Stairway To Heaven Hike
This hike is part of the Appalachian trail. It is right off rt. 94 in Vernon NJ. We hiked the more difficult side of the hike that scaled a side of the mountain, and it was all uphill on the way there. The views were worth every step. We saw an amazing forest filled the the most beautiful yellow leaves , and a cool sculpture, and of course the views! Across the street, the trail continues North, going through farm pasture, across the train tracks, and looks much easier. It can be a little difficult to find where the hike starts, but if you read more about our visit you will see how to get there. Click HERE.
Delaware Water Gap The Best Place To Hike In New Jersey
Dont let the name confuse you. The Delaware Water Gap is an area where the Delaware River flows through the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, there is a large ridge that cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, and this is the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, one of the most scenic places in NJ.
Covering 7,000 acres, this recreational spot is the perfect place in New Jersey to enjoy some outdoor fun. There are several lauded hiking trails in the region, as well as areas for camping, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Some of the popular hiking paths in the Delaware Water Gap include the Red Dot Trail and the Dunfield Creek Trail, which merges with the Appalachian Trail. The Red Dot Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you to Mount Tammany, the southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountains. The Dunfield Creek Trail is longer, but less strenuous and ends at Sunfish Pond, a large glacial lake. This area is part of Worthington State Forest in northern New Jersey.
10. Delaware Water Gap, a beautiful place to go in New Jersey
Another landmark in the Delaware Water Gap is Buttermilk Falls, something you must see in New Jersey. At 200 feet, its the tallest waterfall in the state. Since it doesnt require any hiking to see the falls, they can get quite crowded.
Historic Heartline Walking Tour
Elizabeth is home of the Historic Heartline Walking Tour, a 3.5-mile tour of midtown Elizabeth thats entirely self-guided and completely free of charge. The tour takes you past lots of historical buildings and sites, including the Belcher-Ogden Mansion, historic churches, Liberty Hall, Ritz Theater, The Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown, and the Bonnell House, which is one of the oldest houses in the state of New Jersey. To take the tour, all you need to do is download a free QR code reader app on your smartphone and then scan the QR code at each of the sites on the tour. From there, you press play on your phone and youll learn the intriguing stories behind each site. The Heartline Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore Elizabeth for free and learn all about the citys rich history at your own pace.
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Thomas Edison National Historical Park
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Notably, Thomas Edison is one of Americas greatest inventors.
Hailing from Central New Jersey, Thomas Edison National Historical Park is lauded as the place where modern America was invented.
Home to Edisons laboratory, the park houses the work and inventions of the great scientist.
Divided into three unique categories, the historical artifacts, the archives, and natural history, your family will delight in the antiquity of Edisons relics.
With interactive experiments that you and your family can participate in, this hands-on park is one of the most fun places to visit in New Jersey.
Another amazing sight to see at the parks grounds is the Glenmont Collections this is the 29-room Victorian estate where Edison lived for most his lifetime.
The beauty and history of this estate are certainly worth the visit.
Some other fun antiquities youll enjoy seeing are prototypes of Edisons phonographs, electrical lighting, motion picture cameras, and other electrical appliances.
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a walk of historical American innovation and worth a visit during your stay in New Jersey.
Address: 211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, United States
Go To Six Flags Great Adventure The Best Thing To Do In New Jersey With Kids
Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the top attractions in New Jersey. The amusement park is the 2nd largest theme park in the U.S., after Disneys Animal Kingdom, and its the perfect day trip for families.
The amusement park has attractions for everyone, from gentle family rides to thrilling rollercoasters and extreme rides. There is also a kiddie area and several superhero-themed rides, like The Dark Knight Coaster.
Throughout the parks themed sections, you can find other amusements such as concerts, entertainment shows, games, and interactive exhibits. Besides the amusement park, Six Flags has a waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, with 12 attractions including waterslides, a lazy river, a childrens play area, and a 1 million-gallon wave pool.
15. Six Flags Great Adventure, the best place to go in NJ with kids
The park is also a cool place to go in NJ during Halloween and Christmas. In October, the park hosts Fright Fest with live shows, walk-through haunted attractions, and trick-or-treating for kids. Holiday in the Park takes place in November and December and includes Christmas-themed festivities and a light show.
No matter what your thrill level, youll find fun things to do in NJs Six Flags theme park. Its not the cheapest place, but youll spend all day there, so I think its worth it.
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Get Hands On At Liberty Science Center
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The Liberty Science Center, fittingly situated in Liberty State Park, is a very cool place to bring your children. This is a huge space thats home to the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere and is a must-visit if youre in town and searching for things to do in New Jersey with your kids young or old.
Join the search for life on other planets, journey through the solar system, ride the Dinosaur Train and discover all there is to know about prehistoric beasts, feel your way through the 80 foot, pitch-black Touch Tunnel, learn about evolution, and even get to grips with local stuff like, what exactly lives in the Hudson River? Even adults will learn a thing or two from this cool space.
