New Jersey, a tiny yet tremendous state, nestled between the sparkling skyscrapers of New York and the iconic Liberty Bell of Philadelphia, is a place teeming with energy, enthusiasm, and...elves? Yes, you heard me right. Not your ordinary elves, mind you, but B-Ball Elves, tiny trickster creatures with a penchant for...you guessed it...Basketball! Now, hold on to your basketball caps, kids, because these NJ B-Ball Elves are as real as the Garden State Parkway traffic on a Friday evening. They’re often sighted in the basketball courts across the state, dribbling invisible balls, attempting slam dunks, and perfecting their 3-pointer shots. They love watching the kids of New Jersey play basketball. These kids, who spend hours in the courts, shooting hoops, practicing lay-ups, and mastering the art of the perfect pass, are known throughout the land for their spirit of determination and camaraderie. Their laughter fills the courts as they dodge and dash, their sneakers screeching on the glossy wood floors. The B-Ball Elves from New Jersey have a favorite pastime: magically enhancing the basketball skills of these young hoopsters. With a sprinkle of elf dust, a child who previously could barely manage a layup, suddenly discovers the ability to make a three-pointer. A novice at dribbling finds herself zipping past opponents with the ball glued to her fingertips. So, if you're a basketball-loving kid in New Jersey, don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself playing like a pro. Just remember to thank the B-Ball Elves with a quick wink and a grin! Because in New Jersey, basketball isn't just a game, it's a way of life, made even more magical by our tiny, basketball-loving, invisible friends.
Read morebest basketball programs in Maplewood, NJ

The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Forming a sense of community is often challenging. We're all facing our own struggles and have to deal with full schedules. That’s why the South Mountain YMCA is helping to build more connected communities in Maplewood and South Orange, NJ. First and foremost, we provide high-quality child care to kids of all ages and backgrounds. Our programs are specially designed to nurture children and help them discover their potential. What's more, our facility is proud to promote healthy living and social responsibility as crucial aspects of being an engaged citizen. Besides our work with children, we also strive to meet the needs of parents and adults with extended hours and special classes. Discover what else South Mountain YMCA has to offer.