The state of New Jersey serves as home to a variety of attractions for children, including the New Jersey State Aquarium, the Imagine That Children's Museum and the Keansburg Amusement Park. Throughout the year, New Jersey also features a variety of special events for children. These festivals occur throughout the state in cities like Princeton, Hoboken and Smithville.
The Princeton Public Library hosts the Princeton Children's Book Festival each year at its location on Witherspoon Street in Princeton, New Jersey, as well as in the adjacent Albert E. Hinds Memorial Plaza. The event began in 2005 and features a different well-known children's author each year. Past attendees include R.L. Stine and Victoria Adler. The authors have question and answer sessions for children; they give special book signings for kids. The Princeton Children's Book Festival also features live entertainment, such as music and games geared toward kids.
The festival occurs on a Saturday in October from late morning to late afternoon; it is free to attend. The nearest parking is along the street.
The Mayor's office and the city government of Hoboken, New Jersey, sponsors the Kiddie Palooza children's festival each year. The event revolves around music geared towards kids with live bands that play children's music scheduled throughout the day-long event. Dance demonstrations are also featured. Away from the stage area, kids can have their faces painted, listen to a storyteller, watch clowns perform, and participate in sand art or other crafts. The festival also features pony rides, balloons and a moonwalk. Food concessions are available on-site.
The festivities for Kiddie Palooza take place at Pier A Park, an outdoor, public facility found at the intersections of First Street and Frank Sinatra Drive. The event typically occurs on a Sunday in June. Admission is free; the park also has free parking available.
The Historic Smithville and The Village Greene in South Jersey hosts the Historic Smithville Children's Festival each year. The day is filled with live children's music performances, as well as activities like sack races and crafts. In past years, the event has also featured a carousel, train rides, a petting zoo and sing-a-longs. Parents can enjoy touring the numerous shops at Historic Smithville, which recreate the appearance of a colonial village.
The event typically occurs on a Saturday in May during the afternoon. Admission is free. Those traveling from out of town to attend the event can find two hotels at Historic Smithville. Free parking is available for festival attendees.
