50 Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in New Jersey | New Jersey Monthly
MENU

50 Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in New Jersey

A guide to the great indoors for when the weather turns drizzly.

Instructors at Studio Air in Bloomfield

Studio Air instructors Cindy Santos and Sarah Cuneo. Photo: Jeff Harris

Hearing the word rain in the forecast might not be the weather report you were hoping for, but April showers bring New Jersey Monthly editors a lot of ideas for fun things to do on a rainy day!

April 2025 cover of New Jersey Monthly

Buy our April 2025 issue here. Cover photo: Jeff Harris

In this guide, we spotlight more than 50 indoor places to visit, across North, Central and South Jersey.

There are a handful of brand-new places on our list, including the highly anticipated Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University, as well as Blue Run, an indoor skiing and snowboarding facility in Livingston. For New Jerseyans who want to relax, we have a number of luxe spa daycations, indoor pools that offer day passes, and beauty treatments. Shoppers will find new places to hunt for treasures, and restaurant and wine lovers will discover exciting new spots. Creative folks should check out our ideas for places to throw pottery, make jewelry and even blow glass.

Looking for some adventure? Try indoor rock climbing, or head to our state’s first Nerf blaster battle arena. Exercise enthusiasts can play indoor pickleball or join a mall-walking program. We have plenty of options for families, too.

Stay dry out there!

1. Old Book Shop in Morristown

A hidden gem in Morristown, tucked away on a quiet street off Ridgedale Avenue, Old Book Shop boasts more than 30,000 volumes, including rare, limited, first and signed editions. Founded in 1938, it’s now owned by Virginia Faulkner (no relation to William!) and Chris Wolff, who purchased it in 1974. Peruse dozens of categories, an extensive New Jersey section, bargain shelves (books for 50 cents each or three for $1), and ephemera aplenty, from old maps and sheet music to vintage Life magazines and antique postcards. —Jennifer Finn
4 John Street; 973-538-1210

2. Island Waterpark in Atlantic City

It’s always sunny at this water park inside the Showboat hotel—at least, it feels that way. Faux palms sway, the transparent retractable roof gives plenty of light, and, with 120,000 square feet of water rides, rain doesn’t ruin any fun here. The park features 11 slides, a 1,000- square-foot surf simulator and a 6,500-square-foot lazy river, for starters. Refreshments, including cocktails served at six bars, are available. There’s even an adults-only pool with a DJ and swim-up bar with libations on tap. —Deborah P. Carter
801 Boardwalk; 609-964-7663

3. Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua

Child at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua

Photo: Courtesy of Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University

The brand-new, $74 million Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, located at Rowan University, finally opened its doors in March, giving New Jerseyans an unmatched way to learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed our state and are now studied at this very site. The outdoor fossil dig, located in an active research quarry, is one of the main draws, but there’s plenty to do and discover on a rainy day, too. Many of the exhibits are interactive and hands-on, from a fossil hunt to a free-roam virtual reality experience to live critter encounters. —Julie Gordon
66 Million Mosasaur Way; 856-284-DINO

4. Jones Road in Montclair

Interior of Jones Road in Montclair

Photo: Courtesy of Jones Road Beauty

The flagship store for makeup mogul Bobbi Brown’s clean-beauty brand, which enjoys a cult following, is a sleek, streamlined and infinitely more peaceful alternative to Sephora. Just want to shop? Try shades of the beloved Miracle Balm and spritz your wrists with the intriguing Shower fragrance. Want expert assistance? Book an application or tutorial ($100-$125 for adults; $75-$85 for teens). Though services should generally be booked 24 hours in advance, walk-ins are accepted when time allows. —JF
111 Grove Street; 973-500-3880

5. Gravity Vault (various locations)

Go rock climbing no matter the weather at one of eight Gravity Vault gyms in New Jersey. Experienced climbers can buy a day pass for $21 (adults) or $23 (ages 5-20). Or hire an instructor for a one-hour private session for up to four climbers ($70 each for first two climbers; additional climbers are $25 each). New to climbing? An introductory 90-minute session for five or more will break you in gently ($35 each; prices may vary). —Julia Martin

