Things to Do in Scotch Plains, NJ for Kids

A small town in the suburbs of New Jersey, Scotch Plains provides ample opportunities for kids to stay active. It's a tight-knit community evident by the Scotch Plains Newcomers Club, which makes those new to the area feel welcome and learn their way around. As an added bonus, New York City is just 24 miles away if you want to experience big-city attractions.

  1. Amusement Attractions

    • Bowcraft features numerous rides and fun attractions for the kids. Some of the kiddie rides include the merry-go-round, helicopters, frog jumpers, big trucks, motorcycle jump and boats. For the older kids, the park has twirling swings, fast slides, thrilling roller coasters, go-karts, bumper cars and a swinging pirate ship. A redemption arcade room is part of the experience -- and lots of food options are available. The Scotch Hills Mini Golf Course is an 18-hole adventure with waterfalls, streams and sand traps modeled after a real golf course.

    Dance Classes

    • Dancers Pointe offers a wide selection of dance classes for all ages and abilities. For kids ages 4 to 8, a ballet/jazz/creative movement combo class is available. Kids ages 9 and up can take ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe or hip hop classes. Boys and girls are welcome to join any of the classes. Dance 2000 School of the Performing Arts has classes for children in a variety of styles including jazz, tap, modern and ballet. It features a summer program teaching kids in all of the styles over the course of one week.

    Parks

    • Scotch Plains maintains a number of parks excellent for active kids. Jerseyland Park features basketball courts, ballfields, a large playground and picnic areas. Brookside Park is a larger facility covering 29 acres with amenities such as a roller hockey court, a wildlife preserve, bocce ball, playing fields and a playground. For kids who enjoy tennis, Kramer Manor Park has seven courts for play as well as playing areas for basketball, soccer and baseball. For a completely natural setting, Crestwood Wildlife Sanctuary is an option for wildlife exploration.

    Sports Programs

    • The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA offers several sports programs for kids. There are T-ball and soccer leagues for 5- to 7-year-olds, as well as Tae Kwon Do and gymnastics classes for 4- to 13-year-olds. Plus, the Y offers a program called, "CATCH," which is a fitness and nutrition program for kids. You can also take the kids to the membership-based Highland Swim Club, which has a pool with diving boards -- and offers swim lessons, games, recreational swimming and a competitive swim team. There's also a kiddie pool, playground equipment and air hockey at the facility.

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