A Guide to Visiting Kids Amusement Parks
in New Jersey
Enjoy UNLIMITED rides all summer long with our Summer Season Pass, now through September 30! Buy now for just $54.99 and you’ll also get FREE iPlay America coupons.
New Jersey is often considered one of the best states in the U.S. for kids’ amusement parks because it offers a rare combination of variety, accessibility, history, and atmosphere that few states can match. Here's why:
Coastal & Boardwalk Culture: With such a dense boardwalk amusement scene, Amusement parks are integrated into a beach vacation experience—rides, funnel cake, mini-golf, arcades, and ocean views all in one place. This creates a family-friendly “resort amusement” experience that blends relaxation with excitement.
Accessibility & Proximity: Because NJ is compact, you can visit multiple parks in a single trip—mountain coasters in the northwest, boardwalk rides down the shore, indoor parks in the north. Proximity to NYC and Philadelphia means easy day trips for millions of families.
History & Nostalgia: Many NJ amusement areas date back decades, with old-fashioned charm alongside modern rides. Families return year after year, making them part of family traditions. The blend of retro rides and modern attractions gives kids a taste of classic Americana.
Year-Round Entertainment: Outdoor amusements thrive in spring–fall, but indoor attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and iPlay America keep kids entertained in winter.
While summer draws the biggest crowds, many nj amusement parks keep the fun going all year with special events and seasonal festivals. Whether you want a day trip or a weekend escape, you’ll find places that fit your family’s style.
So, whether you're a family looking for a memorable vacation or an adventure junkie seeking an adrenaline rush, New Jersey won't disappoint.
Ready for a getaway that keeps the kids smiling? Buckle up, fill your coolers, and get set for a fun-filled day exploring some of the top kids amusement parks in NJ.
Northern New Jersey Kids Amusement Parks
Land of Make BelieveHope, NJ
Land of Make Believe combines classic amusement rides and water park fun, all at family-friendly prices. Families are welcome to bring their own food for a picnic, but there are also plenty of food options for when you want a treat. With water slides and gentle rides, this park is ideal for younger kids and parents looking for an easy day out.
Nickelodeon Universe
American Dream Mall, NJ
Nickelodeon Universe offers Nick-Themed Rides & Character, featuring SpongeBob, Paw Patrol, TMNT, Dora, and more—kids love the familiar branding. All-Weather Fun: Massive indoor park (8.5 acres!), open year-round (no rain/snow worries). Located inside American Dream Mall, for convience, there's easy access to food, shops, and other attractions (aquarium, ice rink).
Wild West City
Stanhope, NJ
Step back to the old west at Wild West City. Live shows bring history to life with actors in classic cowboy gear, staged shootouts, and a recreated frontier town. Kids can hop on a miniature train, try a stagecoach ride, pan for gold, visit farm animals, or test their luck at mini-golf. Shops and small museums line the main street, adding a touch of history to the fun.
Central New Jersey Kids Amusement Parks
iPlay America
Freehold, NJ
Rain or shine, iPlay America delivers indoor excitement for all ages. The park features boardwalk-style rides, a fast-paced speedway, 4D theater, cosmic laser tag, and a huge arcade. Families love the mix of attractions plus plenty of food, frozen yogurt, and sweets. Grown-ups can unwind at The Loaded Spoon while kids play.
Keansburg Amusement Park
Keansburg, NJ
Located just off the beach, Keansburg Amusement Park brings boardwalk fun with classic rides, go-karts, a huge water park (Runaway Rapids), arcades, and traditional snacks. It's a great pick for those who want the classic boardwalk feel without the bigger crowds and higher prices.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is a family favorite with rides and games right on the beach. Younger children will love gentle rides and colorful attractions, while older kids can try new thrill rides like the Swing Ride and Himalaya. Classic eats, arcades, and a great ocean view make it a popular spot for summer trips.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, NJ
Six Flags Great Adventure is the largest and best-known NJ amusement park, packed with serious coasters, family rides, live shows, and a large water park (Hurricane Harbor). The Wild Safari Drive-Thru lets families get close to over 1,200 animals from around the world. The new FLASH coaster delivers high-speed excitement for thrill-seekers, launching riders through loops and drops at up to 59 miles per hour.
Southern New Jersey Kids Amusement Parks
Casino PierSeaside Heights, NJ
Casino Pier stretches along the boardwalk and features roller coasters, family rides, and a water park with options for all ages. The Skyscraper ride towers 170 feet high and swings brave guests at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. There are also gentle rides for little kids and midway games for everyone.
Clementon Park
Clementon, NJ
Clementon Park includes a theme park with rides, coasters, and arcade games, plus Splash World water park with big slides, a wave pool, and water play areas.
Diggerland USA
West Berlin, NJ
At Diggerland, kids get to drive and ride real construction machines—safely designed for little hands. There’s also a water park with slides and wave pool, making it a unique pick for families who want something different.
Morey’s Piers
Wildwood, NJ
Morey’s Piers is the biggest beachside amusement park in NJ, offering three piers packed with rides, games, and food stands. Don’t miss the Surfside Pier and Ocean Oasis Waterpark for a full day of slides, rides, and boardwalk snacks.
Sahara Sam’s
West Berlin, NJ
Sahara Sam’s is a massive indoor and outdoor water park, open all year thanks to its giant retractable roof. Slides, wave pools, and water play areas keep the fun going even on rainy days.
Storybook Land
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Storybook Land brings fairy tales to life in a clean, welcoming park perfect for young children. Walk through themed areas, meet storybook characters, and enjoy gentle rides designed for little ones and their families.
Get ready to make memories and sprinkle a little magic into your family’s week with these top kids amusement parks in NJ. Whether you want to ride coasters, splash in wave pools, or watch the kids light up at their first boardwalk, New Jersey has the park for you.
