If you’re a kid in New Jersey, there are a heck of a lot of options for fun. From science centers to amusement parks to the boardwalks and beaches at the Jersey Shore, there’s always something exciting for families to explore in the Garden State.
Below, we present our definitive list of the 50+ things every Jersey kid must do. Our team—and the kids in our lives—have explored much of what Jersey has to offer, and the spots on our list are places we absolutely love. We hope you love them, too.
1. South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail in Millburn
The Fairy Trail’s tiny homes are designed to blend in with their natural surroundings. Photo: Bryan Anselm
Exploring the woods is a timeless children’s activity, but when you add fairies to the mix, the experience gets even more magical. Along the half-mile Fairy Trail, located just steps from charming downtown Millburn and within the South Mountain Reservation, kids (and adults, too) will be enchanted by the dozens of teeny, detailed houses that line the path. If you believe in the lore (as many of the young visitors do), a group of magical fairies live in these little structures, which are entirely made from natural materials (acorns, bark, shells, etc.) and include impeccable details from minuscule cereal bowls to tiny tables. Local special-education teacher and artist Therese Ojibway started the trail over a decade ago, and it is now maintained by the nonprofit South Mountain Conservancy. The conservancy occasionally asks the community to create new homes to be placed along the trail, but asks that people refrain from leaving anything there without approval. An annual Fairy Day each spring celebrates the magic of the place and gives kids a very special introduction to our natural world. —Julie Gordon
197 Glen Avenue
Buy our September 2025 issue here. Cover photo: Noah Fecks
2. Lake Hopatcong in Landing
Jersey’s biggest lake offers loads of water fun: boating, water skiing, tubing, windsurfing and swimming. Water-ski instruction is available, and speed boats and pleasure boats are available to rent at many of the area’s marinas. There are two public beach areas for a day by the water, and nearby Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has campsites if you want an overnight trip. Lakeside dining is on offer at several restaurants, and Lake Hopatcong is one of the only lakes in Jersey that boasts lakefront restaurants accessible by boat. We recommend the family-friendly Windlass. —Jacqueline Mroz
3. Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia
Most kids will never come face-to-face with a wolf in the wild. But Jersey kids can see and learn about these magnificent creatures up close at Lakota, one of the largest natural-habitat animal preserves in the northeastern United States. Located in Warren County, the preserve offers a guided wolf watch—a chance to observe four wolf packs playing and interacting in their natural environment, while a naturalist explains their eating habits and social structure. In another area, kids can see foxes, bobcats and lynx. —Julia Martin
89 Mt. Pleasant Road; 908-496-9244
4. Rutt’s Hut in Clifton
If your kids like hot dogs, and you want to give them a bit of cultural cachet while they’re chowing down, take them to this classic spot for a “ripper.” These hot dogs are deep fried so that the casings deliciously crack and split. Don’t skimp on the famed relish. The original roadside stand opened in 1928, and Babe Ruth was known to be a fan in his time. Rutt’s Hut is beloved beyond Jersey, too: It has been featured on numerous travel and food shows, including Travel Channel’s Food Paradise. —J. Mroz
417 River Road; 973-779-8615
5. Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank
Cult-classic Clerks and its sequels are the inspiration behind Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, a comic shop from the movies’ director, Kevin Smith, a Jersey native. Here, collectors, novices and the curious can peruse lots of quirky merch, like Clerks stickers, photos signed by all five Comic Book Men (a television spinoff from Clerks that was set in the store), magnets, mugs, hoodies, an array of signed and one-of-a-kind objects from Smith’s movies, plus a variety of other comics and books. —Deborah P. Carter
65 Broad Street; 732-758-0508
6. Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre in Vineland
