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Looking for fun and exciting places to take your kids in New Jersey? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to take your kids in New Jersey. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor activities, educational or entertaining experiences, there’s something for everyone on this list.
If you’re looking for some thrills, check out the DreamWorks Indoor Water Park, which was named our editor’s choice for the top spot. Or head over to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park for some fun rides and attractions.
For a more educational experience, visit the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, where kids can learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. And don’t forget to visit the Cape May Zoo, where you can walk the boardwalk for free and see buffalo, bears, and zebras.
No matter what your kids are interested in, there’s something on this list that they’re sure to love. So pack up the family and head out to one of these top-rated destinations for a day of fun and adventure.
Liberty Science Center
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, look no further than the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. This museum is an interactive science center that offers a variety of exhibits and programs for kids of all ages.
Exhibits
The Liberty Science Center is home to a wide range of exhibits that cover topics like space, animals, technology, and more.
- Touch Tunnel: a pitch-black tunnel that you have to crawl through using your sense of touch to guide you.
- Infinity Climber: a suspended climbing structure that lets you climb up to 35 feet high.
- Dino Dig: a simulated archaeological dig where kids can uncover dinosaur fossils.
- Skyscraper!: an exhibit that explores the engineering behind building tall structures.
Programs
In addition to its exhibits, the Liberty Science Center also offers a variety of programs for kids and families.
- LSC Junior: a program for kids ages 2-5 that includes story time, crafts, and hands-on activities.
- Live From Surgery: a live-streamed surgery that allows kids to see what happens in an operating room.
- Science Camps: week-long camps that focus on topics like robotics, coding, and engineering.
Practical Information
The Liberty Science Center is open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission prices vary depending on age and the exhibits you want to see, but generally range from $15 to $25 per person. Parking is available on-site for $7 per car. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has stroller parking available.
The Liberty Science Center one of the best places to take your kids in New Jersey if you want to combine education with entertainment. With its interactive exhibits and engaging programs, your kids are sure to have a blast while learning something new.
Adventure Aquarium
If you’re looking for an educational and entertaining day out with your kids, the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey is a must-visit destination. This aquarium is located across the river from Philadelphia and offers a wide range of exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the highlights of the Adventure Aquarium is the Shark Bridge. This is the longest suspension bridge of its kind in the world, and it stretches over the 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit. Walking across the bridge is a thrilling experience, as you’ll be mere inches away from the water and the sharks swimming below.
In addition to the Shark Bridge, the Adventure Aquarium also has a range of other exhibits that are sure to delight kids of all ages.
Ocean Realm: This exhibit features a wide range of marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, and giant sea bass.
Penguin Island: This exhibit is home to a colony of African penguins, and visitors can watch them swim and play in their habitat.
Shark Realm: This exhibit is home to a variety of shark species, including sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and nurse sharks.
Hippo Haven: This exhibit is home to Button and Genny, two Nile hippos who love to play and swim in their habitat.
The Adventure Aquarium is a great destination for families looking for a fun and educational day out. With a range of exhibits and activities to explore, there’s something for everyone at this popular New Jersey attraction.
Storybook Land
Storybook Land is a retro amusement park located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. It has been entertaining and educating children for over 60 years. This magical park is a great place to take your kids for a fun-filled day.
At Storybook Land, all rides are included in the admission price, and adults can join the kids on all of them. The park is compact, easy to navigate, clean, and shady, making it an ideal destination for families in the summer.
This amusement park features rides and attractions that are based on classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes. You can hop on Humpty Dumpty’s roller coaster, sail on the Old Woman in the Shoe’s boat ride, or take a spin on Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage.
Aside from the rides, Storybook Land also offers live shows, puppet shows, and interactive story readings. Children can meet and take photos with their favorite storybook characters, such as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio.
The park is open from April to December, and it is located close to the Jersey shore and within a 90-minute drive of Philadelphia. With its magical atmosphere and educational value, Storybook Land is a must-visit destination for families with young children.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All rides included in admission price | Park is only open seasonally |
| Easy to navigate and clean | Limited food options |
| Shaded areas to escape the sun | Limited attractions for older children |
| Educational and entertaining shows and readings | |
| Photo opportunities with storybook characters |
Grounds for Sculpture
If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience for your kids, Grounds for Sculpture is a must-visit destination in New Jersey. This picturesque oasis in Hamilton features over 270 contemporary sculptures by renowned and emerging artists spread across 42 landscaped acres. Here are some highlights of what to expect during your visit.
