A night out without the kids calls for a pretty cocktail on a rooftop. These rooftop bars are all about views, drinks, next-level dining and live music.

Red Rock Tap + Grill
Red Bank

Overlooking the Navesink River, Red Rock Tap + Grill is a cozy bar where you can dance the night away since the upper deck has plenty of space. The string lights set up around the rooftop light up the night sky and there are 19 HDTVs and 16 beers on tap. Try a specialty cocktail with tropical or southern flavors with a kick. During the summer, dine on their seasonal special Lobster Rolls, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Tuna Tartare Nachos. 

The VÜE Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Atlantic City

Located at The Claridge Hotel on the 23rd floor, The VÜE offers a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean. With indoor and outdoor seating, you can order wines by the glass or bourbons, tequilas, cognacs and draft beers. Come for daily happy hour and $5 dollar wines. There’s live entertainment every Saturday.

Daddy O Restaurant & Bar
Long Beach Island

Located by the modern boutique Hotel LBI, this bar is just a few minutes from the ocean, so if you’re looking for a bite to eat or a drink, try Daddy O Restaurant & Bar for outdoor dining. During the summer, the hotel opens up its outdoor dining at the bar for cocktails and sushi. The Daddy O Bar is open on weekends then after mid-June, they are open every day. Going for dinner? Try the Local Flounder Piccata or their Colossal Crab & Shrimp Scampi. 

Pour Abbeys Bar & Grill
Newark

Plan a night out at Pour Abbeys Bar & Grill, home to delicious Portuguese-inspired dishes and a selection of mojitos. Locals here love the whiskeys, calamari, chicken wings and burgers. Come on Fridays for live music on the rooftop. 

Avenue Nuit
Long Branch

Down the shore, The Beach Club’s beach bar, Avenue Nuit, has gorgeous views. The Beach Club at Avenue is a club that hosts events and private parties. Visit The Roof Lounge for its amazing pool and views of the beach plus live music every Monday. This rooftop gem is also right near the vibrant shopping in Pier Village. 

Nohu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Weehawken

Nohu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant has epic New York City views. Come for the golden hour, the bar’s happy hour, every Monday through Thursday from 5-7 pm. On Sundays from 12-3 pm, come for a Latin Jazz Brunch featuring live music or check out Beat Weekends on Friday and Saturday nights. Feast on a Cajun-Spiced Tuna Bowl or Grilled Bourbon Butter Steak. Reserve for a VIP Experience and get the best views of the Manhattan skyline. 

The Ashford
Jersey City

The lush Garden Rooftop sets this bar apart from the others. The Ashford is made for Instagram. Guests come for gardens and the Newark Pedestrian Plaza. The rooftop is open rain or shine thanks to its canopy. Come for a Tiki Cocktail or take advantage of Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 4-7 pm and Five Dollar Fridays where you’ll find $5  bellinis, $3 mimosas and more. 

Alto
Montclair

Alto is a unique rooftop bar with an exterior unlike any other. The colorful dining setup and giant arch offer up a vacay vibe. The bar has 3,000 square feet of interior and exterior space combined. Order a handcrafted cocktail or sparkling red, white or pink wines and apps. The menu also boasts artisanal pizzas like Margherita or Cacio e Pepe. The locals here especially love the view during sunsets. 

Watermark
Asbury Park

Watermark is Asbury’s go-to rooftop beach bar. Come for a drink while taking in views of the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. Located on the second floor of the First Avenue Pavilion, Watermark has over 8,000 square feet of interior and exterior space, surrounding the carousel, the casino and the Empress Hotel. The bar specializes in finger foods and craft cocktails. The mixologists here offer up everything from Lemonadas to tequilas like Spicy Pear Cactus. 

La Terrazza
Ridgewood

Felina Restaurant & Bar opened La Terrazza, Ridgewood’s first rooftop bar with room for up to 85 guests. The bar specializes in rosé wines and frosé drinks, as well as pizzas made from their specialty ovens. 

Wave Resort
Long Branch

The Wave Resort in Pier Village is a high-end hotel with several types of bars. Its rooftop bar also serves as the hotel’s Pool Bar. Featuring oceanfront views and a swim-up bar, come for a specialty cocktail and relax on a lounge chair. On the rooftop, you’ll also be able to wind down by the cabanas as you take in the salty ocean air.

Rooftop at Exchange Place
Jersey City

Host your private events or catch a view of the New York City skyline at Rooftop at Exchange Place, which recently unveiled its renovated outdoor space. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm so enjoy that block of time to get drinks for the best prices. The bar has a cocktail lounge so you’re in pure relaxation while witnessing the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty from above. The design of the bar has a retractable glass roof and walls plus an outdoor patio with a fireplace that is perfect during the summer season. Try their rooftop entrees like Bang Bang Shrimp, the RXP Burger or the Spumoni Bomba.

Look at the beautiful views of Rooftop at Exchange Place via our Instagram page.

Town Bar + Kitchen
Morristown

Here you’ll find the only rooftop bar complete with a fireplace, called Town Bar + Kitchen. Check out the selection of wines, premium beers and specialty cocktails that include La Fiesta Rosa or a TOWN Grapefruit Rumble. This rooftop bar has brick walls surrounding the building with red lounge chairs to match the aesthetic of the bar. The string lights and the fireplace make the bar feel cozy, but with a night sky you get a feel for how beautiful Morristown can look. 

