If you are spending spring break in NJ, we have good news—there are plenty of things to do without traveling far, making your staycation feel like a real getaway. From checking out the newest Pixar exhibit at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City to basking in the balmy temps at Island Waterpark in Atlantic City to hitting those history-making spots in Revolutionary-era Morristown or booking a mid-week shore getaway in Cape May, we’ve got you covered. And for things to do all spring to fill your bucket list, click on our list of spring activities too. (featured photo credit: Diggerland USA)

Here are 27 things to do during spring break in New Jersey

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Big Kahuna’s

Take a tropical staycation to Big Kahuna’s Water Park, the popular year-round day trip destination in West Berlin with a lush island theme. No matter what the season, you can bring the whole family for a vacation day full of water rides and slides, including a family raft ride, body slides, a water obstacle course, a water adventure playland, and more. Make sure to test your boogie boarding skills on the Flowrider, race friends on the Raging Rivers Mat Racers, and then float on the Tiki Tides Adventure River. Once you work up an appetite, enjoy the updated menus in The Island Time Café and The Chill Zone, or enjoy an adult beverage from the Sandbar. What’s more, Big Kahuna’s has free parking, a state-of-the-art arcade, cabana rentals, and private party rooms where you can party like The Big Kahuna. Take advantage NOW of their Spring Break Deal on the One-Day Tickets with a savings of $14 per ticket. Tickets will be $35.99 from March 22 through April 7. Want to take a vacation all year long? The Season Pass is also on sale for $64.99 – price increases on April 7^th. Buy now to enjoy Spring Break and enjoy unlimited visits until 12/31/24. 
535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Make it a zoo day

If you’ve been meaning to get to the zoo but still haven’t, spring break is an ideal time to put it on the calendar. Visit the Africa pavilion with lions and giraffes at the Turtle Back Zoo, see bears, flamingos, and monkeys for free at the Cape May County Zoo, or visit with rescued and rehabilitated animals at Popcorn Zoo. And if you’ve already done those, there are other zoos in NJ to check out. Got kids who love farm animals? Be sure to put a petting zoo on your list of things to do during spring break too.

Ride into fun

It’s almost amusement park season, with Diggerland USA, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Storybook Land offering opening days and special hours during spring break. It’s a great chance to get in on the action before the summer, where you can take advantage of the new rides and fewer crowds. Or if the weather looks iffy,  Nickelodeon Universe in American Dream has the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, with everything from roller coasters to kiddie rides. Check out our guide for more ideas on where to go and the scoop on season passes.

Hop into a good time

Easter is coming early this year, so if your spring break is early, too, take advantage of those bunny experiences during the week. Hop aboard a bunny train ride where kids can scoop up eggs and candy, go on an egg scavenger hunt, book a brunch with the bunny hopping by, or dress up your kids in their Easter best and visit Peter Rabbit in his garden lair for photo ops. Check out our guide to lots of bunny fun in the Garden State.

Dive into an underwater adventure

Make a splash and dive into an aquarium where the whole family can learn about sea life and conservation. Head to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden to see rare blue penguins and playful hippos. Or stop by the boardwalk to catch a sloth show at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Curious about more? Our NJMOM guide to aquariums has everything you need to know about ocean life this spring.

Get active at a playground

If the weather outside cooperates, spending time at a playground is a must, so why not make it one with water views? Pack a picnic and head down to the water to swing and slide over the sand at one of the beach playgrounds by the shore. And if you can’t get to the shore, the Regatta Playground in the South Mountain Recreation Complex overlooking a pond will give you waterfront vibes while your kids climb on a giant ship.

See history come to life

New Jersey has some of the oldest historical sites in the country. With a rich history of how our nation was shaped, you can see everything from Washington’s Headquarters during the Revolutionary War in Morristown to Thomas Edison’s laboratory, where he invented the light bulb, in West Orange. If you want to keep the learning going over spring break, put these historical sites on your list.