Field Station: Dinosaurs In Leonia Nj
Field Station: Dinosaurs, a world-class family attraction combining cutting-edge science with a Broadway producers flair to create a one-of-kind experience thats thrilling, educational and fun, is open for the 2021 season and its going to be better than ever with new trails, new dinosaurs and improved infrastructure!
This walking park features over thirty life-size animatronic dinosaurs, over 30 live shows, games, activities, and special events that connect the story of the dinosaurs to our world today, giving new relevance to their lives and power to the tales of their extinction.
Field Station: Dinosaurs is located at Overpeck County Park, Henry Hoebel Area, Fort Lee Road in Leonia, New Jersey on the banks of a scenic creek and surrounded by natural woods.
Field Station Dinosaur 2021 season runs through November 14th.
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African American Heritage Museum Of Southern New Jersey
661 Jackson Road, Newtonville, 609-704-5495 and 2200 Fairmont Avenue in Atlantic City. Atlantic County.
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey Atlantic City and Newtonville locations are home to unique permanent collections that focus on generations of African American history. Limited-time showings feature rarely-seen work by local artists.
- Current Status: The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey is awaiting word from Stocktons Noyes Arts Garage regarding a reopening date.
- For more information please visit their website. Donations requested, all admitted free on Wednesdays. Read our African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey museum review in this article, Eye Opening Exhibits at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.
New Jersey State Museum
205 West State Street, Trenton, 609-292-6464: Mercer County.
- Current Status: As of March 12, the New Jersey State Museum was closed to the public until further notice. We have reached out for a reopening date.
- For more information please visit their website.
- New Jersey State Police Museum 1020 River Road, Ewing Township, 609-882- 2000: Mercer County. For more information please visit their website.
- Ocean City Historical Museum, 1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, 609-399-1801: Cape May County. For more information please visit their website.
- Pascack Historical Museum, 19 Ridge Ave, Park Ridge, 201-573-0307: Bergen County. For more information please visit their website.
- Princeton University Art Museum McCormick Hall, Princeton, 609-258-3788: Mercer County. For more information please visit their website.
- Rutgers Geology Museum, 85 Somerset St, New Brunswick, 848-932-7243: Middlesex County. For more information please visit their website.
- The Schoolhouse Museum, Ridgewood, 201-447-3242 :Bergen County. For more information please visit their website.
- Shippen Manor Museum, Oxford, 908-453-4381: Warren County. For more information please visit their website.
- Somerville Fire Department Museum, 23 N Doughty St, Somerville, 908-526-7098: Somerset County. For more information please visit their website.
- Southern New Jersey All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame Burt Ave Rec Center Bridgeton, 856-451-7300: Cumberland County. For more information please visit their website.
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Go Shopping In Jersey Citys Independent Stores
Jersey City has quite a lot of independent stores just waiting for your exploration. Away from the NYC skyline and more conventional attractions of the city, we think this has got to be one of the more off the beaten track things to do in Jersey City.
There is actually a city-wide policy to promote independent stores, with the aim of stopping big chains from taking over. We 100% support that. It means youll find some lovely, little, local gems were talking an independent community bookstore in the form of Word, vintage finds to be had over at Another Mans Treasure, and stranger stuff to buy at Kanibal & Co. Tip: Check out JCI Magazine, a free publication detailing the independent stores.
Historic New Bridge Landing In River Edge Nj
Yes! George Washington really slept here! This American Revolutionary War landmark includes three Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses, exhibits, a tavern, an out-kitchen, barn, and a gift shop. New Bridge served as a battleground, fort, encampment ground, military headquarters, and intelligence-gathering post in every year of the American Revolution.
The Steuben House, a state historic site, is the only extant building remaining from the 1776 Retreat through Bergen County. The house was Washingtons headquarters while 14,000 soldiers camped nearby for two weeks in 1780.
New Bridge also hosts plenty of special events during the year for families and history buffs alike! The grounds at Historic New Bridge Landing are currently open to the public from dawn until dusk. Masks and social distance required.
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Community Events And Festivals
Many of the Jersey Shore towns host free weekly events throughout the summer months. After a day in the sun, your family can enjoy free entertainment such as music, movies, and activities for kids.
Here are just a few of these free community events.
