Pickleball has exploded in popularity throughout NJ. This paddle sport (oddly named after a food, though legend has it pickleball was named after a pup named Pickles who loved to chase his ball around Bainbridge Island in Washington) combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong—and will have you working up a sweat in no time. According to a report from USA Pickleball, New Jersey has almost 1,000 courts, with about half indoors. Here’s where you can play around the state:

Anchor Golf Center

21 New Jersey 10, Whippany
973-887-0898

Angela Hibbard Park

600 Drum Point Rd., Brick
732-262-1000

Avalon Community Hall

8th Street Complex on Dune Drive, Avalon
609-967‑3066

Beach Haven

Nelson and Bay Ave., Beach Haven
609-492-0111

Bergen County Pickleball Club

Outdoor Courts
411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
201-399-3888

Indoor Courts
101 North Summit Street, Tenafly
201-399-3888

Brookside Racquet & Swim Club

480 Brookside Ave., Allendale
201-825-7786

Brigantine Community Center

265 42nd St., Brigantine
609-264-7350

Centercourt Academy

222 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham
973-635-1222

185 Amboy Rd., Morganville
732-965-1065

Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club

1820 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill
856-429-1388

Colts Neck Racquet Club

36 Artisan Pl., Colts Neck
732-431-9500

Courtside Racquet Club

1115 Rte. 31 South, Lebanon
908-713-1144

Fort Monmouth Rec Area

2566 Guam Ln., Tinton Falls
848-456-4278
Note: The parking lot at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center is closed until further notice. Parking is available along Guam Lane. 

Greater Morristown YMCA

79 Horse Hill Rd., Cedar Knolls
973-267-0704

Heritage Middle School

20 Foxcroft Dr., Livingston
Contact livepickleball@yahoo.com for more info

Hudson Pickleball

Hoboken Southwest Park, 64 Harrison St., Hoboken
201-565-4677

Iron Peak Sports & Events

137 Mountain View Rd., Hillsborough
908-758-2739

Kroc Center

1865 Harrison Ave., Camden
856-379-6900

Lavallette

Bay Blvd. and Magee Ave., Lavallette
732-793-7477

Manalapan Township Recreation Center

120 Rte. 522, Manalapan
732-446-8353

Marlboro County Park (Marlboro Swim Club)
Masepe Trail, off Gordon’s Corner Road, Marlboro
732-617-0100

Marlboro Recreation Center

1996 Recreation Way, Marlboro
Also: Marlin Park, Nolan Park and Robertsville parks
732-617-0367

Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club

370 Sullivan Way, Ewing
609-883-MBPC

Mercer County Park Commission Tennis Facility

Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor
609-448-8007

Hopewell Valley Golf Club Tennis Courts
114 Pennington-Hopewell Road, Hopewell Twp.
May to September: 609-639-9100, ext. 1
October to April (offseason): 609-448-8007

Michael J. Tighe Park

65 Georgia Rd., Freehold Twp.
732-294-2190

Montclair Pickleball
21-05 Morlot Ave., Fair Lawn
Seaview Hotel, 401 S. New York Rd., Galloway
New Jersey Athletic Club, Lawrence Twp.
Montclair State University, Montclair

Moorestown Recreation Center

North Church Street Recreation Center
111 W 2nd St., Moorestown

Mount Pleasant Park & Fields

Upper Twp.
Tuckahoe Rd., Tuckahoe

New Jersey Athletic Club

4152 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville
609-275-8900

Ocean City Courts

18th St., and Haven Ave., Ocean City
609-525-9307

Overpeck County Park-Ridgefield Park Area

40 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia
201-336-6000

Pickleball Kingdom

1100 Negron Dr., Hamilton Twp.
609-288-7036

Pickleball Smash-It

114 Christopher Columbus Blvd., Atlantic City
516-613-7300

Princeton Racquet Club

150 Raymond Rd., Princeton
732-329-6200

Proshot Pickleball

6725 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp.
609-867-6439

Rahway River Park

401 Parkway Dr., Rahway
908-391-6509

Robbinsville Pickle House

153 W. Manor Way, Robbinsville
609-322-5700

South Jersey Pickleball

DeCou Courts
Cropwell Rd., Cherry Hill

SPORTIME Pickleball Wayne

77 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne

The Rec Center at St. Mathew’s

31 W. Academy St., Williamstown
856-629-2050

Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club

915 Glenview Rd., Ridgewood
201-447-1503

Warren Health & Racquet Club

149 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren
908-647-0400

Weehawken Recreation

19th Street Courts, Weehawken
201-319-6061

William T. Birch Park

8th Street, Fort Lee
201-592-3500, ext. 2505

YMCA of Red Bank

166 Maple Ave., Red Bank
732-741-2504

To get in on the action, check out our reel on Instagram.

Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.

Editor’s Note: Always check hours of operation and weather updates before heading out.

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The post Where to Play Pickleball in New Jersey appeared first on NJ Family.

Bungee fitness is bouncing its way into popularity, and for good reason—it’s a high-flying (literally) workout that turns gravity into your best workout buddy. Picture yourself strapped into a harness, suspended by bungee cords as you do your workout in midair. The workout is low impact, high energy, high intensity and super fun.

Bounce Studio in Manalapan opened earlier this year and offers bungee fitness, rebounding and Kangoo classes. We recently tried all three, and we were flying through each workout!

How does it work? Bungee fitness secures you into a harness so you can move around with your weight supported by bungee cords. You have to step on a scale first to see how much cord resistance you need, and then the instructor will measure your height so you don’t hit your knees or knock your wrists as you move around.

It sounds scary – and at first, it is – but once you get the hang of it you’ll feel like Peter Pan. During the intro classes, the instructor goes very slowly and shows you the moves “on land” before you “fly.” This gives you time to practice each program because a huge part of the class is trusting the bungee cord. By the third time we “flew” into each exercise, it felt natural. The moves have fun names, too, like Lasso, Starfish and Kickup, different variations of moving your body around your centered spot. Oh and did we mention bungee burpees are part of the workout, too?

This workout is not recommended for anyone who gets motion sickness or has vertigo. The moves can be adapted, and bungee workouts reduce impact by up to 70 percent. The class is one hour but we doubt you’ll catch yourself looking at the clock because it’s that much fun.

Another unique class is Kangoo fitness. The idea was invented in Switzerland and is popular in Europe. How d0es it work? You’ll need to strap on ski boots that attach to rebounding shoes, making you bounce and jump as you walk. Once you steady yourself, you’ll find yourself steering away from the guide bar and moving around freely; once you get courageous, you’ll be hopping and running across the studio floor. It’s another exercise that gives you a lighter-than-air feeling, while working your muscles.

If you prefer more traditional legwork, rebounding is a good option. Everyone in class steps onto a mini trampoline, with most of the 45-minute class tailored to lower body exercises. It’s more intense than the other two classes and helps you work on balance and core work. The workout is a lot of fun and takes some steadiness and stability to get deep into the squats.

All of the programs are designed with cardio, endurance, balance, flexibility, toning and stretching in mind for a full-body workout.

The studio has a great backstory, too. After a health scare and some weight gain, Owner Katie Parrinello, a former cheerleader and dancer, knew she needed to add low-impact workouts to her routine. A big fan of Pilates, she found she was building muscle without losing weight, so she traveled to Oklahoma to train in bungee fitness. She has lost more than 50 pounds so far, and says she now has confidence in herself, her workouts and her business. Katie says the studio will be adding yoga soon, too.

Some tips before your first class:

• You must be at least 14 years old, and weigh 90 to 280 pounds for the bungee class.
• Wear tight leggings, a high-impact sports bra and good workout shoes; if you do Kangoo, you’ll put on the boots instead. Wearing shorts on top of leggings will provide additional layers from the harness. Ask about a waist trainer or foam padding for additional comfort.
• Bring a towel and water bottles.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can use the restroom and get strapped into the bungee; it does take a few minutes per person. The studio doors lock at class time.
• The studio space fits 9 women plus the instructor, so classes are small – and that means you have to reserve your space early or join a waitlist.
• You need to wait up to 72 hours after Botox injections before flying on the bungee.
• The levels go from beginner to intermediate to advanced, so start off slowly and work your way up. There is also an intermediate boot camp option.
• There’s a fun selfie wall for pics after your workout!

