New Jersey has plenty to offer moms moving to New Jersey with kids. It welcomes newcomers with stellar education, comprehensive children’s programs, and easy access to cultural attractions.
Here are our top tips for moving to the Garden State:
- Research school districts in advance.
- Schedule medical record transfers and find new providers in Bergen County or your chosen area.
- Pack kids’ comfort items last when loading the moving truck.
- Book a reputable moving company that has experience in family relocations.
- Connect with local parenting groups before arrival.
- Map out school options near potential homes.
The state’s robust infrastructure supports families through every stage of their transition, starting with essential children’s services.
Learn About New Jersey Children’s Services
Moms moving with kids will discover a network of state-funded programs supporting every aspect of child development. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency connects parents with free resources, including emergency assistance and counseling. Local community centers staff bilingual coordinators who guide families through registration processes.
Child care and referral agencies, such as Child Care Aware of New Jersey, match parents with licensed providers and offer healthcare subsidies based on income levels. These agencies also maintain databases of part-time care options, NJ summer camps, and after-school programs.
For young children you can check out the following resources for early childhood interventions and assistance, as well as legal assistance:
- For north New Jersey, check out the Northeast Regional Early Intervention Collaborative.
- For south New Jersey, check out the Southern New Jersey Early Intervention Collaborative.
Get To Know Public Schools in New Jersey Districts
Moms will be happy to send their kids to school in the Garden State. New Jersey’s school systems rank among the nation’s finest, with standout performances in math and literacy. Bergen County schools achieved a 96% graduation rate in 2023, surpassing national averages by 12%.
School District Transfer Policies
The school district choice program enables students to attend schools outside their assigned zones. Research schools adjacent to your district to see if they align more with your education plan. Applications open in November, requiring families to submit paperwork by November 25. Military families receive priority placement, and emergency transfers undergo expedited processing within 72 hours.
Magnet and Charter Schools
New Jersey has many specialized magnet programs that span:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Performing arts
- Health sciences
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Vocational and technical education
Charter schools are also popular in New Jersey. They operate independently while maintaining state standards. Students living within 45 minutes of these institutions receive enrollment preference. Magnet and charter schools give moms an abundance of choice in school and curricula.
Distance from New York City and Commute Considerations
While public schools in New York City are unavailable to New Jersey residents, private schools are an option. Towns such as Montclair and South Orange offer express trains to Manhattan while maintaining exceptional school options.
Best Children’s Activities in New Jersey
Moms relocating to the Garden State with children will find plenty of kid-friendly activities and entertainment.
Seasonal Activities
Summer transforms the Jersey Shore into a playground. Beyond the beach, activities such as boardwalk science demonstrations and marine biology beach programs keep little ones busy.
Fall is the harvest season. Farms host apple-picking expeditions and corn mazes, teaching children about harvest cycles and local agriculture.
In winter, the kids will enjoy the state’s ski resorts. Try Mountain Creek or the Campgaw Mountain Reservation. If you prefer to stay out of the cold, New Jersey boasts plenty of year-round indoor activities, including the following:
- Climbing gyms
- Indoor water parks
- Children’s cooking classes
- Art studios offering drop-in sessions
- Dance and movement centers
- Science workshops using bubble wrap and household items
During spring, check out the state’s great parks for nature walks. Most botanical gardens host youth programs on horticulture and gardening.
Educational Venues
Museums across New Jersey craft exhibits specifically for young minds. The Liberty Science Center features hands-on experiments, while local history museums bring the past alive through interactive displays.
Historical sites organize family-centered tours that offer plenty of movement and participation. Children step into colonial shoes at Morristown National Historical Park or explore lighthouse keeping at Sandy Hook.
Moving Day Tips for Kids
Pre-Move Preparation
Start by picking the right moving company. A moving company experienced with families can schedule packing around school schedules, nap times, and snack breaks, minimizing disruption to daily routines.
You’ll want to keep your kids engaged with the packing process. Kids aged three to seven can mark boxes with stickers and markers. Older kids can draw out plans for how they want to decorate their room. And at any age, you can have kids race to pack items for donation or disposal. Even extra bubble wrap can keep little ones distracted if you prefer to keep them on the sidelines.
Small tasks give children control:
- Decorating their packing boxes
- Sorting toys into keep/donate piles
- Creating memory books of their old home
- Planning new room arrangements
You also need to plan goodbyes before moving to the Garden State. Throw a going away party to show your kids you understand the importance of their friendships, and get contact information for all the friends so your kids can stay in touch.
Lastly, let the school know as soon as possible that you will be leaving, so they can assist in an offboarding strategy.
During the Move
Moving day safety requires clear boundaries around the moving truck and lifting zones. Children should wear bright clothing for visibility and stay with designated adult supervisors.
During transit, here are some ideas to keep the kids busy and educate them about their new home:
- Audio books about New Jersey history
- License plate bingo with state facts
- Digital photos of passing landmarks
- Journey-tracking maps
You’ll also want to pack an essential kit for each Child. They can store everything in a school backpack. Here are some ideas to get the creativity flowing:
| Age group | Essential items | Activities | Comfort objects |
| 4–7 years | Change of clothes, snacks | Coloring books, stickers | Favorite plush toy |
| 8–12 years | Personal hygiene items, water bottle | Card games, puzzle books | Family photos |
| 13+ years | Device chargers, headphones | Journal, sketchpad | Cherished memorabilia |
Keep you and your family members’ bedding, pajamas, and hygiene items at the back of the truck or in your vehicle where they can easily be accessed. Setting up kids’ beds first creates familiar sleeping spaces and eases the transition to their new home.
My Last Tip
Earlier I mentioned choosing a reputable moving company with experience working with families. My pick is Zip to Zip Moving Company. They helped with my last move and did a great job relocating me and my family to New Jersey. They’re based out of the Garden State, so they know the cities and the roads. Most importantly, they are a full service mover with ample family experience. From calm communication to anticipating our needs, they made our move as easy as a move can be.