Jennifer Setteducato

Where to Throw a Kids’ Birthday Party in Hoboken and Jersey City

Submitted by Jennifer Setteducato on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 10:14am

Grit Academy offers private use of its facility during action-packed, themed birthday parties in Jersey City. Photo courtesy of Grit

Celebrating your child’s birthday is more than just cakes and gifts. It’s a time to celebrate their growth and accomplishments, and to show them how special they are.

That’s why, whatever our budget, I celebrate my kids' birthdays in a way that is unique to them and their interests. But let’s face it, parents, we don’t want a boring party. We want to create a core-memory-caliber fun!

If you’re a parent in the Hoboken/Jersey City area, read on for the best kids' birthday party venues. These spots cater to a wide variety of ages and interests.

Check out our comprehensive Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NJ and Indoor Birthday Party Spots with Mega Playgrounds in NJ for even more insight and inspiration.

Tickled Pink! See the Playful New Art Popping Up in Flatiron Beginning Today

Submitted by Jennifer Setteducato on Thu, 01/15/2026 - 9:00am

Just when it seems the dreariness of winter has taken hold of the city, along comes a pop of playfulness and color gracing the rooftops and plazas of the Flatiron District and NoMad neighborhoods.

Mr. Pink lands in the district today, bringing a FREE public art trail of 10 illuminated inflatable sculptures from French artist Philippe Katerine to the area. The naked, cartoon-like, bubblegum-pink sculptures range from 9-16 feet tall, creating a whimsical, snapshot-worthy moment for visitors and encouraging passersby to linger and discover all the fun in the neighborhood.

Read on for more details on where to find these whimsical installations, which remain on display through the end of February.

New Jersey's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

Submitted by Jennifer Setteducato on Fri, 12/05/2025 - 12:30pm

Holland Ridge Farms blooms with tulips in all seasons thanks to its holiday light show. Photo courtesy of the farm

New Jersey is brimming with unusual—even downright weird—holiday events and experiences, and we are here for it. From the edgy holiday punk-rock flea market to the world’s largest model train exhibit, and a scuba diving Santa, we rounded up 12 offbeat and creative ways to enjoy the holidays with your family in New Jersey.

Find more seasonal fun in our New Jersey Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays, where we've got curated lists of fun, FREE holiday activities, drive-through holiday light shows in New Jersey, and many more seasonal must-do's.

The German Christmas Market of NJ Could Be Your Family's New Go-To Holiday Tradition

Submitted by Jennifer Setteducato on Mon, 12/01/2025 - 12:20pm

Tour the Sussex County Fairgrounds in horse-and-carriage during a visit to the German Christmas Market of New Jersey.

Looking to get your family into the spirit of the season? Whisk them away to one of the most feel-good Christmas events around: the German Christmas Market in Sussex County, where the cheeks are rosy, the hot chocolate is steaming, and the holiday vibes are cranked up to 100.

Nothing will enchant them like the whimsy and joy of this annual holiday market, which runs from Friday, December 5-Sunday, December 7, 2025. Here you will find the quaintness of a traditional German Christmas market mixed with local vendors and craftsmen, animals, entertainers, exhibits, holiday displays, and authentic German food and seasonal treats for everyone’s palate. Your family will be transported to a different time and place, outside of the stuffy malls and away from the commercial noise of the season, where kids are surrounded by the true spirit of the season, complete with community, joy, and fun.

Read on for my best tips for keeping a visit to the German Christmas Market of New Jersey stress-free and find all our best things to do this season in our New Jersey Kids' Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities.

Kids Can Find Confidence and Calm with the Help of Horses at these New Jersey Stables

Submitted by Jennifer Setteducato on Thu, 11/06/2025 - 1:40pm

Sensory Staples lets kids get close to a variety of farm animals, including its friendly horses. Photo courtesy of Sensory Stables

The bond between humans and horses has lasted thousands of years. There’s something so powerful and unspoken in the relationship that it seems natural to look to our companions to help enrich our children’s education. Equine-assisted learning programs have been on the rise at New Jersey stables. Interested in learning more and how to introduce your kids to this activity? I was, too, so I decided to visit a local program in Sussex County to find out more.

Read on to learn about where your kids can enjoy some equine-assisted learning at New Jersey stables and find more kid-friendly classes in our New Jersey Kids Guide to Classes.

Latest posts by Jennifer Setteducato