You don’t have to have perfect weather to seek out the best things to do in New Jersey— there are plenty of fun places to visit and NJ attractions throughout the state to entertain everyone in your family all year long. Whether seeing lions roar at the Turtle Back Zoo, spending time on a real wartime NJ Battleship, or seasonal attractions and new rides at Six Flags Great Adventure, you can find a new place to explore or hit again (and again) with your crew. Read on to find fun things to do in New Jersey and places to visit this weekend, and attractions near you for tons of fun in any season. (Featured Photo Credit: American Dream Mall)

Fun Things To Do In NJ And Places To Visit —Guaranteed Fun For The Whole Family At These NJ Attractions

Six Flags Great Adventure

New Jersey’s largest and most popular theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari Drive-Through, should take a top seed on your list of New Jersey attractions. The main park opens in the spring and stays primarily open through Christmas with Halloween and holiday season events. Aside from thrilling rides for kids of all ages, their drive-through safari allows the whole family to experience elephants, giraffes, lions, bears, and more—up close and personal, from the comfort and safety of your car. From May to September, get wet and wild at Six Flag’s water park, Hurricane Harbor, and spend the rest of the day sliding and splashing on the lazy river and pools.
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527
(732) 928-2000

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in New Jersey and is a Hudson County gem with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline and ample outdoor space (1,212 acres, to be exact). Pack a picnic lunch, take in views of Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty, play on the large playground, stroll the 2-mile Liberty Walk Promenade, and enjoy the urban outdoors. And keep a watch on this park becoming even more fun—the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is planning to design a new area of this northern NJ attraction.
200 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 915-3403

American Dream

With so many New Jersey attractions under one roof, American Dream has it all any time of the year. Kids will make a beeline to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park with thrilling coasters and themed rides, and the Dreamworks Water Park, where it’s paradise every day. And if you’re up for skiing, you don’t have to pray for snow—this is the only place with a year-round ski and snow resort in the country. Other fun sites at American Dream include the wacky Tilt Museum, Angry Birds indoor mini golf, and Sea Life Aquarium.

Cape May County Park and Zoo

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is one of the must-do attractions in New Jersey, and it’s free (donations are appreciated). Head on an adventure where you’ll see animals like alpacas, snow leopards, and everything in between. Inquire about a private zoo tour or “adopt” an animal where your family can provide care for a year (and receive an official adoption certificate too). The zoo is open daily but check ahead because their hours change with the seasons.
707 North Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08210
(609) 465-5271

Adventure Aquarium

Sink into the ocean and go deep diving at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. As you meander through the aquarium, you’ll see sharks, giant turtles, hippos, fish, and even a few mermaids swimming. It’s the only aquarium on the planet where you can see lovable hippos up close. There are also the unique little blue penguins at the Penguin Park exhibit and for the brave—the longest, V-shaped rope shark suspension bridge in the world that hovers above the 21-foot deep Shark Realm exhibit. Making a reservation online is strongly suggested.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
(844) 474-3474

Sandy Hook—Gateway National Recreation Center

One of the most popular national parks in the country because of its unique ecosystem (it has a beach and a maritime forest with a large population of wildlife), Sandy Hook is where you can spend a family day connecting with nature. There are designated picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts, and of course, the beach.
128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 872-5970

Turtle Back Zoo

The Turtle Back Zoo is a zoo made up of different animal habitats, from the barnyard to the Great Plains, making it one of the best NJ attractions around. Over 33 animals call this zoo home in a hilly layout where they hang out in natural environments. Littles will love the old-fashioned choo-choo that gives you a scenic ride around the adjoining pond and wooded areas. After, check out the African Adventure section, the newest part of the park, which features lions, giraffes, hyenas, and the recent addition of penguins. Finish the day with some delicious shaved ice before heading home.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 731-5800

Paterson Great Falls

Reconnect with nature at this national historical park and New Jersey tourist attraction home to the awe-inspiring Paterson Great Falls, a 77-foot-high waterfall nestled within the Passaic River. Rich in history, this landmark and surrounding park is home to Alexander Hamilton’s plan to make Paterson the center of the Industrial Revolution.
72 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson, NJ 07501
(973) 523-0370

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park – Closed for restoration 

