Unusual Attractions in New Jersey

Unusual Attractions in NJ that are of interest to people and families with kids looking for something different to do. Many of the attractions are excellent for school teachers that are looking for a field trip to supplement their children's educational curriculum.

This site is intended to provide information on the little known or offbeat places that are of interest to people with special interests, or for school teachers that are looking for a field trip to supplement their children’s education curriculum.

While most of the unusual attractions presented here have appeal to families with kids, we have not limited our search with that in mind. Our list of New Jersey’s unusual attractions is presented for people with a broad interest in discovery, education, and/or offbeat fun and entertainment.

The Best of New Jersey’s Unusual Attractions

Cowtown Rodeo 780 Route 40 Pilesgrove 856-769-3200 May-September, 7:30 PM, Saturday nights Enjoy quality Western Rodeo entertainment by touring professional cowboys. Includes; Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Girls Barrel Racing, Brahma Bull Riding.
Franklin Mineral Museum 2 Evans Street Franklin 973-827-3481 The Franklin mine is a zinc mine known for its unusual display of mineral fluorescence, (glowing rocks) and variety of rare species. The museum also has demonstrations and examples of the mining methods used during that period of operation. Although the primary focus is mineral science, geology, and local mining history, they also cover the science of archeology and anthropology with field collection and mineral identification. The museum welcomes teachers and school tours and can create a curriculum to fit your schools educational interest.
Grape Expectations 25E Kearney St. Bridgewater 732-764-WINE (9463) Create your own quality table wines, using some of the finest varieties of California grapes. Experience the atmosphere of a winery and the enjoyment of the hobby of wine making. You will be involved in the complete process of wine making from the crushing and pressing of your grapes to the racking and bottling of your oak-barreled, specially prepared wine.
Jersey Shore Pirates Riverfront Marina Princeton Avenue (next to Windward Beach Park) Brick NJ (732) 899-6100 Your mini mates will have the opportunity to dress-up like pirates, get face painted with pirate “tattoos”, and learn some pirate lingo before setting sail for an an hour and fifteen minute pirate adventure. They will learn the rules of the Sea Gypsy pirate ship, read a treasure map, discover a secret message in a bottle, and work as a team to defeat the enemy pirate who has stolen the keys to their treasure. Prepare to man the water cannons to win back the keys from nemesis Pirate Pete! They offer kids birthday partys for with favors, skulldana's, eye patches, loot bags and swords will for up to 42 friends and family.
Northlandz 495 Highway 202 South Flemington (908) 782-4022 Home of the Great American Railway, Doll Museum & Art Gallery; They have over a hundred miniature trains and eight miles of track running past mountains and bridges. See the ninety four room dollhouse with many features found in real life mansions. Ride the Raritan River steam Railway replica as it travels through nature filled scenery. Visit the the Doll Museum with over two hundred dolls from different countries.
The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd. Oxford 908-637-4125 See a video about the trout hatching process from conception to stocking. Experience a self-instructional tour that shows the trout rearing and an exhibit hall with live fish. Hiking trails and Picnic areas are also available. Great for children and school tours.
Rankokus Indian Reservation Rancocas (609) 261-4747 Situated on 350 acres in the town of Westampton, NJ, is the Indian nation's administrative and educational, cultural, social programs center that has been established to help the people of the State of New Jersey, and school children in particular, to understand the Rankokus Indians and their ways and history through a tour of the reservation, its museum, art gallery, and the many exhibits and nature trails. Learn about Indian history from the native Indians and the true story of the Pocahontas myth. Popular with teachers and school children who are looking for a field trip to supplement their educational curriculum.
Insectropolis 1761 Lakewood Road Toms River (732) 349-7090 Insectropolis with 12 exhibit rooms, is a valuable learning center for schools, summer camps, tourists, and nearby families. Visitors to Insectropolis can interact with touch-screen computer games, hands-on exhibits, live anthropods and other insect displays, and more! Ideal for classroom field trips teachers, administrators, club leaders, or parents or other large groups. Interactive computer games and hands-on exhibits make it an educational and exciting option for group visits. Discounted admission price to groups of 15 or more
Fossil Hunting Big Brook Preserve Hillsdale Road Colts Neck 732-780-6666 Big Brook is an unsual find being one of the few sites to discover fossils in the Eastern, U.S. The Preserve is known for having a good chance of finding sharks teeth and other marine specimens fossils of both the Cretaceous and Pleistocene ages. Groups of 15 or more wishing to collect fossils or use the preserve for other activities are required to obtain a permit. Free parking is available in the lot on Hillsdale Road or along Laurelwood Drive.
Check out these Kids Oriented Activity Sites Kids Health Activities Here you can find a Kids fitness program, exhibition, or activity can be brought into a school, a child's birthday party, or other group setting Best Kids Attractions are recommendations for a family looking for a kids activity whether it be for fun, education, a day trip, a birthday party, or a school or day camp outing. Best Kid Friendly Farms with fun and educational activities for kids. Including pick your own produce, farm animals, events, , birthday parties, and farms for kids. Best Kids Birthday Party Places Includes a variety of programs for children of all ages and all interests with a variety of packages that can be customized to your needs.
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New Jersey Leisure Guide continually seeks to discover unusual attractions, and welcomes any feedback or knowledge of a place that would be of interest people looking for that unusual attraction or for school teachers looking for an interesting filed trip to supplement their children’s education curriculum.