New Jersey’s only remaining drive-in theater is fun for all ages—and a unique experience for families used to heading to the multiplex or watching Netflix. Kids will get a kick out of taking in a double feature from the car, with the audio coming over the vehicle’s speakers, while munching on treats from the snack stand. The drive-in is open Friday through Sunday, typically from mid-March through November. —Jacqueline Larcara
2203 South Delsea Drive; 856-696-0011
7. Somerset Patriots in Bridgewater
Want to see some professional baseball without paying major league prices and heading into New York City? The Somerset Patriots, a minor league club, is the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, meaning you’ll get a chance to watch some top prospects (shortstop Anthony Volpe played for the Patriots before moving over to the Yankees in 2023). Whether you see future stars or not, Bridgewater’s TD Bank Ballpark offers a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for watching a ballgame with kids of any age. And if younger fans need a break from the action in between the lines, they can play at the Fun Zone down the first base line. —Gary Phillips
1 Patriots Park; 908-252-0700
8. The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour in Beach Haven
What’s a sweeter Shore activity than going out for ice cream? Watching a mini Broadway show while enjoying it! At this 50-year-old Long Beach Island institution, savor sundaes named after musicals as singing and dancing “waitri”—cheerfully clad in red-and-white-striped aprons and vests—perform show tunes. You never know when you might be plucked from the audience to belt out a few bars. It’s open seven days a week in the summer—but make online reservations in advance to ensure you snag a seating. —Jennifer Finn
200 Centre Street; 609-492-9477
9. Tubing Down the Delaware in Kingwood
Each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, hundreds of families go tubing down the Delaware River. For some good clean fun, Big Bear Gear, an exclusive State of New Jersey tubing licensee, offers an adventure-filled day. Following a water-safety talk, embark on a laid-back five-mile river float that can last anywhere from 90 minutes to three-plus hours. Ages 8 and up. —Susan Brierly Bush
1874 River Road; 609-460-4784
10. Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua
Photo: Courtesy of Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University
What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? The recently opened $74 million Edelman Fossil Park & Museum (located at Rowan University, where these creatures are also studied) offers an incredible array of prehistoric experiences. One unique activity is the Quarry Dig, located in an active research quarry, where visitors can unearth actual fossils from 66 million years ago, like mossasaurs, sea turtles and marine crocodiles. There are also virtual reality experiences, where kids can roam freely through prehistoric terrain; live critter encounters; and much more. —JG
66 Million Mosasaur Way; 856-284-DINO
11. Battleship New Jersey in Camden
At 11 stories tall and nearly 300 yards long, the Battleship New Jersey offers a one-of-a-kind overnight adventure. Children aged five and up, accompanied by an adult, receive a guided tour of the ship and learn about its role in World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Families then sleep over on the ship in the real bunks used by sailors. Dinner and breakfast are included. Cost is $85 per person. —Tom Wilk
62 Battleship Place; 856-966-1652
12. Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township
With such rides as the Cinderoller Coaster and Tick Tock Clock Drop, Storybook Land lives up to its name. Geared to children aged 10 and under, the family-run amusement park is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and is still a delight to visit. Summer is the high season, but it remains open through December, with the Fall Into Fun Festival in October and Fantasy of Lights from mid-November through December. Park admission is $38.99 for tickets bought online and $41.99 for tickets bought at the park. —TW
6415 E. Black Horse Pike; 609-646-0103
13. Liberty Science Center in Jersey City
Photo: Courtesy of Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center is, hands down, one of the top kid-friendly day trips in all of New Jersey, with fascinating and fun hands-on discovery for all ages. The centerpiece is the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest planetarium in the United States, which has an Elmo-guided film tour of the planets for the littlest viewers and more serious showings for older science lovers. Then there’s the pitch-black Touch Tunnel, a longtime Liberty Science Center favorite that recently reopened post-pandemic; the thrilling Infinity Tower climb; a massive model-train set; a variety of live animals; a zone specifically designed for young kids; and rotating exhibits like “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body,” which is running through September 1. —JG
