Get Back To Nature
Make the most of the nice weather at Tenafly Nature Center, located along the scenic Hudson River in North Jersey. With nearly 400 acres of lush spaces and wildlife habitats, you’ll find plenty to explore. Take teens for a hike along seven miles of trails (score your trail map here). Bring little ones to meet the center’s more than 30 animal ambassadors. Or choose from a collection of outdoor activities sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces.
In Hillsborough, you can explore over 1,000 acres of natural spaces at your own pace at Duke Farms. You can rent bikes on-site to go on a fun two-wheeled adventure. Try your hand (and brain!) at geocaching. Be sure to hit the Hay Barn, stroll through the Orchid Range and get a gander at the Great Falls before heading home.
Want to make some fine-feathered friends? Meet Osprey, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis and more at Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. Of course, it isn’t just birds flocking here. Spy the foxes, raccoons, box turtles, river otters, toads and tree frogs that also call this natural paradise home as you navigate the sanctuary’s scenic paths.
Of course, you can always immerse your family in soul-soothing green spaces at any of our 58+ state and national parks located across every region of the state.
Hit The Beach & Boards
Our 130 miles of beaches and the dozens of boardwalks that hug them aren’t just made for toes-in-the-sand season! At Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, you’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor activities with good times on the agenda, no matter what the weather has in store. Hop aboard rides at the amusement park and join in the egg-cellent events happening all week long. If the weather’s looking fishy (remember, April showers bring May flowers!), Jenkinson’s Aquarium is open all year round. Say hello to its resident sharks, penguins, seals and more. And don’t just gaze through the glass – the aquarium hosts immersive experiences including Animal Encounters, Private Behind-The-Scenes Tours – and even one-of-a-kind promposals and proposals!
Widely known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City knows how to bring the kid-friendly fun! Open just in time for Spring Break, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier on the Ocean City Boardwalk is the place to spin, slide, zoom and whirl on rides for all ages.
And it will be nearly impossible to tame their excitement when you plan a trip to The Wildwoods – from its wide sandy shoreline to its bustling boardwalk (where pedestrians are reminded to “Watch the tram car, please”). This is your chance to hop aboard bikes and pedal the 38-block-long stretch of boards before the summer crowds arrive.
For a guide to all of New Jersey’s beaches and boardwalks, click here.
Get Wowed At Indoor Water Parks
If rain is in the forecast, don’t worry – you can go on a tropical getaway at one of New Jersey’s indoor water parks. At Big Kahuna's in West Berlin, the weather’s always perfect and kids can zoom down zippy waterslides, float along a lazy river or even try surfing.
Or splash over to DreamWorks Water Park in East Rutherford, the largest indoor water park in North America. Located in American Dream, this one-of-a-kind water playground has record-breaking slides, luxury cabanas and a balmy 81-degree climate all year long. Looking for more? Dive into the details on all of our indoor water parks here.
Climb The Walls (And More!)
If your kiddos have a lot of energy, New Jersey has the places to expend it! At Rock N Air in East Brunswick, there are six unique climbing attractions to reach new heights, plus springy trampolines, a challenging Adventure Zone and more.
With multiple Urban Air Adventure Park locations, your kids have even more opportunities to leap into the excitement of jumping, climbing and finding ever-more daring ways to catch some air. Sky Zone Trampoline Park – also with multiple locations around the Garden State – invites kids to slip into their grippy socks and bounce through their many pulse-pounding, gravity-defying attractions.
Blow Off Some STEAM
When you can disguise learning as play, you know you’ve achieved master parenting status. New Jersey boasts a multitude of edutainment attractions – from aquariums to museums – that would make any teacher swoon.
At Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, kids can get hands-on with interactive exhibits delving into the wondrous worlds of science, space, technology and more. While budding marine biologists can dive into the fascinating underwater habitat of sharks, hippos, octopi, piranhas and more at Adventure Aquarium in Camden.
Your kids will find a new appreciation for larger-than-life masterworks at Grounds For Sculpture, an outdoor art park in Hamilton. For museums masquerading as indoor playgrounds for little ones, you’ll want to explore Imagine That! in Florham Park and The Wonder Wing at Monmouth Museum in Lincroft. To discover our full collection of museums, click here.
All Scream For Ice Cream
Before summer’s hot sunny days can melt your favorite frozen treat, you can get out to some of the top ice cream shops in the state. In North Jersey, get your licks in at Das’ Creamery (Budd Lake) and Guerriero Gelato (multiple locations). In Central Jersey, savor the flavors at The Bent Spoon (Princeton) and Owowcow (Lambertville). And across South Jersey, satisfy your sweet tooth at Hilltop Creamery (Blackwood) and Leo’s Ice Cream Company (home to the famous Leo’s Famous Yum Yum, that’s not quite Italian gelato, not quite water ice and not quite sherbet, but somehow still all three and more!).
You’ve got a lot of spring breaking ahead of you! But, before you make a break for the door, be sure to check the official websites or social media channels of the places you plan to visit. Looking for more trip inspiration? Download our free travel guide and sign up for our e-newsletter.
