Divorced parents need to take advantage of the time they have with their kids – especially when you only get to see your kids on the weekend. A lot of parents have a tendency to relax on the weekend, making these times of visitation less than exciting.
Kids want to have fond memories with their parents, and since you only have your kids for a few days out of the week, it’s important to take advantage of these vital moments.
New Jersey offers an endless stream of possibilities for anyone that wants to bring their child out for a weekend of fun and excitement. A few of the fun things that you can do are:
1. A Day at Six Flags Great Adventure
Amusement parks provide endless opportunities for fun. Six Flags Great Adventure is located in Jackson, NJ and is the perfect place to bring kids. Season passes are available if you plan on going often.
Tickets can be as high as $70+ each, but there are usually deals in the $45 range.
Anyone that went to the old Six Flags will know that the way the theme park is setup is different now. There is a park for amusement and water. Essentially, the park has been split into Hurricane Harbor and the Amusement Park.
If you want to ride on water rides, you’ll need a separate ticket, which is between $37 and $41.
There is also a safari where you can drive through and watch exotic animals.
2. A Day at the Zoo
A day at the zoo is a little less expensive than going to Great Adventure, and it can be just as much fun as a theme park. There are numerous zoos all around New Jersey:
- Turtle Back Zoo – Admission is just $11 – $14, and the zoo is open Monday through Sunday. The zoo is in West Orange, NJ, and has penguins, leopards, tigers, wolves and an abundance of other exhibits.
- Cape May Zoo – Admission is free, and donations from visitors helps keep the zoo in operation. Open every day of the year besides Christmas, the zoo is home to lions, bears, bald eagles, bison and dozens of other species. The zoo is in Middle Township, New Jersey.
- Popcorn Park Zoo – The Popcorn Park Zoo is located in Forked River, New Jersey. The zoo rescues all of its animals, and tickets cost $5 or less, depending on age. The zoo is open every day of the week.
3. Beach and Boardwalk Fun
If there is one thing New Jersey is known for (aside from its delicious cuisine), it’s the state’s beautiful beaches and boardwalks. Some boardwalks are more kid-friendly than others, but there are a lot of options available, including.
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – Located in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Jenkinson’s is home to games, rides, a beautiful beach, food and countless hours of fun. There are also movies on the beach. This is a great, kid-friendly boardwalk.
- Belmar Beach – Located on Ocean Avenue in Belmar, New Jersey, Belmar Beach is a clean, family-friendly beach. The boardwalk is small, and there aren’t the same attractions as other options on our list. However, this boardwalk does have food nearby, and is great for parents that don’t like the crowds at other beaches.
- Wildwood – The boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey is an adventure filled with fun, games, rides and food. There is also a nearby waterpark (right off the boardwalk), and a variety of long sandy beaches to enjoy.
Atlantic City has boardwalks, too. The crowds are often filled with an eclectic group of people, from older people enjoying their time at casinos to young adults that enjoy the bar scene. There are dozens of boardwalks to choose from, and all of them offer their own fun and excitement.
4. Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, it’s also a nice getaway for families. The campus is home to over 500 acres of land, and there are countless trails and activities at the school to enjoy.
The two main attractions, especially for older kids, is the:
- Chapel
- Museum
This is something best suited to teens that either have an interest in architecture and history, or are interested in attending the university.
5. A Day Exploring State Parks
Go on an adventure with your child in one of New Jersey’s state parks – there are a lot to choose from. Which parks are best? This depends on each person’s own preference, but there are more than enough to keep your schedule booked for months on end.
The most popular parks include:
- Liberty State Park – Bicycle, kayak, view the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial or take a stroll to the Liberty Science Center.
- Island Beach State Park – Island Beach State Park is located on Barnegat Bay and is home to sandy beaches, maritime plants, wetlands, marshes and forests.
- Allaire State Park – Step back in time and visit Allaire Village, or take a stroll through the 3,000-acre state park. The park was once an iron-making town, and there are even antique trains still present. There are over 200 species of wildflowers, mountain bike trails, horseback rides and walking trails all along the park.
New Jersey has an abundance of state parks to have fun in and enjoy – take your pick.
6. BlueClaws Stadium
Want to enjoy baseball, but can’t afford tickets for a Mets or Yankees game? BlueClaws Stadium is the next best thing, and the minor leaguers will have you at the edge of your seats.
Located in Lakewood, New Jersey, the tickets are often $10 -$20 each, making this an affordable day of fun. There are also multiple ticket options available, so you can choose from an all-you-can-eat package ($15 – $23 a game) and a variety of seasonal options.
If your child likes baseball, treat them to a BlueClaws game – it’s an unforgettable experience.
7. Storybook Land
Egg Harbor Township is home to a day of fun perfect for younger kids: Storybook Land. The attraction is just like a storybook, equipped with a train, castle and tea parties. The attraction is throwing an Alice in Wonderland tea party this week where kids can meet their favorite Alice in Wonderland characters.
Tickets are $22.50 a person; children under 2 are admitted for free.
Spending time with your children following a divorce is one of the easiest ways to help them overcome the difficulties of your separation. A day of fun with one or both parents will be beneficial for mom, dad and child.
The Micklin Law Group, LLC is a New Jersey law firm focusing on family law for men and fathers. Attorney Brad Micklin was recently named to The National Advocates list of Top 100 attorneys from each state. Brad has experience working with child custody.You can read more on this topic by visiting our Child Custody & Support blog. To set up a consultation, call 973-562-0100.
