10 Ways to Cool Off in New Jersey

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1. Splash around in a waterpark.
   
   Whether you want to float in a lazy river or get some thrills on a high-speed water slide, cool off in one of the waterparks in New Jersey. Check out Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club and Raging Waters Water Park, part of Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks in Wildwood. Other water parks along the Shore include Runaway Rapids in Keansburg, Breakwater Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights and OC Waterpark in Ocean City. Up north, Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon offers kid-friendly ways to cool down, plus more thrilling attractions like Zero-G, the world’s tallest double looping thrill slide.
   
    
2. Catch a wave while surfing along the Jersey Shore.

   
   Experience some of the best waves on the East Coast with a day of surfing. Never tried it before? Take a lesson at Coastline Adventures Surfing School (Brick), Hammer Surf School (Spring Lake, Lavallette, Seaside Park), 7th Street Surf Shop (Ocean City), or the girls-only Pink Pineapple Surf School (Manasquan).
   
    

3. Play arcade games or laser tag.

   
   Escape the heat of the sun in an entertainment center like Jilly's Arcade in Ocean City, where you can spend the day navigating pinball machines, Skee-Ball, modern and vintage arcade games (think Pac Man and Asteroids) and even newer gaming experiences like Halo. Or head to iPlay America in Freehold for virtual bowling, arcade games, a Topgolf Swing Suite, laser tag and more. For an adults-only arcade experience, head to Barcade, a bar/arcade hybrid in Jersey City.
   
    

4. Have a scoop of ice cream.

   
   You don’t have to scream for ice cream—just visit one of the many New Jersey ice cream shops for a scoop of something delicious. In Burlington, UMMM Ice Cream Parlor offers homemade ice cream and waffle cones in an old fashioned atmosphere. For sweet treats with a side of song and dance, check out The Music Man: Singing Ice Cream Shoppe in Lavallette or Show Place Ice Cream Parlour in Beach Haven.
   
    

5. Spend some time in a cool shopping mall.

   
   When it comes to malls in New Jersey, there are so many places to choose from, each offering plenty of big-name stores, food court options and—perhaps most importantly—cool, comfortable air conditioning. Bargain shoppers can also score great deals at one of the many discount outlets. 
   
    

6. Visit a nearby Jersey shore beach.

   
   With 130 miles of coastline, you’re bound to find a perfect beach for swimming, surfing, lounging and relaxing. From the bustling, family-friendly Wildwoods to the romantic, secluded Cape May shoreline, New Jersey beaches are diverse and plentiful. 
   
    

7. Catch a breeze on a roller coaster ride.

   
   Feel the wind in your hair on roller coasters and fast rides at one of New Jersey’s many amusement parks, like Keansburg Amusement Park, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township and Land of Make Believe & Pirate's Cove in Hope. And of course, there’s Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, where you can hop on record-breaking coasters, cool off on classic rides like the Saw Mill Log Flume, or drive through the Safari from the comfort of your own car (and its A/C).
   
    

8. Enjoy fresh sea air from a boat cruise.

   
   Spend some time out on the water with a cruise. New Jersey offers quite a variety—from pirate-themed voyages to whale-watching excursions to romantic dinner cruises. A few to choose from: River Lady (Toms River), Cornucopia Cruise Lines (Hoboken and Perth Amboy), Cape May Whale Watcher, Lake Hopatcong Cruises, Black Pearl Pirate Cruises (Beach Haven) and Starlight Fleet & Dark Star Pirate Cruises (Wildwood Crest).
   
    

9. Watch a movie in a cool, dark theater.

   
   Skip the hottest part of the day with a quick retreat to a nearby movie theater. For the ultimate experience, the IPIC, Hudson Lights in Fort Lee features in-theater dining and bar service, as well as comfy, custom-designed Pods. Or pack your car up and head to the Delsea Drive-In in Vineland, where you can control your own air.
   
    

10. Explore the attractions at Camden Waterfront.

    
    There are plenty of things to do in New Jersey when you’re at the Camden Waterfront. Go “underwater” at the Adventure Aquarium (advance reservations are currently required), explore the U.S. Navy’s most decorated battleship at the Battleship New Jersey & Museum, or splash around in the Water Spray Ground at Camden Children's Garden.

Find even more to do in New Jersey by downloading a free NJ travel guide or signing up for e-news from New Jersey Travel & Tourism. And be sure to check the official websites or social media pages for the sites you plan to visit before you go so you can get the greatest enjoyment from your excursions.