[MORE: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in New Jersey]
Think you have to go to the Shore to be amused at an amusement park? Think again. Even off the Shore, New Jersey has plenty of themed parks—mostly modest, but several massive—that can inject extra fun into your summer. Here are some choices, arranged roughly north to south.
Nickelodeon Universe/American Dream
East Rutherford
Brand-new, family-friendly roller coasters with a scenic view of Manhattan are open daily. Off-peak day prices begin at $59 per person. Peak-day prices run $59-$99. Children 2 and under, free.
1 American Dream Way, 833-263-7326
Wild West City
Stanhope
Looking to go back in time? Reenactors in period costumes present live, action-packed dramatizations of life in 19th-century Dodge City, Kansas. Vintage memorabilia dresses up this fantasy enclave, including Native American art and artifacts. Adults, $29.50; kids ages 2-12, $24.50; seniors 62 and up, $22. Infants, free.
50 Lackawanna Drive, 973-347-8900
Land of Make Believe
Hope
This classic kiddie park has been specializing in family fun since 1954. A train ride loops around the park; within, there’s a large selection of kid-approprate rides, plus some newer, more scream-inducing attractions. An offroad safari adventure was introduced in 2019. Pirate’s Cove water park is included with admission. All ages, $31.89; seniors 62 and up, $28.14.
354 Great Meadows Road (Route 611), 908-459-9000
Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids
Keansburg
This boardwalk-themed amusement and water park instills a sense of nostalgia in all who visit. The Runaway Rapids three-hour admission, $33; ride admission begins at 50 tickets for $38.
275 Beachway Avenue, 732-495-1400
Illustration by Annelise Capossela
Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson Township
A triple threat, Six Flags features a massive water park, a drive-through safari experience (with more than 1,200 animals), and a huge array of rides, including legendary roller coasters. Thrill rides are classified on the park map as kid-sized, moderate and maximum. Daily pass: $39.99-$49.99.
1 Six Flags Boulevard, 732-928-2000
The Funplex
Mount Laurel
Funplex’s Mount Laurel location offers waterslides, roller coasters, bowling, arcade games, and more. Daily pass: $15–$59.
3320-24 Route 38, 856-273-9666
Diggerland
West Berlin
More than 40 construction-centered attractions build a world of kid-level fun at this combination theme park/water park. Daily pass: $42.95.
100 Pinedge Drive, 856-768-1110
Storybook Land
Egg Harbor Township
Choose from 16 colorful rides and the Storybook Land Tram at this kid-oriented, 20-acre park, family owned and operated since 1955. Daily admission: $22.95; reservations required.
6415 E. Black Horse Pike, 609-646-0103