BAT's Lists

Children's Museums in New Jersey

Children's museums are designed for the littlest ones in the family with their hands on exhibits and fun learning stations.  

1. The Garden State Discovery Museum
Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm. Extended hours available...
2. Imagine That!
They provide educational fun for preschool and young...
3. New Jersey Children's Museum
Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Offers mini-camps in summer...

Take the Kids to a Pick Your Own Farm in New Jersey

Picking your own fruits and vegetables is more fun than eating them!  Best practice for pick your own farms is to call ahead to ensure they are currently picking.  Be sure to dress for being out on the farm, old shoes, sun protection and bug spray!

1. Emery's Berry Farm
This organic farm offers Blueberry Picking from mid...
2. Hallocks U Pick Farm
Strawberries & Peas: late May-June Kohlrabi &...
3. DeWolf's U Pick Farm
Broccolirab April and October Strawberries Mid...

Fun Overnight Experiences for families around Philadelphia

Have you always wondered what happened at the zoo or a museum after the lights go out at night?  This may be your chance to find out!  The following is a list of some fun places you can book an over night experience.  

1. The Philadelphia Zoo
The Roars and Snores Overnight Program offers several...
2. University of Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
40 Winks with Sphinx program is offered to kids ages...
3. Battleship New Jersey
Live like a sailor! The overnight experience...

New Family Attractions for 2012 in New Jersey

New is exciting.  New is fun.  We have one brand new attraction opening its doors and some old favorites adding some new attractions.  

1. Field Station Dinosaurs
Grand Opening: May 26 2012 Dinosaurs are invading...
2. Six Flags Great Adventure
New for 2012: Sky Screamer (for the high thrill...
3. Breakwater Beach
New for 2012: Two awesome rides off of one tower!...

Great Places to View Wildlife in Cape May, NJ

Cape May County is one of the top birding spots in North America.  Introduce your kids to the joys of exploring and learning about nature at some of these great locations.  

1. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
birdwatching, photography, multiple trails
2. The Nature Center of Cape may
Children's Nature Classes, Family Programs, Tours,...
3. Cape May Bird Observatory
Weekly bird walks, boat tours, educational programs

Mother's Day Brunch and Outings in NJ

Take mom someplace for her special day.  

1. iPlay America
Mother's Day Brunch May 13 held in the adjoining...
2. Trenton Thunder Baseball
May 13 Mother's Day Brunch 12:30-2 $31 per ticket...
3. Boardwalk Hall
Mother's Day Music Fest Saturday, May 12, 2012 at...

Summer Museum Exhibits for the family in Pennsylvania

Museums often host special exhibits that are only available for a set time.  This list features some of the best that will be available for the summer of 2012.  Be sure to check ahead for exhibit times and prices since they often vary from the regular museum.  

1. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion features 40...
2. James A. Michener Art Museum
Offering of the Angels: Treasures from the Uffizi...
3. Franklin Institute
Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times...

Fun Places to Explore Science & Technology in PA with kids

Do your kids have a passion for science?  Do you like to learn how things are made and work?  Have a fascination with dinosaurs? Then these are some of the top places for you to visit.  

1. Carnegie Science Center
Hands on Exploration Station perfect for kids of all...
2. Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

3. Franklin Institute
-Kid Science Exhibit - The kids will love the Giant...

Lighthouses of New Jersey

Lighthouses have been guiding sailors for hundreds of years.  New Jersey is home to the oldest operating lighthouse.  Climb to the top and witness some amazing views and take in some history while you are there.  

1. Absecon Lighthouse
This is New Jersey's tallest lighthouse and offers...
2. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Our family visits here every year. Pack a lunch and...
3. Cape May Lighthouse

Take the Kids to an Earth Day Event in NJ

Earth Day should be EVERY day but it is recognized and celebrated each year in April.  Find a fun event perfect for your family.  

1. Manasquan Reservoir - Environmental Center
Saturday April 21 11-5 crafts, boat rides, nature...
2. Deep Cut Gardens
Sunday, April 22 12-4 Spring plant walks, learn...
3. Jenkinson's Aquarium
Party for the Planet! Sunday, April 22 1-4pm Join...

Earth Day 2012 events in Philadelphia

Grab the family and celebrate Mother Earth with these fun and educational events.

1. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
April 21 8am-noon Darby Creek Clean Up Day Meet...
2. Academy of Natural Sciences
Academy Earth Day Saturday, April 21 11-4 Visit...
3. National Constitution Center
Earth Day Celebration Sun April 22 12-5 Mon April...