Bounce Studio offers birthday parties, corporate team building, bachelorette or divorce parties, or room for other special occasions. You can bring up to 9 people for one hour or up to 18 people for two hours.

Bounce Studio is located at 315 Rte. 9 South in Alexander Plaza. The class schedule is available online and via the app. You must register in advance of class. You can drop-in for a class, or the lowest packages start at 3 classes and go up to memberships and Frequent Fliers.

Check out all the action on our Instagram page.

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The post We Tried Bungee Fitness at This Central Jersey Gym and We’re Obsessed appeared first on NJ Family.

When most of us sign up for a gym, we typically look for lots of equipment, group classes, extended hours and a nice locker room. There’s a rapidly growing chain in New Jersey that’s leveling up the workout experience, with a higher-end experience that includes a lounge, specialty cafe, on-site spa, indoor pickleball courts and even an outdoor pool with slides.

Life Time opened its eighth New Jersey location in Middletown/Red Bank this week. There are three floors covering 127,000 square feet of space, including a 50,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck; seven studios for classes like Barre, boxing, kickboxing, cycle, dance, Pilates and yoga; smaller group training classes; 400 pieces of cardio and resistance training equipment; and indoor and outdoor pools and slides.There are six pickleball courts, too.

Don’t call it a gym though. You’ll also find an outdoor bistro dedicated to healthy eating. LifeCafe is a fast-casual cafe featuring a full menu plus nutritional supplements. LifeSpa is a full-service salon and spa. Locker rooms have cold-plunge pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms.

Bring your little ones along to the Kids Academy, which offers active fun for kids ages 3 months to 11 years old. There are also summer camps and sports for kids. The gym’s ARORA social events calendar has programs dedicated to healthy aging.

Life Time Work Middletown – Red Bank is a coworking destination and is located adjacent to the club at the One River Centre office campus at 331 Newman Springs Rd. The 45,000-square-foot space features open floor plans with lounge spaces and open desks, and dedicated desks and offices for individuals and companies. Members can spend time outside in the gathering space, or walk along the Navesink River.

Life Time Work premium memberships include club access and access to Life Time Work’s 14 other locations around the country.

Life Time Middletown – Red Bank is located at 230 Half Mile Road in Red Bank. New Jersey’s other locations are in Florham Park, Berkeley Heights, Bridgewater, Hackensack, Montvale, Mount Laurel and Plainsboro. Hours are 4 am to midnight weekdays, and 5 am to 10 pm weekends. This gym is pricier than most with memberships starting at $279 monthly.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

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The post Don’t Call This Athletic Country Club In Monmouth County Just a Gym appeared first on NJ Family.

Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City has just made its pool and fitness center off-limits to kids. After many complaints from customers, the company announced that only adults 21+ can use the pool and fitness center.

“The pool is an amenity for our hotel guests. After receiving many complaints, Bally’s changed its pool accessibility to guests 21 years or older, and it has been well received,” said Michael Monty, general manager of Bally’s Atlantic City.

Comments are already pouring in, with guests saying, “It was nice to relax without little kids screaming and splashing” and, “This is such a relief.” Others said Atlantic City is known to be an adult playground and that families should consider taking their kids to nearby Ocean City or Wildwood.

Of course, kids are not allowed in gambling or bar areas, but in recent years the Atlantic City boardwalk has become more kid-friendly. There have always been games and rides on the southern end, plus family-friendly restaurants and shops (think Sugar Factory at Hard Rock and It’Sugar at The Pier). The Lucky Snake Arcade took over level one of Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, and Island Waterpark debuted this summer there as well and it, too, has an adults-only section.

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The post No Kids Allowed at This Atlantic City Pool Under New Rules appeared first on NJ Family.

If you’re looking for a new challenge on your yoga mat, try doing a cat-cow pose or three-legged downward dog with an actual dog on your back! Or imagine yourself in a bridge pose with a goat by your side. More and more farms are offering goat yoga, puppy yoga–even alpaca yoga. That means you get to pet these cuties before, after, and sometimes during class. Imagine a goat or pup snuggling up beside you during savasana. Namaste.

Here are some NJ farms where you can try goat yoga:

Goat Yoga

Angels in the Pines Goat Farm
S. Genoa Ave., Egg Harbor City
Find your inner peace as you do yoga with 30 of their farm friends.