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British Swim School

British Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3 months through adults. The program is available year-round in warm, indoor pools. Find a nearby location and start swimming today by calling 201-645-1300 or visiting the website for more information.
Various locations in New Jersey

Splash around indoors

When you want to feel like you’ve gone to the islands, head to one of the indoor waterparks for a tropical escape  (and with temps always in the 80s, it’s a swim day no matter what it’s like outside). Make a splash down the slides at Dreamworks Water Park at American Dream, take the lazy river in Island Waterpark, get drenched under the splash fountains at Aquatopia in nearby PA, or splash around at The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, Big Kahuna’s, or Great Wolf Lodge. Whether you stay in NJ or travel close by to New York or Pennsylvania, there are plenty of waterparks to give you those vacation vibes all spring.

Have an intergalactic experience

Rainy days call for a chance to get lost in space while looking up at the stars in the domes of New Jersey’s educational and entertaining planetariums. Kids (and parents) of all ages will be amazed at the enchantment of the dome’s crystal clear projection—all while learning something new.

Climb like a rockstar

Climbing high in an indoor rock climbing space is an excellent opportunity to learn life skills and work together as a team. The whole family can climb at different levels and on various terrains. Many locations also have zip lines or places to do bouldering, so even if you aren’t away, you will feel like you are ziplining through the hills of Peru.

Get cozy with the alpacas

Alpacas are the most gentle creatures around, and visiting one at one of the alpaca Farms in NJ  during spring break is a fun way to get to know these animals a little better. Your littles will love cozying up to the plushy little guys and learning how their fur is used to make lots of products yearly (all 100% safe and animal-friendly).

Head to the big city

Whether you drive north or south, we are lucky enough to be close to two major cities with a bunch of activities for the whole family. If you want to spend time in the City of Brotherly Love, don’t miss our extensive list of what to do in Philly with kids. Or, if you’ve been there and done that, check out other unique experiences in Philadelphia, like the Magic Gardens. Looking for the newest things to do in the Big Apple? Don’t miss experiences like Edge NYC or the Museum of Ice Cream. Or check out all of the fantastic attractions NYC offers, including the classics like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the American Museum of Natural History. You can’t go wrong at either, no matter which direction you choose.

Keep the learning going

If you want little minds to stay busy, plan a visit to an NJ museum for spring break 2024. Rediscover Liberty Science Center, where special exhibits like The Science Behind Pixar will pique your kids’ interest and inspire them to think about their favorite characters. Give your kids a chance to create at the Newark Museum of Art, or trick their brains with optical illusions at The TiLT Museum. Kids will appreciate the interactive exhibits, and you can also sneak in some hands-on learning. Check out how to get into museums for free with credit card perks and even your library card.

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Ocean Casino Resort

Elevate your spring break at Ocean Casino Resort! From world-class dining and entertainment to unique experiences like Exhale Spa + Bathhouse and Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool, your perfect escape awaits.

Book a close getaway

Finding an escape that appeals to everyone in the fam is not always easy. But how does an indoor pool where the sun shines through at Crystal Springs Resort sound? Or head to Cape May, where the crowds are less, and the resorts, like Congress Hall, host Spring Break activities for kids that take advantage of the natural surroundings. Whether you are bringing the littles to local kid-friendly resorts or looking for an adult-friendly retreat, check out our list of area luxury resorts and hotels.

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Diggerland USA

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure this spring break at Diggerland USA construction theme park located in West Berlin, NJ. Perfect for families with little ones, Diggerland is set to open its gates for spring break from March 29 to April 7 and April 20 to April 28. In an exclusive partnership with NJ Mom, they are thrilled to offer a special discount of $4 off each ticket. For those who want the best value, season passes are just $109.99—slashing the regular price from $159.99 for the 2024 season. These limited-time offers are an excellent opportunity for families to make unforgettable memories without breaking the bank, accessible through this link. Diggerland boasts an impressive lineup of real construction machines that both kids and adults can drive, ride, and operate. Imagine the joy of driving an actual tractor, riding in the bed of a dump truck, or operating a log loader—all in a secure and exhilarating environment. The park also features a full-service arcade, a thrilling zip line offering panoramic views from 130 feet in the air, and a variety of delightful cafes for a tasty refuel. With ride restrictions thoughtfully based on height, most attractions are accessible to children 36 inches and taller when accompanied by a responsible adult. However, this year introduces an exciting update: Children under 36 inches tall can now join in the fun at the Elevation Station, Crazy Cranes, and Excavator Express, provided they can sit and stand unaided. This spring break, do not miss the chance to make lasting family memories at Diggerland, where fun meets creativity and adventure.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Find indoor fun everywhere

Listen to nature at a waterfall

New Jersey is known for many things, but did you know it is also known for its waterfalls? Some are easily seen from a roadside lookout, while others require a hike (check out what’s doable for your family before you go). When the temps break 60, pack a picnic and try an outdoor excursion at Paterson Great Falls, one of the most iconic in the state and rivals Niagara Falls.

