Enjoyable Family Adventures in New Jersey: Journey Worthy from New York City
Exploring the Garden State with your family just got easier! Here's a list of the top 10 family-friendly attractions within a two-hour drive from Manhattan, New York. These destinations offer a mix of zoos, museums, interactive experiences, and outdoor activities, perfect for family day trips or weekend outings.
1. **Turtle Back Zoo** (West Orange, NJ) A must-visit zoo, Turtle Back Zoo boasts exhibits like American Alligators, African Penguins, and Wild America. Enjoy rides such as the Endangered Species Carousel and a train ride included with admission. Face painting, glitter tattoos, and picnic areas are also available on weekends. About a 30-minute drive from Jersey City, it's well within the 2-hour limit.
2. **Newark Museum** (Newark, NJ) This museum offers a planetarium, interactive galleries like Dynamic Earth, a Fire Museum, art collections, and family programs like Hands-On Art and Science. It's less than 20 minutes from Jersey City, making it an easy destination for a fun-filled day.
3. **FunPlex** (East Hanover, NJ) FunPlex is an indoor amusement park with arcade games, indoor rides, bowling, and an outdoor water park. A great year-round destination for kids to have fun regardless of the weather.
4. **Van Saun Park Zoo** (Paramus, NJ) Offering a zoo experience close to Manhattan, Van Saun Park Zoo complements a visit to Turtle Back Zoo for a broader animal adventure.
5. **Hasbro Entertainment Centers** (Westfield Garden State Plaza and American Dream, NJ) With play areas themed around classic Hasbro games like Lite Brite and Mouse Trap, plus laser tag and arcade games, these entertainment centers are perfect for combining with other activities.
6. **Northlandz** (Flemington, NJ) The world's largest miniature wonderland, Northlandz features over 100 model trains on 8 miles of track. A one-mile self-guided tour that fascinates kids who love trains and models.
7. **Crayola Experience** (Easton, PA, just over the border but within a 2-hour drive) An interactive museum where kids can get creative with hands-on activities centered around Crayola products. Although not directly in New Jersey, it's commonly included in the region’s family outings.
8. **Liberty Science Center** (Jersey City, NJ) Though not explicitly mentioned in the search results, the Liberty Science Center is a well-known top family attraction in New Jersey near Manhattan, offering interactive science exhibits, an IMAX theater, and live demonstrations.
9. **Historic Sites and Lighthouses on the Jersey Shore** Visiting local lighthouses with the chance to climb to the top and earn passport stamps is a great family outing for coastal exploration within a 2-hour drive.
10. **Clover Hill Park and Outdoor Recreation Areas** Various parks with tours, playgrounds, and picnic areas are plentiful throughout New Jersey and perfect for family outings close to Manhattan; these complement more structured attractions.
In addition to these attractions, Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, features over 400 contemporary sculptures across 42 acres. Big Kahuna's Water Park + Arcade in West Berlin, New Jersey, offers numerous water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and splash pads. The Funplex is located at 182 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ 07936. These attractions provide a fun-filled day for families looking to explore beyond the city limits. Enjoy your adventures!
- In the midst of a family-friendly day out in New Jersey, you might consider including a visit to Grounds For Sculpture, featuring over 400 contemporary sculptures spread across 42 acres.
- After an exciting day of exploring the Garden State's family attractions and outdoor experiences, you and your family can cool off at Big Kahuna's Water Park + Arcade in West Berlin, New Jersey, complete with numerous water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and splash pads.