Rooftop at Hotel LBI
Long Beach Island

If you are down the shore make sure to visit Hotel LBI’s Rooftop Bar, where you’ll encounter bay views and handcrafted cocktails. Relax in their cozy outdoor lounges on this all-white decorated rooftop that is surrounded by a garden of flowers and trees. The deck is similar to a beach house, with wooden tables and umbrellas all around. Bask in the sun while you sip on Guava Coladas or Atlantic Lemonade from their cocktail lemonades so you feel right at the shore. Enjoy game nights by playing ping pong, corn hole and connect four as they are scattered all around the rooftop. Their food menu consists of a selection of pizzas made by the hotel’s kitchen.

City Bistro
Hoboken

Known for its Italian American-inspired menu, City Bistro is a three-floor restaurant including a bar, rooftop and a lounge. You’ll get views of the Manhattan skyline while the sun sets during the evenings plus their roundtable bar and HDTV outside. Try their brunch, main, dessert, cocktail, wine and beer menus for endless possibilities for the whole family. For foodies you’ll love their cocktail menu because of their creative drinks with flavors unique to an ordinary cocktail, for example the Tupelo Honey or Innerbloom. 

Concourse Club
Woodridge

Described as a swanky airport lounge, the Concourse Club is the rest stop for all visitors of the town. This chic spot is designed to look like you’ve teleported to the past with its vintage interior. The bar is accompanied by an amazing view of the most stunning hills and the vibrant city. The rooftop bar has a strict dress code in order to ensure guests are experiencing the upscale atmosphere that the bar creates. This is another trendy spot with lots of photo-ops for your social media, so dress the part and take a look at the vintage view. While you feast on the views, sip on their grand selection of wines, whiskeys from Japan, and food from classic American to Japanese to Spanish. 

Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
Cape May

Outside of Cape May’s shore you’ll find Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille that has now become an award-winning rooftop bar. Bring friends on a night out to enjoy their famous orange crushes, fresh seafood and signature sandwiches. The bar is next to Cape May’s Montreal Beach Resort.

Salvation
Asbury Park

If you’re looking for a fancy night, like celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, head over to The Asbury Hotel’s rooftop bar Salvation. This is Asbury Park’s chic-yet-chill rooftop bar housing some of the best sunset views, live music, and many times where you can dance. This bar also has a casual sophisticated dress code to mimic the upscale design of the bar. Try their canned drinks and handcrafted cocktails including Lavender Lemonade, Raspberry Park Spritz, and many more. 

The Bradford
Bridgewater

Watch the sunset overlooking the town of Bridgewater at The Bradford, with their handcrafted cocktails and small plates. The bar has lots of Instagrammable shots of the rooftop with its glass fence, paired with tropical plants that make you feel right at a summer getaway. The bar has a perfect photo-op in front of the rose arch and the heart-shaped The Bradford sign, plus chandeliers and white roses on the ceiling of the rooftop bar and a pool table. Make sure to check their dress code before you go in as they do keep an upscale atmosphere for their rooftop bar and check out their Happy Hour, Tuesday through Thursday from 5-7 pm. 

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 Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post The Best Rooftop Bars in New Jersey appeared first on NJ Family.

We love our kids—but let’s be honest, sometimes mama needs a break! This Mother’s Day month, plan a day with your besties for some much-needed R&R in one of New Jersey’s favorite Shore towns. It’s even been named one of the top 20 spots in the country for a mom escape by both Cosmopolitan and SIXT.

Asbury Park placed 19th on a list of 20 “momcation” spots in the U.S. by SIXT, and No. 20 out of 35 girls’ trip destinations in the country by Cosmo. We love Asbury Park for its cute Grand Arcade shops, gorgeous beaches, art galleries, restaurants and endless things to do along the boardwalk and in the city.

Start your day with a top tier caffeine fix at Asbury Park Roastery or have some next level pancakes or avo toast at Toast City Diner. Asbury is known for being a city that’s home to innovative spots and the new Jewish-Italian fusion restaurant Judy’s, and its neighboring speakeasy-like bar, Harry’s, are just one example. The bar and restaurant are open to the public, although part of the St. Laurent hotel (you can book a night or two there, too).

Sign up for a food tour and taste a variety of authentic dishes throughout the city. Save room for dessert at Coney Waffle.

No trip to Asbury is complete without a show at the iconic Stone Pony or House of Independents. Get your old school game on at the Silverball Retro Arcade, try glassblowing at Hot Sand, or catch a movie at Showroom Cinema.

A shoreline walk at sunrise is always good for the soul, or enjoy some quiet time at Sunset Lake Memorial Park. Asbury Park Pedal Boats rents swan-shaped pedal boats you can take out on Wesley Lake.

Relaxation is the goal at Artemis Ethos Holistic Beauty Soul Spa Salon, which offers the most glorious scalp massages. Kur Wellness Studios has a yoga studio and Ayurvedic therapies.

There are lots of cute shops selling Jersey Shore-themed clothes and accessories at the Grand Arcade, and if you’re visiting on Mother’s Day weekend, you’ll catch the extra pop-up shops of the Spring Bazaar.

