glassed in levels where you can observe. One open air level at the top also, but we were cold! Time spent to visit Top of the Rock was just over an hour. Bring your quarters for the viewfinders! Top of the Rock, 50th Street between 5th and
Continued on the next page
There's so much to say about the Intrepid, but as
so we were able to make use of our time by munching
you can expect you'll enjoy all types of aircraft -
as we sailed. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is
28 exactly! - sea vessels, and now even the space
located in the gorgeous, restored building that greeted
shuttle Enterprise. The Exploreum is a kid friendly,
12 million immigrants. We grabbed some audio tour
interactive space on the carrier where you can enter a
speakers and were able to follow along until our feet
replica space capsule, sit in a helicopter, and imagine
couldn't anymore. Time spent at the two attractions
just how those submarine seaman sleep and eat in
was an active 4 hours, without a climb inside the
tight spaces. Take it a step further and enter the
statue.
Growler, the only American guided missile submarine open to the public. Be sure you aren't claustrophobic
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, ferries
because it sure is a tight space! There will be a
accessible from Battery Park, NYC, and Liberty State
wait to get on but it's very worth it to see a true
Park, Jersey City. Hours vary.
representation of life aboard a submarine. Exhibits throughout the Intrepid tell the story of our military
Regretfully we had to skip a trip to the Museum of
and how the Intrepid served our country. At the end
Natural History, and I didn't feel my children could
of the ship is the Space Shuttle Pavilion - admission
appreciate the Metropolitan Museum of Art yet. But
is an extra $7/adult, $5/child but the chance to be
had there not been school or Easter activities, we
up close to the Enterprise doesn't come along often.
would have easily been able to visit all 6 attractions in
There was so much to learn about our space program
9 days.
in the exhibit, it took us by surprise. The whole day left us with so much to ponder and be amazed by, and
Tired yet? We were certainly worn out from our
some new interests in the subjects we learned about
CityPASS adventures. But all the best adventures
that day.
end that way don't they? We learned so much, saw so many sights, and spent such quality time together,
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier
thanks to CityPASS! Click over to get your CityPASS.
86, W 46th Street and 12th Avenue. Hours vary. For all our CityPASS Adventure pictures, visit our It was back to school for a week, and some bad weather and weekly commitments took time away from continuing our adventures. So for our last visit, we chose an attraction we could access from New Jersey - The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We headed to Liberty State Park in CityPASS gets you access to both islands and ferry transport between them all, but does not provide access into the statue. A limited amount of monument access tickets are available at the ticket window daily, but we weren't able to get them. No worries - there's plenty to see and learn just walking around Liberty Island. It's a popular place to visit, so lines for ferries were long - be sure you factor in wait times. There's also a security checkpoint before you board your first ferry, so travel light. Concessions are available on the ferry
Facebook Gallery.
Check out these
New York City Museums with Free Admission Enjoy our listing of New York City museums with free admission. You can learn more about each of these museums in our detailed listing here. New York City Museums with FREE Admission Everyday (or PWYW pay what you wish) • American Folk Art Museum
• American Museum of Natural History (PWYW) • Bronx Museum of Arts (PWYW) • Brooklyn Museum (PWYW) • The Cloisters (PWYW) • El Museo del Barrio (PWYW) • Metropolitan Museum of Art (PWYW) • Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology • Nuseum of American Illustration • Museum of Biblical Art (PWYW) • National Museum of the American Indian— Smithsonian Institution • New York City Police Museum (PWYW) • P.S.1 MoMA (PWYW) • Socrates Sculpture Park • Staten Island Museum (PWYW) • Studio Museum in Harlem (PWYW)
Museums with FREE Admission days or hours Monthly free hours • Bronx Museum (First Friday, 6-10 pm)
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Second Weekend, before 11 am) • Brooklyn Museum (First Saturday, 5-11 pm) • El Museo del Barrio (Third Saturday, 11 am-8 pm) • Neue Gallerie (First Friday, 6-8 pm) • Noguchi Museum (First Friday, (PWYW)) • South Street Seaport Museum (Third Friday, 6-8:45 pm)
Weekly free days or hours Mondays • Yeshiva University Museum Tuesday • Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• China Institute 6-8 pm • Staten Island Museum 12-2 pm • Wave Hill 9 am-noon
Wednesday • Bronx Zoo (PWYW)
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum 2-5 pm • Museum of Jewish Heritage 4-8 pm • New York Botanical Garden • Queens Botanical Garden April-October, 3-6 pm • Van Cortlandt House Museum • Yeshiva University Museum 5-8 pm
Thursday • China Institute 6-8 pm
• Museum of Arts and Design 6-9 pm (PWYW) • Museum of Chinese in America • New Museum of Contemporary Art 7-9 pm • Trinity Church: Concerts at One 1-2 pm (September through May)
Friday • International Center for Photography 5-8 pm
(PWYW) • Japan Society 6-9 pm • Morgan Library & Museum 7-9 pm • Museum of Modern Art 4-8 pm • Neue Galerie 6-8 pm • New-York Historical Society 6-8 pm (PWYW) • New York Aquarium 3 pm-closing (PWYW) • New York Hall of Science 2-5 pm (September through June) • Rubin Museum of Art 7-10 pm • Staten Island Museum 12-2 pm • Whitney Museum of American Art 6-9 pm • Yeshiva University Museum
Saturday • Brooklyn Botanic Garden 10 am-noon
• Jewish Museum • New York Botanical Garden 10 am-noon • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 5:45-7:45 pm (PWYW) • Wave Hill 9 am-noon
Sunday
• Frick Collection 11 am-1 pm (PWYW) • New York Hall of Science 10-11 am (September through June) • Queens Botanical Garden April-October, 4-6 pm • Studio Museum in Harlem