222 Jersey City Boulevard; 201-200-1000
14. The Candy Lab in Haddonfield
What kid doesn’t have a sweet tooth? Not only is this place the remedy, it’s a hands-on creative studio that allows kids aged 5–12 to make crafty edible treats. Think M&M-trimmed sunglasses, marshmallow-stacked snowmen and candy mosaics. There’s a roster of daily after-school classes, parent-and-me workshops, private parties, and holiday classes like one-of-a-kind gingerbread-house making, Easter-egg coloring and fashioning spooky Halloween goodies. Classes are $20 and up. —DPC
104 Walnut Street; 610-229-0663
15. Mountain Creek in Vernon Township
In the winter, Mountain Creek is all about skiing and snowboarding, with 167 acres of trails and lessons in both. For something different, take advantage of night skiing, or take the kids snow tubing. Then, in the warmer months (June-September), this spot turns into a high-energy water park with slides, river rapids, and the legendary Canyon Cliff Jump into the water below. There’s also the High Tide Wavepool, as well as mountain-biking trails. If you want to make your day trip into a weekend away, they offer lodging and restaurants. —J. Mroz
200 Route 94; 973-827-2000
16. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach
Lighthouse Point is one of two miniature golf courses on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Photo: Courtesy of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Come for the ocean waves and stay for the rides, arcade games, miniature golf and boardwalk eats at one of the most family-friendly boardwalks down the Shore. There’s even an aquarium located right on the boards—perfect for an extra-hot or rainy day when you need an indoor escape—complete with penguins, fish, sharks and an endangered sea turtle named Ace. Arrive early for the most parking options at the best prices (or take NJ Transit right to Point Pleasant Beach). Beyond the summer, Jenkinson’s hosts year-round events, from movie and karaoke nights to trick-or-treating and a holiday light display. —Stefanie Jackowitz-Robinson
300 Ocean Avenue
17. Crabbing at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan
This state park offers a prime spot for kids to learn how to crab. From the Hooks Creek Lake parking lot, walk a short way down the Perrine Road trail to the bridge on the creek, which is great for beginners. From there, families can catch blue crabs in cages or with bait and a string. Afterwards, dig for mussels along the bank, or take a dip in the lake. You don’t need a permit for basic hand lines, nets and collapsable traps. —James LaForge
300 Gordon Road; 732-566-2161
18. Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange
The legendary inventor had many lightbulb moments in his huge West Orange laboratory complex, where he researched the innovations that brought us the motion picture camera, improved phonographs, sound recordings, silent and sound movies, and more. The world’s first movie studio, the Black Maria, operated on the property; a replica reopened last year after a two-year renovation. Arrive early if you want to visit Glenmont, the grand Edison family home, in nearby Llewellyn Park–it’s a hot ticket. —J. Martin
211 Main Street; 973-736-0550
19. Wharton State Forest in Hammonton
What better way to do a digital detox than roughing it for a few nights under the stars? Wharton State Forest checks every box of the typical camping trip: tent and trailer sites, hiking, boating, fishing, birdwatching and more. The park is also home to some unique history in the form of Batsto Village, a former industrial center that predates the Revolutionary War. The village offers seasonal tours and education programs. Reserve campsites online; fees vary. —J. LaForge
31 Batsto Road; 609-561-0024
20. Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn
The Little Mermaid ran at the Paper Mill Playhouse earlier this year. Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
The Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse is one of New Jersey’s premier professional theaters, where five Broadway-caliber productions are staged annually. It’s a great first step for kids (starting at age four for select shows, like the upcoming Disney’s Frozen) to see large-scale productions without the stress, crowds and cost of Broadway. The staff and ushers make kids feel comfortable inside the theater, with booster seats and an extra dose of compassion. The theater also offers autism-friendly performances. —Leigh Scheps
22 Brookside Drive; 973-376-4343
21. Insectropolis in Toms River
Photo: Courtesy of Insectropolis
If the kiddos are into creepy-crawlies, head to Jersey’s own bug museum for activities, games and exhibits. Make like a termite and crawl through a mud tube or spy on bees in their hive. Kids can even touch a tarantula. Insectropolis has roughly a dozen specially themed exhibits to give patrons an in-depth glimpse into the world of insects. The museum is also open for camps and birthday parties. (Click here for a guide to New Jersey museums, many of which are kid-friendly.) —J. LaForge
1761 Route 9; 732-349-7090
22. Adventure Aquarium in Camden
Photo: Courtesy of Kaleidoscope Cove
Jersey’s top aquarium provides a full day of underwater fun. Adventurous types will get a kick out of the Shark Bridge (a narrow rope bridge above a pool of sharks) and Shark Tunnel (where they swim alongside and above you). The aquarium has the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast. New this summer, the spectacular Kaleidoscope Cove groups 100-plus species by color (instead of habitat) and surrounds them with light, movement and interactive features. Two hippos (yes, really!), turtles, penguins and a touch tank round out the attractions. —JG
1 Riverside Drive; 844-474-FISH
23. Jets/Giants Training Camp in Florham Park, East Rutherford
Attending an NFL game at MetLife Stadium is always a great way to spend a Sunday in the fall, but the Jets and Giants let you get even closer to the action during training camp each summer. Both teams hold open practices, and tickets are free. You just need to reserve them online. With the Jets practicing at their facility in Florham Park and the Giants working out at their training center adjacent to MetLife in East Rutherford, open practices are a great way for fans to interact with players, get autographs and pictures, and learn the intricacies of football. —GP
24. Ocean City
Stroll the boardwalk in this alcohol-free town where kid-friendly amusements take a front seat. Check out Jilly’s Arcade for retro games like Skee-Ball, pinball, air hockey and more. Along with games, this Shore gem offers water sports galore: surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and guided nature walks. Kids (and kids at heart) can also enjoy a round of miniature golf, or explore the Ocean City Historical Museum. —Ben Wasserman
25. Pyramid Mountain in Montville
Share the wonders of nature with the kids while they burn off steam at Pyramid Mountain National Historic Area in Morris County. The park’s three hiking areas—Bear Rock, Tripod Rock and Whale Head Rock—have fantastic stone formations called glacial erratics, plus pretty views and burbling streams. An easy three-mile round-trip hike along the blue trail brings you to Tripod Rock, an enormous boulder that balances, seemingly impossibly, on three small stones. Get there early; the lot fills up quickly. —J. Martin
472 Boonton Avenue; 973-334-3130
26. Cape May Diamonds in Cape May
Scour Higbee and Sunset beaches for the quartz stones known as Cape May diamonds. These clear quartz pebbles are smooth, relatively clear, and can be polished to a rich luster, which earned them their nickname. While these opaque stones don’t garner the ardor of their distant relatives—or the price—they are fun to hunt for in the sand, and some of the local jewelers will even set your finds in necklaces, rings, bracelets and more. The Sunset Beach Gift Shop can provide tips for diamond hunting. —DPC
27. Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing
At this 25-acre farm rescue, visitors can pet and feed free-roaming emus, alpacas, donkeys, sheep, a Red Angus steer, pigs, horses, goats, cats, dogs and more creatures. The 600-plus domestic, farm and exotic animals had little hope before being rescued and given a permanent home at Funny Farm. Parking and admission are free; donations are welcomed by this charitable organization. Open 8 am-4 pm, Tuesdays and Sundays year-round. —Barbara Leap
6908 Railroad Boulevard; 609-742-9410
28. Pier Village Carousel in Long Branch
