New Jersey is nicknamed the “Garden State”, because of its large amount of farmland land that produces some of the most delicious tomatoes, corn, and blueberries in the world.
The densely populated Atlantic Coast state is also home to some of the most iconic celebrities on the planet, including Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock, and John Travolta.
Though sometimes the butt of jokes because of its chemical plants and urban areas, New Jersey is rich in geographical diversity and history.
New Jersey has 127 miles of white sand beaches and is filled with forests, lakes, and mountains.
It’s also rich in money, being the 5th wealthiest state in the country.
There are 11 state parks in NJ.
Over 300 Revolutionary War battles were fought in New Jersey.
Cheerleading was started in the state in the 1860s at Princeton University.
The Atlantic City boardwalk is the oldest and longest in the world.
Thomas Edison perfected the light bulb in New Jersey.
Other inventions the state can proudly claim are baseball, condensed soup, Monopoly, air conditioning, electric guitars, M&M’s, and the vacuum cleaner.
Despite its small size New Jersey has an impressive amount of family and kid-centered activities.
Keep reading for a list of some of the best things to do in New Jersey with kids.
Contents
- 10 Things To Do In New Jersey With Kids
- 1. Land Of Make-Believe – Hope, New Jersey
- 2. Wild West City – Stanhope, New Jersey
- 3. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – Point Pleasant, New Jersey
- 4. Turtle Back Zoo – West Orange, New Jersey
- 5. Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, New Jersey
- 6. Medieval Times – Lyndhurst, New Jersey
- 7. Apple Picking At Demarest Farms – Hillsdale, New Jersey
- 8. Diggerland – West Berlin, New Jersey
- 9. A Day At The Beach – Monmouth/Ocean County, New Jersey
- 10. Space Farm – Wantage, New Jersey
- New Jersey Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 Things To Do In New Jersey With Kids
1. Land Of Make-Believe – Hope, New Jersey
This affordable amusement park is built on the site of a former dairy farm in rural New Jersey.
Founded in 1954 as a small park, Land of Make-Believe is now one of the top destinations for families with kids under 12.
The park has the perfect balance of kiddy rides and more exciting ventures for older children.
Guests can go for a ride on the 1863 Civil War train, play boardwalk games, and visit the park’s water area that’s loaded with slides, wave pools, a lazy river, and more.
Guests can bring their own lunch and eat at the pavilion, or buy food at the concession stand.
2. Wild West City – Stanhope, New Jersey
The Wild West came to the Garden State in 1956 when a group of investors pooled their money and bout some land in Sussex County.
The idea was to make a fun, educational, family-friendly recreation of Dodge City.
Visitors can disconnect from the modern world and visit this authentic frontier town.
Activities include a train ride, an interactive stagecoach robbery, a visit to a blacksmith, a hobo encampment, a one-room schoolhouse, and more.
Shows are performed on Main Street every hour and range from horse tricking and comedy acts to Can-Can dancing to shoot-outs.
The saloon offers food and drinks for all ages.
3. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – Point Pleasant, New Jersey
In the heart of New Jersey, lies the ultimate in summer fun.
The oceanfront boardwalk will be remembered by kids for years to come.
In addition to the usual games and rides, the boardwalk has an aquarium that attracts visitors all on its own.
Spend the day walking the boards, stopping to play a game, ride a ride, visit a shop, or grab a funnel cake or soft serve ice cream as only the Jersey Shore can make.
The best part is, the beach is steps away so if you get hot or need a break, go for a dip and relax on the sand.
4. Turtle Back Zoo – West Orange, New Jersey
Open daily from 10 AM until 4 PM, Turtle Back is New Jersey’s best zoo.
Founded in 1963, the zoo has over 1400 animals housed in theme areas like Sea Lion Sound, Amazing Asia, Big Cat Country, and The Shores of Africa to name a few.
There’s also an aviary and butterfly tent.
Kids can also ride the zoo train, play mini-golf, go to the “prehistoric” playground, go for a boat ride, or zip line.
5. Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, New Jersey
Located on the Hudson River in the shadow of The Statue of Liberty, the science center is 300,000 square feet of learning and fun.
The space includes 12 museum halls, a live animal collection, a giant aquarium, a 3D theater, a hurricane and tornado simulator, and the biggest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
The best part is, it’s all hands-on.
Kids are encouraged to explore, experience, and learn.
6. Medieval Times – Lyndhurst, New Jersey
For a unique family experience, you need to visit the royal castle that houses the Medieval Times.
This dinner and tournament activity is an interactive experience that allows guests to take a side for the jousting event, meet with the queen, watch the knights train for combat, and take photos with them all.
Before dinner guests will get to see both the royal falconer and horse master in action.
Finally, sit with your very own crown and feast on the queen’s favorite of tomato soup, herb-roasted chicken, biscuits, baked potato, and delicious dessert.
7. Apple Picking At Demarest Farms – Hillsdale, New Jersey
Demarest Farms is a premiere apple-picking spot in New Jersey.
The entire family will love picking their own apples, as well as peaches and pumpkins (in season).
Visit the farm market for homemade cider and baked goods.
There’s a petting zoo and playground for the kids.
Hayrides happen throughout the day and movie night on select evenings.
It’s $15 for a bag that holds between 10 and 12 pounds of apples.
8. Diggerland – West Berlin, New Jersey
Drive, ride, soak, and slide your way through this construction-themed park.
The kids will love the over 40 attractions which include amusement rides, zip lining, and games.
Ride on tractors and dump trucks, dig with an excavator, and visit fully loaded emergency vehicles.
Then put on your bathing suit and go cool off at The Water Main, the water park within the park.
Guests can also camp overnight or host a birthday party at Diggerland.
The park is open from April through October.
9. A Day At The Beach – Monmouth/Ocean County, New Jersey
The Jersey Shore is 144 miles of white sand beaches.
It’s a unique experience from the moment go over the bridge to the island, it’s a difficult world.
A wonderland of boats, seafood restaurants, water sports, boardwalks, and a laid-back vibe.
The beaches in Jersey are just as diverse as the rest of the state, not all beaches are kid-friendly, but there are so many that it’s too difficult to narrow it down to just one.
A few great beaches for kids include Point Pleasant, Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, 7 Presidents, and Cape May.
10. Space Farm – Wantage, New Jersey
Space Farm is iconic in New Jersey. Started in 1927 by Ralph and Elizabeth Space, the farm is now over 100 rolling acres that include over 500 animals, 9 museum buildings, and 50 antique vehicles.
It’s home to Goliath, the 12-foot tall preserved Grizzly bear that lived at the farm from 1967 to 1991.
During his life, he tipped the scales at 2,000 pounds and made it into the Guinness Books.
The farm also has a playground, picnic area, food concessions, and a gift shop.
It’s a fun way for kids to learn about New Jersey history and spend some time outdoors.
New Jersey Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Jersey Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the best time to visit is from May through October.
The rainy month of April is over, and the weather quickly warms up in May.
These months are great for beach trips, camping, and outdoor activities.
What should be packed for kids when visiting New Jersey?
Packing for New Jersey depends on where you’re going, and when.
If you’re going during the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, flip-flops, and water shoes.
In the winter, always have boots on hand.
Always have a hoodie with you.
No matter what time of year, always take a hoodie, Jersey can be chilly in the morning and evening even in the summer.
What are some useful tips to know about New Jersey?
You should know that New Jersey folks do not pump their own gas.
There are tolls all over the place, so have changed.
The beaches are always crowded in the summer, so go early.
This final point is of the utmost importance.
If you value your dignity, order Taylor ham in North Jersey, and pork roll in South Jersey.
If you know, you know.
Is New Jersey safe for visitors?
Most of New Jersey is safe for tourists.
However, You should always take care to lock your car, leave nothing visible, and keep it in a well-lit area.
Never leave your belongings unattended and beware of pickpockets.
Try to steer clear of towns like Irvington and Camden.
