Kids’ Indoor spaces in Jersey City, Secaucus, Elizabeth and Manhattan
Yes, it’s cold outside and the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter. Kids of all ages are beginning to get stir crazy, not to mention parents. Here are some ideas to keep you and the kids busy. Check out the list of places with kids’ indoor spaces in and around Jersey City
Kids’ Indoor spaces in Jersey City
Liberty Science Center
We know that Liberty Science Center is a great place to bring toddlers, but did you know that there are activities for older kids, as well? The BASF Kids’ Lab is a place for children 6 – 12 (accompanied by at least one adult per 4 children) to explore chemistry. find out why we sneeze or hop onto the subway car and learn how diseases spread. Don’t forget to check out the IMAX Dome Theater, which is great for all ages. It’s a perfect kids’ indoor play areas in Jersey City.
You can even do a Camp In overnight birthday party ($60 per camper and $200 birthday package fee). They also offer regular birthday parties for children ages 1 – 12!
Jersey City Public Library
The Vincenzo Domenico Bonetti II Room at the main branch of Jersey City Public Library (472 Jersey Avenue in downtown JC) offers many free events and activities for older children. There are always crafts, art, movies and so much more going on! Take your kids in to get their free library card.
Letting them choose books on their own and being responsible for bringing them back on time is great practice for them! Children of any age can get a card, but children under 14 need a parent with them. For residents of Jersey City that are high school-aged and older, you must show a photo ID and proof that you live in Jersey City (an official bill addressed to you at your JC address). Parents may apply for a card for their child. Click here for an application and bring it into any branch with the proper identification. Plus, there are computers available for children to use.
Free Swimming Lessons
Jersey City is offering free swimming lessons to children ages 6 – 14 years at local area pools. The program locations include PS 6, PS 16, PS 23, PS 27 and PS 41. There is a class beginning this month, call 201-547-5003 for registration information.
Saint Peter’s Swimming Pool
Children of all ages can sign up for lessons or you can get a family pool membership and children can swim during the designated swim times all year long. Swim lessons are 7 weeks in length and cost $100 per child and $180 for 2 children. For more information, call 201-761-7338. You can also go directly to the pool to register Monday – Friday between 3 pm and 6 pm.
Pershing Field Pool
Pershing Field Pool is located at the corner of Summit and Pershing in Jersey City Heights. This indoor pool is open daily to the public, with limited free swim hours. Please click here to confirm times. Fees are $3 for resident adults and $1.50 for resident children. There is also an outdoor ice skating rink located on-site. A great kids’ indoor spaces in Jersey City.
Pole Position
If you have a child who feels the need for speed this is the place for you! Pole Position is an indoor go-kart racing facility located on Caven Point Road right here in Jersey City. The facility offers a snack bar and arcade, in addition to non-stop racing fun! Stop in for Arrive and Drive racing.
You walk in on a first-come, first-served basis. They offer a Youth Race for children 58 inches or taller ($20/member and $25/non-member) and Junior Races for children 48 inches – 56 inches ($18/member and $22/non-member). Each racer must purchase a temporary race license for $5.
They also offer birthday party packages for children between the ages of 8 and 18 years. They offer two party packages and some customization options, plus they can customize your entire event. The Rookie Package starts at $40/person and each racer gets one standard junior race, pizza, soft drink, invitation and $5 arcade card. You will receive 1 hour of use of the private party room and a free t-shirt for the birthday racer.
Kids’ Indoor spaces in Secaucus
Pump It Up
Does your family have cabin fever? Missing the park? Take them to Pump It Up in nearby Secaucus and let them jump around! Stop in for an Open Jump day (check the calendar for dates and times here. Different days have different themes like pizza and ice cream or glow jump. Prices vary, but generally an open glow jump is $12/child and gives you up to 70 minutes in the arenas with glow in the dark lighting.
Each child receives a glow necklace. The pizza and ice cream jumps are $14.95/child, but come with 70 minutes in the arenas and 35 minutes in the party room for food. Each child gets a slice of pizza, unlimited drinks and ice cream. Don’t miss the Valentine’s Day open jump on Friday, February 14, 2014. For $14.95/child kids will get pizza and drinks, a small stuffed Valentine’s Day dragon, up to 70 minutes of jump time and more!
You must register for Open Jumps in advance online. And yes, they do birthday parties! They offer 3 different packages and have many add on options like glow in the dark jump or superhero training camp. Plus, all parties are 100% private for both play time and in the party room! Kids must be 34 inches and up to play on the inflatables. Click here for some of the deals they are currently offering.
Kids’ Indoor spaces in Elizabeth
IKEA
And you thought it was just for buying furniture! IKEA is a great place to take the kids for an outing on a cold winter day. Kids can jump out some energy and play on the toys in the kid’s area. The Ballroom Play Area is supervised and kids of heights 37” – 48” who are potty-trained can play. Kids can stay for up to an hour (sometimes a 30-minute time limit if they are busy). Plus, IKEA offers convenient parking for families and the restaurant is great for families with kids of all ages.
The restaurant faces Newark Airport, so you can keep the kids busy by watching the planes as you eat. There is also a kiddie eating area complete with little chairs and tables and a TV that sometimes shows children’s movies. Plus, there are affordable kid menu options and don’t forget the frozen yogurt by the check out before you leave!
Jersey Gardens Outlets
Not far from IKEA, this outlet mall has a bunch of kid’s stores, a huge food court, play areas for younger kids, and an arcade with games and rides for older kids. The arcade called Jeepers has games, rides, and food (mainly for older kids). Plus there is a play area with rides. A huge bonus is that 16 Handles just opened up a location here. Kids of all ages (including me) love to choose their frozen yogurt flavors and all the toppings! They also have events for kids throughout the year, so check their website for information.
Kids’ Indoor spaces in Newark
Newark Museum
Newark Museum is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Jersey City and they offer events and exhibits for kids of all ages and families throughout the year. Drop-in art and science programs are offered for various age groups (some are for ages 6 and up, some are for ages 4 – 8 and more) each weekend. There are various activities in the galleries, including look/touch/learn exhibits and the Planetarium Gallery.
The Planetarium offers shows like Extreme Planets (Wednesday – Friday at 2 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm) for ages 10 and up and Earth, Moon and Sun (Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm and 3 pm) for children ages 6 – 9. Planetarium tickets are not included in general admission and will cost $5/adult and $3 for children under 12, seniors, and college students. There are special workshops available for children ages 6 – 12 and even some for babies. Each month there are family festivals held for children of all ages. Check the calendar for details. The suggested museum admission is $12/adults and $7 for children seniors and students (with a valid ID) and kids younger than 2 are free.
Kids’ Indoor spaces in Manhattan
American Museum of Natural History
We all know that NYC offers some of the best museums around. If I had to choose one museum that was fun for all ages and that I can still remember running around as a child, it has to be the American Museum of Natural History. Any kid who is into dinosaurs will revel in the numerous Fossil Halls. Experience the Butterfly Conservatory and walk through a garden surrounded by butterflies!
See an IMAX or 3D movie like Mysteries of the Unseen World, which is now playing. Or check out Dark Universe, the space show currently showing at Hayden Planetarium. (You must purchase a “General Admission Plus” ticket for Butterflies, IMAX or Planetarium). You can even download the new Explorer App for your iPhone to find your way around the museum. The museum offers several on-site dining options, parking, and several gift shops throughout. There is even a link on the website to tailor your visit for various age groups here.
You can also check out our blog on Indoor Places to Play For Kids in Jersey City, if you want to plan a day with more activities and fun.
