Northern New Jersey
When the weather heats up, do you dream of ice skating and wintry sports? Grab a cardigan and head over to Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, where you can glide around the indoor ice rink year-round.
If it’s an action-packed boardwalk you crave, check out the indoor boardwalk at The Funplex in East Hanover, home to Go-Karts, amusement rides, an arcade and a futuristic Laser Tag arena. And yes, there are even Jersey Shore treats like funnel cakes and fried Oreos too! Can’t wait? Buy a wristband online here.
Now here’s a big idea – explore the largest museum in New Jersey, the Newark Museum of Art. From world-class collections to exciting exhibits, it’s the perfect weather-proof way to wow-up a rainy-ish summer day.
Liberty Science Center in Jersey City makes for a great family outing, rain or shine. Explore the galaxy and soar through the stars during dazzling shows at the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium.
Or brighten your day with a visit to American Dream in East Rutherford. This three-million-square-foot entertainment, dining and retail mecca is home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest indoor theme park and North America’s largest indoor water park too!
Feeling artsy? Put your creativity to the test with an exciting hands-on class or workshop at Newark's very own GlassRoots Studio. Or head over to Hawthorne with friends and family to find clues, decipher codes and solve puzzles that will ultimately lead you to the key to escape at The Other Tales, Escape Rooms.
Central New Jersey
Play all day in the central part of the state at Branchburg Sports Complex. From batting cages and a PlayMaze for children ages 3-12 to a four-level laser tag arena and arcade with over 40 sports and adventure-themed games, it’s great for all ages.!
The sky’s the limit when it comes to indoor fun at Urban Air Adventure Park in Milltown. Bounce up, up and away on trampolines, conquer the climbing wall and experience virtual reality games that include battling dragons and slinging snowballs.
What’s another to-do when it rains? Go clubbing in Edison, golf clubbing that is! Take a swing at a one-of-a-kind golfing adventure at Topgolf in Edison. Climate-controlled hitting bays offer year-round comfort, cool music and a tasty food and beverage menu too.
Nestled in the hills of the Watchung Mountains in Flemington, Northlandz Miniature Wonderland is a fantastic way to add big-time fun to a rainy day. The world’s largest miniature wonderland, this tiny wonder is an intricate network of surprises, with replicas of real-world landmarks, bridges, tunnels, perfectly scaled model trains, locomotives and landscapes.
History buffs and culture connoisseurs alike will be thrilled to visit the Morven Museum in Princeton, the former home to Declaration of Independence signer Richard Stockton as well as a roster of previous New Jersey governors. The museum’s collection of fine folk and decorative arts will bring a little sunshine to your day.
If military history is more your style, be sure to experience The Old Barracks Museum, a State and National Landmark in Trenton. Open year-round, this museum is home to three galleries and plenty of historic rooms on view. Special events too!
Southern New Jersey
Can’t wait for Discovery Channel's "Shark Week"? See the real deal at Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront, which boasts the largest shark collection in the Northeast, not to mention a great hammerhead shark – advance tickets or reservations are highly recommended.
Don't let the weather ditch your plans for the water park, either. Make your online reservations for the indoor Big Kahuna's Water Park in West Berlin, and challenge your companions to a race on Raging Rivers, dual headfirst mat racing slides.
Or spend the day splashing around at Island Waterpark at Showboat in Atlantic City, which opened in the summer of 2023. This thrilling tropical oasis features a retractable roof for year-round water fun, 11 water slides, a lazy river, a surf simulator and more. Ticket options can be found here.
When raindrops start falling on your head, you can gain a whole new point of view in Atlantic City when you climb the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest. In addition to its sweeping city skyline views, you can enjoy touring its tower, museum, gift shop and replica Lightkeeper’s dwelling.
It's not technically "indoors," but you'll be sheltered from the elements in your own vehicle at Vineland's Delsea Drive-In Theatre. The Delsea combines a 1950s vibe with modern tech, first-run films, convenient online ticket sales and healthier food choices like edamame with sea salt. (Don't worry you can still get cheesesteaks & cheese fries, too!)
For more rainy-day fun, check out iPlay America in Freehold. It offers everything from indoor two-level laser tag and high-flying amusement rides to an amazing arcade and TopGolf Swing Suite.
Discover more ways to wow-up not-so-sunny days – and every day– when you download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism. And be sure to call ahead or check out your preferred attractions’ official websites or social media pages before visiting, so you don’t get left out in the rain.
