5 Fun NJ Activities to Kick Off 2025 with Your Kids
Hey, Jersey fam! Can you believe it’s already March 2, 2025? Spring is peeking around the corner, and with it comes that glorious week we all look forward to: spring break. Last year, my boys and I were desperate to shake off the winter blahs, so we explored some hidden NJ gems that turned into the best memories. This year, we’re keeping it local again because, honestly, who needs a plane ticket when you’ve got New Jersey in your backyard? Whether you’re pinching pennies or just want to avoid the airport chaos, a staycation is the way to go. Here are five family-friendly activities across the Garden State to kick off 2025 with a bang—straight from our family to yours!
1. Early Spring Hike at Liberty State Park
Nothing says “spring” like stretching your legs outdoors, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City is our go-to. The trails are easy enough for little legs, and the views of the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline? Pure magic through my kids’ eyes. Last March, we packed a kite, and let me tell you, the gusty March winds turned my boys into mini pilots. Bring a picnic, soak in the fresh air, and let the kids run wild—it’s free, fun, and oh-so-Jersey.
2. Dive into Fun at Adventure Aquarium in Camden
If your kids are anything like mine, they’re obsessed with anything that swims. The Adventure Aquarium in Camden is a spring break must. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve walked through the shark tunnel, but it never gets old. Rumor has it they might have some new exhibits for 2025 (fingers crossed!), and the touch tanks always have my youngest giggling—especially at the hippos. It’s a little splurge, but seeing their faces light up makes it worth every penny.
3. DIY Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Did you know NJ makes some of the best maple syrup on the East Coast? March is prime sugaring season, and the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township lets families get in on the action. We tried it last year, and my boys were fascinated watching sap turn into syrup—they even got to tap a tree! It’s hands-on, educational, and ends with a sweet treat. Check their schedule for open days—it’s a hidden gem that screams “Jersey spring.”
4. Spring Scavenger Hunt at Alstede Farms
Farms in March might sound sleepy, but Alstede Farms in Chester is already buzzing with early blooms and baby animals. We love turning it into a scavenger hunt—find a chick, spot a tulip bud, chase a goat (okay, maybe not that last one). The boys run around while I sip a coffee and breathe in that fresh farm air. Bonus: Pick up some local goodies to take home. It’s the kind of simple fun that makes you glad to be a Jersey family.
5. Cheer on Knights at Medieval Times Lyndhurst
You didn’t think I’d skip Medieval Times, did you? We’ve raved about the Lyndhurst castle before (remember that giveaway?), and it’s still a hit in 2025. The jousting, the cheering, the giant turkey legs—my boys turn into little knights every time we go. They often run spring break specials, so keep an eye out. It’s loud, it’s silly, and it’s the kind of memory that sticks with kids long after the swords stop clashing.
Let’s Make Spring 2025 Unforgettable
There you have it—five ways to turn your spring break into a Jersey adventure without leaving the state. From hiking to syrup-making, these spots remind me why I love raising my kids here: there’s always something to explore, and it’s even better through their wide-eyed wonder. What’s on your spring break list this year? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your plans! And who knows, I might just have some tickets or goodies up my sleeve soon, so stayed tuned.
Happy staycation-ing, Jersey fam!
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