The Bubbly Goat
248 Locktown Sergeantsville Rd., Stockton
Visit the farm before your evening yoga class, then spend some time playing with the resident goats. After a 45-minute class, you’ll have a half hour for snacks and to pet the adorable baby goats.

Crystal Springs Resort
Minerals Hotel, 2 Chamonix Dr., Vernon Twp.
If you stay overnight at either Crystal Springs or Minerals Hotel you can sign up for baby goat yoga when it’s available. The half-hour class is open to hotel guests aged 8 and older.

Graceful Farm Sanctuary
Multiple Locations
Some spots the goats visit include Valenzano Winery in Shamong and The Atlantic Club in Manasquan. Check out their schedule to see if the goats will be traveling to a town near you.

Hidden Hill Farm
690 Woodbury Glassboro Rd., Sewell
Get ready to try something new! Yogis age 12 and older, who are at any level of experience, can play with the goats on July 15, July 28 and August 5.

Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd., New Egypt
On special occasions throughout the year, you can sign up for Wine & Goat Yoga. We’ll drink to that.

Mad Lavender Farm
452 Route 579, Milford
Take a vinyasa class with Dwarf Nigerian goats. Choose from partner goat yoga or baby goat yoga that includes sound bath therapy.

Oak Hill Farms
177 Stillwell Rd., Holmdel
Sessions are held on specific days throughout the month so you can get your fill of the baby goats even during the week.

Pickled-Collie Farm
108 W. Cohawkin Rd., Clarksboro
Laughing Buddha Hot Yoga – which has locations in West Deptford and Washington Twp. (Sewell) – partners with Pickled-Collie Farm for a summer series of baby goat yoga.

Twisted Sister Yoga
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Rd., Wall Twp.
You’ll be saying “baaa-maste” during family goat yoga classes that are held at the farm (not in the Spring Lake studio).

What A View Farm
585 Montgomery Rd., Hillsborough
Up to 30 people can sign up at one time for a vinyasa or hybrid Ashtanga yoga class as the goats climb on your back and mat.

Alpaca Yoga

Hidden Brook Ranch Alpaca
196 State Park Rd., Blairstown
When Gary and Christine Milcheck purchased their dream home in 2019, it just happened to come with several alpacas and a llama named Stella. They decided to share their new farm pets with the public by doing fun and educational farm tours. From April through June, and then from September through October, you can join an alpaca yoga sesh on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Morning Glori Farmette
131 Navy Ln., Marlton
The outdoor yoga class is great for anyone, even if you’ve never done yoga before, or have never met an alpaca. Before class, you’ll get to meet the cuties and take a selfie. Look for baby alpacas, called crias.

Out of Sight Alpacas
416 Wells Mills Rd., Waretown
Not only can you do yoga with alpacas here, but emus join the party, too! The next classes are Rise & Shine Yoga at 9 am July 8, and Sunset Yoga at 6 pm July 26, both classes held on the farm by Adrienne Costa-DiPaolo.

Puppy Yoga

Doggy Noses and Yoga Poses
Multiple Locations
This organization comes to NJ quite often. On July 9, Barks and Brews With a Bend at Jersey Girl Brewing in Hackettstown will benefit Cold Nose Warm Heart.  On July 15, Paws And Poses at Fearvana Yoga in Kenilworth benefits 3 Hearts 4 Paws. The classes are typically fundraisers. You can play with all the puppies on site, but please don’t bring your own. Also on July 15, Barks and Bottoms Up at Dr. Brewlittle’s in Maple Shade benefits Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue.

Puppy Yoga Fit Summer Fest
Cedarvale Winery, Swedesboro
The July 8 class will be dedicated to Don’t Bully Us Rescue. After class, choose between sipping wine or playing with the pups – or do both!

Puppy Yoga With NJSH Pet Rescue
Ms. Chester’s, 338 Main St., Chester
One hundred percent of the proceeds from this class on July 16 will go to the pet rescue.

Brassy Buddha
107 Quimby St., Westfield
On July 29, the all-level yoga flow class will end with you meeting adorable little puppies who are up for adoption.

