New Jersey is a small northeast state packed full of things to do for kids of all ages. There are tons of zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, rides, and ocean adventures to fill your vacation schedule with ease. If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in New Jersey with kids, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some top family-friendly attractions across the state!
Visit Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife Center
Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife Center is an exciting and unique destination offering over 20,000 square feet of land and sea adventure. It’s one of the most family-friendly attractions in New Jersey thanks to its wide variety of interactive experiences. But be prepared — this isn’t your typical aquarium. You’ll encounter over 300 rotating species including fish, sharks, turtles, birds, and lizards, and you can even purchase feeding tokens to treat the animals with your kids. One of the most delightful surprises? The aviary experience, where friendly birds may land on your shoulder or head as they freely roam the space.
Under the Boardwalk
One of the most iconic experiences in New Jersey is walking the boardwalks. For outdoor fun, few things top “going to the boards.” Lined with rides, games, and beachside snacks, boardwalks along the barrier islands offer hours of entertainment. Whether it’s Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant, or Wildwood, every boardwalk has something unique to offer families looking to wind down or amp up the fun.
Take a Whale-Watching Tour – Cape May
Cape May is one of New Jersey’s most charming towns. Located at the southern tip of the state, it offers Victorian architecture, a relaxing beach vibe, and the chance to spot dolphins or whales. For the best view, take a boat tour that ventures out into the Atlantic for up-close sightings. Space is limited on many of these excursions, so it’s smart to book ahead.
Enjoy a Hike – New Jersey State Parks
With 39 state parks and thousands of miles of trails, New Jersey is a great spot for a nature-filled family outing. Whether you're looking for a short, easy path or a more adventurous route, there’s something for everyone. A great beginner-friendly choice is Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest. It has several flat trails and ends with a walk through a fascinating historic village — complete with a mansion tour.
Sample the Local Produce – Farm Stands
Known as the Garden State, New Jersey produces some of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables in the country. Stop by a roadside farm stand for Jersey tomatoes, Hammonton blueberries, sweet corn, or peaches. The Jersey Fresh program is a great way to discover where to find the most flavorful local produce while supporting local farms.
Explore Turtle Back Zoo – West Orange
After spending time at Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife Center, plan a trip to Turtle Back Zoo for even more animal experiences. Located in West Orange, this zoo features a train, pony rides, glass tunnels through prairie dog habitats, and a butterfly garden. One highlight is seeing Bowie, a Labrador retriever, who has formed a heartwarming friendship with Nandi the cheetah.
Head Down the Shore – Seaside or Wildwood
A day at the beach is a New Jersey classic. Towns like Seaside, Wildwood, and Point Pleasant boast beautiful sandy shores perfect for building sandcastles, digging for sand crabs, and relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget to sample iconic shore food like Curley’s Fries, Kohr Brothers custard, or pizza from Manco & Manco.
Go Blueberry Picking
New Jersey’s Pinelands are known for wild blueberries in the summer. If you’re up for a natural scavenger hunt, explore Wharton State Forest where red-branch blueberry bushes are plentiful. Many parks provide tips on identifying and picking wild berries. It’s a simple and fun way to mix nature and learning.
Historic Ghost Tours – Woodbridge
Looking for something a little spooky? Woodbridge, the oldest chartered town in the state, offers family-friendly ghost tours packed with history and local legends. These walking tours are just the right mix of eerie and educational. If you're elsewhere in New Jersey, you can also find haunted tours in cities like Cape May, Princeton, and Ocean City.
Blast from the Past – Medieval Times
Located in Lyndhurst, Medieval Times is a time-traveling dinner theater that transports your family straight into the age of knights and kings. Watch jousting matches and falconry shows while feasting on a four-course meal — with your hands, of course.
Liberty Science Center – Jersey City
For a more hands-on educational experience, head to the Liberty Science Center. This massive facility is filled with interactive exhibits for all ages. Younger kids will love Wobbly World, while older children can check out the Infinity Climber or the Minecraft exhibit. It's a great way to sneak learning into a day of fun.