Peacock Cafe
After exploring the sculptures, take a break at Peacock Cafe, a charming spot with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as coffee and tea. Don’t miss the opportunity to try their homemade gelato, which comes in a variety of flavors.
Toad Hall Shop
Before you leave, make sure to stop by Toad Hall Shop, located near the entrance. This gift shop offers a variety of unique items, including jewelry, home decor, books, and toys. Your kids will love browsing the selection of art-inspired toys and games, as well as the colorful selection of postcards and prints.
Grounds for Sculpture is a great place to spend a day with your kids. With its beautiful sculptures, delicious food, and unique shopping opportunities, it’s sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.
The Turtle Back Zoo
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ is a must-visit destination. This zoo is part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex and is home to over 200 species of animals from all around the world.
One of the highlights of the Turtle Back Zoo is the interactive exhibits that allow children to get up close and personal with the animals. For example, the stingray exhibit allows kids to touch and even feed the stingrays. There is also a petting zoo where kids can interact with farm animals like goats and sheep.
In addition to the animals, the Turtle Back Zoo also has several playgrounds and a train ride that takes visitors around the zoo. There are also several picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with your family.
The Turtle Back Zoo is open year-round, and there are special events throughout the year, like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. Admission prices are reasonable, and there are discounts available for groups and members.
The Turtle Back Zoo is one of the best places to take your kids in New Jersey for a day of fun and learning. With so many animals to see and interactive exhibits to explore, your kids are sure to have a great time.
Diggerland USA
If you have kids who love construction and heavy machinery, then Diggerland USA is the place to be. This unique amusement park is located in West Berlin, New Jersey, and offers over 40 attractions for visitors of all ages.
One of the best things about Diggerland USA is that it allows kids to operate real construction equipment, including backhoes, excavators, and skid-steers, under the supervision of trained professionals. This hands-on experience is not only fun but also educational, as it teaches kids about the importance of safety and teamwork in construction.
In addition to the heavy machinery, Diggerland USA also offers a variety of other attractions, including rides, games, and a water park. Some of the most popular rides include the Spin Dizzy, the Sky Shuttle, and the Dig-Around. For younger kids, there is also a Kid Zone playground and a Barrel Train ride.
To ensure that everyone can enjoy the park, Diggerland USA has attractions for visitors of all heights. Some rides require a minimum height of 36 inches, while others can be enjoyed by kids as young as 2 years old. However, some rides do require adult supervision, so be sure to check the park’s guidelines before visiting.
Diggerland USA is a great place to take your kids for a unique and unforgettable experience. With its focus on construction and heavy machinery, it offers something that you won’t find at any other amusement park. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with your family, be sure to add Diggerland USA to your list of must-visit attractions in New Jersey.
Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with the family, Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park is a great option. Located in West Berlin, NJ, this water park offers 80,000 square feet of indoor fun, making it a perfect destination for any season.
Big Kahuna’s features attractions for all ages, including a wave pool, lazy river, and numerous water slides. For younger kids, there’s a designated area with smaller slides and water features. The park also offers private cabanas for rent, which come equipped with lounge chairs, chaise loungers and bottles of water.
In addition to the water attractions, Big Kahuna’s has an arcade, a full-service café, and a tiki bar for adults.
One unique feature of Big Kahuna’s is its commitment to sustainability. The park has implemented numerous eco-friendly practices, such as using solar panels to power the facility and recycling water from the attractions.
Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park is a great choice for families looking for a fun day out. With a variety of attractions and amenities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, is a must-visit destination. The one-mile boardwalk is home to a range of attractions that will keep the whole family entertained for hours.
One of the highlights of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which features a variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and seals. Your kids will love getting up close and personal with the creatures of the sea, and there are plenty of educational exhibits to help them learn about marine biology.
Another popular attraction at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is the amusement park, which features a range of rides and games suitable for kids of all ages. From roller coasters and bumper cars to arcade games and carnival-style attractions, there’s something for everyone at the amusement park.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll down the boardwalk and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jersey Shore. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and you can even take a dip in the ocean if the weather is warm enough.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity, be sure to check out the Castaway Cove Adventure mini-golf course, which features a range of challenging holes and obstacles. And for a taste of classic boardwalk treats, be sure to stop by one of the many candy shops and ice cream parlors along the way.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is a great destination for families looking for a fun day out in New Jersey. With a range of attractions and activities to suit all ages, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.
Wild West City
If you’re looking for a unique family adventure, Wild West City is the perfect destination. Located in Stanhope, New Jersey, this Western theme park offers an interactive experience that brings the tales of the wild west to life.
