Kiddie Adventures in New Jersey: Parks, Wildlife, Gaming

According to the latest psychological case studies, children nowadays are weighed down by a factor that was not as pervasive in previous generations- technology. Whether it’s via their tablet, console games, computer games, or YouTube, children are beset with so many virtual distractions that they forget the wonders of puzzle boards, playground adventures, and group games.

Many children also struggle with daily social interactions. Previous generations of kids were forced to interact with their family and friends because the only conversation substitute was the television. Nowadays, many children can simply whip out their smartphones and browse the internet or plug in their earphones at a moment’s notice losing themselves within the virtual world instantly. While technology has conveniently enabled faster, more easily accessible communication lines, it’s ironic that face-to-face interaction has suffered because of this new alternative.

Another issue that rises from these factors is that the current generation of kids aren’t as resilient against viruses and microbes because they aren’t as keen on playing in the great outdoors- they’d rather be playing in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. This has made them more easily susceptible to diseases. They also lack the necessary immunity because of underexposure to the outside world.

It is high time to change this, we need to encourage children to embark on non-virtual, fun quests- and nothing tickles their fancy more than going to places that cater especially to kids.

Most kids would say they know the drill when coming to a new place: they automatically ask about the nearest playground, museum, or zoo. They naturally want to focus on the fun activities. If you want your kids to be disconnected from their gadgets, then you must ensure the places that they’ll go to will offer enough real-world stimulation to get their senses going. Luckily, there’s plenty of those places.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile long footpath that’s a haven for backpackers, hikers, and riders. Rich with hundreds of rare species of plants, animals, and fungi that thrive on high elevation. The large area will surely be an eye-opener for kids who aren’t familiar with majestic trees, clear streams and rivers, and freely-roaming wildlife. Your little scouts will be able to test their wilderness survival skills while bonding with their parents or fellow scouts. Kids will be able to watch the natural habitats of mammals, birds, and a myriad of other organisms. The Trail is also the setting for environmental conservation and sustainability summits for all ages. Apart from the sights and sounds, your children will be inspired to keep natural and cultural resources. If you plan to hike the trail with your kids, it’s recommended that you check out “The A.T. Adventure Book” and “ATC’s Family Hike Planning Guide”. These resources can help you prepare for the nature-centric experience ahead!

The South Mountain Reservation for Kids

The Reservation spans across the towns of Millburn, Maplewood and West Orange, bordering on South Orange. Kids will realize that a whole day is not enough for all the activities the area has to offer. The Regatta Playground is the first major activity area. It resembles a huge pirate ship filled with a playground sets up and a rock wall. Children can explore and try out the various swings and climbing

structures. In the next area, children can walk, run, or ride a scooter around the 1.7-mile loop by the reservoir. This is a good cooldown from the exhilarating obstacle course of the Regatta. Children can also ride a swan boat around the reservoir while getting a great view of fish and ducks. If they prefer wildlife viewing, the Turtle Back Zoo is located at the South Mountain recreation complex and features giraffes, wolves, and big cats. When they get tired of gawking at the animals, kids get a chance to stretch their joints and test their muscle strength at the TreeTop Adventure Course just beside the zoo. Children will surely sweat it out at the junior obstacle course and the 40-foot zip line. Kids who prefer slower-paced activities can gain artistic inspiration from the nearby Wildflower Sculpture Garden.

If your children are fond of dogs, they would surely get a kick out of the outfitted dog runs just after the reservoir. By this time, your little ones might be hungry. The Essex County Picnic Pavilion provides a welcome respite from all the running out, and allows you and your kids some breathing and eating space. After refilling your stomach, the Fairy Trail is just ahead, with its collection of little fairy-themed structures that will tickle the imagination. After that fantasy exercise, kids can zoom around the skating rink ‘Codey Arena’ or start their golf career at the 19-course MiniGolf Safari.

Stokes State Forest

If your children have never beheld the panoramic view atop a mountain, then you should hike the side of the Sunrise Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. Take a trip to the pastoral farmland of New Jersey, western mountain ridges, and virgin forests. The whole Stokes area is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The Tillman ravine’s steep cliffs and rushing stream have enticed campers, hikers, and photographers. The Lake Ashroe Recreation area has kayak and paddle board rentals, while campsites are available for reservation. For families that prefer to stay indoors, there are furnished cabins that overlook the picturesque Lake Ocquittunk.

Stokes has two major picnic areas, namely Kittle Field and Stony Lake. Kittle Field, which has a 100-person capacity has playfields, playground equipment, and shelters up for reservation. Stony Lake, on the other hand, cannot be reserved. It has 45 tables supplemented by grills, just next to the swimming area. Kids can swim as long as there are lifeguards on duty.

At least once each season, the Park staff have cultural and historical programs that can educate kids on how Stokes State Forest became one of the premier destinations in New Jersey.

Asbury Park Boardwalk

It is well-known that the attention span of children is much less than that of adults’. In light of this fact, it would be good to add in a few indoor recreation areas when the children want to take a break from outdoor venues. The Silverball Museum Arcade is a gamer’s haven filled with 200 pinball machines plus other arcade games. The history of pinball can be traced in the museum, with many coming from as far back as the 70s and 80s. Kids can rush from one machine to another while a lively jukebox dishes out old-school songs. There are many themes available- space, pop culture, cartoons- so your kids will surely enjoy the unique design and dynamics of each pinball machine. When hunger sets in, a snack bar serves pretzels, funnel cakes, hot dogs, and drinks.

Outside the museum, the Asbury Park Boardwalk has fortune-telling and palm readers located in tiny shops. There’s also The Stone Pony, a pioneer club which hosted the likes of Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen while they were just starting their rock careers. Brielle Cycles offered canopy bikes for rent.

Another indoor venue in Asbury that offers pinball machines is the Morristown Game Vault. Apart from these, however, they also have classic and joystick-based games. Kids can spend hours exploring the simple wonder of games such as Galaga, Asteroids, Pac-Man, Pole Position, Dig Dug, and more. Food is provided by a small pizzeria.

Battleship New Jersey

Battleship New Jersey, located at Camden, has the distinction of being the longest battleship ever constructed. Kids can take over the gun emplacements, check out the navigation, and even sleep aboard the ship in a sailor’s bunk. Whether kids end up in the Crew’s Mess or take charge via the Admiral’s chair, they will be absorbed with the task of piloting, gunnery, navigation, and other functions necessary to make the battleship work.

Grounds for Sculpture

For a creative outdoor experience, Grounds for Sculpture at Hamilton is the perfect venue to take a free sculpture tour. Special events include “Tots on Tour”, designed for 3-5-year-old kids. The recreation of Monet’s Garden is exquisite, with every detail carefully crafted. For hungry tummies, there’s the splendid Rat’s Restaurant and The Peacock Cafe.

Sterling Hill Mining Museum

For budding archaeologists, the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg is the ultimate underground mission. Mine galleries, shaft stations, and mining equipment are available in the guided tour. Kids will marvel at the Rainbow Room which features fluorescent zinc ore. If the kids want to engage in archaeological digging, the Rock and Fossil Discovery Centers allow children to take home whatever specimens they dig up.

With the wealth of sights and sounds available in New Jersey, your children will willingly part with their tablet or smartphone for a few days. Explore and engage in as many places as you can visit. Make their childhood adventures memorable by taking pictures and collecting souvenirs of their New Jersey stint-who knows, they may even beg you for a return trip!