Family Fun Hotspots
If you think water park season ends at the end of summer, think again. DreamWorks Waterpark, located at mega-entertaining American Dream in East Rutherford, is open year-round, so you can make a big splash at the largest indoor water park in North America in any season. If the kiddos are more interested in operating real-live (specially-engineered) backhoes, diggers and other heavy equipment, then be sure to clock in at the country’s only construction theme and water park at Diggerland USA in West Berlin – just be sure to visit before they close for the season on December 1, 2024.
Insectroplis in Toms River is a must. Known as The Bugseum of New Jersey, it’s home to thousands of insects and even a “mud tube” guests can crawl through to see what it’s like to be a termite. Or go under the sea (without getting wet!) at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, home to over 15,000 of the most diverse aquatic animals in the world, including hippos. Dare to cross Shark Bridge and be amazed in Shark Tunnel as well.
Naturally Amazing
Of course, there is one mammal you won’t find in an aquarium – an alpaca. But you can visit with them at a variety of alpaca farms this fall including Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm in Skillman and Stormwind Alpacas in Columbus. Stock up on warm alpaca socks and local honey there too. You can also take your crew to the first zoo in the state – Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton. Here, you can spy nearly 100 animals from more than 45 different species – and if you fall for one of them, you may even be able to symbolically adopt them.
At Popcorn Park Animal Refugein Forked River, you can find friendly farm animals, exotic big cats, and just about everything in between. These rescued animals are now living their best life in the unspoiled Pine Barrens – you can even sponsor one through the refuge’s Wildlife Club. For a cage-free encounter with four-legged and furry wildlife, schedule a guided tour (must be reserved online, up to three months in advance, as openings are limited) at Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia. You’ll find yourself surrounded by four different packs as the resident wolves play with each other—and maybe even treat you to a characteristic ahhhh- woooooooo.
Cheers to NJ
While the Garden State is known for its 178+ wineries, breweries and distilleries, we invite you and your visitors to sip on an array of beverages throughout NJ’s seven regions. Check out craft breweries including Beach Bee Meadery in Long Branch, Ironbound Farm Cider in Asbury, Brewery Thirty-Three in Historic Riverton and Eight & Sand Beer Co. in Woodbury. You can also sign up for the Jersey Brews Trail and earn free NJ swag just for visiting. Click here to learn more.
And if you feel like wining, Jersey has 50+ exemplary wineries and vineyards calling your name. Visit Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City or Brook Hollow Winery in Columbia. The choices are endless. Raise a glass to our 3-Day NJ Wine Tasting Itinerary too.
Gardens, Grub, Glass & Games
Flowers and food are universal crowd-pleasers, so we rounded up a trio of delights to dazzle your guests. Bring garden lovers to Duke Farms in Hillsborough, a 1,000-acre wonder of natural beauty featuring native plants, or Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown—where every season is abloom. Hungry? The Anthony Bourdain Food Trail spotlights 10 NJ restaurants and pays tribute to the celebrity chef and best-selling author’s childhood in the Garden State and summers spent at the Jersey Shore.
Looking for something artsy? WheatonArts in Millville is a full-blown artistic community that houses the highly respected Museum of American Glass Glass, along with artist studios, where you can watch demonstrations in glassmaking and other crafts. Care to get hands-on? GlassRoots in Newark hosts classes that cover just about every step of the glassmaking process.
For a one-of-a-kind throwback (and must-do!) experience, you can take your crew to the Silverball Museum Arcade. in Asbury Park, where an entry pass allows you to play all the classic pinball and arcade games for free. For more on New Jersey’s 1,034+ attractions click here.
All-in for History
Bring your favorite military buffs to The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton. Constructed in 1758, the building served as quarters for British soldiers during the French & Indian War before housing British prisoners of war during the American Revolution. Or journey back in time at Basto Village in Hammonton to explore over two-and-a-half centuries of American history.
And a sense of wonder is sure to STEM from our final two unique places to take out-of-towners. The InfoAge Science History Learning Museum in Wall is a consortium of science and history museums and exhibits (think: a mini Smithsonian) that focus on New Jersey’s innovations in telecommunications, while the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum takes off with interactive exhibits and activities centered around aviation and military history—all housed in a real WWII hangar in Cape May. Discover more historic Jersey gems here.
Our top tip for ensuring zero disappointments? Check the official websites or social media pages of your desired attractions for all the latest visitation information before arriving with your guests in tow. You can discover even more things to do in New Jersey by downloading our free-travel-guide and stay in the know with monthly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for our e-newsletter.
