Submitted by Dore Duhaime on
Rocking out is encouraged at the new GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Strutting onstage, playing electronic instruments, and singing karaoke-style are part of the fun at this new museum celebrating pop music's biggest stars, including many with New Jersey roots. An electronic jam session may be the coolest way for kids to spend a rainy day.
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Looking for a high-energy activity to keep older kids moving? Try laser tag or paintball, two amped-up versions of manhunt featuring running, hiding, and shooting at your opponents. Race through rough outdoor terrain to avoid the harsh splat of incoming paint pellets, or dart from cover to cover in a darkened arena trying to dodge laser beams. Either way, teens, tweens, and older kids will feel the rush of competition as their teams try to stay alive in the game. Both are great for older kids' birthday parties or family outings.
Most paintball venues allow players age 10 and up, while laser tag is appropriate for children as young as 5 or 6. Check websites for age limits, drop-in hours, party packages, equipment rentals, and reservations.
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Kick off the July 4th holiday early this weekend with classic carnival rides, Jersey-fresh berries, or a FREE art show. The NJ State Fair Meadowlands is in full swing with daily live music, a petting zoo, thrill rides, and food; ripe summer berries will be served with breakfast at Alstede Farms; and Bank of America is sponsoring free family museum days in NJ.
If your weekend stretches into Monday, check out our picks for weekday activities, including on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. Plan a family picnic, or head out on a day trip to a favorite amusement park, water park, or spray ground. Then stake out your family's spot for fireworks at one of New Jersey's best July 4th celebrations.
For even more ideas, check out our guides to Summer Fun and the Jersey Shore.
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Opening Day for the majors is in April, and nothing says spring like a day at the ballpark. While Yankees, Mets, or Phillies tickets are a special treat, New Jersey families can enjoy hassle-free (and affordable!) baseball any spring or summer weekend at one of NJ's five minor league stadiums. With easy parking, reasonably priced tickets, and kid-friendly activities such as fireworks, giveaways, and Star Wars or Harry Potter theme nights, a minor league game will please the whole family.
Here's what you need to know before you gather up your little sluggers and head out to a game.
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Driving golf balls has gone upscale—and digital—at Topgolf, a new, family-friendly golf spot in Edison that features micro-chipped balls, computerized targets, and a top-notch menu. The Edison location opened in December, and a second New Jersey spot is scheduled to open at the end of the year in Mount Laurel.
Find more action spots in our Sports Fun Guide, or at these outdoor mini golf courses.
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Warm, sunny days are not required to tee up with the kids at Monster Mini Golf, a spooky-themed, indoor mini-golf course and arcade with four locations in New Jersey. Featuring glow-in-the-dark decor and recently upgraded arcade games, Monster Mini Golf brings some Jersey-style boardwalk fun indoors.
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Exploring the Liberty Science Center with kids who want to crawl through the Touch Tunnel or scale the Climbing Challenge can work up quite an appetite. While we appreciate the convenience of museum-cafe pizza and chicken fingers after a day of hands-on exhibits, sometimes a more varied menu—away from the crowds—hits the spot.