Book a room at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel or Asbury Ocean Club for a full getaway experience.

How did Asbury rank so high on a national list? To determine the rankings, the analysis by SIXT looked at Google Trends searches for Mother’s Day, worldwide, over the past month; as well as Cosmo’s list of the top girls’ trip ideas. Analysts looked at the number of premium resorts and spas in each area, plus TikTok views from the most popular video highlighting the destination (as of March 24). Although Asbury does not have any all-inclusive resorts, it does have five spa and wellness retreats, and there have been 413,000 TikTok views.

The Top 20 Momcation Destinations in the U.S., According to SIXT:

1. Sedona, Arizona
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
3. Pagosa Springs, Colorado
4. Napa Valley, California
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
6. Vail, Colorado
7. Lake Tahoe, California
8. Big Sky, Montana
9. Sun Valley, Idaho
10. Park City, Utah
11. Newport, Rhode Island
12. Charleston, South Carolina
13. Montauk, New York
14. Asheville, North Carolina
15. St. Michaels, Maryland
16. Austin, Texas
17. Nashville, Tennessee
18. Santa Barbara, California
19. Asbury Park, New Jersey
20. Las Vegas, Nevada

The 35 Best Girls’ Trip Destinations, According to Cosmopolitan:

1. Newport, Rhode Island
2. Lake Tahoe, California
3. St. Michaels, Maryland
4. Park City, Utah
5. Napa Valley, California
6. Nashville, Tennessee
7. Outer Banks, North Carolina
8. Las Vegas, Nevada
9. Big Sky, Montana
10. Pagosa Springs, California
11. Montauk, New York
12. Santa Barbara, California
13. Vail, Colorado
14. Woodstock, Vermont
15. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
16. New York, New York
17. Bar Harbor, Maine
18. Ojai, California
19. Sedona, Arizona
20. Asbury Park, New Jersey
21. Austin, Texas
22. Willamette Valley, Oregon
23. Charleston, South Carolina
24. Sun Valley, Idaho
25. New Orleans, Louisiana
26. Palm Springs, California
27. Asheville, North Carolina
28. Nantucket, Massachusetts
29. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
30. Telluride, Colorado
31. Portland, Maine
32. Santa Fe, New Mexico
33. Solvang, California
34. Mackinac Island, Michigan
35. Aspen, Colorado

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 Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post Cosmo Ranked This Jersey Shore City a Top Girls’ Trip Spot Just in Time for Mother’s Day appeared first on NJ Family.

If you’ve heard about Pendry Natirar in Somerset County, it’s probably on your New Jersey staycation bucket list. And with good reason. Travel + Leisure named the luxe destination to its list of the 100 Best New Hotels of 2025 in the world, and we totally get why.

See this dreamy escape on our Instagram page.

The setting alone is worth the trip. Nestled on 500 acres of scenic countryside, Pendry Natirar welcomes you with a pretty drive up a winding road through Natirar Park. As you make your way to the hotel, you’ll see the Natirar Club, the acclaimed Ninety Acres restaurant (popular with foodies and event-goers), a greenhouse, tennis courts, and beautiful views of the surrounding greenery.

The hotel itself is literally inside a home fit for a king. It’s part of the former home of Walter and Kate Macy Ladd, who built one of the largest estates in the area in the 1900s, naming it after the Raritan River (Natirar is Raritan spelled backwards). Kate turned it into a convalescent home for women. After their deaths, the property was sold to King Hassan II of Morocco, and when he died in 1999, it was inherited by his son, Mohammed VI. In 2003, Somerset County purchased the estate from Mohammed.

It’s now a high-end 66-room hotel with luxurious, spacious bathrooms, a separate area with a coffee bar and closet, and views overlooking the park’s hills. There are 20 suites, including four specialty suites with full bedrooms, a full kitchen, an egg-shaped tub and indoor and outdoor fireplaces on the terrace that overlook the lush greenery.

Inside the mansion, Ladd’s Tavern serves full-service meals. There’s a Great Room area where you can relax or sit for high tea, a fitness center, a 20,000-square-foot two-level Spa Pendry, and a banquet room for events. Outside, there is a greenhouse and farmland where vegetables, fruits and herbs are grown for use at Ladd’s and at Ninety Acres, which has its own cooking school; you can see the chickens used for farm-fresh eggs, plus sheep and bunnies.

Although the hotel is incredibly luxurious, it does cater to kids, especially with its Paintbox children’s club, which keeps your littles busy and entertained during the day. There are also kids’ cooking classes, activities out on the farm, and sports activities.

Pendry Natirar is located at 400 Natirar Dr. in Peapack. For information on the hotel stays, Spa Pendry, Ninety Acres and its cooking school, or any of its experiences, visit pendry.com/natirar. Midweek stays start at around $500 per guestroom.

See this dreamy escape on our Instagram page.

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The post This NJ Gem Was Just Named One of the Best New Hotels on the Planet appeared first on NJ Family.

Birthdays are so much fun to celebrate, and even better with tons of freebies that you can get either on the day of your birth or during your birth month. Sign up for theses rewards programs and let the gifts roll in!

Ace Hardware
If being physical is your idea of the perfect birthday, head to Ace to spend your birthday cash. Through the Ace Rewards program you’ll also get instant savings, access to special events and free delivery on qualifying orders.

