Create A Lifelong Reader
Is there anything more satisfying than watching your child get engrossed in a good story? Check out one of New Jerseys family-friendly bookstores and spend the day scouring the aisles with your kids to find the latest and greatest titles or classic reads that cant be missed. Local bookstores usually have helpful staff who can steer your childreneven the ones who arent bookwormsto books that will capture their interest and inspire a lifetime of reading, and many offer storytime events that are great for the little ones.
Center For Innovative And Professional Learning Ramapo College Of New Jersey
505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ, United States
201-684-7370
21 Route 10, Whippany, Morris County, NJ, United States
887-0898
271 Livingston Street, Unit L, Northvale, NJ 07647
2017671120
6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960, United States
973.971.3700
10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ, United States
908-809-8865
923 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, NJ, United States
856-298-4410
1 Railroad Plz, Whippany, NJ 07981
887-8177
329 Main Street, Lumberton, NJ, United States
609-654-1283
37 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ, United States
908.967.0458
37 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ, United States
908.967.0458
973 Stuyvesant Ave, Union, NJ
908-206-2875
Kidsports Programs And Kidsports Academy Preschool
585 Main Street, Woodbridge NJ 07095
732-634-5000
16 Old Route 9, Fishkill NY 12524
845-897-9600
710 South Avenue West, Westfield NJ, 07090
908-232-5445
737 New Durham Rd., Edison NJ Middlesex, 08817
908-248-2232
1303 Stokes Road, Medford NJ, 08055
609-654-8225
473 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
790 1003
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Visit The Life Underground
Even New Yorkers dont know this secret spot, the Life Underground tiny bronze figures that decorate the 14th Street and 8th Avenue subway station. Designed by artist Tom Otterness, these cute and playful cartoon-like statues precisely depict the small details, history, and myths of New York City.
You can hop on any A, C, or E train to the 14th St station. Or take the L train to the 8th Avenue station and follow signs to the A, C, E platform. Some of the statues are on the upper level, and most are on train platforms with many under stairwells.
Slow down when visiting this attraction, and you will spot something interesting otherwise, you wouldnt.
Playful Life Underground bronze figures at 14th St & 8th Ave.
The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym

1423 Clinton St, Hoboken
Anyone can join in and experience the exciting sport of rock climbing at The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym! They aim to provide a fun, welcoming environment where beginners and experienced climbers can learn, train and enjoy climbing together. Dont know where your rock climbing experience lies? Dont worry! They have The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym and teaching programs available. Walk-in climbs start at $20, and you can even take a group lesson for $27 per person! You can see all the pricing options here.
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Head Out For A Weekend Road Trip
A long weekend road trip has been a long time coming, and sneaking away can be just the thing you need to recharge your familys batteries. Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly resorts in and around NJ for all ages and budgets you can drive to in under 2 hours when you want a little getaway. Or, if you are looking for something a little more remote, check out Cabin Rentals in NJ.
Get up close to the hippos at Adventure Aquarium, one of those indoor activities in NJ you wont want to miss. Photo Credit:
Experience Vr At Vr World Nyc
If you havent tried this rising technology, which brings you into a world of supernatural creatures or gives you the thrill of roller coasters while sitting on a chair, you must have been living under a rock!
An attraction by day and an entertainment lounge by night, VR World, the U.S. largest mixed reality entertainment center showcasing over 50 unique experiences from art and film to gaming and multiplayer features is the perfect spot to hit during a rainy day to jazz up your routine.
There are two types of tickets. One is a two-hour pass priced at $44, and the other one is an all-day pass, which is $64. Each ticket is valid for 30 days after purchase.
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Splash It Up New Jersey Indoor Waterparks
For those of you who do not have a local beach, it can be hard to find somewhere to take the kids during those hot summer days. If this is the case for you, I would urge you to check out the multiple indoor waterparks New Jersey has to offer!
Indoor waterparks in New Jersey
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock
Notably, Thomas Edison is one of Americas greatest inventors.
Hailing from Central New Jersey, Thomas Edison National Historical Park is lauded as the place where modern America was invented.
Home to Edisons laboratory, the park houses the work and inventions of the great scientist.
Divided into three unique categories, the historical artifacts, the archives, and natural history, your family will delight in the antiquity of Edisons relics.
With interactive experiments that you and your family can participate in, this hands-on park is one of the most fun places to visit in New Jersey.
Another amazing sight to see at the parks grounds is the Glenmont Collections this is the 29-room Victorian estate where Edison lived for most his lifetime.
The beauty and history of this estate are certainly worth the visit.