6. La Serra Gardens in Totowa

La Serra Gardens in Totowa

Photo: Courtesy of Lisamarie Suriano

If visiting a garden center doesn’t strike you as peak rainy-day fun, you haven’t been to La Serra. Its indoor shop may be modest in size, but its inventory is vast, from the whimsical (wooden angels, velvet carrots, tiny paper cabanas) to the somewhat practical (salad servers shaped like garden implements, colorful watering cans, opera-length garden gloves). Its café offerings are equally diverse (including heavenly pignoli cookies), and the greenhouse is a small but mighty jungle of exotic greenery. —Leslie Garisto Pfaff
813 Union Boulevard; 973-256-0790

7. Adventure Aquarium in Camden

The Shark Tunnel at Camden's Adventure Aquarium

The Shark Tunnel at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Aquarium

Urchins, stingrays and sharks—not only can you gaze at them in their watery habitats, but you can pet all three. In fact, everything at this 200,000-square-foot facility is designed to bring visitors closer to its 15,000-plus aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Diminutive critters like salamanders and clownfish shimmy just out of reach behind glass portholes, and larger water dwellers are never far from the glass walls enclosing them (including those around you in the Shark Tunnel). Feeling adventurous? Walk the rope bridge over shark-infested waters, or swim with them. —LGP
1 Riverside Drive; 844-474-3474

8. Genius Gems in Millburn

Being stuck inside with the kids all day doesn’t exactly promise a sunny outlook. Genius Gems, however, can keep young ones entertained for hours with the largest collection of magnetic tiles (more than 30,000) in the world. That’s a lot more than what you have in your basement! Builders can earn tokens for project completion and trade them in for prizes. There are daily open hours, plus a small playroom with other toys. Recommended for ages 4 and up. —JG
215 Millburn Avenue; 973-376-2623

9. Amazing Escape Room (various locations)

Bad weather has you trapped indoors? Make a group game of it at Amazing Escape Room, with locations in Montclair/Bloomfield, Green Brook, Freehold, Princeton, Cherry Hill and Edison. Choose your theme—each location has five to seven rooms, with themes such as Shipwreck and Prison Break. Solve clues and puzzle your way to freedom together while the clock ticks down. $33/person for a one-hour session. —J. Martin

10. Studio Air in Bloomfield

Defy gravity at an aerial yoga class. The technique, developed in 2006, combines traditional yoga poses, Pilates and dance with the use of a hammock. Studio Air, and other studios in the state, also offers classes in Lyra (aerial hoop), pole dancing, flexibility, and aerial silks (or silk dancing). This performance art combines acrobatics, dance and strength training.  A 90-minute class is $45. —J. Martin
78 Washington Street; 973-378-1888

11. Pickle House in Robbinsville

Pickleball is popular for good reason: It’s easily mastered by players of any age, is social, and can be played (indoors) in any weather. There’s no shortage of places to play in the Garden State. The largest, the Pickle House, opened in late 2024 and has 19 indoor courts, along with a restaurant, bar and merch shop. Court rentals cost $15 per person, per hour. —J. Martin
153 W. Manor Way; 609-322-5700

12. Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg

The biosphere pool at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg

The biosphere pool at Crystal Springs Resort Photo: Courtesy of Crystal Springs Resort

There’s so much to do at this sprawling luxury resort that it’s hard to know where to begin. There are two spa-and-pool daycation packages available; the offer at Reflections Spa ($195) includes access to an incredible indoor/outdoor biosphere-pool complex with lush tropical foliage and a retractable roof, a spa credit, a tour of the renowned wine cellar, and more. The $179 Elements Spa daycation includes a spa credit, access to the Minerals hotel pools, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs, and more. —Jacqueline Mroz
1 Wild Turkey Way; 973-862-4351

13. The Clairidge in Montclair

One of the best things to do on a rainy day has to be seeing a movie, and doing it in an indie theater makes it twice as nice. You can enjoy eclectic film choices while supporting an independent owner. Some local indie theaters, such as the Clairidge, are nonprofits as well; the Clairidge is part of Montclair Film, which runs the Montclair Film Festival each October and other programming. Besides popcorn and soda, you can order treats from local shops here. —J. Mroz
486 Bloomfield Avenue; 973-381-5588

14. Cooking School at Ninety Acres in Peapack-Gladstone

The Cooking School at Ninety Acres offers a mouthwatering menu of instruction. A recent roster of classes included slow-cooked dishes, Tuscan steak, tapas, and Italian classics. Learn culinary techniques from top-notch chefs in the state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with multiple workstations. The recipes are made with fresh, local ingredients, including produce and herbs grown on-site at the farm. Day and evening classes are available. —DPC
2 Main Street; 908-901-4714