Heading down to LBI? Be sure to stop by Barnegat Lighthouse State Park at the northern tip. This NJ lighthouse is known to have been one of the most important navigational points for ships at one time. With a historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s considered one of the top NJ tourist attractions. This 32-acre park makes for a great day trip any time of the year.
208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
(609) 494-2016

Wild West City

At the western heritage-themed Wild West City, littles can get their cowboy fix and travel back to Dodge City circa 1880. The train, pony ride, mini-golf course, barnyard zoo, and select “living history” stations are perfect for your little cowboy or cowgirl. This Wild West town is open from May through September, with Haunted Wild West Fest activities starting in October.
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874
(973) 347-8900

Diggerland USA

Kids who love dump trucks and watching construction vehicle Youtube videos will be in awe at Diggerland USA —the only construction theme and water park in America. Families can operate specially engineered machinery and swim, soak, and slide in the themed water park area. In the fall, check out the annual Diggerfest from September to November, and starting in mid-November, get into the holiday spirit at Winterfest and the Holiday Light Show. Use this code for $4 off per ticket at Diggerland USA.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
(856) 768-1110

Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial

Twin walls transect a gently sloped mound leading directly toward Ground Zero at the Empty Sky Memorial. The length of each division at the memorial is precisely equal to one side of the former World Trade Center Towers, as the wall’s height reflects the proportion of the former buildings sideways. There are 749 New Jersey victims named on the stainless steel walls, and give any visitor pause looking at them. This memorial is located at Liberty State Park and is open to visitors.
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
(908) 209-3108

Storybook Land

Timeless childhood tales come to life in rides and kid attractions at this beloved 20-acre family amusement park. And you’ll love seeing your kids’ faces as they ride spinning teacups, a carousel, a railroad train ride, flying elephants, and meet their favorite storybook characters in person. Storybook Land is open from March-December with special events all year round.
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 646-0103

Lucy The Elephant

The 6-story Lucy The Elephant was built in 1881, and it is the oldest roadside attraction in the world, even earning the honor of being a US National Landmark. Sign up for a tour of this historical NJ attraction, which once housed a tavern inside and has also been an Airbnb. Don’t miss Lucy’s birthday party every July when she gets a new pedicure every year for the big event. While Lucy is currently under construction for restoration, all guided tours are slightly modified (you won’t get to go up into the covered tent on the top), and the gift shop remains open during construction.
9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402
(609) 823-6473

Land of Make Believe

Ready for action? Step into the Land of Make Believe for a day of water park and amusement park fun for all ages. The whole fam will have a blast on the Rockin’ Tug Thrill Ride, or if you’re more daring, try the Scream Machine 360. When it’s time to cool off, check out the water playground featuring Black Beard’s Pirate Ship, where littles can scramble up the plank and practice their best “ahoy there matey” impressions. This New Jersey attraction is open from May to September.
354 Great Meadows Road, Hope, NJ 07844
(908) 459-9000

Field Station: Dinosaurs

Step back to prehistoric times at this northern New Jersey attraction featuring over 30 moving and roaring life-size dinos. Kids will love being paleontologists for the day, and you won’t believe how realistic the T-Rex and other dino species look and react. Beyond the dinos, check out the exciting shows, fossil digging, and a sky-high Jurassic Jump. The Field Station: Dinosaurs is open from May to November, with Dinosaurs After Dark in September and October. 
Overpeck County Park Henry Hoebel Area
Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
(855) 999-9010

Battleship New Jersey

Hop aboard “Big J,” “BB 62” (for Battleship #62), “Black Dragon,” or what we all know today as Battleship New Jersey (America’s most decorated Battleship). Take a tour of this historical ship, where you can explore everything from the crew’s mess to turbines and propellor shafts. The Battleship is open for self-guided Power Tours on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can add extension tours.
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 966-1652

Grounds For Sculpture

Grounds for Sculpture is one of the most popular New Jersey attractions featuring nearly 300 contemporary sculptures covering 42 landscaped acres. Check out the larger-than-life art, or wander through the landscape to view ponds, wildflowers, and architectural reflecting pools on the grounds—your kids will marvel at seeing art come to life.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
(609) 586-0616

What things to do in New Jersey are on your bucket list? 

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