Your Guide to Family-Friendly Day Trips in New Jersey, New York…and Beyond
I’ve been to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty a handful of times since I’ve lived in New Jersey Each time I learn something new. But after taking the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour with kids (have you even heard of it?) I now know even more. This is a great tour to take with kids – though the official age to go is 13+ (more on that later). You see a whole different side of Ellis Island – literally and figuratively.
I’d been wanting to check out the Robbinsville Mandir (technically the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir) in Robbinsville, since it opened in 2023. It’s been a year now, and my in-laws were coming in town. A perfect time to visit. Though it turns out they had already been on a previous trip with another family member. Oops!
So this post will be less about the actual history and more about what you’ll see there. Note that on weekends, national holidays and Hindu festivals, you need a (free) reservation. They do check those before you enter the complex. Of course going to the Robbinsville temple with kids is easier on a weekend or holiday!
Continue reading “Robbinsville Temple With Kids”
As New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, the Absecon Lighthouse is 171 feet tall. It is also the nation’s third tallest. Go to Abesecon Lighthouse with kids!
Continue reading “Absecon Lighthouse With Kids”
I love Cirque du Soleil performances. They are always a cut above circus-type performances, with its creativity. Last year we were treated to Crystal, a Cirque du Soleil show on ice. Tomorrow night we’re seeing Corteo – Cirque du Soleil with kids at the Prudential, with acrobatics and yes – clowns! The show will be in town through June 18, so don’t miss it!
I love foreign grocery stores and all the better when they’re in my backyard! After visiting Sojo Spa in Edgewater, we headed to Mitsuwa Marketplace. Unfortunately not everything was open, since it was 7:00 pm. I especially wanted to visit Kai Creamery to get some funky ice cream but they were closed. We still had fun looking around.
I went to Sojo Spa a few times before Covid, and finally got back this spring. Some was the same, but like all things with Covid, some was different. Here’s what to expect if you go to Sojo Spa after Covid!
The largest indoor water park in North America (according to DreamWorks; not independently verified) didn’t disappoint.
Continue reading “Review DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream”
We’ve been to the Grounds for Sculpture a few times during the day and loved it. It’s a huge place with a lot to see, and many fun and playful sculptures the kids will enjoy. The picture below was the first stop, and the projections on the sculpture kept changing, as did the lights on the trees behind on the right – which I think is the last of the exhibits – it’s a row of trees you walk through that’s pretty in the daytime too.
I’ve seen the ads for Holland Ridge Farms, and finally went – on opening day. What a glorious place! What’s it like to go to Holland Ridge Tulip Farm with kids? Here’s the scoop.
The blossoms are in full bloom at Branch Brook Park. Hurry over there! And check out our Branch Brook Park cherry blossom post from previous years.