Adventure Aquarium
Camden
Come to the aquarium for free on your birthday and check out all the sharks, stingrays, starfish and penguins. It’s valid for anyone, but you must show proof of age.

AMC Theatres
If you’re a movie buff, the AMC Stubs program gets you a large popcorn and large fountain drink for your birthday, so grab your kids’ friends and plan a party.

American Eagle
Your teen probably loves to shop here so have them sign up for the Real Rewards Program and they’ll get a HBD Coupon.

Anthropologie
If you need a new outfit for your birthday party, sign up for AnthroPerks so you’ll get 20% off your purchase during your birthday month.

Auntie Anne’s
Their sweet or salty perks include a free pretzel for every 250 points earned through their rewards program. You also get a free pretzel after your first order, plus another free pretzel on your birthday.

Baja Fresh
If you join Club Baja, a birthday reward will be loaded into your account seven days prior to the big day. All you have to do is give your phone number to the cashier and present your ID to get your gift. Make sure you get to your favorite resto within seven days after your birthday or the reward will expire.

Baskin Robbins
We all scream for ice cream! When you opt into the Birthday Club, you’ll get a coupon for a free 4-ounce scoop through the Baskin-Robbins Mobile App.

Benihana
If you want to celebrate your birthday eating hibachi, sign up in advance for The Chef’s Table and you’ll receive a $30 birthday certificate for the month of your birthday.

Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta
Become a part of Dough Nation and you’ll not only get a special birthday gift, but also one on your anniversary.

Bob’s Stores
Sign up for their rewards program and you’ll get $10 to spend on anything from sportswear and sneakers to home goods and candy.

Buffalo Wild Wings
Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards and aside from earning points for free food, you’ll get six free wings during your birthday month. Choose your sauce!

Build-a-Bear
Stuffed animals are a great birthday gift, and the Bonus Club allots you a special reward on your birthday.

Burger King
Have it your way on your birthday, and every day. The BK Royal Perks plan lets you earn double the crown during the entire month of your bday. You may also be eligible for free upsizes, redemption on delivery orders and exclusive challenges.

Carvel
Calling all Fudgie Fanatics! Stop by for a free ice cream cone on your birthday. While you’re waiting, check out their selection of Flying Saucers and Fudgie the Whale cakes to take home for your birthday party.

The Cheesecake Factory
You always have to save room for dessert! After your meal, ask for a complimentary birthday sundae with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream, fudge, whipped cream, confetti pieces and a candle. If you order dessert (which you’ll have to pay for), they will personalize the plate with “Happy Birthday” and your name written in chocolate or caramel. They decorate the plate with candy confetti and place a candle on top.

Chick-fil-A
If you love your chicken, join the Chick-fil-A One program to earn points with every order. You’ll receive random rewards and bonus point challenges, plus a birthday reward valid for 30 days.

Chili’s
The rewards program lets you get free chips and salsa and a free non-alcoholic beverage every time you visit! For your birthday you can choose a free dessert as well. Other rewards throughout the year include free kids meals, delivery, appetizers and desserts.

Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Rewards gets you free instant guacamole, a gift on your birthday, achievement badges and access to new menu items and merch.

Cinnabon
The rewards here keep on rolling! For a sweet treat on your bday, sign up for a free 16-ounce cold brew. Plus, you get a free four-count of BonBites just for signing up!

Cold Stone Creamery
My Cold Stone Club Rewards will load a buy one-get one free Creation loaded to your account right off the bat — and then you’ll get another one loaded for your birthday.

Crumbl Cookies
Get a free cookie every year on your birthday through the app.

CVS
Members get 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards, plus a new birthday treat each year, too.

Denny’s
Get a taste of their rewards program when you get 20% off your next visit when you join, plus a free birthday gift every year.

DSW
Every girl loves a new pair of shoes, so enjoy $5 off your purchase if you need new heels or boots before your birthday party.

Dunkin’
Start off with free food and drinks, then unlock your Boosted Status to earn points faster and earn members-only offers. Rewards arrange from li’l treats to coffee and tea to breakfast sandwiches. Members enjoy triple the points on the day before, the day of and the day after their birthday.

Edible
If you become a Sweet Perks member you can get a free birthday gift, VIP benefits and a free chocolate-dipped fruit box with every third purchase.

Einstein Bros. Bagels
Join the Schmear Society and you’ll get a free bagel and schmear on your birthday.

Famous Footwear
Buy yourself your own birthday present by spending your $5 reward on yourself, or earn double the points during your birthday month.

Firehouse Subs
Sign up for Firehouse Rewards before your birthday and you’ll be entitled to a free medium sub, valid once on your birthday or for six days after. You must be at least 16 to sign up for the program or download the app.

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar
The email club offers you freebies and fun. You get $10 off just for joining, a free entree on your birthday and access to lots of swag.

IHOP
IHOP’s MyHop program nets you a free stack of five pancakes after your first purchase, plus more free pancakes if you have your birthday breakfast there. Look out for secret menu offerings and exclusive offers.

Jamba Juice
Sign up online or download the app and you’ll be privy to a welcome reward of 50% off a smoothie, a return reward of 50% off a food item, delivery and exclusive rewards. For your birthday, as long as you have 15 points in your account (which is the equivalent to having spent $15) you’ll get a free smoothie.

