Discover The Best Kids Attractions in New Jersey
Your Guide To The Best Kids Attractions in New Jersey. Features Amusement Parks, Zoos, Children's Museums, Nature Preserves, and more
If you're ever at a loss of what to do, pack up the car, buckle in the kids, and head to the Garden State to catch a children's show, explore a hands-on exhibit, browse through a museum, or for more excitement, head to an amusement park or a water park. In the winter there are day trip or weekend trip resorts with lodging for snow tubing and skiing.
Best Kids Attractions - Northern New Jersey
Essex County Environmental Center
621 B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
Website
Provides bird and nature programs for all ages and groups including Saturday family programs, and a summer nature day camp. The facility is a wooded wetland habitat with access to the Passaic River which makes for an interesting and affordable site to book a naturalist led field trip for all ages — toddler through senior --- for groups, scouts, schools, and more.
621 B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
Website
Provides bird and nature programs for all ages and groups including Saturday family programs, and a summer nature day camp. The facility is a wooded wetland habitat with access to the Passaic River which makes for an interesting and affordable site to book a naturalist led field trip for all ages — toddler through senior --- for groups, scouts, schools, and more.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
73 Kahdena Road
Morristown, NJ
(973) 326-7645
Website
This living history farm has been under cultivation since the eighteenth century. As part of the Morris County Park Commission, the 200-acre farm offers educational activities and demonstrations of turn-of-the-century - 1920s farming methods and life. Visitors are encouraged to participate in various farm-related activities whenever appropriate at this National Register Site. They can churn butter, crack corn and feed it to the chickens, and tend the garden. Staff are dressed in period attire and interpret the lives and roles of Foster family members, domestics, and farm laborers. They perform a daily regimen of farming and domestic chores and raise livestock and crops by historical methods.
73 Kahdena Road
Morristown, NJ
(973) 326-7645
Website
This living history farm has been under cultivation since the eighteenth century. As part of the Morris County Park Commission, the 200-acre farm offers educational activities and demonstrations of turn-of-the-century - 1920s farming methods and life. Visitors are encouraged to participate in various farm-related activities whenever appropriate at this National Register Site. They can churn butter, crack corn and feed it to the chickens, and tend the garden. Staff are dressed in period attire and interpret the lives and roles of Foster family members, domestics, and farm laborers. They perform a daily regimen of farming and domestic chores and raise livestock and crops by historical methods.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mt. Pleasant Road
Columbia, NJ 07832
1-877-733-9653
Website
Hear the howling of wolves echo through the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap in Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ. Photo opportunities of a lifetime and the experience of watching and listening to packs of Tundra, Timber, and Arctic wolves will be yours. View wolves here in the East in a natural surrounding for the first time in over a century. Bobcats and foxes also reside at the reserve.
89 Mt. Pleasant Road
Columbia, NJ 07832
1-877-733-9653
Website
Hear the howling of wolves echo through the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap in Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ. Photo opportunities of a lifetime and the experience of watching and listening to packs of Tundra, Timber, and Arctic wolves will be yours. View wolves here in the East in a natural surrounding for the first time in over a century. Bobcats and foxes also reside at the reserve.
Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City
201-200-1000
Website
Children are natural scientists, curious about everything around them. By encouraging their interests and exposing them to new ideas, parents or caregivers can help them develop intellectually. Liberty Science Center offers many memorable experiences for children, found in every exhibition area. The new Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Only three others in the world—two in Japan and one in China—are bigger
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City
201-200-1000
Website
Children are natural scientists, curious about everything around them. By encouraging their interests and exposing them to new ideas, parents or caregivers can help them develop intellectually. Liberty Science Center offers many memorable experiences for children, found in every exhibition area. The new Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Only three others in the world—two in Japan and one in China—are bigger
Mountain Creek Resort
200 Route 94, Vernon
(973) 827-2000
Website
A rear round resort offering skiing, snow tubing, water tubing, mountain biking and more. Either for day trips or multi-day with lodging available.
200 Route 94, Vernon
(973) 827-2000
Website
A rear round resort offering skiing, snow tubing, water tubing, mountain biking and more. Either for day trips or multi-day with lodging available.