15. Rage Room in Pompton Lakes

Frustrated with the rain outside? Channel those feelings into something productively destructive. At Rage Room, put on protective gear, grab a smashing weapon and visor, and break objects into scraps, shards and powder—complete with musical accompaniment. There’s also a dining menu. Rage Room is located in the same facility as an escape room and hatchet-throwing spot, so this is your chance to cut loose all day. Pricing starts at $80. —Ben Wasserman
200 Wanaque Avenue; 833-RAGE-ROOM

16. Mitsuwa Marketplace in Edgewater

If you love Japanese food—really, all things Japanese—spend a day at this expansive location that includes a Japanese supermarket and shops selling Japanese cosmetics (including Shiseido), appliances and housewares. There’s also a fantastic food court selling sushi, mochi donuts, rice balls, ramen, Japanese crepes and more. You can also find prepared foods in the market and a huge selection of sake. —J. Mroz
595 River Road; 201-941-9113

17. Clifton Billiards in Clifton

What better old-school way to while away a rainy day than to fancy yourself Paul Newman in the classic 1961 film The Hustler? Playing some pool at Clifton Billiards is a great place to start. It has 14 pool tables, an arcade, a pro shop, a sports bar that serves seasonal and craft beer, and a food menu. It also has a full coffee and espresso bar, and seven TVs. Want something a little different? There are two private spaces: a Prohibition Room, which you enter through a bookcase, and a black-light room for glow-in-the-dark pool. —J. Mroz
1158 Main Street; 973-928-6622

18. Branch Brook Park Skating Center in Newark

Introduce your kids to the joys of roller skating at the rink in Branch Brook Park. You don’t have to worry about tripping over other people; it’s the largest indoor skating rink in the state and one of the largest in the tristate area, accommodating up to 1,000 skaters. There’s a retro vibe with disco lighting, a café and arcade, and plentiful parking. —J. Martin
Seventh and Clifton avenues; 973-482-8900

19. Another Man’s Treasure in Jersey City

Another Man’s Treasure in Jersey City

Photo: Courtesy of Another Man’s Treasure

Step into this fashion time capsule for an afternoon of stylish inspiration, and you’re sure to leave with a shopping bag full of new-to-you duds. Opened in 2006, this shop, located just a short walk from the Grove Street PATH station, brims with funky ’70s print shirts, brooches, cowboy boots, hats, graphic tees (Betty Boop, the classic Coca-Cola logo, and more) and a plethora of other throwback wearables. Hard-to-find designer couture is often in the mix; think Burberry trench coats, Brooks Brothers jackets and Chanel. Items are clean, well organized and reverie inspiring—whether from memories or movies. —DPC
195 Montgomery Street; 201-860-9990

20. Monster Mini Golf (various locations)

If you thought miniature golf was just for the spring or summer, think again. Monster Mini Golf has 18-hole, glow-in-the-dark indoor courses under black lights, with locations from Paramus to Fairfield to Cherry Hill. —Connor Carlin

21. The Caves in Edgewater

Fancy dinner in a cozy cave? This unusual spot was created by artist Warren Sonberg in 1977 and serves eats such as quesadillas, salads and wraps, as well as Middle Eastern platters and veggie burgers. It also has a great selection of coffees and desserts; some people come just for the sweets. But go there for the ambience—the dining room is a sculpted cavern, and diners eat in the cozy nooks. It’s a dining experience like no other. —J. Mroz
266 Old River Road; 201-941-0609

22. Liberty Science Center in Jersey City

Liberty Science Center in Jersey City

Photo: Courtesy of Liberty Science Center

Liberty Science Center is a New Jersey treasure that offers all ages an entire day’s worth of fun STEM activities. Its impressive Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is the largest in the United States. But that’s just the start. Find your way through the pitch-black Touch Tunnel, climb the Infinity Tower, and see the impressive model train. Exhibits about animal biomes, microbes, woolly mammoths, and the Hudson River’s ecosystem offer not just a reprieve from the rain, but a chance to learn about the science behind it all. —BW
222 Jersey City Boulevard; 201-200-1000