JCPenney
Stop by the store for a birthday gift and enjoy other benefits like rewards coupons, cash back, double points, and credit savings days when you join JCP Rewards.

Jersey Mike’s Subs
MyMike’s offers you a free sub every year on your birthday. You earn points to more free subs during the year, too.

Kohl’s
Rewards members get a special birthday gift every year. If you enroll in a Kohl’s credit card you get additional personalized perks and something for your anniversary.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Donuts are amazing — free donuts are even more amazing! Sign up and get a free donut anytime during your birthday month. You get a free donut for signing up to the program. Then, enjoy members-only treatment.

Longhorn Steakhouse
Sign up for the eClub and you’ll get special coupons and offers for your special day.

McDonald’s
If you are 18 or older and have downloaded the McD’s app, you can get a free order of medium fries for your birthday. We dare you not to order anything else off the menu!

The Melting Pot
Sign up for Club Fondue and you’ll get a birthday voucher to use when you dip into their cheese and chocolate concoctions.

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Don’t wait for Taco Tuesday to celebrate your birthday! If you sign up for Moe Rewards you get a free cup of queso. Every year you’ll get a free burrito on your birthday.

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Join the eClub to receive exclusive offers, new flavor announcements and a free Bundtlet on your birthday.

Old Navy
Your birthday bonus through the Navyist Rewards program adds extra points to your account.

Olive Garden
When you’re here, you’re family, so bring your family on your birthday and you’ll get a complimentary dessert. To receive other offers, sign up for the eClub.

On The Border
Sign up for Border Rewards through either the app or the website and your first reward will either be a free guacamole appetizer, dessert or non-alcoholic beverage. On your big day stop by and receive a special surprise on the house.

Panera Bread
MyPanera is all about the perks: you get a free sweet treat, pastry or bagel with every purchase! On the day of your birth, get a free sweet treat as well.

P.F. Chang’s
Whether you are a gold or platinum member of the rewards program, you’ll get a complimentary birthday dessert after dinner.

Red Lobster
My Red Lobster Rewards App members get special benefits like coupons, special offers, a free birthday reward and insider information. Once you become a platinum member you’ll get double the points on to-go orders.

Red Robin
Through the Royalty program you will be treated like a king and get a free burger on your birthday. You also get your 10th item for free just because you signed up.

Rita’s Ice
Download the new app and you’ll be treated to free treats, birthday rewards and more.

Ruby Tuesday
Drop in seven days before or 14 days after your big celebration and you’ll get a free dessert. Bring your peeps to help you blow out the candles! If you’re eating healthy, you can choose a free Garden Bar add-on to your meal instead of a sweet treat.

Sbarro
Pizza lovers can join The Slice Society to get a free surprise on your birthday.

Sephora
Every year, Sephora offers different gift sets for its Beauty Insider rewards members. Choose from mini skincare, makeup, haircare or fragrance bundles. You can redeem your gift two weeks prior or two weeks after your birth date. If you don’t have a BI account, you can sign up for free and get your birthday gift immediately.

SmashBurger
Make your birthday a smash by enrolling in the SmashRewards member portal. You can earn a free Shmash Fries, Classic Smash or both on your birthday, depending on your membership status level.

Sonic
Download the app so you’ll get your free small classic shake on your birthday. Other benefits include a free Route 44 soft drink or a half-priced Blast.

Starbucks
Free coffee is a tap away on the Starbucks app. You get free drinks, food and more with as little as 25 star rewards points. You get a free birthday treat, plus coffee and tea refills.

Target
Target Circle benefits includes a free birthday gift on your day, in addition to access to deals, special offers, and the ability to vote on where Target contributes to in your community.

T.G.I. Friday’s
It’s always Friday here, but no matter what day of the week your birthday falls on, you can come by for a free dessert. The Rewards Program kicks off with a free appetizer as well.

Tilly’s
If you complete your profile, you’ll get a birthday surprise. Members get Tilly’s Cash Rewards, too.

Torrid
Whether you are an Insider, Loyalist or VIP, you’ll get a special birthday gift every year. That’s in addition to rewards points and Torrid Cash you can trade in for cool merch.

Ulta Beauty
When you set up your Ultamate Rewards account, check your email for an offer of 2X Bonus Points on all purchases in the calendar month of your birthday. You get a free birthday gift, too. Platinum and Diamond members will receive an extra birthday gift in addition to these gifts!

Victoria’s Secret
Your favorite sleep, sport, swim and loungewear store celebrates you not once, but twice, a year, with a coupon on your birth day and your half-birthday but you’ll have to enroll in their credit card program.

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 Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

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The post 60+ Freebies You Can Get on Your Birthday appeared first on NJ Family.

The Wildwoods is known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, and most of its hotels and motels reflect the doo wop spirit. That gives Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood a nostalgic feel, whether you’re visiting in the heart of summer or for a quieter fall or holiday retreat.

One of the newest hotels in the area has been named Best New Hotel by USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards for 2025! Having visited Madison Resort in October, we can enthusiastically say we agree! It still has nostalgia, but with lots of upgrades to the former Oceanview Motel and the Royal Hawaiian properties, it gives off a modern vibe sure to impress visitors heading down the Shore any time of year.

