In the Real NJMOMs of NJ, we take you on an adventure through a new town with one of our Garden State moms spilling the beans on the best places to eat, play, and shop in her ‘hood. Just think of it as a real mom’s guide with insider intel you need to know – because mom life gets a lot more groovy when you supplement your usual go-to’s with some new ideas for dining or play dates with the kids, or a fun visit to a new city.
The Real NJMOMs of NJ: Tara L., Hoboken
Today, Hoboken mom Tara L. hits the one square mile city of Hoboken and shows us her favorite local spots to eat, play and shop. Tara is a stay-at-home-mom and one half of more please Mama, a lifestyle website created by her and her BFF (who is based in California) offering simple activities and genius food ideas and products for your little babes – basically all the awesome things that will have your little ones begging “More please, Mama!”
Tara loves living in Hoboken because it’s a mixture of both young and old parents, with people from all over the world. She thinks of this tiny city as a special place for parents: “In Hoboken, your kids have access to more classes and things to do than you will know what to do with,” says Tara. “Nothing compares to walking out your front door to the grocery store that then turns into a playdate because you ran into a friend and decided to make an impromptu stop at one of the many parks here in town.”
Read on for Tara’s favorite places to eat, play, shop in Hoboken – and a bonus tip on a best kept secret in town.
EAT
Bonding over a delicious Shaka Bowl smoothie.
Shaka Bowl
There is nothing like a colorful rainbow bowl at Shaka Bowl for your picky eater. I love this place – it’s incredibly healthy, stroller-friendly, mom-friendly, and they are more than accommodating to parents with kids. They can completely customize your order AND they give stickers to your little ones – total mom-win. Shaka bowls are a fun way to include fruits and veggies in your kid’s diet, too. I recommend trying the Detox Smoothie – its tangy flavor will surprise you in the best way. I order mine split into two cups so my toddler can have his own. And if you don’t want to leave the house – now they deliver!
Shaka Bowl
720 Monroe St e103, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(Second location opening on 1st and Washington this year)
PLAY
Monroe Street Movement in Hoboken. via
Monroe Street Movement Space
The calmness of this teacher is such a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of our lives. She brings it back to the basics teaching little ones in her Parent and Me classes about colors and toes through body movement. Think: yoga meets dance meets playdate. It’s also a really affordable option.
Monroe Street Movement Space
720 Monroe Street C-504, 5th floor, Hoboken, NJ 07030
SHOP
Little City Books in Hoboken. via
Little City Books
This store keeps it fresh and has awesome books and gifts for littles of all ages. Check out Laura’s Story Time on Fridays – it’s $10 for the first child and second child is free. Great way to meet new moms and make story time fun!
Little City Books
100 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken 07030
BEST KEPT SECRET
Urban Arts in Hoboken.
Urban Arts
This hidden gem of kids’ art classes has been in Hoboken for 20 years! Urban Arts is the best kept secret MESS – we all know kids are supposed to get messy and we all secretly die a little inside when it ends up all over the floor/walls/tables of our apartments. That’s why I love this class. The kids get to explore their artistic side and come home clean with a beautiful piece of artwork. They start with Mommy and Me classes and continue with preschool and beyond. There is a waitlist, so get on it for the next session now!
Urban Arts
720 Monroe St., Suite E206, Hoboken, NJ 07030
For more Hoboken adventures and unique activities and products for kids, follow Tara over on Instagram.
What other areas in New Jersey would you like us to explore?