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The post Meet the Cutest Yoga Partner! Where to Try Goat Yoga in NJ appeared first on NJ Family.

You’re busy, you’re tired, you’re pulled from every direction – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be you! It’s perfectly OK – and healthy – to take some time out for yourself, whether it’s with your hubby on a date night or with your best friends for girls night out. Here are some ideas for what to do when you need to rejuvenate and reenergize yourself.

1. Rest and Relax. What could be better than lying down for an hour under a warm blanket, listening to relaxing music, smelling stress-reducing scents and relieving the tension of your muscles? A trip to the spa is the perfect way to unwind with your girls (or even by yourself). If you choose a location with a lounge, like Avanti Day Resort in Manalapan or SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater, you can hang out with your friends as you wash away your troubles.

2. Say Cheers. If you want to chill and relax, visit one of the many breweries or wineries in NJ. Laurita Winery in New Egypt has food truck festivals almost every weekend. If you want more action, cheer on your favorite team at one of these sports bars. Tommy’s Tavern + Tap has TVs all over the place, plus patio seating, so you can enjoy a good ol’ cheeseburger, pizza or sushi with your gals.

3. Channel Your Inner Van Gogh. Spark some creativity by bringing your clique to a paint night. You can go to Pinot’s Palette to paint a scene on canvas, or try your hand at pottery painting at Color Me Mine. The Electic Chic Boutique in Montclair offers a variety of classes, anything from crotchet wire bracelet making to a playing card art workshop to Chinese calligraphy.

4. Let It Go. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind. Even though this is very individual, you can still bring your gal pals with you so you can walk on the beach in Seaside after a full moon ritual. You can grab a coffee on the boardwalk after you listen to singing crystal bowls among the splashing waves of the ocean.

5. Stretch Your Limits. Yoga has proven benefits for relaxation. Step it up a notch with puppy yoga by Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses, or goat yoga at Mad Lavendar Farm in Milford. You and your friends will love playing with the cute, cuddly animal babies – just don’t miss your own babies too much!

6. Release Your Energy. Hatchet throwing has become a very popular way to reduce stress, not only because of its physical nature but because you’ll spend time laughing with your girls. Call in advance to see if your closest location is BYO.

7. Lounge Around in Style. Whether you and your crew like to party at a club or prefer a more chill atmosphere, a lounge is a great place to sit back, sip on some wine and talk about what’s going on in your daily lives. Orchard Park by David Burke has a bar, restaurant and lounge area, plus an outdoor patio.

8. Laugh It Up. A comedy club is a great place to let go of your troubles. Laughter really is the best medicine. The Stress Factory in New Brunswick and Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach have shows almost nightly. If you’re feeling extra brave, sign up for an open mic and treat your friends to a real show!

9. Belt It Out. Music speaks to our souls, so why not go with the girls to a karaoke bar? Plan a night at Songbird Karaoke in Collingswood, or if a you need a midweek pick-me-up, Grasshopper off the Green in Morristown has karaoke every Tuesday.

10. Make Your Getaway. Don’t just plan a girls’ night out, plan an entire girls’ weekend away! Crystal Springs Resort has adult-friendly activities like a cabaret, wine tour and tasting, and time spent sitting by the Biosphere Pool. Atlantic City is a great option, too.

11. Indulge in Your Sweet Tooth. Share the juicy gossip while sipping on cocktails and tasting cakes at the Sweet Suite at Calandra’s Italian Village in Caldwell. It’s true, you don’t have to be planning a wedding to sample the bite-sized desserts.

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The post 10 Ideas For a Girl’s Night Out In New Jersey appeared first on NJ Family.

These days, it’s all too easy to get stuck in an endless cycle of worry, our thoughts consumed by things we can’t control. During the worst days of the pandemic, most of us were stuck at home interacting with technology at all hours of the day and night. Even now, if we don’t give ourselves a chance to decompress, all that time indoors on electronic devices can take a toll.

Luckily, a powerful healing resource is widely available, and it’s free for the taking. An important form of self-care, immersion in nature revitalizes our overscheduled minds and weary souls. Spending time in the natural world is a way to counteract the effects of screen time and de-stress, a therapeutic buffer for the chaos of our modern world.