Taking inspiration from its location at the ocean, this newly built wooden carousel features elaborate Jersey Shore-themed wooden horses and figures such as a pelicans, dolphins and a crowned green frog—which kids love to make adults ride. Unlike most carousels, which close after Labor Day, this one at kid-friendly Pier Village is open year-round, noon-5 pm. —R.C. Staab
155 Ocean Avenue N.; 732-564-6703
29. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township
Nitro is a hypercoaster, meaning it is built for speed, height and airtime. Photo: Courtesy of Six Flags
Thrill seekers will find it easy to spend a day at Six Flags Great Adventure. It is the second largest theme park in the world, with nearly 60 rides. Opened in 1974, this 160-acre park boasts 13 roller coasters, including the 230-foot high Nitro. Six Flags also features Hurricane Harbor, a 45-acre water park, and Wild Safari, an off-road adventure with live animals. —DPC
1 Six Flags Boulevard; 732-928-2000
30. Jersey Jet Ski in Jersey City, Keyport
Zoom into the New York Harbor from Jersey City and discover a private, buoyed-off 100-acre zone with jaw-dropping views of the Statue of Liberty. Families can join guided tours around Lady Liberty, NYC landmarks and Manhattan. Kids as young as six can ride as passengers with an adult, while teens with a driver’s permit (16 years old) or photo ID (18 years old) can ride solo. Tours also launch out of Keyport. —RCS
31. Waterloo Village in Stanhope
History comes alive at this 19th-century town, which was the halfway point on the 102-mile trip along the Morris Canal. Kids can see how people lived back then, how a mill works, how boats unloaded their goods directly into the general store built along the canal, and a pioneer farm and blacksmith shop. There’s a native woodland forest with exhibits, and activities and miles of trails to explore. —J. Martin
526 Waterloo Road; 973-347-1835
32. Shakespeare Theatre of NJ in Florham Park
Photo: Brian B. Crowe
Theater-loving kiddos and teens will be amazed during a tour of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s 50,000-square-foot interactive museum. At the Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory, they’ll experience behind-the-scenes spaces like the costume shop and set-design studio. The enchanting building is also a work of art, with the prop and costume inventories displayed in an imaginative way. Guests can join the few public tours held each year or call the box office to arrange a private group tour. Also see how that behind-the-scenes magic translates to the stage at one of the Shakespeare Theatre’s kid-friendly productions. —J. Larcara
3 Vreeland Road; 973-408-5600
33. American Dream in East Rutherford
There’s so much to do with kids at this mega-mall (the second largest in the country) that it’s hard to know where to start. There are DreamWorks waterpark; a Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park with rides; roller skating and ice skating in the winter; and a huge Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas that offer views of New York City. American Dream also has indoor surfing and skiing, as well as a Sesame Street Learn and Play for the little ones. There are plenty of restaurants for when the tykes get hungry, including Around the Clock Diner. Don’t forget that you’ll have to pay $5 to park here (the first 30 minutes are free). —J. Mroz
1 American Dream Way; 833-263-7326
34. Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton
Peter Woytuk’s Bull #5 and Bull #4 (2002), a gift of the Seward Johnson Atelier. Photo: David Michael Howarth Photography
At this 42-acre, year-round sculpture park and arboretum, children can enjoy contemporary sculptures that make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The park offers a blend of art and nature with more than 300 sculptures, indoor galleries, and various events and programs. There’s even a replica of Monet’s garden. The art collection includes interpretations of famous paintings as sculptures as well as unique, modern pieces that kids can touch and feel. It’s a great way to teach children about art in a hands-on way. —J. Mroz
80 Sculptors Way; 609-586-0616
35. Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge
Fairy Tale Forest isn’t the kind of theme park with all the modern bells and whistles. This Jersey classic provides a nostalgic trip back in time for fans of the original Brothers Grimm tales. First opened in 1957, the spot reopened last summer after a years-long closure, but it’s kept its classic, kitschy feel intact. Throughout the park, a trail guides visitors to small structures, inside which fairy tales come to life with sound, characters and story. There’s a small restaurant on the grounds, plus interactive shows. —JG
