New Jersey is home to such a wide array of family-friendly attractions that it is almost impossible to keep track of them all. These featured attractions are some of NJ’s best for kids and parents, and their convenient locations make it easy to gather the whole family to enjoy an activity together.
1. Diggerland USA
Boasting the only construction themed park in North America, this park features over 25 attractions where children and their families drive, ride, and operate real heavy machinery in a safe, family-friendly environment. Jump behind the wheel of the Backhoe Adventure, get down and dirty with the Big Diggers, and cruise the new off-road course in the eight-wheeled ARGO amphibious vehicles. Little ones won’t be left out at Diggerland with all-ages activities like the Diggerland Arcade, the Barrel Train ride, and the infamous Stunt Show. Even adults at Diggerland can operate full-sized construction equipment with one on one instruction. Enjoy this great alternative to traditional theme parks all summer long with your family.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
For more information, please call (856) 768-1110 or visit https://www.diggerlandusa.com
2. Rizzo’s Wildlife World
Your family will have a wildlife adventure at this kid-friendly nature center while meeting a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals and learning about their environments. This family-owned facility takes pride in creating a comfortable setting for families to spend quality time together while learning about New Jersey’s native threatened species and how to preserve their natural habitat. Kids are sure to leave Rizzo’s Wildlife World with a smile on their face and a heightened appreciation for their animal neighbors.
1 Gold Mine Road, Flanders (Roxbury), NJ 07836
For more information, please call (973) 586-0444 or visit http://rizzoswildlifeworld.com
3. Lucy the Elephant
The whole family will be amazed by Lucy the Elephant and her six-story high stature. Visit her fenced-in, kid-friendly location on the beachside Josephine Harron Park, and get the opportunity to climb the spiral staircase inside the giant elephant up to the very top and enjoy the wonderful 360 degree seaside view. Guided tours are available every 30 minutes to make it easy for families to learn about this attraction that is listed on the National Park Registry of Historical Landmarks. Built in 1881, Lucy the Elephant is a fun slice of history for the whole family.
9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402
For more information, please call (609) 823-6473 or visit http://www.lucytheelephant.org
4. Camden Children’s Garden
This garden overlooking the Delaware River was designed especially for children and families and features four acres of horticulture for educational experiences and play. Your kids will have a hands-on fun in the tropical butterfly house, and use their imagination while tunneling through the underground maze. The Garden Carousel and Spring Butterfly Ride will give your family a thrill, and afterwards you can wind down while interacting with the Storybook Gardens or taking a ride on the Arrow River Train. Camden Children’s Garden offers much more than a traditional garden experience, making it an perfect family attraction for all ages.
3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
For more information, please call (856) 365-8733 or visit http://www.camdenchildrensgarden.org
5. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium
Your family will be amazed with New Jersey’s largest planetarium at our state’s capital. Sit back and relax in one of 150 reclining chairs while being transported to any astronomical destination. This facility features a variety of educational, kid-friendly films such as, “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” and Sesame Street’s “One World, One Sky.” This state-of-the-art dome also features traditional sky and laser programs that will inspire your little ones to want to learn more about our solar system.
205 State Route 29, Trenton, NJ 08625
For more information, please call (609) 292-6464 or visit http://www.nj.gov/state/museum/dos_museum_programs_planetarium.html
6. Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
Together, families can “discover by doing” at Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum. This 40-acre facility features over two dozen nautical attractions that are hands-on, educational, and kid-friendly. Climb Tucker’s Island Lighthouse for a stunning view of Lake Pohatcong, surf a big wave on the surf simulator at the New Jersey Surf Museum, and take a historic boat ride on Tuckerton “Crik.” Your kids will work up an appetite with so many interactive exhibits, that they will look forward to enjoying family dinner onsite at Shorty’s Family Restaurant.
120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
For more information, please call (609) 296-8868 or visit http://www.tuckertonseaport.org
7. The Aviation Hall of Fame
Little ones are bound to appreciate New Jersey’s contributions to air and space innovation after seeing a real airplane up close and personal. The Aviation Hall of Fame’s goal is to expose families to enriching experiences in aerospace by exposing them to a variety of airplanes, helicopters, and ground vehicles. Interactive exhibits and free tours will make this an experience to remember for your family, and leave your kids inspired to know that the sky is their limit.
400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ 07608
For more information, please call (201) 288-5666 or visit http://www.njahof.org/
8. Delsea Drive-In Theatre
There might not be a better way to spend quality time with your family than a good ol’ fashioned drive-in movie. Delsea Drive-In Theatre in Vineland is New Jersey’s only drive-in theater. Kid-friendly movies are paired each night for families to enjoy double features in the comfort of their own vehicles, while listening to the films on your own car’s sound system through FM radio transmition. A wide variety of refreshments are available on site that you and your kids are bound to love (including chicken tenders, hummus with carrots, and ice cream) completing the full outdoor movie going experience for your family.
2203 South Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360
For more information, please call (856) 696-0011 or visit http://www.delseadrive-in.com
