Liz Alterman

Latest posts by Liz Alterman

Star Wars, Potter, and More New Theme Park Rides at Disney and Beyond

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sat, 03/09/2019 - 2:38pm

Visitors to the new Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be able to fly beyond the grounds of Hogwarts Castle at Universals Harry Potter World. Courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

Amusement parks are a spring break and family vacation staple. From coast to coast, amusement and water parks abound, offering fun and thrills to parents and children ranging from toddlers to teens alike.

While there's never any shortage of excitement, having an opportunity to check out new attractions only adds to the kids' enjoyment. Take a look at which popular destinations are introducing everything from state-of-the-art roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, and which are celebrating the opening of entirely new sections of their already-enticing parks in 2019. We've rounded up new rides (including water park fun) from California's Disneyland to Orlando, Florida and even along the New Jersey Shore boardwalks and in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Texas.

Beat the Winter Blues at Unique & Free Indoor Spots in NJ

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 02/20/2019 - 2:00pm

Get a taste of summer in the middle of winter in the beautiful Orchid Range at Duke Farms. Photo by savethemfromtheworld via instagram

You've bounced at trampoline parks, visited all of the play spaces, and tried all the indoor activities you can think of—and it's STILL winter. If you're looking for some alternatives to the usual indoor fun spots, you've come to the right place: we've rounded up eight FREE NJ locales that can help you escape the winter doldrums without breaking the bank.

From admiring exotic orchids and art to visiting a charming children's library, you can mix up the routine while staying warm. For more no-cost fun, don't miss our roundup of free indoor play spots.

New NJ Laws That Can Impact Parents and Families in 2019

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Thu, 01/10/2019 - 1:00pm

As 2019 gets underway, new laws impacting expectant and new moms, students, and parents may make life a little easier. From streamlining the application process for applying for pregnancy-related disability benefits to ensuring infants have access to breast milk and students in need are offered a breakfast once school's underway, these changes are welcome news for families. Take a look at the new laws and when they go into effect.

Hersheypark's Brand-New Chocolatetown Looks Mighty Sweet

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sat, 10/06/2018 - 12:05pm

The Hershey Kisses Fountain will leave you feeling sweet.

Just when you thought a visit to Hersheypark couldn't get any more tempting, the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, amusement park announced a sweet surprise for fans of its chocolate emporium. It's adding a Chocolatetown, an all-new section of the theme park that will connect Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World, opening in the summer of 2020. Expect a major new roller coaster, and yes, plenty of chocolate, including new dessert spots.

The expansion will further the vision of Milton S. Hershey, a real-life Willy Wonka, who brought his sweet dream to life in 1907 when he built the 121-acre amusement park as a perk for his chocolate factory workers and their families.

Best Science Museums for Kids in New Jersey and Beyond

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sun, 09/23/2018 - 11:40am

The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium at The Liberty Science Center is the biggest in the Western Hemisphere.

With STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) at the forefront of most school curriculums, it makes sense to get kids engaged and excited about these subjects from an early age. Fortunately, the Garden State is home to many museums and science centers where fun and learning collide.

From mind-blowing minerals to awe-inspiring archeology and astronomy exhibits, with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities for all ages, these destinations are as entertaining as they are educational. Read on for a dozen of our favorite spots in and near NJ.

'American Girl Live' Brings Beloved Characters to the Theater

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 1:49pm

For American Girl fans, dressing up the perennially-popular dolls and visiting the store or cafe may be the ultimate treat. But things are about to get even more exciting as the iconic characters take to the stage for the first time in American Girl Live, an all-new musical for kids featuring original songs and wholesome, heartfelt fun.

Although the show won't start touring North America until January 2019, tickets are already on sale for certain shows, including those visiting Mommy Poppins cities and states, including theaters in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Boston, and Connecticut. (Sounds like tickets to a performance could be the perfect gift this holiday season, Mom and Dad.)

Cirque Du Soleil's Volta Is an Artful Adrenaline Rush

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Mon, 04/23/2018 - 12:00pm

Cirque du Soleil's Volta show, which just landed in the greater NYC area, is a feast for the senses. From a stirring score to exhilarating acrobatics and heart-stopping thrills, the newest Cirque spectacle captivated audience members of all ages at the performance my 10-year-old son and I saw Sunday afternoon under the Big Top at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it will run through May 6.

Volta also plays at the Nassau Colesium on Long Island, beginning May 17, and at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, starting in July.

Big Bounce America Brings Inflatable Fun for Kids This Summer

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Thu, 03/08/2018 - 9:30am

Kids, grab your best pair of socks and your most breathable T-shirts, because you've got some bouncing to do. The Big Bounce America, billed as "50 percent activity, 50 percent dance party," is coming to a location near you this summer.

Featuring 20,000-square-feet of inflatable fun, what's billed as the world's largest bounce house and its colorful surrounding village, offer something memorable and enticing for every age group. Besides the bouncing, there's even a water slide and a massive ball pit. It will hit a number of Mommy Poppins cities in the next few months, including Boston, the NYC suburbs, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston, Texas, and even one of our favorite family vacation spots—Orlando.

We've got the scoop on what to expect, ticket info, and must-know info about this new family attraction.