140 Oak Ridge Road; 973-697-5656
36. Wild West City in Stanhope
Photo: Courtesy of Wild West City
Rediscover the Old West on the East Coast. Wild West City recreates the look of an 1880s frontier town, complete with saloon, trading post and plenty of showdowns. Families visiting the theme park can enjoy stagecoach rides, check out the frontier museum, pan for gold, go on rides, and try one of several dining options. Even after nearly 70 years, this family-run park is still a fun and immersive blast from the past. —BW
50 Lackawanna Drive; 973-347-8900
37. IKEA in Elizabeth
For a bird’s-eye view of jumbo jets landing at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport, take the littles to the IKEA superstore in Elizabeth. Head to the restaurant and snag a coveted table next to the big windows. Enjoy the show as you feast on kid-friendly eats like Swedish meatballs and mac ’n’ cheese. —SBB
1000 Ikea Drive; 888-888-4532
38. Diggerland USA in West Berlin
Kids can embrace their inner construction worker at New Jersey’s one-of-a-kind construction-themed amusement and water park. Kids will enjoy rides built around the art of operating heavy machinery, from controlling a pint-sized big digger to going for a spin in the carousel-inspired Dig-A-Round to enjoying a swim at the always fun Bulldozer Bay. If you want to continue the fun past your day trip, stay overnight at Diggerland’s upcoming Family Camp Out event happening this October. —BW
100 Pinedge Drive; 856-768-1110
39. Hawk Watch in Alpine
Every fall, hawks migrate southward from New England, and one of the best places to spot them is State Line Lookout on the Palisades. Hawk Watch volunteers are on hand most days from 9 am to 4 pm to answer questions about the 16 species of hawks and vultures riding the thermals above the glittering Hudson far below. There are also a refreshment stand and hiking trails. Bring your binoculars and your sense of awe. —Leslie Garisto Pfaff
201-768-1360
40. Essex County Codey Arena in West Orange
Lace up those skates, snap on that helmet, and hit the ice. Opened in 1958, Codey Arena (formerly South Mountain Arena) has an important place in New Jersey history: It’s the former practice arena for the New Jersey Devils, and it hosts the Essex County Special Olympics, among other events. For everyday fun, public skating is offered Friday-Sunday ($10-$12) with skates available for rent ($5). Various lessons and leagues are on offer, too. —SJR
560 Northfield Avenue; 973-731-3828
41. Northlandz in Flemington
Visitors can ride a 1890s steam engine replica train at Northlandz. Photo: Courtesy of Northlandz
All model-train collectors like big and detailed sets, but Northlandz takes it to a completely different level. As the world’s largest model railroad, Northlandz spans 52,000 square feet, combining hundreds of trains and decor along eight miles of track to recreate jaw-dropping communities and landscapes. A full-sized replica 1890s steam engine train is also available for those who wish to go for a ride on the real thing. —BW
495 US-202; 908-782-4022
42. Reaction Lab in Atlantic Highlands
Ready to whip up elephant toothpaste or gooey slime—without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone? Reaction Lab is a kid-friendly science lab for families craving hands-on fun. This interactive science studio lets kids and parents dive into wild experiments and creative projects, all in a safe, mess-free environment. Geared toward elementary school-aged children and their families, Reaction Lab is open Wednesday through Saturday, with special hours reserved for birthday parties. —RCS
2347 NJ-36; 732-856-8163
43. Holmdel Park
This 664-acre park is wonderful to explore in all four seasons. It offers an arboretum, fishing, ice skating, sledding, and 10 miles of trails where many schools compete in cross-country track—plus the Longstreet Farm (a living-history farm) to see the animals and experience life back in the 1890s. Kids can run around two playgrounds including the Forest Edge Playground, which was recently upgraded with new equipment, flooring and sensory-friendly musical instruments. —LS
44 Longstreet Road; 732-946-9562
44. Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood, Moorestown
