My Top Fifteen Picks For Things To Do With Kids In NJ
Now that the holidays are over, it’s easy to hibernate in the house with your little one, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Get out there and try something new. Here are some great activities that you can do to keep you and your toddler busy and happy in North, Central and South New Jersey.
WHAT THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY AROUND NEW JERSEY?
1. Take a Mommy and Me Yoga Class.
Test out your downward dog skills and your toddler might surprise you with his or her love for the activity too. You will also be amazed at how soothing the practice can be and it can help strengthen the bond between you and your child. Here are some great studios…Sacred Om Yoga in Point Pleasant Beach OR Coba Yoga in Little Silver.
2. Go to the Beach any time of the year!
Even though it’s getting colder, it doesn’t mean you can’t bundle up and enjoy the beauty of the beach. The sound of the waves crashing and the sweet salt air will give your child a relaxing, fun environment to explore. This link provides information about various New Jersey beaches.
3. Go to the Library, it’s free!
Take a Mommy and Me class with your toddler and meet other kids and moms. Or just visit the library and explore the different books that are available to you and your child free of charge. Here are some library events in Ocean and Monmouth County: The Ocean County Library or The Monmouth County Library.
4. Take a Hike.
New Jersey is full of great walking trails like Manasquan Reservoir or Allaire State Park. Or take a trip to the boardwalk and get out and get some exercise. Just get out there and explore Parks in New Jersey.
5. Sign up for a Story Time Event.
Visit your local library or a store like Barnes and Noble or Pottery Barn Kids for their storytelling events. Or host your own storytelling event and have a storytelling play date. Check out the events at Barnes and Noble OR Pottery Barn Kids.
6. Get Active.
Sign your child up for a class at The Little Gym, Gymboree, or Kidville. Another option is to find a class at your a local Gymnastics Venue. This is a great opportunity for your child to use all of that energy! Here are three options to keep your little one moving: The Little Gym, Gymboree, or Kidville.
7. Sign up for a Toddler Music Class.
Music is a great outlet for children to learn how to listen and appreciate different sounds. Many times children will also learn how to play with bells, maracas, or even the drums, which can help to build eye-hand coordination. Here is one program that my son and I love: Miss Melissa’s Aardvarks.
8. Visit a Petting Zoo.
Even if your child is not ready to pet any animals, visiting a petting zoo is a great opportunity for your child to see and hear a variety of animals. It’s wonderful for children to just have the exposure to horses, goats, chickens, and so much more! Visit A. Casola Farms in Holmdel OR Green Meadows Farm in Hazlet.
9. Draw a Picture.
Toddlers are still learning and may not have the attention span to sit for a long time. However, they can experiment and watch you draw. It’s a great chance for your child to learn that they can create by drawing or coloring.
10. Go Grocery Shopping.
This is multitasking at it’s best. You get to go food shopping and your child can learn so much from the experience. Name the different fruits and vegetables. Learn about temperature while showing your child how different foods are stored. Show your child different letters and numbers on the signs. Measure produce and show your child how to use a scale. Your child can also explore different parts of a store while you visit the butcher, cashier, fish market, or even a sushi chef!
11. Get Hands-on.
Kids want to be like adults, so why not give them a chance to learn how to build and create. Lowe’s and Home Depot have great workshops for kids to learn how to build anything from a mini sled to a bird house. These clinics are free and fun. Check them out at Home Depot or Lowe’s and get building.
12. GET CRAFTY.
Create something that you and your child can be proud of…a piece of art. Learn about pottery, ceramics, and clay then create your own masterpiece that you can take home and enjoy. Visit Git’ Fired Up in Ocean Grove and Point Pleasant Beach or the several locations of Color Me Mine in New Jersey.
13. Visit an Aquarium.
Under the Sea is where you will want to be! Explore a whole new world with your child and learn about fish, penguins, sharks, turtles, and so much more. There are so many awesome things to do with kids at the Adventure Aquarium or Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
14. Play Indoors.
The weather in New Jersey can sometimes be unpredictable, so why not stay indoors? Kidzvillage in Kenilworth and Woodbridge is complete with an indoor playground and so much more. In Tinton Falls, there is the Coco Beans Play Cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee while your little one can check out the centers and activities in the play area. Or travel to Freehold for everything from Laser Tag to Go Karts at iPlay America.
15. Bounce.
Get your sillies out and your child’s sillies out, too! Try out a huge slide at Pump It Up or participate in Open Jump at House of Bounce. Get moving, get out, and bounce, bounce, bounce!
If all else fails…have a down day (no cleaning or running around). Sometimes your child just needs a break, it’s okay to just stay home and take it easy. When your child can see you relax, they pick up on it and (hopefully) they will follow your lead.
What things do you like to do with your Family in New Jersey?
Find more fun at our NJ MOM archives and South Jersey Mom archives.
5 comments
Storytime at Pottery Barn Kids has been something I have been doing with my children since my oldest was 18 months. It’s great because every time you go, you get a stamp. When you get 5 stamps in your book you get $10 off a book! Many times they have coloring pages, stickers, prizes. Plus, they are totally ok with the kids playing with the toys and things they have out for display. Sadly, with school now we can’t go. The kids really miss it though! We like to go to the one in the Market Fair Mall in Princeton on Rt 1.
Thanks for the ideas on the Kids Yoga (I’ve been wanting to try w/ the kids) and Coco Beans!
We love outdoor activities. We do a lot of skiing in the Poconos. Locally we love hiking at Batso Village and at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve.
These are all great ideas! We like to admire art work too. Sometimes you can go to the library and see what other kids have created or you can go to a museum. Grounds for Sculpture is pretty cool too! I’d highly recommend it there. My 4 year old had a blast!
I love this post. I miss Wildwood so much when we leave each year. It is our happy place!
One of my favorite things about living in New Jersey is that I can see the ocean any time I want.