23. American Dream in East Rutherford

Gucci storefront at American Dream in East Rutherford

Photo: Courtesy of American Dream

The dozens of attractions at the second largest mall in North America will keep you busy for the next ten rainy days—and then some. If you’re in a spending mood, the Avenue, the mall’s luxury shopping section, is rife with designer boutiques like Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. For a more active day, visit the Big Snow indoor ski resort, Nickelodeon theme park or DreamWorks Water Park. For something unique, check out the neon-lit Mirror Maze, or try Activate, a gauntlet of memory, timing and agility challenges. Don’t leave without stopping by the recently opened New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center, where interactive exhibits celebrate Jersey greats like James Gandolfini, Judy Blume and Whitney Houston. —J. LaForge
1 American Dream Way; 833-263-7326

24. Bell Works in Holmdel

Bell Works in Holmdel

Photo: Courtesy of Bell Works

Forget the dystopian vibe of the series Severance; Bell Works, where parts of the show were filmed, is far from a corporate nightmare. Inside this austere glass palace, the enormous center atrium is a playground for everyone. Shop, dine, play virtual-reality games or hit a pickleball. Free activities include playing a grand piano, visiting the library, walking the half-mile perimeter, or letting kids bounce around a giant turf area. There’s also complimentary WiFi. Leashed dogs are welcome, too. —R.C. Staab
101 Crawfords Corner Road; 732-226-8818

25. Drumthwacket in Princeton

If you’ve ever wondered about the official residence of the governor, you can actually take a tour of the historic property. The mansion, built in 1835, was constructed on land that witnessed the 1777 Battle of Princeton during the Revolutionary War. In 1893, a wealthy industrialist purchased Drumthwacket and transformed it into a large estate with an impressive paneled library and acres of parklike land with formal Italianate gardens. Public tours are available on-site, as are virtual ones. —J. Mroz
354 Stockton Street; 609-683-0057

26. General Store Shops & Cafe in Maplewood

Shopping local is made easy (and fun) at this multi-retail destination occupied solely by small businesses, from Good Bottle, a zero-waste refill store, to Mrs. Meshugga, a custom-shirt shop. There’s even a loyalty program, plus special events. —JG
1875 Springfield Avenue; 973-250-6160

27. Willow Creek Winery & Farm in West Cape May

This spot in West Cape May has gorgeous grounds and gardens, but also a delightful indoor tasting room where you can sample the winery’s impressive vinos. In the tasting room, you can also order charcuterie boards and items from a farm-to-table grill menu. Try a flight of Willow Creek’s 13 varietals, including merlot and chambourcin, a French-American hybrid grape variety. Or schedule an educational group wine tasting. And if you fall in love with their wines, they’re available to buy. —J. Mroz
168 Stevens Street; 609-770-8782

28. Bluerun in Livingston

No matter the weather, snow bunnies can hone their skills at this brand-new indoor ski and snowboard center, where revolving slopes simulate time on the mountain. Adjustable speeds and slopes suit everyone from newbies to experts. Equipment’s provided. —JG
82 Naylon Avenue; 917-559-8001

29. Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park

People playing games at Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park

Photo: Courtesy of Silverball Retro Arcade

Pings, clicks and boings fill Silverball Retro Arcade. The satisfying clunk of Skee-Ball and the electro-melodies of Pac-Man mingle with the thwack and jangle of pinball. These are the sounds of fun. First and foremost, Silverball is a place to play games. It is also a lively museum, as well as a year-round destination on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Silverball highlights about 200 pinball machines from a rotating collection of 600. —Kelly-Jane Cotter
1000 Ocean Avenue N.; 732-774-4994

30. King Spa/SoJo Spa in Bergen County

The weather’s always perfect at the Korean day spas in North Jersey. At King Spa, the largest Korean spa on the East Coast, start with a dip in one of three tubs, which vary from piping hot to icy cold, and move on to any of ten different saunas ($49-$80 for a day pass). There’s a cafeteria and, for an extra charge, massages, facials and scrubs. At SoJo Spa, a day pass ($100-$145) grants you access to ten heated pools, including a hydrotherapy pool and an outdoor infinity pool with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. There are saunas, an ice room, a dining room, and even a coworking space. Treatments are available for an added cost. —J. Martin
King Spa: 321 Commercial Avenue, Palisades Park; 201-947-9955
SoJo Spa Club: 660 River Road, Edgewater; 201-313-7200

