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@modernmomprobs guide
Top 23 locations in United States
byTara Clark and
Michal Ben-Ari
Live update: Updated June 8, 2021Copy link
Copy link1. Closter Nature Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Tara ClarkThe Closter Nature Center (CNC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education, recreation and the conservation of 136-acres of forested wetlands, streams, ponds and trails. Great spot for hiking and fishing. Free to enter. Don't forget to pack snacks! It's pretty rustic there.
2. Central Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkCentral Park is an 843-acre park smack dab in Manhattan, featuring a whooping 21 playgrounds, Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, charming paddle boat rentals and, of course, the Central Park Zoo.
3. Tenafly Nature Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkThe Tenafly Nature Center is a non-profit member-supported nature preserve. Its mission is the stewardship of nearly 400 wooded acres for the purposes of conservation, education and recreation. Perfect spot for hiking. It offers family-friendly classes in the main cabin. There is an entrance fee of $10 per family.
4. Froggy Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkGreat fenced playground for 2-5 years old kids. Lots of space for the young ones to run and a nice selection of slides.
5. Wakelee Field Playground
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkExciting new playground featuring climbing obstacles, good for ages 5+
6. American Museum of Natural History
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkClassic museum featuring, dinosaurs, a huge blue whale, and all things natural science. If you can, try to go on the weekdays. Make sure you make a reservation online before you go!
7. Governors Island
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkA converted military base turned into a kid's paradise. In the summer, it has food trucks and concerts. Taking the ferry there is half the fun! Going on the boat makes it feel like a real adventure. Once you arrive, this oasis also offers creative playspaces for the kiddos and bike rentals.
8. Grand central station
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkA must for all train fans. Classic architecture. Great people watching
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkEgyptian Temples. Medieval armor. Grecian statues. Very stroller friendly. Need we say more?!
10. New York Aquarium
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkLocated off the Coney Island Boardwalk, the aquarium is where you'll find plenty of fish, starfish and the mammals and birds that live among them.
11. Pennings Farm
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkFamily farm perfect for a day in the country. Go in the fall for apple picking. They have an awesome brewery where they produce their own hard apple cider. Also, on the summer weekends, Pennings has live bands perform. Fun for adults and kids!
12. The High Line
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkBuilt atop an abandoned train track, the High Line offers more than 20 blocks worth of car- and bike-free strolling.
13. Brooklyn Children's Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkLook for the big yellow roof to find this Crown Heights favorite, which when it opened in 1899 was one of the first museums in the country geared specifically to kids. It is closed Monday-Friday, making it a popular weekend spot. Sometimes it's difficult to find parking nearby.
14. New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkLocated in an authentic 1930s subway station under the streets of Downtown Brooklyn, this museum uses pictures, models and vintage cars to tell the fascinating story about New York’s iconic underground tunnels. This place is perfect for kids ages 3-5. They will marvel at the vintage train cars that provide hours of entertainment. You will feel like you're sucked back into history in a fun way!
15. Pier 25 at Hudson River Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkKids can tackle a massive playground and get their toes in the sand and play on regulation-size beach volleyball courts. The play area is outfitted with a sandbox, swings and water features.
16. Wildwood Crest Beach New Jersey
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkFamily friendly beach with 2.5 miles long boardwalk full of rides, food and fun
17. Van Saun County Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkFun county park with a huge playground, water park, and a zoo. This quaint zoo offers discounts for Bergen County residents. It's also a hot spot for Pokemon Go players.
18. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkPopular local go-to for families features wild animal exhibits, petting zoo, carousel and train. This zoo really stepped up its game lately. It feels more like a theme park now, complete with ambient music. Go in the morning. By the afternoon, it starts to fill up, even with the required reservations. Also, pack your own lunch. The cafe could get pricey.
19. Bareburger Westfield
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkThis restaurant is awesome. It's toddler-friendly and has something for everyone.
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in New Jersey
20. Shake Shack
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkTrendy, delicious burger place that a variety of burgers and frozen custards
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in New Jersey
21. American Dream
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkAmerican Dream is a retail and entertainment complex in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.
22. Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkThis 1950s style DooWop ice parlor is the coolest! It has thousands of nostalgic things like toys and signs. You can even eat your ice cream in table booths made from classic cars!
Remember to bring cash because it's cash only!
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in New Jersey
23. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tara ClarkBeautiful old lighthouse with gorgeous gardens you can walk through. It's the perfect spot to bring the kids to get a little bit of history.
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in New Jersey
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