Photo: Jonathan Bender
Photo: LAU劉
Photo: Atsushi Amemiya
Westfield
$Arcade
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Younger children enjoy the soft play areas and kiddie rides, while tweens appreciate the entertainment options, arcade games, and shopping for their favorite brands.
About
Westfield Garden State Plaza in nearby Paramus offers one of the premier family shopping and entertainment experiences in the New Jersey area, with dedicated play spaces, an expansive food court, and regular seasonal events that make it more than just a mall. Families can enjoy interactive play areas, catch the latest family films, and participate in holiday character meet-and-greets throughout the year.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive children's play areas with climbing structures and slides
- ✓AMC movie theater showing the latest family films
- ✓Arcade and entertainment zone with games for all ages
- ✓Seasonal events including character meet-and-greets, holiday celebrations, and kids' workshops
- ✓Wide variety of family-friendly dining from food court favorites to casual restaurants
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive when the mall opens on weekday mornings for the quietest experience and easiest parking near the children's play areas
- 2.Download the Westfield app before your visit to check current events, store directories, and exclusive family-friendly promotions
- 3.Park near Lord & Taylor or Nordstrom entrances for closest access to the main play areas and family restrooms with changing tables
- 4.Bring hand sanitizer and socks for kids using the play areas, as most require socks for hygiene reasons
- 5.Check the mall's event calendar ahead of time for free seasonal activities like Easter bunny photos, back-to-school events, and holiday performances
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from 10am-12pm offer the least crowded experience for families with young children. Avoid weekends during holiday shopping seasons (November-December) unless you're specifically coming for seasonal events and character appearances.
What to Know
Parking is free in the multi-level garages. The mall features extensive dining options from quick food court meals to sit-down restaurants, family restrooms, and nursing rooms for convenience.
Seasonal Notes
Peak activity during holiday seasons with special Santa visits (November-December), Easter bunny photos (March-April), and back-to-school events (August). Summer often features special kids' programs and activities.
Nearby Eats
The Cheesecake Factory and Shake Shack within the mall are family favorites, offering kid-friendly menus and portions. For a quick bite, the expansive food court offers everything from pizza to Asian cuisine.
More Activities Near Jersey City
Park
Skyline Drive
Free
Skyline Drive offers families a stunning waterfront escape with playgrounds, a refreshing splash pad, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River. This spacious park combines active play areas with scenic walking paths, making it perfect for everything from toddler playdates to family picnics with older kids who'll love the sports facilities and open green spaces.
Theater
New Jersey Children's Theater Company
$$
New Jersey Children's Theater Company brings the magic of live theater to young audiences with productions tailored specifically for children. From beloved fairy tales and classic stories to original musicals and interactive performances, this professional theater company creates enchanting experiences that spark imagination and introduce kids to the wonder of theatrical arts in an age-appropriate, engaging way.
Activity
Riverview Community Garden
★5.0Free❤️10
Riverview Community Garden offers hands-on nature experiences where kids can learn about growing food, sustainability, and connecting with the environment. With educational programs, seasonal workshops, and family-friendly activities, this welcoming community space turns gardening into an engaging adventure for curious young minds while teaching valuable lessons about where food comes from.
Farm
Urban Nature Farming
★5.0$
Urban Nature Farming brings the joy of farm life to Jersey City, offering hands-on gardening workshops and nature-based learning experiences perfect for city kids. This educational urban farm gives children a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn where food comes from, and participate in seasonal agricultural activities right in their urban environment.