Where to Host Your Kid's Birthday Party in South Jersey

Love where you live? Of course you do. So throw the kids a birthday party that shows them what’s special, and fun, about where they’re growing up — our beaches and boardwalks, the bounty from our farms, a love of hockey along with nature spots that offer great views and water adventures. They’re all a part of who we are, so celebrate it.

Pick-your-own party

Jersey’s called the Garden State for good reason! Savor the quality and quantity of fruits and veggies grown here during an afternoon of farm-fresh fun at a farm or orchard. Let the kids loose in the fields to pick blueberries, cherries and strawberries at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, or visit Mullica Hill’s Mood’s Farm Market for blackberries, nectarines, peaches and raspberries. Then bring your bounty home to make birthday treats.

Boardwalk bash

Few things are more Jersey-centric than heading “down the shore.” You can do just that with a party at Splash Zone Water Park in Wildwood (pictured above), where the guest of honor and his crew get all-day admission, pizza, ice cream and his name in lights on the electric sign. If Point Pleasant Beach is your family’s go-to, play up the aquatic theme at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. The boardwalk staple offers a guided tour, ice-cream cake, party favors and a mascot appearance as part of its package.

Hockey haven

With the New Jersey Devils based in Newark and the Flyers in Philly, hockey fans have it made here. Celebrate your child’s big day close to home with a party at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, complete with a private instructor for an additional fee. The Devils’ practice facility, RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House, also hosts bashes that include a private skating area and views overlooking the Prudential Center’s main arena.

Natural wonders

Natural beauty abounds here, so why not make it the backdrop to the festivities? Rent a kayak at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken Twp., for a one- or two-hour journey, then enjoy a packed lunch at either of four picnic areas. Or host the shindig at Westampton’s Rancocas Nature Center and give guests the opportunity to explore the trails and meet critters, with programming themed to insects, birds, mammals or habitat investigation.

Horsing around

What child doesn’t want a pony? That might not be feasible, but there are plenty of opportunities to introduce kids and their pals to the local equestrian scene: Saddle up at Howell Twp.’s Hunter Brook Horse Farm for a party that features horse riding, a petting-zoo experience and food. Over in Laurel Springs, Toot’s Funny Farm’s package includes pony rides and baby animal meet-and-greets.