When you drive along East Rambler Road to the intersection of Ocean Avenue, you can’t help but notice the pale pink and white building with a gorgeous tropical pool outside.

At check-in, you’ll be greeted by an antique photo booth adorned with gorgeous flowers that scream “selfie” (which you’ll be prompted to take by staff). Cute decor abounds inside the lobby (look for the Pound Puppy area!), an old-fashioned couch, a Crosley record player and a mid-century TV playing classic beach movies.

This also leads to the entrance of Vinyl restaurant, which serves a buffet breakfast.

The rooms are sleek and modern, with comfortable beds and a sitting area with beachy decor. Each room has an outdoor bistro table and chairs with a view of the property.

Each room’s separate suite area has a couch, TV, old-fashioned fridge and microwave, and lots of throwback decor.

The top floor has an area with outdoor furniture, making it ideal for sunrise or sunset views overlooking the beach. Or, sit by the pool anytime of year on the lounge chairs or under the cabanas, or at the fire pits.

The hotel is steps from the beach and across the street from D.R. Bradley’s Bike Rentals – get around town via foot, bike, car, or the shuttle offered by Madison Resorts to certain locations throughout the island.

You can also hop on the shuttle to get to Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille in Cape May, which is adjacent to their sister resort, Montreal Beach Resort.

Madison Resort Wildwood Crest took over both the Oceanview Motel and the Royal Hawaiian property after 2 years and $2 million worth of renovations. All in all, there will be 200 guest rooms, three restaurants, a regular pool and a children’s pool, poolside seating for over 100 people, two hot tubs, two fitness centers, five conference rooms with state-of-the-art audio and video technology, two rooftop event spaces, pet-friendly accommodations (in the Royal Tower), swinging hammocks, outdoor dining, and an area for beachfront weddings. This makes it Cape May County’s, and probably the Jersey Shore’s, largest beach resort.

Madison Resort Wildwood Crest is located at 7201 Ocean Ave. in Wildwood Crest. To celebrate the recognition by USA Today, Madison Resort is offering 10 percent off hotel rooms for stays through May 22; book by January 31 using promo code USATODAY via online booking at madisonresortwildwoodcrest.com or when calling 609-884-4063. Upcoming retreats are Galentines Weekend February 7-9, and Girlfriends Weekend May 16-18.

In related news, Wildwood’s Honky Tonk Saloon entertainment venue earned the No. 5 spot for Best New Attraction. Country-themed, it has a restaurant, an arcade filled with games for players of all ages, rustic decor, frequent live country music, and nightly line dancing.

Last year, the Wildwoods Beaches placed No. 1 in USA Today’s 10Best Beaches in New Jersey Readers’ Choice Awards; and the Doo Wop Experience Museum earned a spot among the Top 10 Pop Culture Museums in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.

See what the resort looks like firsthand via our Instagram page.

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The post This NJ Resort Was Voted Best New Hotel by USA Today Readers (And We Agree!) appeared first on NJ Family.

One of the things I love to do for fun is travel to see concerts – a trend that’s known as “gig tripping.” The first time I did it the idea seemed absurd – could I, a busy working mom of two – really plan a vacation around a concert? Well, it turns out that yes, I could and I did (and so can you!).

I love the feeling of being in a place where everyone is singing along to the same song, basking in the shared experience of music. Over the past few years, I’ve traveled to shows as far away as Spain and California, and also used that time to sightsee and catch up with my sister and friends. As moms, we all need those girlfriend getaways – time to relax and just take a break from the day-to-day work and responsibilities and what better excuse than seeing your favorite artist perform? When I realized the opportunity to do this just a short drive from home here in NJ, I was psyched.

Not being a gambler, I initially did not think that Atlantic City would ever be on the top of my desired destinations list. But when I saw that Duran Duran was playing a show there, I was all in! On a recent weekend, I got to experience firsthand all that Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has to offer and I was blown away.

While Borgata was just a short drive down the Atlantic City Expressway for me, my friend Jenny flew in from Chicago for our weekend adventure. On a Friday evening, we checked into the MGM Tower at Borgata and both marveled that it felt more like checking into a gorgeous, high-end hotel than a casino. The former Water Club was completely renovated and reopened in 2023 and for these two moms, it was the perfect place to stay.

The immaculate and well-decorated lobby was extremely inviting and moments after getting our keys, the elevators whisked us up to the 28^th floor where our queen resort room had an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. The room itself was fantastic with super comfortable beds and white, fluffy bedding, fun and colorful art on the walls and a marble-accented bathroom that was immaculately clean and inviting. But as much as we loved the room, this was A.C. baby, so we had to get out and explore the nightlife!

The promise of steak and cocktails led us directly to B Prime Steakhouse, one of 13 eateries on the property. The restaurant had a jovial, dinner party atmosphere and our waiter was humorous and entertaining in just the right measure from the moment we ordered our cocktails until the last bite of chocolate cake was cleared from the table. In between, we indulged in oysters, Caesar salad, filet mignon, lobster tail and couple of side dishes to round things out. All of the food was perfectly cooked, extremely delicious and on par with some of the best places I’ve dined in NYC and elsewhere.