Bookended between autumn’s early-childhood programs and summer arts camp are a wide range of classes for children, teens and adults in music, movement and visual arts. Little arts lovers will adore Mini Musicians, Made to Play (art making for the earliest learners), and other kids’ activities. The Perkins Conservatory of Music at both locations provides personalized and group vocal and instrumental lessons for all ages—even newborns! —BL
Collingswood: 30 Irvin Avenue; 856-235-6488
Moorestown: 395 Kings Highway; 856-235-6488
45. Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg
If you really want to score some brownie points with the kiddos, take them on a weekend trip to Crystal Springs. The resort, located in picturesque Sussex County, is the only place of its kind for families in New Jersey. The property features two hotels: the more upscale Grand Cascades Lodge, with an expansive indoor/outdoor biosphere pool, and the Minerals Hotel, which has family-friendly amenities like pools, a nine-hole golf course, a rock-climbing wall and archery. Seasonal activities like “glicing” (skating on faux ice) and visits with Santa are also on offer. Note to parents: If you get time away from the little ones, explore the property’s legendary 45,000-bottle wine cellar or get a spa treatment. —JG
1 Wild Turkey Way; 855-977-6473
46. Twin Lights in Highlands
On a clear day, treat your history buffs in training to a spectacular view atop the circa-1862 Twin Lights lighthouses, which stand 250 feet above Sandy Hook Bay on one of the highest points along the coast. Visit the museum loaded with lighthouse and lifesaving-station artifacts, and view films and slide shows. Take a self-guided tour of the medieval-style towers, or book an adventure led by a local historian. —SBB
2 Light House Road; 732-872-1814
47. Wheaton Arts in Millville
South Jersey’s impressive glassmaking roots are celebrated at this 45-acre cultural center featuring the Museum of American Glass, a glassblowing studio, a ceramics studio, a nature trail, a store and more. Watch the fascinating glassblowing process during year-round public demonstrations, learn from gaffers in hands-on workshops, or attend the annual fall festival to get a feel for the breadth of work created here. From April through December, the center is open Thursday through Sunday. —J. Larcara
1501 Glasstown Road; 856-825-6800
48. Historic Smithville in Galloway
Treat the kiddos to old-school fun at Historic Smithville, located minutes from Atlantic City. What started as a stagecoach stop is now a charming village with cobblestone streets, foot bridges, restaurants and 50 shops. This South Jersey gem is known for its kids’ carousel, train and boats. Family events like Oktoberfest, a costume pet parade for Halloween, car shows and festivals happen throughout the year. —SBB
615 East Moss Mill Road; 609-748-8999
49. Camp Creek Run in Marlton
Nature blooms year-round at this 50-acre preserve in Burlington County. Summer camp for kids aged 5–13, offers an immersive local-ecology education plus sports, boating, swimming, hiking, crafts and more. The rest of the year is devoted to environmental education programs for all ages. The nonprofit Camp Creek Run is “dedicated to growing curiosity and wonder while nurturing future scientists and caretakers of the natural world.” —BL
199 Taunton Lake Road; 856-596-4250
50. Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville
Step back in time and explore a military installation that dates to the late 1890s. Climb 28 steps at Battery Gregg, where long-range guns were deployed to protect the Delaware River from invasion, and enjoy an elevated view of the waterfront. A self-guided walking tour offers a close-up look at the concrete-reinforced fort’s interior, including the shell room and fire-control tower. —TW
454 Fort Mott Road; 856-935-3218
51. Zoos
Photo: iStock/Dhoxax
In New Jersey, our zoos are, first and foremost, about seeing incredible animals. To many parents’ delight, they also focus on conservation and education. Inside Paramus’s Van Saun County Park sits the Bergen County Zoo, our state’s largest, with an array of mammals (including the red wolf and mountain lion), birds and amphibians, plus summer camps and other programming. In West Orange, there’s the beloved Turtle Back Zoo, an 11,000-square-foot complex on the South Mountain Reservation featuring more than 130 animal species—including lions, giraffes and penguins—an adventure course, opportunities to feed stingrays and other creatures, and a train and a carousel. At the state’s southernmost point, the Cape May County Park and Zoo provides an opportunity to see multiple creatures up close—for free—like the American bison, giraffe, capybara, and the always-adorable red panda. It even recently topped USA Today’s top 10 list of best free attractions in the country. —BW
