I'm in NJ .. how to play with friends outside the state?

Howdy.

My friends and I are trying to get together and play a friendly game online. NO real money. Trying to use PokerStars, but because I live in NJ .. it keeps defaulting me to the NJ program, and it doesn't look like I can play with my friends outside the state as they have no access to it. A 'walled garden' if you will.

anyone know:
1) if this is fixable?
2) websites we can use to play online in NJ and other states

again, NO real money

thank you and be well!
Jacques

VPN could help.

I would say Zynga but I don't know if you can get a group of friends together or if seating is just random.

There are those new Apps like PPPoker and Pokerbros, maybe they would work?