Explore NJ downtowns with your kids

Spring break can be a time to try something new, and New Jersey is full of charming towns and historical sites to explore. Head to Princeton to stroll the grounds of the University, get Hudson River views in Hoboken without the crowds of the Big Apple or see where “Haddy,” the Hadrosaurus dinosaur roamed in Haddonfield. Want more exciting and unique towns to visit? Find one in our guide to downtowns for families.

Five Star Swim School Spring Boost Program

During Spring Break, unlock your child’s swimming potential with the Five Star Swim School Spring Boost Program. Build confidence in the water, refine techniques, enhance safety skills, and improve stamina and endurance by joining now to watch your child’s skills improve. Watch your child progress in the water with every lesson and become a better swimmer. This is an ideal way to keep your kids happy with an active and fun-filled Spring Break, creating unforgettable memories while mastering essential swimming skills. Contact Five Star Swim School today for prices, dates, and availability. 
Locations in Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Brunswick, East Hanover, Eatontown, Edison, Galloway and Princeton

Plan a park day

During spring break, heading to a state park is a must—pack a picnic and go out and explore what NJ has to offer. From the promenade at Liberty State Park to spending time in the sand at a historic lighthouse at Cape May Point, there’s an NJ state park that will wow your family. Or stick to a local one, where you can find unique vistas and wide-open places to enjoy a hike, fishing, or a picnic.

See blooms in the gardens

Taking time to smell the flowers in a public garden space is a good way to relax and let your kids discover the beauty of natural spaces. And with so many gardens in our Garden State, you can find famous ones or even lesser-known spots to spend time in, especially during the beginning of April when buds bloom. Head north to Van Vleck House or south to Deep Cut Gardens and read The Best Garden and Nature Centers in New Jersey for more places to go.

Climb to the top of a lighthouse

There’s no better place to see shore views on a clear day than at the top of an NJ lighthouse. With Sandy Hook to the north, Absecon Lighthouse (NJ’s tallest and is open every day during spring break) to the south, and Finn’s Point out west, there are many options to see a lighthouse or lightship in the state. Not sure where to start? Our guide to NJ lighthouses will show you the way.

See cherry blossoms without going to Washington, DC.

Cherry blossoms are peaking during spring break this year, so skip the trip to DC and stay local. In fact, Branch Brook Park in Newark has more cherry blossom trees than our nation’s capital. Peak blooms are expected during the first week of April, and their Cherry Blossom Festival starts on April 6, with activities happening through April 14. Can’t make it there? Find plenty of spots in NJ to see these beauties at their best. But go quick—the peak lasts about a week and usually happens at the beginning of April.

Find ways to jump around inside

If your kids are literally climbing the walls, go to where they can do it happily at one of the playspaces just for them all over the state. Wherever your littles let their sillies out, you can guarantee a naptime (even on the car ride home). And for older kids trying to couch surf at home, going to a trampoline park will give them an excellent way to get their energy out.

Bike and hike the Garden State

Biking and hiking are two spring break activities you can do whenever the mood strikes. Ride through towns and trails or discover a new bike path with our NJMOM guide to NJ’s most scenic bike paths. Need some wheels? Find a smooth ride at the best bike shops around. Or, for family-friendly hikes that appeal to all ages, explore our list of NJ hiking trails you’ll want to know about.

Discover a new (to you) attraction

From Lucy The Elephant to Battleship New Jersey, spring break is a great time to cross off one of these NJ attractions on your bucket list. Whether you are looking for a free NJ attraction like Big Brook Park Preserve to search for fossils or a strange attraction like the Martian Landing site in West Windsor, you can find so many new things to do to keep your spring break calendar full all week long.

What are you planning for spring break in NJ? 

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