With its numerous physical and mental health benefits, nature elevates our overall well-being. Research shows exposure to nature decreases anxiety and increases working memory and cognition, making it easier to manage the stress that life throws our way. By consciously connecting with nature, we open our senses to its calming energy, says Julia Scalise, Ph.D, a Margate-based holistic health practitioner and naturologist.

“Hiking in natural settings enhances not only physical well-being but emotional and physiological wellness as well,” Scalise says. “Many studies show improvements in blood pressure, immunity and mood all by spending time in nature. Most people express an increase in feelings of calm and joy.”

To reap nature’s full benefits, slow down and pay deliberate, mindful attention to your surroundings, says Shannon Albarelli, Ph.D, a Summit-based clinical psychologist and certified mindfulness and meditation instructor. “In meditation, we speak about a ‘beginners mind,’ where you look at the world as if you were seeing it for the first time,” Albarelli says. “This is a great way to experience nature.”

“Nature is innately healing in that it connects us to something larger than ourselves. It holds space for us to slow down and be in awe and wonder. I always feel more grounded and clearer after [walking] in nature,” she says.

New Jersey is bursting with beautiful, easy-to-access outdoor hiking spots. The next time you’re in need of a mind-body refresh, check out our list of great spots to hike around the state. 

The post Why Connecting to Nature on a Hike Will Help Revitalize You appeared first on NJ Family.

First Day Hikes are a traditional way to begin the New Year with fresh air, exercise and rejuvenation in nature. Grab the kids, and maybe your pup (some parks allow leashed dogs but check before you go) and put on your boots, gloves and a jacket and hit the trails! Bring water, snacks and binoculars. Registration may be required even though the hikes are free. All hikes are currently scheduled for Jan. 1 but they may be postponed or canceled due to weather, so double check before you head out.

Discover Double Trouble First Day Jaunt
Double Trouble State Park, restroom area, 581 Pinewald Keswick Rd., Bayville
10 – 11:30 am
Open to kids age 10 and older accompanied by an adult.
The leisurely walk is about 1.5 miles along the Mill Pond Trail. You’ll love the views of the waters of Cedar Creek. You’ll finish the morning walk through the historic village.

First Day Dog Hike
Belleplain State Forest Main Office, Parking Lot, 1 Henkinsifkin Rd., Woodbine
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Open to children age 10 and older with an adult.
Join Megan and her furry friends for a hike through the forests of Cape May County. Afterward, relax with a cup of tea or hot cocoa and some homemade treats (for you and your dog!) around a campfire.

First Day Hike at Bass River
Bass River State Forest, 762 Stage Rd., Bass River Twp.
10 am – 12 pm
Open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bass River is New Jersey’s first state forest! Snap pictures along Lake Absegami and visit the remains of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp. After, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate or tea inside the Bass River exhibit space. You can end your afternoon with a climb to the top of the Bass River fire tower, if weather permits.

First Day Hike to Caven Point
Liberty State Park Office, 200 Morris Pesin Dr., Jersey City
12 – 2 pm
All ages welcome but kids must have an adult with them at all times.
This is a 3-mile, leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach. Explore the urban and natural shoreline of the Upper NY Bay, with unique views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Skyline.

First Day Education Hike
Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy Recreation Area Parking Lot, Woodbine
10 am – 1 pm
Open to kids age 10 and older with an adult.
State Park Naturalist Matthew Pelligrine will lead your group on a leisurely hike along the East Creek Trail. He’ll stop you along the way to point out some natural points of interest.

First Day Hike at IBSP
Island Beach State Park, Swimming Area 1, Seaside Park
1:30 – 3 pm
All ages welcome.
This scenic walk along the beach is approximately 1 mile out and back, but you can turn back at anytime. A bonfire and s’mores will follow, weather permitting.

First Day Hike at NJBG
New Jersey State Botanical Garden, Morris Road, Ringwood
1 – 2:30 pm
All ages.
Take a self-guided, family-friendly hike in the park woodlands surrounding the botanical garden. Weather permitting, you can easily climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook on the Halifax trail and return, or choose an alternate hike without a climb.

2023 First Day Hike at Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake State Park Nature Center, 300 Gordon Rd., Old Bridge
1 pm
Ages 8 and up.
A Naturalist will lead you along the route. You’ll learn about the history and environmental highlights of the park.

