One of the perks of being born during the spring and summer months is the multitude of birthday party locations to choose from. Warmer weather means parties can be held outside, which opens up the door to so many wonderful options. NJ kids can choose from park parties, water fun, farm fests and so much more! We’ve highlighted seven great suggestions that are perfect for children’s birthday parties.
Read on for our picks of the best outdoor venues throughout New Jersey.
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Parks
Put a bunch of kids at a park with a playground and it’s a fun, low-maintenance birthday party. Let the kids run loose and then gather at picnic tables to eat refreshments. (Just make sure you check in advance that your park allows parties and request any necessary permits.) Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill is home to Jake’s Place Boundless Playground, an all-access playground voted one of the best in the country, and a great party location. Van Saun Park in Paramus is another highly popular venue–this Bergen County park features a carousel, pony rides and several playgrounds. Allaire State Park in Farmingdale, Holmdel Park in Holmdel and Laurel Acres Park in Mt. Laurel are other great options.
Why I like it: Parks are typically inexpensive. Plus, they will almost always be handicap accessible for those guests in wheelchairs.
Golf Courses
This is definitely a party for the older age set, because let’s face it, mini golf can be challenging. But it can also be fun! Blackbeard’s Cave in Bayville is more than just a miniature golf course and driving range…it is also home to bumper boats, archery, batting cages, a climbing wall and so much more! Hyatt Hills in Clark offers affordable birthday party packages, which include 18 holes of golf and refreshments. Safari Mini Golf, located in the same complex as Turtle Back Zoo, offers mini golf parties on their beautiful safari-themed course.
Why I like it: If parents are hanging around for the party, offer them tickets to play a round, too. Even adults love to partake in this summertime classic!
Water Fun
Obviously the best parties during the summer involve water. Luckily there are plenty of wet and wild options for those of us who don’t have a pool in our backyard. Sahara Sam’s Oasis in West Berlin is an indoor water park but during the summer months (May through September), the fun expands outside to The Beach Club. Your party guests will enjoy slides, pools, arcade games and more. At the O.C. Waterpark in Ocean City, a professional event planner will help customize your child’s party. Package options include water park fun, refreshments, superhero appearances and air jumping, where you soar 25 feet into the air and feel like you’re flying!
Why I like it: For a limited time, receive a free annual pass for the birthday child when booking a birthday party at Sahara Sam’s…that’s a $59.99 value!
Animals
Is your child an animal lover? Perhaps a horseback riding party or farm excursion would fit the bill. Legacy Riding Stables in Sayreville offers parties for all age levels. Little ones will enjoy Pony Ride Parties while older children can do Horseback Trail Ride Parties. Alstede Farms in Chester has several themed birthday party packages, like a Baby Animals Party or a Pick Your Own Fruit Party. Guests enjoy a hayride, activities and refreshments in the shade. Birthday parties at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford include a hayride and picking of a seasonal crop, along with time in the Discovery Barnyard.
Looking for more exotic animals? Several of New Jersey’s zoos offer birthday party options. Cape May County Park & Zoo will let the children do a “meet and greet” with three animals from the petting zoo. The Bergen County Zoo in Paramus also provides party packages and each child will receive a free ticket to ride the carousel in his goody bag. West Orange’s Turtle Back Zoo features several party locations, including the gazebo, carousel and picnic areas, where you can gather for your celebration after exploring the zoo.
Why I like it: These types of parties are fun year-round and are perfect for all age levels. Those kids who are more hesitant around animals can just observe, while the more daring can interact with them.
Sports Themed
When your child celebrates a birthday at a Trenton Thunder game at ARM & HAMMER Park, she will get to throw out a first pitch before enjoying the game with friends, snacks and a scoreboard shout-out. Want a party your guests will never forget? Host a thrilling paintball party for older children at Battle Creek in West Milford. Participants will explore 15 acres of woods and fields as they simulate battle. When booking your party, inquire about the new low-impact paintballs best suited for 8 to 12-year-olds.
Why I like it: What kid doesn’t want to feel like a VIP at a baseball game? The Trenton Thunder birthday experience is one your child will never forget. And rest assured, you’ll score some major parenting points with this one.
Boardwalks
You can’t get more “Jersey” than a birthday party at the Jersey Shore, right? Take advantage of living so close to the ocean by having your child’s celebration at the boardwalk. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant offers a wide selection of birthday party packages, all of which include rides, refreshments and aquarium entrance. Party add-ons include the Fun House, a 7D Dark Ride Theater, beach admission and mini-golf. Seaside Heights’ Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach hosts birthday parties with either a limited number of amusement park rides or hours of fun in the outdoor water park. A party at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood will include pizza, cake, and admission to either the piers, the water park, or both.
Why I like it: When the party’s over, you’re right by the beach! Drop the gifts off at home, then go burn off all that sugar playing in the ocean.
Amusement Parks
Depending on the size of the park, this may be a party best suited for older kids. But you can still find some smaller amusement parks that can cater to a younger child’s birthday party. Take Fantasy Island on Long Beach Island, for example. It is small enough to be manageable, yet still provides a fabulous time. The park includes roller coasters, kiddie rides, carnival games and an arcade, plus it’s right next to Thundering Surf Water Park, which offers group rates for 20+ guests. If your target age group is a bunch of five-year-old boys, then you must check out Diggerland USA in West Berlin. Rides and stunt shows, plus the chance to operate actual construction machinery, are all included in Diggerland’s birthday party packages.
Why I like it: No worrying about counting tickets. At all three of these locales, guests receive unlimited access to the rides for the duration of the birthday party.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © spass/Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Jakes Place Boundless Playground / Facebook
Sahara Sam’s Oasis / Facebook
Johnson’s Corner Farm / Facebook
Trenton Thunder / Facebook
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks / Facebook
Diggerland USA / Facebook