The next morning, we were in for an epic day of fun. While grabbing a quick breakfast in the Food Hall Eatery at Lavazza, we made a mental note to come back later to get a drink at The Daquiri Bar. Featuring an expansive wall of frozen drinks all swirling in their own receptacles, I knew a frosty drink had to be in my future.

Our first activity of the day was massages at Spa Toccare. Jenny and I both got the Signature Massage, a relaxing 50-minute Swedish massage that culminates in a back scrub. The spa itself was cozy and welcoming, and our therapists were both extremely skilled and professional. If we had more time we would have stayed to use the hot tubs, sauna and steam room, but it was time for lunch at Noodles of the World, a fun restaurant that offers Asian cuisine. We sampled spring rolls, pad Thai and dumplings here. Open from noon to midnight (2 am on the weekends!) it’s a great lunch spot or that place that you stumble into after a full night in A.C.!

Next, we had the chance to get a lesson in Baccarat on the casino floor from Vice President of Operations James Bruno. He explained the game in an easy-to-understand way that made us feel like it was both accessible and highly glamorous!

I was getting excited for the main event which for me, was seeing a concert. But first we enjoyed dinner at Angeline, James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Symon’s take on classic Italian food. It was at this point that I realized we had not even gone outside the entire day – there is so much to do (including the amazing swimming pools, indoor and outdoor) that you can truly be occupied here all day long and still not get to experience everything.

The high point of the night was getting to see Duran Duran perform at the Event Center. I’m a huge fan and have seen them many times, but getting to experience their show in such an intimate venue made it feel like an up-close-and-personal experience. Borgata has so many great shows (upcoming ones include Jerry Seinfeld, John Legend and Dancing with the Stars Live) to me it’s the perfect reason to make a weekend of it.

After the show, still buzzing with excitement from dancing and singing for two hours, we finally hit The Daquiri Bar for a drink! There were so many good options – from Mai Tai to Rum Runner to Feelin’ No Pain – but in the end we decided on Frose! (And yes, it was as delicious as it looked!)

Though it was way past our normal bedtimes, we could not end the evening without a visit to Premier, Borgata’s nightclub. Pauly D from “The Jersey Shore” was DJing and we got to experience bottle service. Sitting in our private area, with pink Champagne flowing, we were both certain that this was what girls’ weekend was all about!

On Sunday morning, as we headed to the car and airport, we still couldn’t believe how much fun we managed to pack into such a short amount of time. While Borgata offered so many fun experiences, perhaps the best part of it was just getting to let loose and spend time together catching up and having fun.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is located at 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ. View all of their upcoming shows here.

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The post The Borgata in Atlantic City Should Be Your Next Girls’ ‘Gig Trip’ appeared first on NJ Family.

Does your kid love Hello Kitty? Or maybe you’ve been a big Sanrio fan since back in the day? Either way, you’re going to want to plan a visit to the  Hello Kitty Café Truck, which is stopping in New Jersey over the course of the next few weeks.

You can’t miss the bright pink truck, which will be selling new goodies and limited edition collectibles like a 50th anniversary iridescent tote, pins, patches, a ringer tee and 3-piece cookie set; plus fan faves like the ceramic sprinkle mug, thermals, plush, rainbow tote, lunchbox, enamel pin sets, macarons and a Madeleine cookie set.

The truck only accepts debit or credit card payments.

This Saturday, April 27, the truck will be at Menlo Park Mall in Edison near Macy’s. After heading to Flushing, Queens, next weekend, the truck will return to New Jersey with a stop at Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater on May 11 across from Uncle Julio’s.

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The post A Hello Kitty Café Truck Will Be in NJ This Weekend appeared first on NJ Family.

If you’ve never heard of ASMR, allow us to fill you in, stat.

An autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a tingling sensation, very much like goosebumps, that can be triggered by touch, sight or sound. It’s very meditative and relaxing, and is commonly caused by things like light touch, whispering, the sound of ocean waves, or watching someone brush your hair.

There’s a spa in Pennsylvania that caters to ASMR massage specifically, and it’s worth the drive over the New Jersey border into Bucks County. Apple & Eve Esthetics focuses on tactile stimulation to create an amazing massage: instead of having someone dig their fingers or elbows into your muscles, they use a light touch, fingernail scratches, feathers, brushes and other soft items that feel like a tickle. In short, it’s pure bliss.

The session is like your typical massage in that you’ll change into a robe and lie face down. Starting on your back, you’ll feel gentle sensations that pretty much lull you to a restful state that may even be sleep. You’ll get a scalp and face massage, too.

It’s warm and cozy, and you can choose the music you want, too. After the 45-minute session you’ll feel relaxed and energized. After your massage, head down the road to Penn View Farm for some fresh made chocolate milk from owner Eve Hockman’s grandfather, or in the opposite direction to The Station in Dublin where Eve’s brother owns an ice cream shop.

Eve and her mom Sheri Hockman offer a variety of other services, like facials, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and microneedling; manual lymphatic draining; lash and brow improvements; full-body waxing; and airbrush tanning.

Apple & Eve Esthethics is located at 607 Middle Rd., Perkasie, PA. The spa is attached to a residential house, and there is parking and a designated entrance for the spa area.

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 The Drive to Bucks County For This ASMR Massage Is Worth the Miles in Relaxation appeared first on NJ Family.

