Indoor Play Areas- NJ

[icibiu]

Kidnetic in Montville is great! They have classes and stuff but I believe they have free play on Fridays? not sure though (not free)

Barnes & Noble in Clifton also has a train table and they do a free story time twice a week (I believe Wednesday & Saturdays at 11am) Paramus location has a similar schedule.

I also like to take my son to the Harely Davidson store on rt. 17, it's free to walk around and he loves looking at the bikes (I tell him it's a motorcycle museum) I only take him on weekdays during the day so it's slow there and we don't get in anyones way. Sometimes the staff will let him sit on a bike for a few minutes and he loves when someone pulls into the parking lot on their bike. (this is obviously not for everyone but some kids will get a kick out of it)

IKEA is also a great place to go, they have an indoor drop off play area for older kids. I've never dropped my son off but I do like to take him to the childrens room section they have little slides and tunnels and lots of toys out. And their food court area is VERY affordable, I think the kids meal is like $2.50? And those swedish meatballs are SOOOOO good!! They also have a couple of play areas inside the food court.

My favorite place to go is the Liberty Science Center in JC. I'm lucky enough to get in free through my company but regular admission is a little expensive. It's worth every cent though; all very hands on and educational. They have a dedicated room for kids under five so they can play and explore without the big kids running them over. I go there pretty often and my son (now 3) still hasn't gotten bored with it. There is a lot for older kids and my step daughter loves it. And here's something I learned last year good tip for any SAHM's--September is the time to go!! All the older kids have started school but the schools haven't started taking field trips yet so you can pretty much have free reign of the entire museum with your little ones. Adults will enjoy this trip too.

I have a cousin who takes her to kids to Lowes and Home Depot every weekend, they usually have a small free project for the kids to do and they get these adorable work aprons (they get to keep them) the kids get a little badge/patch for their apron for every project they complete (kind of like a boy scout type thing) it's very cute. I'm not sure exactly which one she goes to but I think it's on rt 23

As far as the children's museum of NJ in paramus, PLEASE take that off your list!!! That place is really awful, admission is pretty expensive, there are no real exhibits just a lot of tired old toys set up in sections plus it is VERY dirty. I took my son there once and was extremely disappointed. You don't have to take my word for it but a quick visit there will tell you all you need to know.

[icibiu]

Originally Posted by tiggywink

Burger King in Garwood has a nice play structure. North Ave. Also in Garwood, not far from BK (going towards Cranford) is a small bowling alley that has great modern lanes with bumpers that are programmed to come up for when kids are bowling--they also have food.

Almost forgot, the BK in Lyndhurst also has a great play area it's right off rt 3 east and you can easily get right back on the highway if your not from the area. I wouldn't take a real little one there but 3 or 4ish and up is great. There's always A LOT of kids playing there right after school.

[njplay]

Originally Posted by icibiu

Almost forgot, the BK in Lyndhurst also has a great play area it's right off rt 3 east and you can easily get right back on the highway if your not from the area. I wouldn't take a real little one there but 3 or 4ish and up is great. There's always A LOT of kids playing there right after school.

Great guys, i have my homework to update my listings, I will cut/paste your comment on NJ Childrens museum Icibiu and post it on our listing, we encourage people to give feedback, it is always helpful.

[theycallmemommy]

check out the local couty parks system, here in monmouth they have lots of classes. Also check out PlayNation it has various different locations in NJ, its an indoor swing playground.

[mumra]

My little guy likes to go ice skating at Codey arena. He is just turned 2 so we don't go religiously yet and his size 6 hockey skates (the smallest size you can get) are still a bit too big.

[mumra]

Certainly not free Chuck E Cheese has lots to offer