Margaret Hargrove

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

Best Birthday Party Entertainers Who Come to You in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 08/15/2025 - 8:36am

My Fairytale Party sends storybook characters to celebrate with you.

There’s nothing like the comfort of your own home when it comes to hosting your kid’s birthday party. Sure, you have to clean up, but you’re in control, and you don't have to worry about sharing a space with other parties. And, since the cost of an at-home party tends to be lower, it's the perfect opportunity to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the party to you.

We've rounded up top New Jersey entertainers for your next bash. From costumed characters to magicians, balloon twisters, face painters, and animal wranglers, these party entertainers make house calls to delight your birthday kid and pint-sized party guests.

Find more ideas in our NJ Birthday Party Guide, including our story on where to get NJ's best birthday cakes.

42 Must-Do New Jersey Adventures Before the School Bell Rings

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 08/03/2025 - 11:58am

Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks before school is back in session. Photo by David Howarth

You know it's time for an end-of-summer list of things to do in New Jersey when August rolls around and Target is once again fully stocked with school supplies. If you haven’t been to the beach, picked your own fruit, or ridden a roller coaster, there's still time to squeeze it in before saying "so long" to summer.

Read on for dozens of awesome adventures to pack in with your kids before school starts, and get ready to go out with a bang!

Find even more bucket list-worthy ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and on our Activity Calendar.

Where To Go Peach Picking in New Jersey in 2025

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 08/01/2025 - 10:44am

Peach picking in New Jersey is one of the great pleasures of summer. Photo courtesy of Johnson's Corner Farm

Peach picking in New Jersey is fun for children and offers up one of the great joys of summer: A sweet treat plucked fresh off the tree. The Garden State has pick-your-own peach farms aplenty, so you should be able to find one close by.

The peach picking season in New Jersey really gets going in mid-July and carries on through August and even early September at some farms. Before heading out on a peach-picking family adventure, call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page to make sure crops are still plentiful and see what other fruits are available on any given day—you might also be able to pick blueberries, which are available at many farms through the end of July.

Find more pick-your-own fun in our Guide to Farms in New Jersey for Families, and for more ways to enjoy the warm weather, don't miss our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Hidden Beaches on the Jersey Shore That Are Great for Families 2025

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 06/15/2025 - 8:58am

Spring Lake offers low-key fun within proximity to Asbury Park's more lively scene. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Searching for hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore is a bit of an impossibility. But year after year of hitting the same sandy spots can leave you craving something new. If your family wants to steer clear of the busiest Jersey Shore beaches, we have a bunch of ideas for you.

Here are 12 great hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore that are off-the-beaten-path but oh-so-fun to explore this summer and beyond. Just keep them between us, OK?

Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long, which includes our story on the Shore's best boardwalks.

21 Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 05/09/2025 - 7:16am

Pick some delicious, ripe strawberries at Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford this spring. Photo courtesy of the farm

Strawberry picking in New Jersey is one of the sweetest times of year in the Garden State.

Whether this is your child’s first time strawberry picking or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, you'll want to check out our long list of farms for strawberry picking in New Jersey where your kiddos can get their hands on bushels of juicy red berries.

Be sure to check out our rundown on the best places to go peach picking in New Jersey and other farm-fresh ideas in our Guide to Pick Your Own Farms in New Jersey.

37 Spring Bucket List Ideas for Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 04/04/2025 - 9:12am

DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream Mall is a great place to have wet-and-wild fun this spring. Photo by Gina Massaro

With the arrival of spring, it's time to trade in those clunky boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, parks and playgrounds, spring getaways, and New Jersey farm fun. Get outside to take advantage of all of the great seasonal things to do that the Garden State offers.

Read on for our spring bucket list of activities to enjoy with your family in NJ this spring. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Spring Fun Guide, which includes posts on New Jersey's best spring festivals and the top things to do in NJ over spring break.

Spring Break 2025: 38 Fun Things To Do in New Jersey

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:11am

This spring break, take a hike by the soaring hemlock trees in Hacklebarney State Park. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

This spring break, why not skip the long airport security lines in favor of a staycation right here in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey school districts are closed for spring break at some point between late March and late April. Luckily, the Garden State is home to museums, playgrounds, zoos, and other fun zones just a short drive away.

Read on for dozens of fun things to do during spring break in New Jersey with kids, and be sure to check out our New Jersey Spring Activity Guide for more seasonal activities. Our Family Activity Calendar is also full of great events taking place during spring break.

Toys for Tots Donation Spots in New Jersey and More Places to Donate Toys

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 5:24am

Donate to Toys for Tots and help bring Christmas joy to children in need across New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Toys For Tots, USPS Operation Santa, and many other organizations collect new toys every holiday season to deliver to kids in need throughout New Jersey. Read on for ways your family can donate toys in NJ and spread some holiday cheer.

And be sure to check out other feel-good holiday ideas, like our holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities for families, in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

Latest posts by Margaret Hargrove

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