Dore Duhaime

Latest posts by Dore Duhaime

Zip Lines and Adventure Ropes Courses for Kids in and Around NJ

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:14am

Explore the Mountain Creek zip line course in Vernon.

Buckle up for a soaring ride on a zip line through the treetops in New Jersey, or gear up for an outdoor adventure at one of our exhilarating obstacle courses. Swaying bridges, wobbly balance logs, cargo nets, high wires, and rope ladders are among the features at these sky-high ropes courses, along with tree climbers and platforms built right into tree trunks. Many treetop courses are best for older kids and teens, but some also offer tyke courses closer to the ground.

We've rounded up some of the coolest zip line and ropes courses in New Jersey, plus a few in Pennsylvania, and added a few options just over the border in New York, including one year-round pick. You'll find these parks at local zoos, amusement parks, down on the Jersey Shore, and even at some Poconos family resorts.

34 Things To Do in Cape May with Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 7:10am

Enjoy the Cape May beach with extra amenities during a stay at Congress Hall. Photo courtesy the hotel

Charming Cape May is one of the Jersey Shore's top family destinations for good reason. With its wide beaches, quaint boardwalk, mini golf courses, parks, and ice cream shops, Cape May can entertain kids of all ages. The shopping and family-friendly restaurants can't be beaten. Head down to Exit Zero, on the southern tip of the Jersey Shore, and enjoy all this town has to offer, from its fabulous beaches and amazing free zoo to the historic lighthouse and blazing sunsets.

Read on for our list of 30-plus can't-miss things to do during your visit to Cape May. And find more seasonal activities and day-trip ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels on the Jersey Shore from Sandy Hook to Cape May

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 06/22/2023 - 4:58pm

Take a dip in the pool at the Starlux, a family-friendly hotel in Wildwood, New Jersey.

Summer is here and these family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore are just waiting for you to plan your next family vacation. Our picks for family-friendly hotels span the region from Sandy Hook hotels to Cape May hotels and near all the entertainment-packed boardwalks in between, these family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore are ready to make your stay memorable.

Start planning now so you can go down The Shore before school starts, and find all our top picks in the region in our Jersey Shore Travel Guide, including curated picks for a 3-day Shore getaway from a local mom. We've got more seasonal fun in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Best Trampoline Parks in New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 05/19/2023 - 6:16am

Climb, bounce, and jump at Urban Air, which has multiple NJ locations.

New Jersey's indoor trampoline parks and bounce houses offer a fun way to keep energetic kids busy. Whether you're planning a birthday party, looking for a rainy day activity, or just burning off energy, springy trampolines and inflatable bouncers are sure winners.

Find more active fun in our Guide to NJ Kids' Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones, which includes a rundown of the best indoor rock-climbing gyms in New Jersey.

23 Best Mother's Day Brunches in Northern New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 7:19am

Treat mom to fresh seafood at Halcyon Brasserie's Mother's Day brunch.

Celebrate Mother's Day in style this year with an indulgent Mother's Day brunch in New Jersey that's prepared by someone other than mom.

Restaurants throughout northern New Jersey are cooking up some fabulous meals full of breakfast delights, salads, carving stations, and desserts. Some of these eateries offer discounts for children, and others are FREE for young kids. These Mother's Day brunches book quickly, though, and many require reservations.

If you're down on the shore, explore these wonderful Mother's Day brunch options and find more great eats in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in New Jersey.

Must-See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey's Branch Brook Park

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 03/19/2023 - 8:10am

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is full of springtime family fun. Video by Andre Sala.

Enjoy world-class cherry blossoms this spring in New Jersey at one of the region's premier festivals. The 2023 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 1 through Sunday, April 16, 2023, allows you and your family to revel in rows and rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms. There's definitely no need to travel to D.C. to see a stunning display of lush blooms!

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival—the Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest—both of which offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the festival, along with tips for visiting with kids, and find more seasonal must-dos in our Guide to Spring Activities in New Jersey.

30 Spring Day Trips from New Jersey for Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 6:45am

Enjoy the blooming daffodils at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum

We've rounded up more than two dozen ideas for spring day trips in New Jersey to help you and your family enjoy the rising temps and increasing hours of sunshine.

If your family is searching for local adventures to make the most of the mild days, check out our top picks for outdoor activities, from picnic spots and easy hikes to amusement parks and more.

Our Spring Fun Guide is loaded with even more family-friendly ideas and our Family Activity Calendar is blooming with events.

Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 6:49am

Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys"R"Us. Photo courtesy of American Dream Mall

From malls and toy stores to libraries and bookstores, these indoor play spots banish winter boredom–at least for a little while. The best part? They're all FREE! So grab a coffee and a friend, and schedule your next play date at one of these indoor gems.

For even more family fun, don't miss our guide to great indoor play spaces with fees for winter drop-in hours. If you find yourself with a full day to fill and you're up for a little adventure, plan a winter day trip.