Medieval Times Castle Dinner & Tournament
149 Polito Ave,
Lyndhurst
(201) 933-2220
Website
The most famous theme restaurant on the east coast. Great family jousting fun. Eat with your hands and drink from a Goblet as you watch some serious Jousting on Horseback. The imaginative new entertainment spot was based on the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to watch Knights compete on horseback.
149 Polito Ave,
Lyndhurst
(201) 933-2220
Website
The most famous theme restaurant on the east coast. Great family jousting fun. Eat with your hands and drink from a Goblet as you watch some serious Jousting on Horseback. The imaginative new entertainment spot was based on the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to watch Knights compete on horseback.
Sterling Hill Mine Tour & Museum
30 Plant Street
Ogdensburg, NJ
973-209-7212
Website
The mining museum features a 1,300-ft underground walking tour through the mine where visitors can discover the equipment used while the mine was in operation and exhibits on the mining process including the 5,000 sq./ft. Zobel Exhibit Hall with over 20,000 mining related items, the miners lamp room, the shaft station, mine galleries dating to the 1830's. Also, for children the Rock & Fossil Discovery Center with fluorescent mineral displays, fossils, gemstones, carvings, and everyday objects, and more. They also offer educational group tours for school classes, scout groups, summer camps, vacation tour groups, snack bar and gift shop, etc. 1pm Public Tour Everyday the museum is open.
30 Plant Street
Ogdensburg, NJ
973-209-7212
Website
The mining museum features a 1,300-ft underground walking tour through the mine where visitors can discover the equipment used while the mine was in operation and exhibits on the mining process including the 5,000 sq./ft. Zobel Exhibit Hall with over 20,000 mining related items, the miners lamp room, the shaft station, mine galleries dating to the 1830's. Also, for children the Rock & Fossil Discovery Center with fluorescent mineral displays, fossils, gemstones, carvings, and everyday objects, and more. They also offer educational group tours for school classes, scout groups, summer camps, vacation tour groups, snack bar and gift shop, etc. 1pm Public Tour Everyday the museum is open.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
414 County Road 517
Vernon Township, NJ
862-801-7028
Website
Set among the wooded forest of Great Gorge, the park offers a range of challenges for adventurers of all ages and levels. From the rope walks to the zip lines, and all the climbing elements and obstacles in between, TreEscape is the perfect journey for families, small parties, large groups or just the outdoor enthusiast.
414 County Road 517
Vernon Township, NJ
862-801-7028
Website
Set among the wooded forest of Great Gorge, the park offers a range of challenges for adventurers of all ages and levels. From the rope walks to the zip lines, and all the climbing elements and obstacles in between, TreEscape is the perfect journey for families, small parties, large groups or just the outdoor enthusiast.
Turtleback Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange
(973) 731-5800
Website
The Turtleback Zoo, houses 500 animals of 200 different species. Focusing on New Jersey wildlife, the collection includes cougars, bison, eagles, and wolves, all of which were originally found in the state. Other animals include elk, llamas, white-tailed deer, otters, owls, sea lions, and others, as well as domestic animals that kids can feed. Attractions like a pony ride and train ride add to the fun and excitement of visiting the animals. A number of special events take place here throughout the year, with activities and exhibits for everyone.
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange
(973) 731-5800
Website
The Turtleback Zoo, houses 500 animals of 200 different species. Focusing on New Jersey wildlife, the collection includes cougars, bison, eagles, and wolves, all of which were originally found in the state. Other animals include elk, llamas, white-tailed deer, otters, owls, sea lions, and others, as well as domestic animals that kids can feed. Attractions like a pony ride and train ride add to the fun and excitement of visiting the animals. A number of special events take place here throughout the year, with activities and exhibits for everyone.
Best Kids Attractions - Central New Jersey
Delaware River Tubing
2998 Daniel Bray Highway (Route 29) Frenchtown, NJ 08825
908-996-5386
Website
Fun for the entire family. 3-4 hour River rental trips include tubing, rafting, canoing, and kayaking on the Delaware River. Every river trip includes an a free BBQ meal at "The Famous River Hot Dog Man" , while tubing, rafting, kayaking, or canoing down the river in this exciting river country.