At Wild West City, you can step back in time to the 1880s and explore the park’s unique attractions. The park is designed to be a replica of a western frontier town and features live-action shows, museums, and rides. You can see reenactments of gunfights and bank robberies, take a train ride, and even pan for gold.
Wild West City is a great place to take kids of all ages. Younger children will love the pony rides and stagecoach rides, while older kids will enjoy the thrill of the park’s signature ride, the Renegade Rapids. The park also offers a mini-golf course, so you can enjoy a round of golf with your family.
The park’s admission rates are reasonable, with daily rates of $17.25 for adults, $15.25 for children (2-12), and $13.50 for senior citizens (62+). Extra fees apply for train rides, pony rides, stagecoach rides, and miniature golf. Parking is free.
In addition to the park’s attractions, Wild West City also has a country store called Wilbur’s. The store offers British foods and candy, Yankee candles, wind chimes, pet-themed gifts, preserves, and much more. It’s a charming location in a barn complex between Newton and Blairstown.
Wild West City is a fun and unique family destination that’s perfect for a day trip. With its interactive attractions and reasonable admission rates, it’s a great place to make memories with your family.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
If your kids are dinosaur enthusiasts, then Field Station: Dinosaurs is a must-visit attraction in New Jersey. Located in Bergen County’s Overpeck County Park, the park offers a unique dinosaur-themed adventure that features over 30 life-sized, moving, and realistic animatronic dinosaurs.
From the T-Rex to the Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Spinosaurus, your kids will be thrilled to see these prehistoric creatures come to life. The park is designed to provide an immersive experience, complete with sound effects and interactive exhibits that allow your kids to learn about the dinosaurs’ behavior, diet, and habitat.
The park is open to the public on weekends and holidays from May to June, and Tuesday to Sunday from June to September. You can also take advantage of the park’s educational programs, including guided tours, workshops, and camps that cater to kids of all ages.
Field Station: Dinosaurs is easily accessible by car and public transportation. It is about a ten-minute walk from the Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station in Secaucus, NJ. Admission fees are reasonable, and the park offers discounts for groups and special events.
Field Station: Dinosaurs is one of those excellent places to take your kids in New Jersey for a fun and educational adventure that they will never forget.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Best Places to Take Kids in New Jersey
New Jersey is a fantastic destination for families with kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or just plain fun, there’s something for everyone in the Garden State.
From the thrilling rides at Six Flags Great Adventure to the fascinating exhibits at the Liberty Science Center, there are plenty of attractions to keep your family entertained. And with beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and charming towns, there are also plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.
Don’t forget to check out some of the lesser-known gems as well, like the Adventure Aquarium in Camden or the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, consider taking a whale watching cruise or visiting a local farm.
No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to make lasting memories with your family in New Jersey. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions about the 10 Best Places to Take Kids in New Jersey
What are some fun and educational activities for kids in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers a variety of fun and educational activities for kids. Take your kids to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, where they can explore interactive exhibits and learn about science. Another great option is the SEA LIFE Aquarium, where kids can see a variety of marine life up close. If your kids are interested in history, take them to the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, where they can explore the decks of a real battleship.
What are the best outdoor places to take kids in New Jersey?
New Jersey has many outdoor attractions that are perfect for kids. The Jersey Shore is a popular destination for families, where kids can play in the sand and swim in the ocean. Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline and plenty of space for kids to run around. If your kids are interested in animals, take them to the Cape May Zoo, where they can see a variety of exotic animals.
Where can I find indoor activities for kids in New Jersey?
If you’re looking for indoor activities and fun places for kids, New Jersey has plenty of options. The DreamWorks Indoor Water Park in East Rutherford is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun in the water. The Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park in East Rutherford offers a variety of indoor rides and attractions for kids of all ages.
If your kids are interested in art, take them to the Montclair Art Museum, where they can explore a variety of exhibits.
What are some popular amusement parks for kids in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to some of the best amusement parks in the country. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is a popular destination for families, where kids can ride roller coasters and other thrill rides. Another great option is Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, which offers a variety of rides and attractions for kids of all ages.
What are some unique and off-the-beaten-path places to take kids in New Jersey?
If you’re looking for something unique and off-the-beaten-path, take your kids to Diggerland USA in West Berlin. This construction-themed amusement park offers a variety of rides and attractions that are sure to thrill kids of all ages. Another great option is the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, where kids can see a variety of marine life and even swim with sharks.
What are some family-friendly beaches in New Jersey?
New Jersey has many family-friendly beaches that are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Some popular options include Ocean City Beach, Wildwood Beach, and Cape May Beach. These beaches offer plenty of space for kids to play in the sand and swim in the ocean, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants nearby.