Things to Do in Union

The masterminds behind Keansburg Amusement Park, located just off the beach, oversee a park designed to turn a day out with the family during warm weather months into a mini vacation. By dotting the park with roller coasters, go-karts, arcades, and classic boardwalk fare, the owners seem to have realized their vision while also addressing the interests of different-aged groups. Kids ride the colorful Jolly Caterpillar before he presumably morphs into a butterfly at closing time, and whole families catch panoramic bay views from the top of the Ferris wheel. With its more than 35 rides, the park has garnered accolades such as Best of New Jersey from the readers of NJ Monthly Magazine, as well as a 2011 Best of Monmouth County from the readers of Asbury Park Press.

At Emoria Studios, the staff believes that laying a foundation of dance skills early can boost a child’s self-esteem for years to come. They also teach dance as an outlet for kids to express themselves through their movements. Babies get their first tastes of dance and social interaction in Mommy and Me classes that lead into to predance combo classes, where instructors teach preschoolers, elementary schoolers, or preteens the foundations of tap, ballet, jazz, and tumbling. These sessions then funnel into focused classes in jazz, tap, modern, ballet, or cheer meant to teach fundamentals as simply as possible.