Some landmarks in NJ are iconic—Paterson Great Falls and Lucy The Elephant, to name a few—while others are less obvious, but New Jersey is home to some truly awe-inspiring sites. Whether it’s tall lighthouses, one-of-a-kind farms, historical sites, lively amusements, or sporting venues, there are fascinating landmarks all over the state. With so many destinations to experience, your family will have a blast crossing each one off your bucket list. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
30 Must-Know Kid-Friendly Landmarks In NJ
Beach Landmarks in NJ
Absecon Lighthouse
Located in Atlantic City, this sky-high landmark in NJ is the tallest lighthouse in the state. Take the adventurous climb to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. Kids will also have fun thanks to a calendar of rotating kid-friendly activities within the lighthouse that provide them with more insight into the history of this iconic structure.
31 S. Rhode Island Road, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Boardwalks at the Jersey Shore are just some of the iconic landmarks around New Jersey. But if you only go to one, the boardwalk in Asbury Park is a unique and historic spot where funky melds into family fun. Stroll on the boards, pop into Convention Hall, where markets and events are on the calendar all summer, or snap a photo making your best Bruce Springsteen impression in front of the legendary Wonder Bar.
1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Cape May Lighthouse
If your kids need a break from the sand, the lighthouse in Cape May is a cool (literally) place to take them. They’ll love the adventure of climbing to the top and looking out onto the vast ocean. They can also learn all about the water, sailors, and navigational information at the on-site Oil House, a great landing zone if your kids don’t feel up to the climb.
215 Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08212
Morey’s Piers
Taking a trip to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood is a kid-friendly trifecta, thanks to the three piers and two waterparks that provide endless hours of fun. In addition to rides and rollercoasters for every age, water rides, and carnival games, there’s yummy boardwalk food and many nostalgic spots that pay homage to the Doo-Wop era and Wildwood history.
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Ocean City
Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City lives up to its nickname. The coastal island has kid-friendly activities, including hitting the beach and boardwalk, biking, fishing, golfing, kayaking, surfing, and other water sports. Ocean City also has fabulous bakeries and ice cream shops when your little ones need a quick, tasty snack.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Outdoor Landmarks in NJ
Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area
Hike a trail, go fishing, or admire the incredible waterfalls at the Delaware Water Gap. This recreational area is located on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offering plenty of outdoor spaces to explore. From kid-friendly hiking trails that are easy enough for the littlest adventurer to more challenging routes with steep vertical and breathtaking mountain views, Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area is a nature lover’s paradise in New Jersey.
Old Mine Road, Hardwick Township, NJ 07832
Duke Farms
Once the private estate of the billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke, Duke Farms is where you discover secret gardens and wide-open spaces. Visit the orchid range to see exotic species of these prized flowers, rent a bike on-site to cruise the farm’s easy-to-ride bike paths, and stop by the cafe for fresh farm-to-table options.
1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Grounds for Sculpture
This one-of-a-kind outdoor museum in Hamilton, New Jersey, showcases fine art in an untraditional way. Featuring unique sculptures, roaming colorful peacocks, and a peaceful garden space, Grounds for Sculpture is a larger-than-life outdoor exhibit kids will love discovering. Make sure you have lunch in the whimsical Rat’s Restaurant, which looks like a scene out of Monet’s garden.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
High Point State Park
At High Point State Park, families can hike, swim, camp, picnic, and bike. In between all the activities, take a break from the action and admire the spectacular views from the High Point Monument. This beautiful landmark encourages families to be active together.
1480 Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07461
Lucy the Elephant
Lucy the Elephant is the oldest roadside attraction in the US and the most iconic landmark in NJ. Standing an impressive six stories tall in Margate, New Jersey, Lucy is a staple tourist attraction. Kids can climb inside Lucy to the top to see incredible beach views and, with a recent refurbishment, learn about the history of this NJ landmark.
1 Lucy Plaza, 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402
Paterson Great Falls
Centered around the Passaic River’s breathtaking waterfalls, this landmark is unique in its naturally spectacular views. Kids love to explore the falls and outdoor park on a beautiful, sunny day and picnic with the sound of refreshing, falling water in the background—even more reason why Paterson Great Falls should be on your bucket list.
72 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson, NJ 07501
Rutgers Gardens
Kids can dive into the world of gardening on the educational campus of Rutgers University to learn about the environment in a comfortable atmosphere. For an in-depth look at the outdoor world of plants, animals, insects, or gardening, inquire about one of their children’s programs.
130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sandy Hook
This popular national park boasts a unique ecosystem, featuring a beach and a maritime forest that supports a large wildlife population. Visit the 250-year-old Sandy Hook Lighthouse and stop by the Visitors Center to inquire about guided walks and information on nesting piping plover birds. There are picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts, and the beach.
128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
Historical Landmarks in NJ
Battleship New Jersey
Battleship New Jersey, located just across the river from Philadelphia, is home to America’s most decorated battleship, and you and your kids can go inside and explore it. You can take a self-guided tour, see the bunks where the midshipmen slept, and get a snack in the chow line.
