Looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with your kids this week on Spring Break? Here are a few of our favorite things to do in the Garden State.
As much as the kids and I love to travel and explore new areas, I also make a concerted effort to continue to enjoy what is seemingly right in our own “backyard.” Here is a little list of some fun things to do in New Jersey, in case you’re looking to head off on a little adventure during Spring Break.
Although it makes me itchy just looking at the pictures again, we really enjoyed visiting Insectropolis in Toms River. A fun little place that has self-guided tours that everyone in the family is sure to like.
We can’t wait to go back to the Long Valley Creamery this Spring. I mean, really. Cute baby animals and cheese tasting? How can you go wrong?
Nick has been collecting rocks for several years now, so I knew he would love visiting the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. He had been with his old school before, but it was still just as fun to go back.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, pop into the Randolph Climbing Center. An inexpensive place to visit, and a great way to burn off some extra energy for both you *and* the kiddos.
My two water babies loved Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin. You can spend the entire day there and the tropical temperatures inside will make you actually *think* that Spring-like weather has finally arrived in New Jersey. Almost.
If the weather warms up enough for outside activities, the Brookhollow Barnyard farm in Boonton is, hands down, the most adorable farm we have ever visited, and well worth a trip.
There is a new aquarium on our list to visit this week, but in the meantime, The Adventure Aquarium is another excellent one to check out.
And if you do visit the aquarium, be sure to stop by The Pop Shop for a bite to eat; it’s only about ten minutes away.
Similar to Sahara Sam’s, but with subtle differences, CoCo Key was another fun indoor water park that wore the kids out (just skip that particular hotel we stayed at).
If I had to rank our favorite aquariums to visit, I think that Jenkinson’s would be in the number one spot. It is on the small side, but is packed with many things to see and staffed with super helpful, engaging employees that made the visit truly enjoyable from beginning to end.
Field Station: Dinosaurs was something completely different and a must-visit if you have dinosaur fans in the house. There isn’t a ton of shade, so going in the Spring is perfect.
I loved, loved, loved our visit to the Thomas Edison Museum and Laboratory in West Orange. It’s one of those well-kept secrets that is so tucked away that you forget it’s there, but feel so fortunate to be able to visit.
If you’re a regular reader here, you know we visit all.the.zoos, especially the ones that are close to us. Which means that the Turtleback Zoo is on the regular.
You must, must, must visit Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township. We only got through half of it last year because a rain storm moved in, but already have it on the schedule to go back in May. Gorgeous grounds, so much to see and do, and something for everyone.
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit is a beautiful place to take a hike or test your flower naming skills.
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is another personal favorite of mine, right up there with Thomas Edison’s Museum. The grounds are stunning, and it was a mini history lesson to take the tour and learn all about Mr. Stickley. A scavenger hunt will keep little ones happy as well.
If you find yourself allll the way down in South Jersey, the Cape May County Park and Zoo is a favorite of our family … and free to visit! Already on our list for this summer. Because, animals.
My favorite things to do with the kids are visits that saddle the line between a little bit of history or education and pure, unadulterated fun. Most of these fit squarely in that category.
Have something to add to our list? We would love to hear about it.
One more thing … before you hit the road, download the free app, Roadside America (more details here) – it’s a great way to discover quirky little places to stop along the way.
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