Bergen County Zoo: 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus; 201-634-3100
Turtle Back Zoo: 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange; 973-731-5800
Cape May County Park & Zoo: 707 US-9 North, Cape May Court House;609-465-5271
52. Arcades
Photo: Courtesy of Silverball Retro Arcade
Sometimes a Switch 2 or PlayStation 5 just can’t compete with an old-fashioned arcade. Across New Jersey, several retro arcades offer the thrill of pinball, Skee-Ball and classic games for as long as your hand-eye coordination will allow—no quarters required. At Morristown’s Game Vault, dozens of popular 1980s titles are available to play within the walls of an old bank, from Street Fighter II to Pac-Man and even Tron. Billy’s Midway in Hawthorne offers a similar vibe, featuring iconic arcade machines dating from 1933 to 2012, like Donkey Kong and Punch Out. And down on the Asbury Park boardwalk, Silverball Retro Arcade not only features 200 games to play, but regularly rotates available titles from a collection of 600—complete with detailed descriptions of each game’s history, making it as much a museum as a fun hangout. —BW
Game Vault: 22 South Street, Morristown; 973-994-8500
Billy’s Midway: 312 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne; 973-304-4530
Silverball Retro Arcade: 1000 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park; 732-774-4994
53. Toy stores
Photo: Shutterstock/FamVeld
No matter the era, kids love toy stores, and they aren’t going out of style anytime soon. Tons of Toys has four locations across North Jersey, with everything from plushies to Lego to board games, and no shortage of fun.
Shop action figures and vintage collectibles at YesterToys in Chatham, where nostalgia is the name of the game.
Inside the 3,000-square-foot House of Fun in Barrington, toys line the walls from floor to ceiling. Browse figurines, trading cards, T-shirts, DVDs and VHS tapes, and even arcade machines.
The Haymarket in Ship Bottom was founded half a century ago by kids-at-heart owners Susan and John Hay. They boast a high-quality and sophisticated collection, featuring everything from art sets to beach toys. —J. LaForge
Tons of Toys: Madison, Bernardsville, Wyckoff, Westwood
YesterToys: 240 Main Street, Chatham; 973-507-9041
House of Fun: 210 White Horse Pike, Barrington; 856-833-1199
The Haymarket: 2120 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom; 609-494-7228
54. Aerial ropes courses
TreEscape in Vernon Township Photo: Courtesy of Great Gorge
Zip on over to any of several aerial ropes courses in New Jersey for an outdoor adventure to challenge kids of all ages. Kids naturally love climbing, and these courses given them a safe way to navigate obstacles like rope bridges, swinging logs, ladders, aerial sufboards and zip lines while testing their balance, coordination and confidence.
Diggerland USA in West Berlin
This construction-themed amusement park has a ropes course within its adventure park. For an additional fee, there is a 700-foot zip line.
100 Pinedge Drive; 856-768-1110
FLG X Adventure Course in Ledgewood
This aerial course has more that 30 zip lines, making it the largest zip line course in the United States. There are a host of creative elements that include scrambling walls and an aerial surfboard. Children aged 9-11 can climb the first three courses; those 12 and up can access them all.
59 Mt. Arlington Road; 888-241-4582
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Adventure Lookout Ropes Course in Point Pleasant Beach
There are two courses, for younger and older kids. The larger one offers a chance to walk the plank and a zip line with ocean views.
300 Ocean Avenue; 732-892-0600
TreEscape in Vernon Township
This course has 11 progressively more challenging courses, with more than 150 elements for adventurous kids as young as 4 years old. Courses can take up to four hours to complete. With six proficiency categories, there’s something for everyone.
414 Country Road 517; 862-801-7028
Treetop Adventure Course at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange
There are junior courses here for kids at least 48” tall and six years old; parents can accompany their kids on the course. Kids over 54” tall can try the adult course. The zip line is longer than a football field.
560 Northfield Avenue; 973-731-5800
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