Atlantic City
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Movies Under the Stars in Atlantic City: Thursday nights, Bartram Avenue on the beach Sunday nights, Gardners Basin. All movies begin at dusk. atlanticcitynj.com/events/movies
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Summer Entertainment at Kennedy Plaza: Head to Kennedy Plaza on the AC Boardwalk any night of the week in the summer, and there will be something going on. Music, shows, and more. 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, atlanticcitynj.com,
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Atlantic City Air Show: The Atlantic City Air Show is one of the largest of its kind in North America, with aircraft that fly as high as 15,000 feet and as low as 50 feet along Atlantic Citys Boardwalk. Bring binoculars , as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds show off their thrilling maneuvers. You can also see The United States Army Parachute Team as well as racing watercraft. This years Atlantic City Air Show will take place on Aug. 18 and the theme is A Salute to Those Who Serve. Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk, airshow.acchamber.com
Avalon
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Beachside Science: The Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor is presenting free beach-themed science lessons once a month. One Wednesday a month through September at 6 p.m., Surfside Park, 2901 Avalon Avenue, avalonrecreation.org/weekly-family-events
Brigantine
Cape May
Newark Museum Of Art One Of The Best Museums In New Jersey
During the cold Mid-Atlantic winters, consider a trip to the Newark Museum of Art, the largest museum in New Jersey, and a cool free thing to do in NJ.
Despite its size, the museum is an intimate space where you can explore dozens of galleries and artworks from all around the world. The museums most famous works are in the Tibetan art galleries and include a Buddhist altar consecrated by the Dalai Lama.
The museum also includes an extensive natural sciences facility, including the Dreyfuss Planetarium and the Victoria Hall of Science. I also recommend the MakerSPACE interactive area, a fun thing to do in New Jersey with kids.
26. Newark Museum of Art, one of the best museums in New Jersey
Outside, be sure to stop by the Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden, which hosts cultural and artistic performances throughout the year. The gardens are full of sculptures as well as a one-room schoolhouse from 1784. The 27-room Ballantine House is also part of the museum. The restored Victorian home features several art galleries and eight specific rooms that reflect different historical eras.
Not far from there is Branch Brook Park, another cool thing to see in New Jersey. The park is known for its cherry blossoms, and there are over 5,000 blooms and 18 varieties. A cherry blossom festival takes place there every April.
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Monmouth Park Race Track
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Monmouth Park Race Track, centrally located alongside New Jerseys Garden State Parkway, is a super fun way to spend the day watching and betting on horse races.
Whether you prefer the sheer majesty of watching the races or the thrill of betting on the horses, youre sure to have a grand time at the track.
Conveniently, the track is open seven days a week for horse betting and simulcasting.
Additionally, theres a delectable sports bar and kitchen for snacks and libations.
And the tracks Blu Grotto Restaurant offers a fine dining menu for a more upscale experience if thats what youre into.
Moreover, there are tons of family activities, special events, and festivals that go on throughout the year.
Their family-fun days feature pony rides, face painting, a mini-golf course, and even a bounce house.
Finally, the park offers premier seating or picnic seating.
We love the picnic seating you can pack coolers with snacks, lunch, and drinks, making a full day out of your trip to the Monmouth Park Race Track.
Address: 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757, United States
Check Out At Exhibition At Mana Contemporary
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The culture centre that is Mana Contemporary is a must-visit for anybody with a creative mind or who likes seeing cool stuff in general. Celebrating the creative process the Jersey City institution aims to show off local and regional creative talent with a range of sometimes interactive exhibits and shows.
One of the best artsy things to do in Jersey City, the Mana Contemporary is open from 11am to 5pm and can easily take a whole day to explore, especially if youre really into checking out every single thing. Tip: Its free to enter, but its best viewed via a tour from Tuesday to Friday, which are available at noon and at 3pm.
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Meander Around The Midnight Market
For one of the best things to do in Jersey City for couples, you cant get much better than spending time with your partner wandering around the citys Midnight Market. Billed as a foodies event, it will definitely help your enjoyment levels if you both happen to be avid fans of edible things.
This indoor food-fest is packed full of a load of venues and whilst it doesnt actually go on until midnight taking place from 6:30pm to 10pm its still one of the coolest things to do in Jersey City for couples who just want to have fun. Here you can listen to DJs, have a few drinks and, of course, grab a bite or two to eat.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center In Englewood Nj
One of Bergen Countys most populous cities is also home to one of North Jerseys loveliest nature sanctuaries. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is a 150-acre preserve and education center situated on the western slope of the Palisades in Englewood, New Jersey.
Flat Rock Brooks 3.6 miles of trails offer a variety of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, trail running, and other recreation. A network of self-guiding trails leads to a cascading stream, wetlands, pond, wildflower meadows, quarry cliffs. and woodlands. The Raptor Aviary at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center houses various species of birds of prey such as owls, hawks, and an American kestrel that are non-releasable, meaning that they would not be able to survive on their own in the wild. The Center also offers environmental education programs for schools and the general public as well as a picnic area and playground.
While the nature center building is currently closed, the hiking trails at Flat Rock Brook are open from dawn until dusk. Review COVID guidelines prior to your visit.
Dont miss the annual events at Flat Rock Brook include a Great Fall Festival featuring food, live music, games, and activities, and a 5K Trail Run.
For more information, visit flatrockbrook.com.
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