The state of New Jersey is dotted with a whole lot of recreational spots and tourist attractions that are located in almost all of its major cities. You can visit them with your family and make the most of your vacation or weekend trip. If you have kids with you and you want to head to places that are suitable for them as well, then we’re here to guide you in this regard.
This article contains the list of the 15 fun things to do in New Jersey for kids as well as adults. So, let’s check them out!
Liberty Science Center — Jersey City
Liberty Science Center is a fully-equipped learning center, having around 3000 square feet of space dedicated for educational exhibits. This hub of knowledge is a perfect place for your children to explore. Also, don’t forget to visit the largest planetarium in the country upon your trip to Liberty Science Center in Jersey City — NJ
Visit the Planetarium
Liberty Science Center hosts the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, which is the biggest and probably the most advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. It is a 400-seat facility with a very large dome. The space show on digital screens in the planetarium is created with the help of millions of pixels, giving you an immersive experience of a deep space voyage. It is a place your kids would love to visit.
Liberty State Park — Jersey City
Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline are one of the biggest reasons why you should visit Liberty State Park. Also, exploring it won’t cost you much
Your kids would really enjoy walking, running, and playing along the Hudson River. It would be a perfect way to enjoy a family picnic. And as the sun sets, don’t forget to catch a show at the park’s very famous outdoor performance area.
Tube down the Delaware River
Looking for some adventure? If you’re in a mood for some watersports, then head over to the Delaware River. Whether it is tubing, fishing, boating, wading, or swimming, you can be a part of different types of watersports that are fun, as well as exciting, upon your visit to this place. Since it is one of the best things to do in New Jersey for kids, make sure to be extra attentive and careful when taking your children along with you to be a part of watersports activities.
Atlantic City Downtown Beaches
Make sure to visit the downtown area upon your trip to the Atlantic City and you can’t just miss out on exploring the very famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Yes, it is one of the best places to visit in New Jersey with kids as it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that you can explore with the family. Also, there will be a never-ending variety of beach-side attractions, most of which are kid-friendly. Don’t forget to take all the beach essentials with you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Keansburg Amusement Park
A fun-packed experience awaits you at Keansburg Amusement Park. This is why we have included it in our list of the best fun things to do in New Jersey for kids and adults.
Along with a theme park offering thrilling roller coaster rides, the place also hosts a water park, allowing visitors to experience the most fun-filled water slides among other attractions. From a haunted house to the beach, there is a large assortment of attractions available at the Keansburg Amusement Park.
Storybook Land — Egg Harbor Township
Relive your childhood memories and give your kids a chance to take an up-close look at the fairy tale characters they love by visiting the Storybook Land. The place offers an entertaining and educational atmosphere for people of all age groups. Providing a delightful and enjoyable experience to visitors for around 65 years, it has earned its place among the most famous family attractions in New Jersey.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moby Dick, and Mother Goose, you’ll come across amusement activities and attractions that are themed after many of your favorite childhood fairy tale characters upon your visit to Storybook Land.
Visit the Great Falls in Paterson
The Great Falls of the Passaic River is considered among the most prominent waterfalls in the country. They are 77 feet high, and more than 2 billion gallons of freshwater rushes over them on a daily basis. The falls and their surrounding area lie in the city of Paterson located in Passaic County, NJ. It is the best place to enjoy the country’s natural beauty, especially with family and kids. The entire area is adequately guarded by the rangers and police since it is looked after by the National Park service.
Six Flags Great Adventure — Jackson Township, NJ
Looking for some of the most thrilling amusement activities in NJ? Don’t forget to check out Six Flags Great Adventure. It is a part of Six Flags — one of the most popular amusement park chains in the western hemisphere. This recreational attraction welcomes people of all ages, this is why we have added it to the list of the best fun things to do in New Jersey for kids.
From Safari Drive-thru adventure to the world-class roller coaster rides, tons of attractions await you at this state-of-the-art theme park in New Jersey.
Allaire State Park — Monmouth County, NJ
Home to a 19th-century ironmaking town, a very popular historic attraction, Allaire State Park is best known for its adventure activities among tourists. It is a living history museum, a well-maintained remnant of life over 200 years ago. You can also enjoy trekking, biking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, running, and fishing. Your little ones would surely enjoy visiting this amazing natural site filled with lush greenery and wildlife.
Palisades Interstate Park
Want to explore 2,500 acres of the wild and serene shorefront of the Hudson River to make the most of your family trip? Well, Palisades Interstate Park is home to all the natural attractions you’re looking for. The park stretches around twelve miles and is only half a mile wide. The place is one of the most famous picnic spots in the region, especially among adventure-seekers as it offers activities like camping and grilling as well as hiking and trekking trails.
Turtle Back Zoo
While discussing some of the best places to visit in New Jersey with kids, we could never miss out on mentioning the name of Turtle Back Zoo. The place is home to dozens of recreational activities and thrilling attractions. As the name suggests, Turtle Back Zoo is home to exotic aquatic animals belonging to the habitats in the oceans around the world.
The zoo also offers mini-golf, zip line, train rides, pony rides, and face painting among other free kids activities. So, if you’re in search of some family fun in New Jersey, then spending a day out at Turtle Back Zoo would be another ideal option for you.
Smithville Village
Another very famous place filled with historical attractions in New Jersey is Smithville Village. It is located in the southern part of the state, just a few miles away from the shore. As a historic town, it is a very soothing and serene destination for tourists. Along with ancient landmarks, the place is also very famous for its lakefront entertainment spots including restaurants, cafes, and other recreational facilities. You can also rent a paddleboat and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the beautiful lake with your kids. A true countryside experience awaits you at Smithville Village
Visit Battleship New Jersey in Camden
Battleship New Jersey is among the coolest attractions that the state has to offer. In fact, visiting it is one of the best fun things to do in New Jersey for kids. Launched in 1942, this battleship served in World War II.
The ship has been restored and opened for visitors. You can explore its deck and other parts to take an up-close look at the real-life experiences of Navy sailors, who were on board during World War II. So, upon your trip to the state of New Jersey, don’t forget to take a tour of this large and well-equipped battleship that once served the nation.
Go Whale Watching in Cape May
Visiting Cape May in New Jersey could be your best chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural aquatic habitats. You can avail of the facility of a three-hour guided tour. By doing so, you’ll be escorted by a marine life expert who will tell you interesting facts about the aquatic life in the region and its history, allowing you to make the most of your trip. It would be a unique experience, leaving your kids more than excited.
There you have it — a detailed round-up of the 15 fun things to do in New Jersey for kids as well as adults. These places will surely help you make the most of your family trip around the state of NJ.