Hershey’s Chocolate World Tour… Deliciously New Experiences By Kimberly Mastro My family and I recently had the opportunity to visit Hershey's Chocolate World for the unveiling of their newly reimagined chocolate making tour. Upon our arrival, we were met with hundreds of excited patrons who were already lined up for the event at 8:30 am on a Saturday morning! As we entered the building, we were greeted by the always cheerful Hershey's Chocolate World employees, who donned cow ears for the occasion. Everyone received a gift bag, complete with a cow bell (what's with all the cow stuff?!), as well as some other Hershey's goodies, including, of course, a Hershey bar with a commemorative wrapper for this special occasion. Everyone gathered around the big Hershey bar banner, where Todd Kohr, marketing manager for Hershey's Entertainment, spoke to the crowd about the renovations, while surrounded by the Hershey's characters. Kohr explained that while the process for making Hershey's chocolate has not changed much since the tour opened in 1973, the technology to tell the story has, and so it was time for a change. This was the third time the Herhey's Chocolate World tour has been updated since it's opening. The most popular aspect of the tour, the singing cows in the barnyard scene, was where a lot of the reimagining happened (So THAT'S what's with all the cow stuff!). Seven more cows were added to the scene, who were named by Hershey employees and voted upon by fans in the HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD’s “Cow Naming” Contest. The names chosen were Mocha, Hazel, Caramel, Cocoa, Strawbella, Blossom, and finally "Derry", whose name was not released to the public until that moment, just before the ribbon cutting. The name Derry is symbolic, not only because of the dairy implication, but because Milton Hershey originally opened his chocolate factory in Derry Township, Pa. in 1905. After that, it was time for the ribbon cutting. The excited guests were encouraged to ring their cowbells while the employees and Hershey's characters lead the countdown. As soon as the ribbon was cut, guests scurried past the huge painting of Milton Hershey and into the newly renovated candy cars to begin the Hershey's Chocolate World Tour. The first thing we all noticed was those cute cows, singing their little hearts out to their song "Taste the Love". Next, we learned all about the process of making chocolate, beginning with the finest cocoa beans, all the way through the melting and molding
process and on to the wrapping. By the end of
After the tour, we took a look around the
the tour the sweet smell of Hershey's chocolate
Chocolate World shop, as well as the café, where
filled the air! The kids were excited to learn that
there were way too many delectable treats to
in honor of the opening of the new tour, DOUBLE
choose just one. Fresh baked cookies, brownies,
samples were being handed out at the end of
milkshakes, ice cream...you name it! Hershey's
our ride. That's right! We each got 2 fun sized
Chocolate World Tour has something for
Hershey's bars to take with us. This was our first
everyone!
time experiencing the Hershey's Chocolate World Tour, and we all loved it!
The Chocolate Tour remains FREE to visitors of Chocolate World. For more photos from our visit
Take a look at how the NEW Hershey's Chocolate
to the Hershey's Chocolate Tour, please visit our
World Tour starts in our video
Facebook photo album.
My Kids’ 5 Favorite Things about our Hershey Lodge Room by Kimberly Mastro My family and I were recently lucky enough to be guests at the Hershey Lodge, in Pennsylvania as part of the grand reopening of Hershey's Chocolate World. We were all excited about our trip to Hersheypark the next morning, but as soon as we got to Hershey Lodge, we didn't want to leave! The foyer and check-in area were gorgeous, with a rustic feel and huge fireplaces crackling away. There was a café as well as some other restaurants and gift shops on site. The staff was friendly and helpful, and of course, along with our Hershey Lodge room keys, we each got a Hershey bar at check in! Normally, when I review a place or event, I like to talk about all the things I enjoyed, but this time, I think I will let the kids do the talking. They are, after all, the reason we spend so much time seeking out fun new adventures! So... My Kids' 5 Favorite Things about our Hershey Lodge Room 1. Kisses on the pillows! That's right! When we arrived in our Hershey Lodge room, the first thing the kids noticed was the special treat left for them on the bed. Four Hershey's Kisses, arranged ever so neatly, right by the pillow. Talk about a sweet surprise! 2. Chocolate scented toiletries! Just in case they didn't ingest enough chocolate during our trip to the park, even the shampoo, conditioner and body lotion in our Hershey Lodge room was infused with cocoa, giving it an ohso-sweet scent! My kids couldn't wait to bring the leftovers home so they could return to school on
Monday morning smelling like chocolate!
Take a look at our Hershey Lodge room video we made you.
3. Hershey's Kisses printed on EVERYTHING! The Hershey Lodge room pillowcases, the sheets,
So there you have it! 5 great things about the
even the wallpaper in the bathroom was adorned
rooms at Hershey Lodge, from the perspective of
with that cute kiss pattern!
a 5 year old and 6 year old... Because we all know, if the kids aren't happy, nobody's happy!
4. The cozy beds My kids aren't the best sleepers in the world...and
Read more about traveling to Hershey PA from
they slept quite soundly in those Hershey Lodge
previous Jersey Family Fun visits here.
room beds! Could've been exhaustion... Could've been all that chocolate... But they said the beds were the comfiest beds they ever slept in! I'll take that! 5. Plenty of space for a pack and play! Ok, Ok, I had to get my two cents in somewhere! When traveling with a larger family, one thing that can become an issue is space. We have stayed in many hotel rooms where it's virtually impossible to set up a pack and play for the baby to sleep in and still be able to move around the room without climbing across the furniture. In the Hershey Lodge room, we did not have this issue! There was plenty of room to set up the pack and play (which was delivered to our room by hotel staff upon request ahead of our arrival), and still move freely around the room.
More ideas for family travel experiences. Click any image to be taken to our features on these favorite family destinations.
Where does your family want to go?
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