First of the Year Nature Walk
Parvin State Park Office, 701 Almond Rd., Pittsgrove
11 am – 1 pm
All ages welcome.
Reset and recharge by walking along the Green Trail.

High Point First Day Challenge Hike
Appalachian Trail parking lot, High Point State Park, Montague
10 am
Children 12 and up can hike with an adult.
The first, more rugged half of the hike will be on the Appalachian Trail. The return will be on the easier Iris Trail, a well-graded, old wagon road.

New Year’s Day Climb
Twin Lights Historic Site, 2 Light House Rd., Highlands
10 am – 3:30 pm
Open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Hike to the top of the North Tower where there will be views all around. Museum exhibits will be open, as well as the gift shop.

Old Dutch New Year
Wallace House and Dutch Parsonage Historic Sites, Parking Lot, 71 Somerset St., Somerville
2 – 3:30 pm
Open to all ages
This afternoon walk follows the Peters Brook Greenway and Main Street with stops to learn about the history of the buildings. You’ll get to leave Washington’s Headquarters flags at two stone markers, recalling Gen. George Washington’s passage through the area in January 1777 as part of the Revolutionary War. After the walk you’ll return back to the Old Dutch Parsonage for a brief open house as the sun sets.

Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee 38th Annual New Year’s Day Hike
Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail, 1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown
10 am – 1 pm
Children welcome if accompanied by an adult.
The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level walking.

Perrine Hill and Sutfin Farm Hiking Tour
Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center, 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan
11 am – 1 pm
Kids age 10 and up can come as long as they are cared for by a parent or guardian.
Hike through the fields where Gen. George Washington commanded the Continental Army and Molly Pitcher fought during the Battle of Monmouth in the Revolutionary War. This guided hike will let you enjoy natural beauty and history.

Princeton Nursery Lands First Day Hike
D&R Canal/Mapleton Preserve, Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Office, 145 Mapleton Rd., Princeton
12 – 2 pm
Children accompanied by an adult are welcome to join.
This easy 1.5-mile loop hike through the Mapleton Preserve will finish up with hot cocoa.

Starting 2023 On The Right Foot
D&R Canal State Park Towpath Trail, Scenic Overlook, access from I-295, Hamilton Twp.
12 – 2 pm
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Walk along the D&R Canal’s southernmost towpath, going through the Abbott Marshlands and exploring Crosswicks Creek.

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June 21 is the official beginning of summer, the longest day of the year, and also International Day of Yoga. Dating back to ancient times, the summer solstice marks the mystical, spiritually-heightened day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Many yoga studios are offering classes from sunrise to sunset to make the most of the sunshine and beautiful weather as a way to find inner peace and tranquility. Here are some studios that are offering special classes for you to find your zen.

Powerflow Yoga
Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
5 – 6:30 pm
This free class will be a celebration of the summer solstice.

A Garden Party
567 Route 40, Elmer
4:30 – 5:30 pm
This gentle yoga practice will be held outside led by Bee Inspired Yoga. Perfect for beginners and advanced yogis.

Urban Souls Yoga
100 Hudson St., Hoboken
7 – 9 pm
This 2-hour workshop opens with powerful mantras and pranayama, followed by a sequence of asanas to tone and strengthen the mind and body, into yoga nidra during savasana, and then the Asana Jam.

Honor Yoga
Studios are located in Hamilton, Manalapan, Eastampton, Princeton, Pennington, North Brunswick, Voorhees, Hillsborough, Flemington, Warren, Livingston, Hoboken and Washington.
Various times, 6:30 am – 8:30 pm
Honor Yoga has classes scheduled both in person and livestreamed, including barre, meditation, chair yoga, gentle yoga and flow.

Summer Solstice Yoga
Beach at Kerr Avenue, Lavalette
6:30 – 7:45 pm
Join Amanda and Jennie to celebrate the arrival of summer with yoga, essential oils, meditation and your own Sun Tea creation on the beach.