A Family Fun Filled Week on Long Beach Island, NJ

Long Beach Island is made up of several small towns and is packed full of family fun.  While there are a few hotels/motels scattered on the island, rental vacation homes are more readily available and probably the best way to go for a family.  Ship Bottom and Beach Haven are 2 of the most popular towns for families to stay in.  

Try out this sample itinerary to help guide you in a week of activities.  I left arrival and departure days open to allow you to unpack/pack, settle in and relax a bit!

1. Alliance for a Living Ocean
MONDAY AM start the week off with a kayak...
2. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
MONDAY afternoon Climb the lighthouse, walk the...
3. Long Beach Island Museum
TUESDAY AM Pop in to learn the history of LBI. Be...

A Week in Cape May, NJ With the Kids

Sure vacations are fun but planning them can sometimes be a challenge.  Take a look at this sample itinerary to help keep your entire family entertained throughout your week's stay.  

1. Victorian Motel
Great location overlooking Washington Street Mall....
2. Camelot Motel
Steps from the beach. Basic motel rooms start at...
3. Cape May Point State Park
DAY ONE: Start your week off in Cape May by exploring...

Rainy Day Family Fun at the Jersey Shore

Rain got you down?  No worries, there is still plenty of fun to be had!

1. iPlay America
If the rain is keeping you from the boardwalk then...
2. BounceU
Kids bouncing off the walls? Have them bounce their...
3. Sparkle Diva Studios
Treat your little princess to a day of beauty.

Train Rides With the Easter Bunny in NJ

Hop aboard and take a train ride with the Easter Bunny!

1. Whippany Railway Museum
Easter Bunny Express Saturday, March 31 Sunday,...
2. Black River Railroad Historical Trust
Easter Bunny Express: March 31 (Saturday)...
3. Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Easter Bunny Train Ride and Egg Hunt March 31, April...

Top Restaurants to take the Kids in Disney World

These restaurants are all at the top for keeping the kids engaged and providing some fun experiences.  

As with all Walt Disney World Restaurants, it is best to make reservations in advance.  

1. 'Ohana
This makes it to the TOP of my list for the delicious...
2. 50's Prime Time Cafe
Take a step back into the 50's in this themed...
3. The Crystal Palace
Kids of all ages will take delight in dining with...

Spring Break with the Kids in Philadelphia

Whether you live near by or are traveling to Philadelphia for spring break, here are some ideas to keep the kids busy and happy!

1. Academy of Natural Sciences
Spring Break Camp being held March 29-April 9. Camp...
2. Walnut Street Theatre
Miss Nelson is Missing playing March 28-April 14
3. Philadelphia Museum of Art
check out their fun family programs! Here is a...

Snow Tubing in Northern NJ and Pocono Mountains in PA

Snow tubing can be lots of fun for the whole family!  Here are a few resorts in the area that offer snow tubing.

1. Campgaw Mountain
Weekdays at 4pm and 6pm online price $16, resort...
2. Mountain Creek
Thursday & Friday 4-9pm, $20 for 2 hr. session...
3. Camelback Ski Area and Camelbeach Waterpark
-20 lanes available -2magic carpet walkways to carry...

Indoor Water Parks in New Jersey

Looking to escape the cold to some tropic temperatures while staying close to home?  Try an indoor water park.  A sure way to help beat the Winter Blahs.  

1. Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Waterpark
Free standing water park open to the public....
2. CoCo Key Water Resort
Overnight packages available with adjoining hotel.
3. Montego Bay Resort
Make your winter getaway!

Indoor Water Parks in Pennsylvania

Beat the Winter blahs with some tropical temperatures close to home!

1. Great Wolf Lodge
Fun for the whole family! Features cozy cabins and...
2. Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark Resort
Something for folks in the western part of the state!
3. Caribbean Lancaster
Close to outlets shopping and many family friendly...

Indoor Water Parks in Wisconsin

Wisconsin boasts a ton of indoor water parks and this is just a small sampling.  

1. Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park
Features an underwater Atlantis theme and indoor as...
2. Blue Harbor Resort
lots to do for the entire family
3. Crawdaddy Cove Indoor Water Park
this is one of the smaller indoor water parks but it...

Indoor Water Parks of Lake Erie Shores of Ohio

Looking for some tropical fun when outside is anything but tropical?  Try an indoor water park.

1. KALAHARI RESORTS
an all seasons resort with plenty to do, the indoor...
2. Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky Oh
This resort features family fun for everyone!
3. Castaway Bay Resort
A tropical-feeling resort the whole family can...

Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania

When skiing with kids you may have different needs than other folks.  Here are a few spots that offer great amenities like ski schools, child care programs and other family friendly activities.  

1. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
When I sent out an inquiry looking for the best...
2. Whitetail Resort
Kids Mountain Ski Camp for kids age 4-12 years old;...
3. Liberty Mountain Resort and Conference Center
Children's Learning Center (peanut free!), Ski With...

Ski Resorts in New Jersey

Skiing in New Jersey?  Why, yes!  We do have mountains!

1. Mountain Creek
2. The Hidden Valley Club
3. Campgaw Mountain

Family Friendly New Year's Events in Philadelphia

Our little ones may like to party to ring in the new year but can't hold on until midnight.  Luckily, many family friendly places are catching on!  The list features some New Year's Eve celebrations as well as New Year's Day fun.

1. Please Touch Museum
Count down to Noon! Celebrations at 12 and 1pm on...
2. Blue Cross River Rink
Two New Year's Eve parties! First from 5-7pm, 2nd...
3. Franklin Square
New Year's is for kids too! Come see the dropping of...

Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in New Jersey

Your little one may not be able to hang until midnight but luckily there are both day and evening activities available for family members of all ages!

1. First Night Ocean County
12-5pm, activities along the boardwalk, finish with...
2. The Garden State Discovery Museum
New Years at Noon event! Count down to 2012 kiddie...
3. Battleship New Jersey
Board the ship for the best view of the fireworks...

Train Rides With Santa in New Jersey and Philadelphia areas

All Aboard!  Take a train ride with Santa!

1. Delaware River Railroad Excursions
2. Pine Creek Railroad
3. Black River Railroad Historical Trust

Nutcracker in New Jersey

Join Clara as her nutcracker comes to life!

1. State Theatre
2. McCarter Theatre Center
3. The Strand Theater

Where to see The Nutcracker in and around Philadelphia

The nutcracker is one of my most favorite holiday traditions.  

1. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
2. Academy of Music
3. Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania Nutcracker Performance

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms near Philadelphia, PA

Choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree is such a fun tradition!  

1. Indian Orchards
2. Linvilla Orchards
3. Boswell Christmas Tree Farm

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree near Dover, DE

Grab the family and head to the farm for this fun tradition!  Don't forget your camera to capture the moment when you find the perfect tree.

1. E-Z Acres
2. Loblolly Acres
3. Schreppler's Fir Tree Acres

Atlantic City With Kids

We adults may go to Atlantic City to gamble, grab a show and a great dinner however, there are some great family things to do!

1. Absecon Lighthouse
My husband has always been intrigued with lighthouses...
2. IMAX Theatre at Tropicana
This was our second time at the IMAX and we saw a...
3. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum
This was our second visit to Ripley's and we were...

Father's Day Indoor fun in Jersey

Weather not cooperating on dad's big day?  No worries!  There are plenty of fun things to do inside!

1. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum
This was our second visit to Ripley's and we were...
2. Liberty Science Center
There are so many hands-on exhibits that the kids are...
3. Robert J. Novins Planetarium
The newly renovated planetarium is open once again...

Father's Day Outdoor Fun in Jersey

Spend the day together taking in nature and the beauty of the day.  Take in a ball game, soak up the sun at the beach or hit the trails!

1. Lakewood Blue Claws minor league baseball
The Lakewood Blue Claws baseball games are a great...
2. Cattus Island County Park
If my oldest son could live here I think he would...
3. Allaire State Park
This is a great place to unwind and explore a little...

Make Father's Day a Weekend Getaway!

Treat dad like the king he is and treat him (and the whole family) to a weekend of fun and relaxation!  Here are my top 3 picks that the whole family will love.

1. Woodloch Pines Resort
My family and I recently spent a few days at Woodloch...
2. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Campground
Looking for a change from the hotels? Then this is...
3. Willow Valley Inn and Suites
What a difference time makes, and not in a good way....

Top Ways to Start the Christmas Season (NJ/NY/PA)

Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit?  

Find a local production of the Nutcracker.  What can be a better way to celebrate Christmas?

Take a walk around New York City to see the beautiful window displays.  While you are in New York, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a "don't miss".  

1. Elf the Broadway Musical
A fun way to kick off the holidays!
2. Storybook Land
Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tell them your wish...
3. Koziar’s Christmas Village
Next best thing to the North Pole itself!