Catherine Kennedy

Latest posts by Catherine Kennedy

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in New Jersey: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 9:54am

Make your way through the ropes course at TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park. Photo courtesy of the park

New Jersey offers a variety of extreme sports and thrilling activities for daring kids, including axe throwing, scuba diving, aerial obstacle courses, and parasailing.

We’ve rounded up exciting options across the state for every type of thrill-seeker, from go-karts to indoor skydiving. We've grouped the activities into indoor and outdoor fun, so you can choose your adventure based on the weather. If you’re looking for more teen-specific fun, check out our New Jersey Tweens and Teens Guide.

Bounce Houses and More Cool Birthday Party Rentals in New Jersey

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 8:15am

Walkin On Sunshine Party Rentals will have your party jumping for joy.

Bounce house rentals, video game trucks, water slides, and backyard glamping are just a few of the birthday party rental options available to parents who want to level up their kids’ at-home shindig. New Jersey has a variety of bounce house rentals across the state, as well as other inflatables for hire–both wet and dry.

If you are planning a kids’ birthday party at your house and aren’t sure how to keep a large group of children entertained for hours, then read on for our round-up of exciting at-home birthday party rentals. If you’re looking for performers that come to the house for birthday parties, check out our rundown of kids' entertainers in NJ that come to you, and be sure to consult our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NJ.

Best Campgrounds, Cabins, and RV Sites in the Poconos Mountains

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Fri, 06/23/2023 - 5:59am

Otter Lake Camp Resort 300 acres include multiple pools and a 60-acre lake.

The Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania are home to a variety of beautiful campgrounds, cabins, and RV sites, so it’s no wonder the area is a popular vacation destination for New Jerseyans. Just an hour away for those near the border in Warren County and not too far from other areas of the state, getting to the Poconos is a doable drive with young kids in the backseat.

The 10 family-friendly sites listed below are fun options for camping in tents, RVs, or cabins. For nearby entertainment, we also have a guide to kid-friendly activities in the Poconos area. If you prefer to stay in NJ, then check out our list of the best family campgrounds in New Jersey and our guide to the state’s many playgrounds and parks.

Visiting the Steel Pier with Kids: Guide to this Jersey Shore Amusement Park

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 6:09am

The Steel Pier Amusement Park is a family-friendly destination in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is known for its casinos and fun for adults, but the city has plenty of children’s entertainment, including the Steel Pier amusement park. The 1,000-foot-long Steel Pier extends from the Atlantic City boardwalk and sits right across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which is where my family stayed during spring break. My husband, two kids, and I were able to easily walk from our hotel to the pier.

With more than 20 rides for families to enjoy plus boardwalk games and snacks, Steel Pier is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Atlantic City. My 6-year-old was tall enough to get on many of the rides by himself, which was a relief to me and my husband, who only had to squeeze onto a few kiddie rides that required adult accompaniment.

Read on for tips for parents to know before they go. For even more fun in the area, check out our guide to Atlantic City with kids and the best spots on the Jersey Shore.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Tue, 05/09/2023 - 6:05am

Families can gather around the fondue at the Melting Pot.

Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants on the Jersey Shore? Read on for more than a dozen eateries you and your kids will love.

With the unofficial summer season approaching, many of us will be heading to the Jersey Shore soon. After a day of sun and fun, you’ll need to find food for your kiddos before they become “hangry” – luckily, Mommy Poppins can help! Read on for the Jersey Shore's best restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

And be sure to check out our list of frozen treats and quick eats in South Jersey, as well as all the other yummy options in our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in New Jersey

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 7:53am

Celebrate a birthday on the mini golf course after a special dinner at Duffer's in Wildwood.

In my family, the kids get to choose a birthday dinner restaurant from any New Jersey eatery they desire (within reason). They look forward to this ritual, and so do I. They have favorite spots they love to revisit, but I am also always looking for new suggestions to wow them. Keeping birthdays in mind, I did some research into fun and unique restaurants that children can enjoy on their special day.

Whether it is impressive kids’ menus, big sparkler candles, free food, or festive décor, the 10 featured locations below are sure to bring a smile to the birthday child’s face. This list highlights top family-friendly, locally-owned restaurants throughout the state. If you’re looking for big-name chains, then check out some of these themed restaurants in NJ.

You can find even more great family restaurants in New Jersey in our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurants Guide.

Top Birthday Party Places on the Jersey Shore for Kids

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Sun, 04/09/2023 - 7:16am

Kids can choose their own ceramic craft during a birthday party at Wish Upon a Jar.

New Jersey boasts plenty of fun birthday party places for children, including a cool selection of birthday party destinations on the Jersey Shore. If you are looking to host a kids’ birthday party in Monmouth County, Ocean County, or Cape May County, then this list is for you.

From Ocean City and Toms River to Point Pleasant and Red Bank, our picks for the best birthday party places on the Jersey Shore include unique birthday party venues, birthday parties focused on creative crafts, indoor playgrounds, and even a glow-in-the-dark dance birthday party. Find more birthday party planning tips in our Birthday Party Guide for New Jersey Families.

Animal Encounters in New Jersey Where Kids Can Walk Alpacas, Feed Giraffes, Touch Sharks, More

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on Tue, 02/21/2023 - 11:00am

Meet, pet, walk, and feed the alpacas and more animal friends at Out of Sight Alpacas in Photo courtesy of the farm

If you’ve got a little animal lover in your family, then these 10 New Jersey animal encounters are a must-do. From our favorite local zoos and aquariums to rescues and family-friendly interactive farms, there are many opportunities to interact with cute creatures throughout the state.

Enjoy more animal encounters in the Garden State at these top local petting zoos and consider a farm birthday party for your kid's next milestone if they just can't get enough furry facetime.