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 taken at Morey’s Piers)

Here are 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 revolving kid-friendly activities within the lighthouse that give them 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 Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Cape May Lighthouse

If your kids need a break from the sand in the summer, the lighthouse in Cape May is the perfect 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 little one doesn’t feel up to climbing the lighthouse.
215 Lighthouse Ave, Cape May, NJ 08212

Morey’s Piers

Morey’s Piers in Wildwood offers rides and rollercoasters for every age, water rides, and carnival games. Made up of three piers and two waterparks, 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

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. 
9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate, NJ 080402 

Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area 

Hike a trail, go fishing, or admire the incredible waterfalls at the Delaware Water Gap. This recreational area is on New Jersey and Pennsylvania border, with lots 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

Set in Hillsborough, 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 peaceful garden space, Grounds for Sculpture features larger-than-life outdoor exhibits 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

Families can hike, swim, camp, picnic, and bike at High Point State Park. You can also 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 

Paterson Great Falls

Centered around the Passaic River’s breathtaking waterfalls, this landmark is unlike any other in its naturally spectacular views. Kids love to explore the falls and outdoor park on a beautiful, sunny day and enjoy a picnic with the whole family 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 Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501

Rutgers Gardens

Kids can dive into the gardening world on the educational campus of Rutgers University to learn all about the environment in this comfortable atmosphere. Children’s programs are offered at Rutgers Gardens for kids interested in the outdoor world of plants, animals, insects, or gardening.
130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Sandy Hook

This popular national park has a unique ecosystem with a beach and a maritime forest featuring a large wildlife population. Visit the 250-year-old Sandy Hook Lighthouse with the visitors center to inquire about guided walks and info on the nesting piping plover birds. There are picnic areas along with basketball and tennis courts and the beach.
128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732 

Historical Landmarks in NJ

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 life in the 19^th century, from the carpentry shop and the schoolhouse to the blacksmith shop and home life. There are special events throughout the year, like festivals and demonstrations.
4263 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Morristown National Historic Park 

Immerse your crew into 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 of 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 log cabins where soldiers and commanding officers lived. 
30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ 07960

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 

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

New Jersey State House

Our New Jersey landmark list wouldn’t be complete without the New Jersey State House in Trenton. This location is full of rich history, art, and architecture and is one of the best places to learn about our state. State House Tours are Monday through Friday.
125 W State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

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 allows children to tour the mansion, greenhouse, farm, and lab where he first discovered electricity. Kids can also see where much of their daily life in music or movies started.
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 tower from WWII 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 Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204 

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 it 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 

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 by 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 in New York, and the expanded territory is mostly 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

Hangar #1 of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station

About 7,400 acres occupy the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, NJ. The Air Station was the hub of naval “lighter-than-air activity” with airships, and it even hosted the Graf Zeppelin, which was in the process of making a trip around the world. Lakehurst Naval Air Station is also known for being the infamous location of the crash of the largest airship ever built, the Hindenburg.
Landsdowne Road, Lakehurst, NJ 08733

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 has over 8,500 species, including a hippo exhibit, making it the only aquarium in the world featuring these giant creatures. Kids can also participate in daily feedings and meet the diving team. This aquarium goes above and beyond normal expectations and definitely is one aquarium in New Jersey you should have on your list to visit.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 

Liberty Science Center

Located in Jersey City, Liberty Science Center offers all things science and will test and amaze little 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 Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari Drive-Thru

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 from the comfort of your car at the Six Flags Drive-Thru Safari.
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527

Sports Landmarks in NJ

MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium is an iconic sports landmark in New Jersey and is known nationally. The stadium is home to classic sports teams such as the Giants and Jets, international soccer games, huge concerts (Springsteen has played here multiple times), and the New Jersey State Fair (from June 22-July 9, 2023). Whatever event you go to, it’s bound to give your family an exciting and unforgettable experience.
One MetLife Stadium Dr. 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

We think these are among the best kid-friendly landmarks in NJ.

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