Summer in New Jersey offers a wealth of activities and attractions for people of all ages. New Jersey has something for everyone, from thrilling amusement parks to scenic wineries.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best things to do during the summer in the Garden State.
Table of Contents
Amusement Parks
Six Flags Great Adventure
Location: Jackson, NJ
Highlights:
- Thrilling Rides: Experience heart-pounding roller coasters like Kingda Ka, the tallest coaster in the world.
- Safari Adventure: A drive-through safari with over 1,200 animals from six continents.
- Family Fun: Enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Bugs Bunny National Park and Looney Tunes Seaport.
Six Flags Great Adventure is one of New Jersey’s premier amusement parks, offering a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to conquer the tallest and fastest roller coasters or a family seeking fun and engaging activities, this park has it all. The Safari Adventure is a unique experience that allows you to drive through a wildlife park, encountering animals from around the globe in a naturalistic setting.
Diggerland USA
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Highlights:
- Construction-Themed Park: Operate real construction equipment such as diggers, loaders, and dump trucks.
- Water Main: A construction-themed water park with slides, a splash zone, and a lazy river.
- Family Activities: Perfect for kids who love trucks and construction vehicles.
Diggerland USA offers a unique and interactive experience for children and adults alike.
This construction-themed park allows visitors to operate actual heavy machinery but in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a dream come true for young construction enthusiasts and a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
Boardwalks
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Location: Asbury Park, NJ
Highlights:
- Historic Boardwalk: Features a mix of vintage charm and modern attractions.
- Music Venues: Home to the famous Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen and other legends have performed.
- Beach and Dining: Beautiful beaches and a variety of restaurants and shops.
The Asbury Park Boardwalk combines the charm of yesteryears with modern amenities and attractions.
Visitors can stroll along the historic boardwalk, enjoy live music at iconic venues like The Stone Pony, or relax on the pristine beaches. The boardwalk also offers a wide range of dining options to visitors, all the way from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a day out.
Wildwood Boardwalk
Location: Wildwood, NJ
Highlights:
- Amusement Piers: Three piers with over 100 rides and attractions, including water parks and roller coasters.
- Shopping and Dining: Numerous shops, eateries, and arcades.
- Events and Festivals: Hosts events like the Wildwoods International Kite Festival and classic car shows.
The Wildwood Boardwalk is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
With three amusement piers packed with rides, games, and attractions, there’s never a dull moment. The boardwalk also has a lot of shops and dining choices, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a full day of fun and entertainment. Annual events and festivals add to the excitement, drawing crowds from near and far.
Water Parks
Hurricane Harbor
Location: Jackson, NJ (part of Six Flags Great Adventure)
Highlights:
- Thrilling Water Slides: Experience high-speed water slides like the Tornado and King Cobra.
- Wave Pool and Lazy River: Relax in the massive wave pool or just float along the lazy river.
- Family Areas: Splashwater Oasis and Discovery Bay for younger children.
Hurricane Harbor, right next to Six Flags Great Adventure, gives a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
The park boasts lots of water attractions, from adrenaline-pumping slides to relaxing wave pools and lazy rivers. Family-friendly areas provide safe and fun spaces for younger children to splash and play, making it a perfect destination for families.
Mountain Creek Waterpark
Location: Vernon, NJ
Highlights:
- Alpine Attractions: Water slides and rides set in the beautiful mountains of Vernon.
- Zip Line and Alpine Coaster: Additional thrilling attractions for adventure seekers.
- Family Fun: Interactive water play areas and wave pools.
With its alpine setting, Mountain Creek Waterpark provides a unique water park experience.
Visitors can enjoy a range of water attractions while taking in the scenic mountain views. For those wanting a bit more adventure, the park also offers a zip line and an alpine coaster, adding to the excitement.
Wineries
Renault Winery
Location: Egg Harbor City, NJ
Highlights:
- Historic Winery: One of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the United States.
- Wine Tasting: Enjoy a variety of wines in a beautiful setting.
- Dining and Events: On-site restaurants and frequent events like wine tastings and live music.
Renault Winery is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
As one of the oldest wineries in the country, it offers a rich history and a variety of wines to sample.
The winery’s beautiful grounds and on-site dining options make it an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip. Frequent events that happen, including wine tastings and live music, provide additional entertainment.
Alba Vineyard
Location: Milford, NJ
Highlights:
- Scenic Vineyard: Picturesque vineyard nestled in the rolling hills of Warren County.
- Tasting Room: Sample award-winning wines in their cozy tasting room.
- Tours and Picnics: Guided tours and picnic areas to enjoy a day in the vineyard.
Alba Vineyard offers a serene escape into the countryside. Visitors can tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and sample award-winning wines.
The vineyard’s picturesque setting and picnic areas provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon.
Fun Things to Do
Adventure Aquarium
Location: Camden, NJ
Highlights:
- Shark Realm: Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks.
- Hippo Haven: Watch hippos swim and play.
- Interactive Exhibits: Touch tanks and interactive displays for kids.
Adventure Aquarium offers a fascinating underwater experience for visitors of all ages.
The Shark Realm provides a thrilling walk-through tunnel where guests can see sharks up close.
Hippo Haven showcases these massive animals in an immersive environment. Interactive exhibits, including touch tanks, allow kids to learn all about the living marine life in a hands-on way.
Grounds For Sculpture
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Highlights:
- Art Installations: Over 270 contemporary sculptures set in a 42-acre park.
- Beautiful Gardens: Lush gardens and landscapes to explore.
- Cultural Events: Regular art exhibitions, workshops, and performances.
Grounds For Sculpture is a unique blend of art and nature.
The park features over 270 contemporary sculptures set amid beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can walk around and wander through the park, enjoying the art and natural beauty. Cultural events, including art exhibitions and workshops, provide additional enrichment.
Liberty Science Center
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Highlights:
- Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on science exhibits for all ages.
- Planetarium: The largest planetarium viewable in the Western Hemisphere.
- Live Demonstrations: Daily science shows and live demonstrations.
Liberty Science Center offers a world of discovery for visitors of all ages.
Interactive exhibits cover a huge array of scientific topics, from biology to physics. The center’s planetarium, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, provides stunning astronomical shows. Live demonstrations and daily science shows add to the educational fun.
Q&A: Making the Most of Your Summer in New Jersey
Q: What is the best amusement park for thrill seekers in New Jersey?
A: Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, is the best amusement park for thrill seekers, offering some of the most extreme roller coasters and thrill rides in the world.
Q: Which New Jersey boardwalk is best for families?
A: The Wildwood Boardwalk is ideal for families, with its numerous amusement piers, water parks, and family-friendly attractions.
Q: Are there any historic wineries in New Jersey?
A: Yes, Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City is one of the oldest wineries that has continuously operated in the United States. It offers a rich history and a variety of wines.
Q: What water park in New Jersey offers mountain scenery?
A: Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon, NJ, offers thrilling water slides and attractions set against the beautiful backdrop of the Vernon mountains.
Q: Where can I experience both science and art in New Jersey?
A: Liberty Science Center in Jersey City offers interactive science exhibits and the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, while Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton features contemporary sculptures and beautiful gardens.
Conclusion
New Jersey is a treasure trove of summer activities, from exhilarating amusement parks and serene wineries to historic boardwalks and interactive museums.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Garden State has something for everyone. Plan your summer getaway today and discover all that New Jersey has to offer!