Some other fun antiquities youll enjoy seeing are prototypes of Edisons phonographs, electrical lighting, motion picture cameras, and other electrical appliances.
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a walk of historical American innovation and worth a visit during your stay in New Jersey.
Address: 211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, United States
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Watch A Broadway Show
Our favorite activity on a rainy day is to watch a Broadway show, which is also an absolute must for any first-timers to New York. You can download the TKTS app or go to the TKTS Booth located on 47th St & 7th and check which shows have the tickets on sale that day.
If there is a particular show that you want to see, check BroadwayBox for the advance purchase of discounted tickets. For those who are not sure which one to watch, here are some of our favorites: Wicked, The Lion King, Hamilton, Mean Girls, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Come From Away.
The Little Gym Of Waldwick
28 North Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick NJ, 07463
201.445.4444
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City NJ Hudson, 07305
877-523-9849
100 Madison Avenue, Morristown NJ 07960
973-971-5000
College Drive P.O. Box 2001, Toms River, NJ 08754
732.255.0404
120 W. Main St. PO Box 52, Tuckerton NJ Ocean, 08087
609-296-8868
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tetyana Ohare / Shutterstock
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is both picturesque and loads of outdoor, scenic fun!
This is a pit stop on your trip to New Jersey that you wont want to miss.
Comprising nearly 70,000 acres along more than 40 miles of the Delaware River, and over 100 miles of hiking trails, the park has so many memorable and breathtaking views.
Around every corner, youll observe plentiful plant life, agricultural farms, and abundant wildlife.
A visit to New Jerseys Delaware Water Gap is truly a breathtaking experience.
Beyond the natural splendor that you can explore on your own, there are other activities available as well.
In addition to exploring the park on your own, you can swim, paddle, boat, bike, fish, picnic, horseback ride, mountain climb, snowshoe, and so much more.
The adventures are limitless when visiting Delaware Water Gap.
Youll never see it all in one visit this is a place your family will love to visit for years to come.
Address: 1978 River Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324, United States
Escape To One Of The New Jersey Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are a unique way to test your deductive and problem-solving skills and you are sure to have a blast with your kids as you attempt to solve the challenging puzzles that escape rooms offer.
Start with these 21 Exciting escape rooms in New Jersey
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Explore The Innovative Food At Dekalb Market Hall
I always get tired when it rains, even though I just rolled out of bed after a good 8 hours sleep. The truth is that it has nothing to do with you but the lack of sunlight, which triggers the body to produce more melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy at night.
However, I find that eating helps me to recover. If that is the case for you, then head to Brooklyn DeKalb Market Hall.
Showcasing more than 40 vendors that include show kitchens, cocktail bars, and daily live programmings that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of Brooklyn, DeKalb Market Hall is the go-to place for artists and street food lovers like us. Some of our favorites here are Doner Kebab from Hotti, a German restaurant, Mushroom Corn from Tacos, and Banana Chocolate Crepe from Eight Turn Crepe.
German Doner Kebab at Brooklyn DeKalb Market Hall.
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Also called The Met, it is the largest art museum in the U.S. with three locations across the country. Its so massive that you can easily spend several days here. In addition to appreciating its collections of world-classic artworks, our favorite activity here is to wander in the Temple of Dendur, which is beautifully lit by the ceiling windows.
Price-wise, it is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students, and free for Members, Patrons, and children under 12. Tickets include all exhibitions and are valid for three consecutive days.
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Go Under The Sea At An Aquarium
Youll find Nemo and all of his ocean-dwelling friends at New Jerseys aquariums, which offer an up-close glimpse of amazing marine life, like sharks, sea turtles, otters, and penguins. Besides seeing fascinating sea creatures, little ones can get lessons about conservation and take part in educational programs from marine professionals. Some aquariums offer touch tanks with stingrays and other animals for an exciting hands-on experience.
Fly Through The Sky With Indoor Skydiving
Are you looking for thrills for you and your kids in New Jersey? Well, indoor skydiving may be for you. Its definitely the most adventurous of these New Jersey indoor activities. Indoor skydiving is a safe way to have an extreme experience with your kids and teens. Check out the iFLY indoor skydiving website for details about indoor skydiving in Paramus.
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Rainy Or Cold If You Want To Have Fun Indoors In The Central Nj Area Heres Our Master List Of Things To Do With Kids
The kids are home and you want to have some fun together out of the house, but perhaps the weather is just not so inviting. If youre in the Lakewood, NJ area, weve got a list of places you can go for some wholesome family fun! Click on the links for more information about any of the destinations listed here.