31. iFLY in Paramus

Person in air at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Paramus

Photo: Courtesy of iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Get a proper Superman experience at this indoor skydiving facility. Led by a team of instructors, participants aged 3 and up can try the vertical wind tunnels to experience weightlessness, not to mention the opportunity to do multiple tricks midair. Put on a flight suit and safety helmet, and take a leap of faith—and fun. —BW
211 Route 4; 201-733-4359

32. iPlay America in Freehold

Child playing hockey at iPlay America in Freehold

Photo: Courtesy of iPlay/Savannah Beyer

Jersey has no shortage of legendary amusement parks, from Six Flags Great Adventure to Casino Pier. But when it rains, iPlay America has the advantage of being fully indoors. You’ll find amusement rides like a mini Ferris wheel, two-level laser tag, a Topgolf Swing Suite (which also includes a game called Hockey Shots) and more. iPlay offers hours of fun with a roof over your head. —BW
110 Schanck Road; 732-577-8200

33. Hilton Short Hills in Short Hills

For $45 on ResortPass (or $20 for kids), nab a day pass to enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and more. (The outdoor pool is included in warmer months.) Afterwards, head across the street to the Mall at Short Hills to shop or grab a bite at Eataly. —JG
41 John F. Kennedy Parkway; 973-379-0100

34. Casinos in Atlantic City

Atlantic City’s casinos are self-contained resorts with, of course, gambling, but also restaurants, entertainment, art and more. With over 1 million square feet of casino space, get your exercise strolling indoors at one of these grand gaming facilities. At Ocean Resort, the multistory windows offer a view of the Atlantic. At the Tropicana, the Quarter is full of shops, no umbrella required. At the Hard Rock, the collection of musical artifacts is always on display. Relax at Spa Toccare at Borgata, or check out the glass-domed pool at Harrah’s. Come happy hour, there’s a host of places to sip and people watch. —DPC

35. Allshapes Bonsai in Ringoes

When a walk in the woods isn’t practical, the next best thing is a stroll through the greenhouses at this diminutive forest of bonsai and pre-bonsai. Admire the artful greenery, but also consider taking home a tree of your own, along with the pot and all the paraphernalia you’ll need to start thinking (and growing) small. —LGP
230 Everitts Road; 908-788-1938

36. Igloo Ice Rink in Mount Laurel

Ice skate like the pros at Igloo, which local teen phenom Isabeau Levito proudly calls her home rink. The Igloo offers public skating hours throughout the week, including evening skates on Fridays and Saturdays. Skate rentals are available. —JG
3033 Fostertown Road; 856-638-0801

37. Umi Buffet (various locations)

There’s really something fun about the amped-up energy in all-you-can eat establishments. Umi Buffet, which feels like a cross between a food court at a mall and an upscale casino buffet, delivers on those vibes. The food’s the best part—sushi, hot pot, seafood, and even some American dishes—but the bright, lively setting and the adrenaline you feel while dashing from station to station adds to the experience. The East Brunswick location even has arcade games and virtual reality. Lunch costs around $25, and dinner about $40. —Georgia Kral

38. Alania Aesthetics in Westfield

What better way to spend a rainy day than pampering yourself with a facial? This new skin care spa focuses on nonmedical treatments. Founder Lika Alania, who hails from Georgia in Eastern Europe, brings European beauty traditions to her treatments and believes that facials, not Botox or fillers, can address aging’s biggest issue: collagen production. Local beauty influencers and celebrities have been drawn to the clinic, which uses luxurious products from Biologique Recherche. —J. Mroz
268 E. Broad Street; 908-472-0472

39. Catfé Montclair in Montclair

At this new cat café, visitors can grab a coffee while petting an adorable tabby, or even take a yoga class or guided meditation among the felines. Catfé Montclair continues a trend that started in Tokyo in 1998; there are now four such spots located across New Jersey. Organizers hope that the cats wandering around the café, all rescues from local shelters, will find a home through the patrons. When rescue cats get used to being around people, it increases their chances of being adopted. Reservations are required. —J. Mroz
356 Bloomfield Avenue

40. The People’s Store in Lambertville

Spruce up your shelves, look for old T-shirts, or hunt for treasures at this Lambertville antiques staple, open since 1839. Paintings, clothing, jewelry, books and more are available to buy seven days a week, with three floors for you to peruse, gaze at various relics, and take in the delightfully retro vibe.
—J. LaForge
28 N. Union Street; 609-397-9808

