It’s Spring Break! Maybe that no longer means certain types of contests in Cancun, but it can be just as fun. Now that your kids are off for a week, it’s time to have as much fun as possible.
We’ve got a list of 15 of our top spring break family fun activities that will leave you and your kids exhausted by week’s end. Whether you’re playing with some animals, riding your favorite boardwalk ride or learning something new, spring break is a time to take in the sites and celebrate the spring season!
1. Atlantic Farms, Manasquan
What kid doesn’t love getting their hands slobbered on by cute farm animals? Visit Atlantic Farms in Manasquan for an afternoon with a group of furry little creatures from ponies to alpacas. Your kids will enjoy the one on one time with you and may even convince you to get a chicken. Afterward, stop by the store to pick up homemade jams, pies, and produce.
2. Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Summer is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get started earlier. At Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, children can enjoy all the classic rides like Boats and Motorcycles, while you join them on the Hot Tamales Roller Coaster. After you’ve had your fix of rides, head indoors for all the classic arcade games including one of our favorites, skeeball.
3. Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
Your kids may have gone on a field trip to Cattus Island County Park, but there’s no way they’ve covered the 530 acres yet! Take some time during this spring break to explore the miles of nature trails that run through the wetlands. See how many butterflies you can spot at the Butterfly Garden or get your kids up close and personal with native reptiles and other creatures at the Cooper Environmental Center. It’s the perfect outing on a warm spring day!
Get ready for your kids to have an experience they won’t forget (and they also won’t forget who brought them there… YOU!) Spend the day working with your kid as you manage the ropes at Gravity Vault. Kids five and up can take an Introduction to Rock Climbing Class or if you’re already Belayed Certified, start climbing over 40 plus feet of climbing walls and 13,500 plus square feet of aretes, overhangs, arches, slabs and more!
5. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Open 365 days a year, Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown invites you and your family to tour the 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses. Just stop in at the Horticultural Center for a free Garden Safari Backpack and discover all of the living and non-living features of the garden. You’ll even get some tips on how ways to improve your own garden at home. (And maybe after this your kids will join in the fun!)
6. Fort Hancock, Highlands
Show your kids a piece of history as you tour Fort Hancock, the former United States Army fort on beautiful Sandy Hook. Explore the hidden concrete batteries and old missiles. Afterward, do your best to spot wildlife lurking in the countless alcoves, let your kids run free while you let your hair down and take in the picturesque scenery.
7. Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge
Looking for a way to get your kids in the kitchen? Try out the Kids Spring Camp for ages 6-10 at Heirloom Kitchen. Instructor Chris Burgess will teach kids how to use two ingredients to make pizza dough, maple soufflé, cookie dessert bark, and peanut butter ice cream. Or send your kids to the Cupcake event where they’ll learn how to mix the batter, bake, and frost their delicious creations. Maybe they’ll even cook for you!
8. iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
When it’s too wet to go outside, bring the fun indoors at iPlay America where you can join in the fun as your kids run around The Extreme Laser Experience, a two level laser tag arena, race around the iPA Speedway on Go Karts, and watch the latest films in 4-D. No matter your age, there’s fun and games for everyone.
9. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Pt. Pleasant Beach
What’s better than filling your kid’s Spring Break with a day watching the sharks get fed and the seals show off? Not much. After be sure to take them over to the arcade or grab a boardwalk bite. It may be too early to wear white, but it’s never too early to eat some waffles and ice cream.
10. Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Brigantine
Head down to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a day where you can take a tour and learn about how the organization has helped over 4,500 whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles that have been stranded on the Jersey Shore throughout the years. Kids can check in on how the seals and sea turtles get their R&R in the Intensive Care Unit. They’ll also love checking out all of the unusual local fish in the Pool House, a 1,000-gallon outdoor observation tank.
11. Monmouth Museum, Lincroft
When your kids hear the word “museum” they may feign sickness, but at The Monmouth Museum, they’ll miraculously recover as soon as they realize that this “Museum of Ideas” features exhibits that will not only educate them, but entertain them. Take them to the WonderWing where kids six and under can experience a magical undersea world. Kids ages 7-12 will have a blast at the Becker Children’s Wing we’ll they’ll experience history hands on. During this spring break, families can travel to Ancient Egypt or blast off to space during the Ancients to Astronauts exhibit. It’s out of this world!
12. Popcorn Park Zoo, Forked River
It’s spring and all of the animals at the beloved Popcorn Park Zoo are loving it. Take your kids to see this animal sanctuary featuring wildlife, birds, and both exotic and farm animals including BooBoo, an American black bear, seven cougars, bobcats, a raccoon, and even a coatimundi! We guarantee your day will be filled with “oohs, ahhs, and awws.”
13. Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Toms River
Known for being one of the largest and most active planetariums in New Jersey, the Robert J. Novins Planetarium is a great way to introduce your kids to the wonders of the universe. With countless programs including The Stars From My Backyard and One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, kids of all ages will have a blast learning while on spring break. (Just don’t give them homework!)
In a city where adults come to play, sits the iconic Steel Pier in Atlantic City, a place where kids can ride over 25 extreme rides, play their heart out at the arcade and eat tantalizing food. For the month of April you can buy one get one ticket booth. Purchase online until April 30th or at a ticket booth until April 10th. You’re a winner every time at Steel Pier (which is a rarity in the casinos!)
After a week of adventures, we’re pretty sure that your kids are going to be starving and what better way to end the week then by letting them make their very own pizza. At Tuscan Bistro Bar, your kids can choose what their own toppings and then watch their creation back in the fire roasted oven. I think they’ll even let the adults watch…
We've put together a list of 16 holiday markets, bazaars and towns that are offering…
This year, there’s no need to sweat the holiday panic when it comes to cooking…
With November almost here and the holidays fast approaching, take a look at some local…
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit this year! Gather your best costumes…
When the leaves start to fall, football games take up our Sundays, and our flannels…
October is here and with that, so is Spooky Season. Grab your bravest friends and…