Crystal Springs Resort has the look of an upscale exclusive resort combined with the feel of a family-friendly playground nestled among several golf courses and nature trails. Whether you are celebrating Galentine’s Day with a girlfriend getaway, or you are looking for a close-to-home vacay for Presidents Day Weekend or Spring Break, the separate Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel both offer indoor and outdoor activities year-round that are sure to create lots of memories.

Grand Cascades boasts the impressive Biosphere Pool, with its German-manufactured glass, one of only three in the world. The kids will want to spend all day here inside of what looks to be a giant greenhouse, complete with a mini aquarium and a water slide. You’ll forget you’re in Jersey and think you’re in a tropical paradise. If you’re old enough you can sit in the indoor hot tub or sauna, or swim through the plastic gate to the in/out pool, a hot tub connected to the main pool where the fresh air hits your face – it’s absolutely incredible if you’re lucky enough to be there when it snows. And when it’s warmer, the roof and sides of the biosphere retract to make it an outdoor pool. There’s also a separate outdoor pool, the Snow Pool, that is heated to 98 degrees and overlooks the infinity garden.

Minerals Hotel, which is just minutes up the road along Rte. 94, has a beautiful pool complex of its own. There is no slide here, but two huge areas of indoor and outdoor swimming (with a Cliff Jump that will have kids and adults yelling cowabunga!). If you want some quiet time, go to the pool later at night when most of the families have left.

If you feel waterlogged, there are plenty of activities “on land” that everyone can enjoy together. Make your own stuffed animal during a special kids workshop akin to Build-A-Bear. Take a hike along the nature trail and go forest bathing. Try goat yoga, archery, painting, laser clay shooting or metal stamping. Get a close up look at Miss Rosie the Tarantula or pet an albino snake during an animal show. You can even ride some ponies.

With springtime coming, there will be lots more outdoor stuff to do, like watching a kids show in the amphitheater, eating outdoors at the Chef’s Garden, playing foosball or ping pong on the game deck, listening to live music on the patio and heading to the petting zoo.

Don’t worry if an activity you want is at the other property; you can go back and forth via car, but keep in mind there is no operating shuttle.

One of the best activities over at Minerals Hotel is rock climbing ,where kids 6 and older can try to scale the wall. It’s definitely more difficult than it looks and takes some technique, though kids seem to climb easily like spiders. Adults are allowed, too, so challenge your group to see who can go the highest.

There are plenty of options for food at both sites. At Grand Cascades, Springs Bistro is open on the weekends for Italian fare (definitely try the meatballs), and Crystal Tavern is open all week for American grub – there is a breakfast menu, but dusk is the perfect time to eat so you can see the sunset over the golf course and mountains (High Point State Park is visible in the distance). If you want something more low-key, go to the cafes by the pools at either hotel, or Grand Cascades has Rosebud Roasters.

At Minerals Hotel, you can go upstairs to Kites Restaurant for lunch and then head downstairs to the arcade area for some after-meal fun.

If you are going for a couples weekend, Restaurant Latour is the place to be; located on the third floor of Grand Cascades on the clubhouse side, you’ll be able to boast to your friends that you ate at a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning restaurant.

There are other awesome adults-only activities, such as a wine tasting after touring the wine cellar (make sure you don’t wear spiky heels because the spiral staircase is a feat of its own) that includes access to the largest private wine collection in the U.S. – 45,000 bottles worth $10 million – including the oldest bottle (1888 Chateau Latour) and the largest bottle (which holds the equivalent of 20 bottles). The basement area was originally planned for golf cart storage but was beautifully redone into tunnel after tunnel of wine displays. You’ll want to see the special collections of Remy Martin, and the Courvoisier bottles designed in Erte’s art deco style. Look in each case for the bottles that are signed by winery owners when they come to visit.

The Crystal Cabaret is an absolute highlight, too: for one price, you get to watch the show, order unlimited drinks, eat off the charcuterie board and see part of the wine cellar.

You can also make an appointment for a massage, facial or body treatment at Reflections Spa at Grand Cascades. The best part actually comes after the service, when you’re treated to champagne and chocolate truffles as you relax even more with a foot scrub and soak. Gaze throughout since 8,000 beautiful crystals are hanging from the ceiling. Minerals Hotel has its Elements Spa as well.

Many of the activities at both hotels have associated fees and require reservations, so sit down with your kids before your trip to gauge their interests. For free, you can roast marshmallows, go on a scavenger hunt, hike the nature trail (warning: you will see animal tracks along the 3.2-mile semi-strenuous path) and take a pony ride.

You can also head about 15 minutes away to High Point State Park, the highest point in NJ and where you can see views of PA and NY, too; or if you are an experienced hiker, venture along the famed Stairway to Heaven Trail, where you ascend 700 feet up the rocks of the mountains to Pinwheel’s Vista viewpoint along the Appalachian Trial.

Grand Cascades Lodge is located at 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg. Minerals Hotel is located at 2 Chamonix Dr., Vernon, just a few miles up Rte. 94 north. Mountain Creek Resort is in between. Both hotels are family-friendly but Grand Cascades is more upscale and has a higher price point. The rooms range from standard queens to studio apartments to 1- and 2-bedroom suites (with a private washer/dryer, fireplace and patio!).

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 Plan a Spring Break Getaway to Crystal Springs Resort 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.