Angry Birds Mini Golf
This is just one of the many things you can do at American Dream. The course includes 18 holes of mini golf, and you have to book tickets online in advance. In order to ensure social distancing requirements are being followed, the park is requiring that you arrive at your reserved time spot. This is a fun spot for families, groups of young adults and adults and even couples on a date. You can take hilarious pictures along the way against fun backdrops as you try to score the most holes in one in your party. For those who are more into video games than playing outdoors, lots of wow tbc classic gold can be made by farming Mote of Air in Shadowmoon Valley, for those seeking to earn mountains of gold in the TBC era.
- Cost: $20 general admission for 18 rounds of mini golf. Taxes do apply. Children ages 2 and younger are free.
- Location: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
- Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
- Who it’s for: People of all ages.
- Link for more info:American Dream Angry Birds Mini Golf
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Indoor Activities: 35 Ways To Spend A Rainy Day In Nj
Rainy days may be perfect for curling up with a book or stomping in puddles, but sometimes busy kids need more than these at-home boredom-busters on stormy days. No matter the season, New Jersey has an array of great indoor fun for the whole family, from museums and indoor play spaces to bowling alleys, roller rinks, and more.
If staying in sounds better, or COVID has you on edge about exploring such public spots, we’ve got plenty of ideas for at-home rainy day fun, too.
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As a reminder, please click through to each venue’s website for current safety precautions, and keep in mind reservations are currently required for most indoor spots. Capacity limitations, social distancing, and mask mandates are also in effect at most of these picks, so be prepared.
Entertain The Whole Family

Looking for a variety of things to do all in one entertainment space? Well, look no further than a space that creates entertainment for all ages. Hit indoor rollercoaster at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park at American Dream Cheer, cheer on a jousting match at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, load up your Power Card at Dave and Busters in Wayne, Woodbridge, or Blackwood, or become a kingpin at Humdingers in Paramus.
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Puzzle Out Escape Room
Looking for a fun activity for a group that doesnt involve eating or drinking?Puzzle Out Room is the spot for you. Puzzle Out is a live escape game with locations inHoboken andJersey Citywhere participants must find clues and solve puzzles to acquire a key that unlocks the door to the room they are locked in. Groups of 4-8 are the ideal number of participants, although The Grand Theft Jersey City game can be played as a competition where groups can split into two teams and compete against each other. Tickets range from $25-$32 depending on the number of people on your team and the room is available by reservations only. Visit Puzzle Out Roomswebsite for a full schedule and to book your session.
The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom
89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury, NY 12804
518.792.3500
100 Playland Parkway, Rye, New York
914.813.7000
112 Bridge St, Sylvan Beach, NY 13157
315.762.5212
830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
212.982.2229
PO Box 472 Madison, NJ 07940
973 264 9255
327 Franklin Avenue, Suite 20 Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481
201-254-FISH
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Engineering Explorations Stem Day Camp In West Orange
51 Conforti Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
973-945-1891
352 Evelyn Street, Paramus, NJ, 07652
2015239555
791 Eisenhower Ave., Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807
240-2907
340 South Ave East, Westfield, NJ
908-233-2284
170 Central Park West, New York, New York 10024
873-3400
150 East Route 59, Nanuet, NY
845-215-9536
9 Mount Pleasant Turnpike, Denville, NJ 07834
216-1008
59 Beaverbrook Rd #101, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
628-8268
4 Sawmill Rd, Medford, NJ, 08055 United States
856-983-3329
Make New Discoveries At Nj Museums
New Jersey is home to over 200 museums, so theres one to satisfy every childs personality and interests. Stimulate the imagination and make new discoveries about science, history, art, and so much more. From Liberty Science Center to the New Jersey State Museum, there are plenty of great museums to explore in the Garden State.
If you are looking for indoor activities in NJ, get lost in space at a planetarium. Photo Credit: Liberty Science Center
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Climb Into A New Activity
Rock climbing at one of New Jerseys indoor rock gyms is a perfect way for kids to stay active and reach new heights together. And doing it as a family helps work on team-building, especially when youre overcoming a difficult wall or conquering special challenges like blindfold climbing and three-legged climbing. Dont worry if youre all beginners, since novice and experienced climbers alike are welcome at these family-friendly climbing gyms.
Score A Hole In One At New Jersey Indoor Mini Golf Ranges
Indoor mini-golf ranges are a terrific place to go with your kids and teens. Mini-golf is fun for the whole family and you are sure to enjoy your time at all the impressive indoor mini-golf ranges New Jersey has to offer.
11 Impressive Indoor Mini Golf Ranges in New Jersey
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