62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103
Cape May Historic District
Did you know Cape May has the second most extensive collection of Victorian houses, just behind San Francisco? The historic district of Cape May is 380 acres with over 600 buildings in this late Victorian-style resort town in New Jersey. There is so much more to Cape May with its beaches, lodging, shopping, and top eateries—the town has been hosting tourists since the mid-18th century, and it was considered one of the finest resorts in America in the 19th century. And don’t miss the nearby Cape May Zoo while you are there.
513 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Ellis Island Liberty State Park
Ellis Island was the first and most significant federal immigration processing station, and it reopened to the public in 1990 as the country’s primary museum devoted to immigration. The museum’s main building is located in New York, and its expanded territory is primarily situated within New Jersey. The entire island has been Federal property since 1808. Learn about your ancestors, and don’t forget to visit the Statue of Liberty at this historic landmark.
Ellis Island Receiving Center/Statue of Liberty National Monument, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Empty Sky Memorial
Take part in honoring the New Jersey residents lost during 9/11 by visiting this beautiful memorial that overlooks directly where the towers once stood across the Hudson. The impressive monument is a spot to reflect, remember, and teach our children about our country’s past.
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Hangar #1 of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station
About 7,400 acres occupy the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, NJ, known as the hub of naval “lighter-than-air activity” with airships. Kids will love exploring and learning that the Air Station is known for being the infamous location of the crash of the largest airship ever built, the Hindenburg.
Landsdowne Road, Lakehurst, NJ 08733
Morristown National Historic Park
Immerse your crew in Revolutionary History in Historic Morristown with an interactive tour at George Washington’s Headquarters at the Ford Mansion and Museum. After, head to Jockey Hollow (a few miles away), the site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where they survived through what would be the coldest winter on record. Kids will love climbing the hill to peek inside the recreated log cabins where soldiers and commanding officers once lived.
30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
New Jersey State House
Our New Jersey landmark list wouldn’t be complete without the New Jersey State House in Trenton. This location is rich in history, art, and architecture, and is one of the best places to learn about our state. Take a public tour, school tour, or virtual presentation.
145 W State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Princeton Battlefield State Park
American troops under General George Washington defeated the British on the morning of January 3, 1777. The Battle of Princeton lasted over ten days, and it began with Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware on December 25, 1776. The famous Mercer Oak once stood in the middle of the battlefield, not far from the spot where General Mercer fell during the battle. Now, this State Park is full of education, trails, recreation, bird and wildlife viewing, and more.
500 Mercer Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Sterling Hill Mine
This location has been a National Historic Site since 1991 and houses the most extensive collection of fluorescent minerals worldwide. Take a guided tour of the 1,300 ft. tunnel inside the mine, the Zobel Hall Museum, where the miners would start and end their workday, and the Warren Museum, with more than 700 fluorescent minerals and objects on display. Kids and adults are encouraged to go mining for minerals at the sluicing (aka panning) stations.
30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439
The Historic Village at Allaire
Go back in time by visiting The Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale. With tours and interactive activities, kids can learn how people lived every aspect of their lives in the 19th century, from the carpentry shop and the schoolhouse to the blacksmith shop and home life. Special events, like festivals and demonstrations, are held throughout the year.
4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Thomas Edison National Historic Park
The park is not just a museum about Thomas Edison—it’s his actual house and laboratory. Located in West Orange, the Thomas Edison National Historic Park offers visitors the opportunity to tour the mansion, greenhouse, farm, and lab where he first discovered electricity, as well as his inventions in film and music (tickets are limited).
211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
World War II Lookout Tower
Learn about an essential part of our country’s past during a visit to Cape May. The World War II Lookout Tower is the last remaining and restored WWII tower in New Jersey. Kids can climb to the top and learn history while remembering those who gave their lives for our country. There are also interactive exhibits at each tower level, so little ones can take a break from walking and learn more about life during the war.
Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204
Museum and Amusement Landmarks in NJ
Adventure Aquarium
Home to the East Coast’s most extensive collection of sharks, Adventure Aquarium in Camden is the place for all things aquatic. It features over 15,000 aquatic animals, including a hippo exhibit, making it the only aquarium in the world to showcase these giant creatures. Kids can also participate in daily feedings and meet the diving team.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Liberty Science Center
Located in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center offers a range of science-related activities that will both test and amaze young minds. From animals that call the Hudson River home to a real dino dig for fossils, a spectacular planetarium show, and lots of science fun for all ages, kids will want to visit again and again.
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Six Flags Great Adventure
Take a spin on the carousel, get dizzy on the enchanted teacups, and experience all the thrills on some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world in Jackson, NJ. Six Flags Great Adventure is a fun day for all ages. You can find gentle rides for littles, moderate ones for everyone, and mind-blowing attractions for older kids, teens, and adults, like the Jersey Devil Coaster. If animals are more your speed, view 1,200 exotic animals from six continents in an open-air jeep vehicle on the Six Flags Wild Safari.
1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527
Sports Landmarks in NJ
MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium is THE iconic sports landmark in New Jersey and home to classic sports teams such as the Giants and Jets, international soccer games, and huge concerts (Springsteen has played here multiple times). Whatever event you go to, it’s bound to give your family an exciting and unforgettable experience.
One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Prudential Center
Another sports landmark in New Jersey is the Prudential Center, located in Newark. Home to the New Jersey Devils, this venue also hosts concerts performed by the biggest names in the world. Your kids will love experiencing their first big sporting event or concert in an impressive arena.
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102
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