41. Princeton University in Princeton

Established in 1746, this storied Ivy League university has fascinating stories to tell. A free historical campus tour (separate from the one for prospective students) is available to the public. Stops include the Bainbridge House, founded in 1766 and formerly home to the Historical Society of Princeton. Nassau Hall, built in 1756, is at the heart of the campus; in 1783, the building served as the nation’s capitol. The tour runs rain or shine. —J. Mroz

42. J2Games.com (various locations)

Games at J2Games.com

Photo: Courtesy of J2Games.com

What better place to feed your nostalgia than a retro game store? J2Games.com has locations in Clark, Manalapan and Brick, featuring games and consoles that span nearly five decades. If you’re looking to sell or trade your old system, this is the place. Also check out the tabletop and board games. Once you’ve made your selections, spend the rainy day at home facing off against pals. —J. LaForge

43. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville

Photo: Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

It’s hard to believe that the second largest Hindu temple in the world is located in New Jersey, but there it is, just off Exit 8 on the Turnpike. This stunning temple in Mercer County is vast, ornate and worth many visits. It may seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the lay of the land, it’s an incredible place to explore—and there’s plenty to see indoors. There are thousands of intricately carved statues, and the main shrine features what is reportedly the largest elliptical dome ever constructed from stone. Reserve your free spot via the website. —J. Mroz
112 N. Main Street; 609-918-1212

44. Pups of War in East Brunswick, Freehold

Child playing at Pups of War

Photo: Courtesy of Pups of War

A new take on Nerf blasters has made its way to Jersey. Pups of War has two locations where visitors aged 3 and up can shoot each other with foam darts. The battlefield has obstacles and mock buildings. Participants can choose from a variety of blasters; not every option is the children’s toy you remember. The ones that pack a real punch are reserved for adult-night promos. Don’t worry; players must wear protective glasses, as well as nonslip socks. —Gary Phillips

45. Baseline Social in Oceanport

Even if a downpour is keeping you off the green, you can still work on your golf swing. This spot features Full Swing simulators ($50-$70/hour) for hitting the links. The club also has events, music and food, and is home to golf leagues. —J. LaForge
675 Oceanport Way; 732-430-2533

46. Esther Raab Holocaust Museum in Cherry Hill

The Cherry Hill area has long been home to many Holocaust survivors in New Jersey. Some of the objects with which they arrived in the United States, plus hundreds of videotaped interviews with New Jersey survivors, are on view at the Esther Raab Holocaust Museum and Goodwin Learning Center, located inside the Katz JCC. It’s the only place of its kind between D.C. and New York, and it is open to the public during regular JCC hours. —Barbara Leap
1301 Springdale Road; 856-751-9500 x 1108

47. Lodi Lanes in Lodi

A rainy day deserves the kind of classic fun found at this family-owned-and-operated (since 1961) bowling alley. Pop in for a game, or, if the rain coincides with 10 am on a Sunday, pay $25 to join the mystery doubles league, where players draw a number to find their partner. Night owls will love cosmic bowling on Saturdays from 9 pm-1 am, with live music. —JG
58 Terhune Avenue; 862-591-1160

48. Northlandz in Flemington

Northlandz features the world’s largest model railroad, which measures over 8 miles long and boasts a Guinness World Record. With perfectly replicated trains chugging by miniature mountains, forests, tunnels, and more, patrons can immerse themselves in a world that’s been scaled down more than a few sizes, yet is realistic and detailed. —GP
495 Route 202; 908-782-4022

49. Short Hills VIP Mall Walk in Short Hills

Sure, you can go to the Mall at Short Hills to shop (and there are plenty of upscale stores at which to do so), but on a rainy day, it’s also a great place to exercise. The Very Important Pacers mall-walker program lets people stroll Monday to Saturday from 9-10 am and Sunday from 10-11 am, before stores open. Walkers must register at security and get a badge, then walk counter clockwise. Each level is three-quarters of a mile. —JG
1200 Morris Turnpike; 973-376-7350

50. ClimbZone in Howell

Anyone can try to climb a rock wall. But how many have scaled giant piano keys, Mount Rushmore, or a map of the United States? ClimbZone offers 68 artistically crafted indoor climbing walls. There’s also an indoor playground. —BW
5369 US-9; 732-813-8300

Want more ideas? Check out an under-the-radar museum, visit a record store, plan your next game night, or learn how to build your own rain garden!


No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.

Read more Arts & Entertainment, Things to Do articles.