It’s officially summer and by mid-week, all local kids will be out of school! We have some great guides to get your through the season, which you can find on our sidebar, but we thought we would make your life easier by putting them all together in one place. And that place is here.
Summer Camps
We’ll start with the area’s most comprehensive list of summer camps:
Summer Camps For Little Kids
Summer Camp For Big Kids
Sleepaway Camps
If your kid is going to sleepaway camp, make sure to read our Old-School Summer Camp Tips.
Swimming
With summer comes swimming and we’ve got the low-down on local pools.
Summer wouldn’t be complete without trips to the Jersey Shore.
Or cool off at a Spray Park or water park. There’s spray parks in Lyndhurst and Scotch Plains that are great. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor will make an all day water park adventure.
Don’t forget that sunscreen either! Local dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie offers advice on keeping children’s skin safe.
And remember that heats this extreme are especially dangerous for kids, particularly little kids. Check out our Heat Safety Tips from a local pediatrician.
Day Trips
Summer is the perfect time to take Day Trips. We have dozens to choose from, indoors and out, for all ages.
Summer Reading
Reading throughout the summer is very important!
Your local library offers free summer reading programs, your local bookstore offers Great Summer Books For All Ages, and Read, Kiddo, Read offers the Ultimate Summer Reading List. Click here for our great list of Homegrown Literature–New Jersey themed books that your family will love.
Parenting Help
Want to motivate your kids to finish chores and be rewarded for good behavior? Make these Sticker Chore Charts! Older kids will like these Summer Chore Cards.
Summer Family-Meals and Treats
It wouldn’t be summer without delicious treats and good food. Go berry picking at a “Pick Your Own” farms, make sure to head to your local farmer’s markets for fresh, homegrown goods, and check out our Whats For Dinner? column for delicious and family-friendly recipes to make this summer—like awesome burgers, the best Mac and Cheese around, delicious and refreshing Strawberry Lemonade, and a zesty, cool and refreshing Coconut and Key Lime Pie.
And parents, no summer is complete without really good iced coffee. Locally, Red Eye Cafe‘s New Orleans Sludge and Java Love’s Cold Brew are my favorites, but when I’m home, I make Greek Frappés.