2998 Daniel Bray Highway (Route 29) Frenchtown, NJ 08825
908-996-5386
Website
Fun for the entire family. 3-4 hour River rental trips include tubing, rafting, canoing, and kayaking on the Delaware River. Every river trip includes an a free BBQ meal at "The Famous River Hot Dog Man" , while tubing, rafting, kayaking, or canoing down the river in this exciting river country.
Duke Farms
80 Route 206 South
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
(908) 722-3700
Website
A model of environmental stewardship and showcases its natural, horticultural, and historic resources to inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land. Offers Weekend Children's interactive tours of the gardens designed to appeal to their love of fun and nature.
80 Route 206 South
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
(908) 722-3700
Website
A model of environmental stewardship and showcases its natural, horticultural, and historic resources to inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land. Offers Weekend Children's interactive tours of the gardens designed to appeal to their love of fun and nature.
iPlay America
110 Schanck Road
Freehold, NJ 07728-2938
732-577-8200
Website
iPlay America offers fun for the whole family in a themed indoor environment. Boardwalk style rides, the IPA Speedway, 4D Theatre and Cosmic Laser Tag are just a few of the main attractions! The park includes a massive arcade, featuring state-of-the-art gaming technology with over 200 traditional and cutting edge arcade games! The experienced, friendly event planners at their family entertainment center in Freehold, NJ, have plenty of unique celebration and birthday party ideas to make any occasion truly exclusive. Let iPlay America help you arrange the most memorable birthday ever for your family and friends.
110 Schanck Road
Freehold, NJ 07728-2938
732-577-8200
Website
iPlay America offers fun for the whole family in a themed indoor environment. Boardwalk style rides, the IPA Speedway, 4D Theatre and Cosmic Laser Tag are just a few of the main attractions! The park includes a massive arcade, featuring state-of-the-art gaming technology with over 200 traditional and cutting edge arcade games! The experienced, friendly event planners at their family entertainment center in Freehold, NJ, have plenty of unique celebration and birthday party ideas to make any occasion truly exclusive. Let iPlay America help you arrange the most memorable birthday ever for your family and friends.
Jersey Shore Pirates
Riverfront Marina
Princeton Avenue (next to Windward Beach Park)
Brick NJ
(732) 899-6100
Website
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 party's for with favors, skulldana's, eye patches, loot bags and swords will for up to 42 friends and family,
Riverfront Marina
Princeton Avenue (next to Windward Beach Park)
Brick NJ
(732) 899-6100
Website
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 party's for with favors, skulldana's, eye patches, loot bags and swords will for up to 42 friends and family,
Popcorn Park Zoo
Humane Way at Lacey Road
Forked River
(609) 693-1900
Website
Popcorn Park Zoo is truly one of a kind. It was established in 1977 as a refuge for wildlife, exotic and farm animals that were abused, ill, injured, handicapped, elderly or exploited. Each animal faced a questionable future at best. Located on 7 acres in New Jersey's beautiful Pinelands, Popcorn Park offers an environment of safety, wonderful care, and peace to its residents, a diverse array of animals unfortunate enough to need a rescue, but lucky enough to wind up here.
Humane Way at Lacey Road
Forked River
(609) 693-1900
Website
Popcorn Park Zoo is truly one of a kind. It was established in 1977 as a refuge for wildlife, exotic and farm animals that were abused, ill, injured, handicapped, elderly or exploited. Each animal faced a questionable future at best. Located on 7 acres in New Jersey's beautiful Pinelands, Popcorn Park offers an environment of safety, wonderful care, and peace to its residents, a diverse array of animals unfortunate enough to need a rescue, but lucky enough to wind up here.