Yogin House of Kundalini
20 Exeter Lane, Morristown
4 – 9 pm
This is your invitation to practice kundalini yoga, meditation (Healing Ring of Tantra) and an hour-long relaxing sound bath. Start with the Kriya and meditation outside in the shade. Then, continue to the studio for a relaxing gong and sound bath. Finish the evening together on the deck, eating dinner (homemade vegan Hungarian mushroom stew) while Melissa from Little Touch of Sunshine offers a chakra energy report.

Solstice in Times Square 2022
New York City
7:30 am – 8:30 pm
Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga will return for the Times Square Alliance’s 20th annual event. Finding calm within the chaos of life in New York City, experienced yogis and first-timers are invited to join one of seven free yoga classes taking place throughout the day on the Broadway pedestrian plazas. All classes will livestream on TSQ.org/Solstice via YouTube and on Facebook. Register for in-person attendance.

Summer Solstice Yoga
Plainsboro Municipal Complex, Plainsboro
5:30 – 6:30 pm
The program outside on the plaza will consist of a warmup, sun salutations, a cooldown and a closing rest. All ages and levels are welcome. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. Sponsored by Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

The Sun is Rising on the Longest Day
Gazebo at Crane Park, West Caldwell
6 – 7:30 pm
The Sun is Rising on the Longest Day will be a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. Donna Donofrio and Samantha Gambuzza of Indigo Yoga, and local small businesses and vendors, will team up to lead a yoga class, plus live music and shopping. Yogis of all ages, all abilities and all levels are welcome.

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Tips from the Nutritionists

Get kids involved in cooking 

“One of the best ways to introduce children to healthy eating and becoming more interested in food is having them get involved in the meal planning and cooking process,” says Jasmine El Nabli, MS, RDN.

“Bringing your children to the grocery store and allowing them to choose a few healthy items can help to increase exposure to new foods and make the mealtime process fun and exciting. In the kitchen encourage your children to engage in age-appropriate tasks like washing, stirring, mashing or even cutting with a kid-friendly knife set (like this one). Praising them for a job well done can help boost their confidence in the kitchen and lead to healthier food choices later in life. Getting kids involved in the meal planning and cooking process can help to relieve mealtime stress and create a more enjoyable experience for the entire family.”

Sit down for lunch

“Make yourself a healthy, balanced meal and sit down to enjoy your lunch,” says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, nutrition expert and author of Smoothies & Juices: Prevention Healing Kitchen. “So many parents (moms especially) prioritize their kids’ nutrition, but then don’t do the same for themselves. Sitting down and enjoying your meal mindfully will help you be more present, which will allow you to enjoy your food more fully, as well as being able to tune into your hunger cues. That way you’ll know when you’re full and satisfied.”

Lead by example

“My best tips for families, staying fit healthy and active is to have fun as a family but also plan for time to focus on individual needs and goals,” says Joanna Paterson, owner, BODIESYNERGY Fitness. “As parents we lead by example for our children to learn from. Taking time to feel strong and confident moving our bodies is an investment in our wellbeing mentally, emotionally and physically.”

Be a role model

“A core foundation for families and fitness starts with healthy habits you build at home,” says Judy Sanabria, a personal trainer at Life Time Florham Park.  “Parents can develop a balance of exercise, nutrition and family time. Don’t be stuck on how long it takes, instead focus on what you can do to make each day a healthy day. Embrace a healthier lifestyle for yourself so you will be a role model for your family. Think of longevity — what you put in is what you will get in return. Be the best version of yourself. Prioritizing sleep, nutrition and exercise will help your family build a core foundation so that they can grow healthy habits for life.”

Fit it in!

“My best tip for parents when it comes to fitness is to fit in your workouts wherever you can!” says Molly D’Alessio, co-owner Pure Barre Red Bank, Pure Barre Livingston, Pure Barre Millburn, and soon-to-open CycleBar Millburn. “Just because you don’t have time for a full workout doesn’t mean that you should just skip exercising all together. Holding a plank during a commercial, push-ups on your counter while waiting for your coffee to brew or simply pulling your abs in and up while standing in line at the grocery store are all ways that I like to sneak it in on days I can’t get to the studio or a full class. Take the steps, always. It will become a habit, and it’s a great way to tone your legs and get your heartrate up every day!  My 7-year-old son believes that he should do a push up a day for however old he is, and I’ll always jump in with him when he does it to set a good example, and because, he’s right!”

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