12 Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do in New Jersey
New Jersey may be relatively small, but it packs a lot of fun for the whole family.
Fun is never far away, whether you’re staying in a quaint inn or one of the many family resorts.
Choosing which of the many amazing sights to see on a visit here is the most difficult task.
Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities in New Jersey.
- Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise — Cape May
What You’ll Experience
Many visitors to New Jersey choose to stay in one of the many fantastic Cape May family hotels.
If you are, this is your chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
A local marine biologist and Cape May historian led this three-hour tour.
Family-friendly activities in New Jersey are always a good time, but this one is special.
Recommended Ages
This incredible boat trip is a hit with family members of all ages.
- Turtle Back Zoo — West Orange
What You’ll Experience
The Turtle Back Zoo is home to dozens of fascinating displays.
Their massive facilities house exotic land and aquatic animals from all over the world.
Mini golf, a train ride, a zip line, face painting, pony rides, and many other free kid-friendly activities are all part of the zoo’s family-friendly atmosphere.
It’s safe to say that families looking for kid-friendly activities won’t be let down here.
Recommended Ages
Here, everyone from toddlers to great-grandparents can enjoy themselves.
- Adventure Aquarium — Camden
What You’ll Experience
This fantastic aquarium is a must-see on any New Jersey family vacation.
You can visit a colony of blue penguins and walk around with them in their underwater observatory.
There’s a lot to see, with over 15,000 animals.
Adventure Aquarium is the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast and also has the only hippo exhibit in the world.
Recommended Ages
Everyone, regardless of age, is welcome at Adventure Aquarium.
- Parasailing Experience — Atlantic City
What You’ll Experience
The parasailing tour will take you high above the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches of Atlantic City.
You can relax on the ride up to the observation deck, which is 500 feet in the air.
This well-liked pastime can be either relaxing or thrilling, depending on your perspective.
If you want to add some thrill to your flight, you can always ask your guide to take you for a quick swim while you’re in the air.
Approximately 15 minutes of the entire 90-minute boat ride will be spent in the air.
Recommended Ages
The minimum age to go parasailing is six years old.
- Atlantic City Downtown Beaches — Atlantic City
What You’ll Experience
You’ll find some of the state’s finest sandy beaches along the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey, perfect for a day trip with the family.
If you doubt where to go, stick to the central business district and enjoy the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.
The area has many kid-friendly activities and attractions, making the beaches ideal for families.
Take part in beach activities, then head to the Boardwalk for a meal or a day of amusements.
Recommended Ages
Teenagers, tweens, and young children will all enjoy this lively beach destination.
- Liberty State Park — Jersey City
What You’ll Experience
Here in this peaceful urban haven, you can take in the magnificent views of the New York City skyline.
Liberty State Park in New Jersey is a must see and won’t break the bank.
Take a picnic and a stroll along the banks of the Hudson River.
Attend an evening performance in the park’s amphitheater.
Recommended Ages
All of your children, regardless of age, will have a fantastic time here.
- Liberty Science Center — Jersey City
What You’ll Experience
The Liberty Science Center is an interactive museum with more than 300,000 exhibit spaces.
The largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere is also located in this facility.
In addition, we think this is one of the best places to take kids when it’s raining because of all the indoor facilities they have.
Recommended Ages
The exhibits at Liberty Science Center are appropriate for kids of all ages, and their parents can also pick up some helpful information.
- Hard Rock Cafe — Atlantic City
What You’ll Experience
Plan ahead of time and get a seat at the most elegant part of the restaurant.
You can enjoy delicious food, see displays of historical memorabilia, and watch talented performers put on a show.
After eating, you can browse the Rock Shop for a unique keepsake.
The three-course meal justifies the outing.
And the kids can eat, too, because the Hard Rock Cafe has a great selection.
Recommended Ages
Young diners of all ages will enjoy this colorful alternative to the norm.
- Keansburg Amusement Park — Keansburg
What You’ll Experience
This kid-favorite mashes up the excitement of a theme park with the untamed fun of a water park.
Haunted houses, go-karts, arcade games, and more can all be found within this massive entertainment complex.
A beach is the icing on the cake.
Visit the beach, swim in the waves, or cast a line from their fishing pier for a day of nonstop fun.
Recommended Ages
There is no minimum age requirement, but some rides have a maximum height requirement.
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament — Lyndhurst
What You’ll Experience
This dramatic performance brings 11th-century medieval Spain to life as you dine in epic style.
When you visit Medieval Times, you and your party can enjoy a four-course meal while watching armored knights joust and battle.
The spectacular stage design and elaborate performances create an unforgettable experience.
Recommended Ages
Everyone in the household can enjoy this program.
- Fosterfields Living Historical Farm — Morristown
What You’ll Experience
Fosterfields Farm is like visiting another era. In this interactive experience, actors dressed as residents of late 19th-century New Jersey lead you through a day in their lives.
Insightful and fun guided tours teach sightseers about the art of traditional farming and animal husbandry.
The farm’s original owner built a mansion in the Gothic revival style in 1854, and visitors are welcome to tour the home.
One of our favorite family-friendly New Jersey activities is visiting this laid-back landmark.
Recommended Ages
The grounds of Fosterfields Farm are open to children of all ages.
- Battleship New Jersey — Camden
What You’ll Experience
Visit this significant piece of American history by descending into the bowels of the USS New Jersey.
The ship made its first voyage in 1942, and since then it has been restored and preserved so that visitors can learn about life on a battleship during World War II.
This hands-on tour is a must for families looking for memorable experiences in New Jersey.
Recommended Ages
All kids are welcome, but please leave the strollers on the dock.