Rapter Trust
1390 White Bridge Road
Millington, NJ
Website
A premier wild bird rehabilitation center that includes a hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities, quality exterior housing for several hundred birds, and an education building. Visitors are able to view at close range the many hawks, eagles, falcons and owls that are permanent residents at the facility. They offer a variety of educational programs that can be adapted for age groups from pre-k to adults. A great activity for groups including schools, scouts, and nature clubs
1390 White Bridge Road
Millington, NJ
Website
A premier wild bird rehabilitation center that includes a hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities, quality exterior housing for several hundred birds, and an education building. Visitors are able to view at close range the many hawks, eagles, falcons and owls that are permanent residents at the facility. They offer a variety of educational programs that can be adapted for age groups from pre-k to adults. A great activity for groups including schools, scouts, and nature clubs
The Michelle and Jennifer Tobias Adventure to Health
The Student Health Awareness Center
901 West Main St.
Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 308-1850
Website
The Michelle and Jennifer Tobias Adventure to Health is an educational and enjoyable experience for kids. Best experienced by kids in grades K-8, the center provides interactive and exciting programs designed to take children on an innovative adventure through the human body and leave the kids with some important lessons about health.
The Student Health Awareness Center
901 West Main St.
Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 308-1850
Website
The Michelle and Jennifer Tobias Adventure to Health is an educational and enjoyable experience for kids. Best experienced by kids in grades K-8, the center provides interactive and exciting programs designed to take children on an innovative adventure through the human body and leave the kids with some important lessons about health.
Best Kids Attractions - Southern New Jersey
Adventure Aquarium
1 Aquarium Drive
Camden
856-365-3300
Website
See Liberty the penguin. Marvel at the Sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, seals, birds and more. A wonderful day trip with the kids.
1 Aquarium Drive
Camden
856-365-3300
Website
See Liberty the penguin. Marvel at the Sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, seals, birds and more. A wonderful day trip with the kids.
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ
866-877-6262
Website
A great attraction for kids 6+. Spend a night on the legendary Battleship New Jersey's overnight encampment program. They can accommodate groups and families of all sizes up to 300. Stow your gear in a locker --the same lockers that held sailor's personal belongings when at sea. Sleep in bunk--just like enlisted sailors."Chow down" in the Crew's Mess Hall and you can even purchase a personalized "Dog Tag"!
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ
866-877-6262
Website
A great attraction for kids 6+. Spend a night on the legendary Battleship New Jersey's overnight encampment program. They can accommodate groups and families of all sizes up to 300. Stow your gear in a locker --the same lockers that held sailor's personal belongings when at sea. Sleep in bunk--just like enlisted sailors."Chow down" in the Crew's Mess Hall and you can even purchase a personalized "Dog Tag"!
Cape May County Zoo
4 Moore Rd
Cape May Courthouse
(609) 465-5271
Website
Over 430 different individual animals which covers around 250 different species. They have Lions and Tigers, but no Elephants. It’s FREE (they ask for a donation when you enter)
4 Moore Rd
Cape May Courthouse
(609) 465-5271
Website
Over 430 different individual animals which covers around 250 different species. They have Lions and Tigers, but no Elephants. It’s FREE (they ask for a donation when you enter)
Diggerland USA
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ 08091
(856) 768- 1110
Website
A construction themed adventure park where children and families can drive, ride and operate actual machinery. Each machine has been engineered for safety allowing children as small as 36" to operate with little or no instruction
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ 08091
(856) 768- 1110
Website
A construction themed adventure park where children and families can drive, ride and operate actual machinery. Each machine has been engineered for safety allowing children as small as 36" to operate with little or no instruction
Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor & Outdoor Water Park
535 N. Route 73
West Berlin, NJ
856-767-7580
Website
A 68,000 sq-ft entertainment center under a retractable roof system, that features a 3,000 square foot arcade with the sate of art gaming systems, the famous FlowRider surfing simulator, numerous water attractions, slides, and more. They offer a variety of birthday parties and packages, cake and prizes to games and hours of soaking wet fun. .
535 N. Route 73
West Berlin, NJ
856-767-7580
Website
A 68,000 sq-ft entertainment center under a retractable roof system, that features a 3,000 square foot arcade with the sate of art gaming systems, the famous FlowRider surfing simulator, numerous water attractions, slides, and more. They offer a variety of birthday parties and packages, cake and prizes to games and hours of soaking wet fun. .
