Fun & Inexpensive Day Trips For Families In New Jersey

With the summer approaching and so many things to do in New Jersey, we have compiled for you a list of the top day trips for families in the state. These are also suggestions that are fun for the whole family and are sure to not break the bank, so read on if this is something you are looking for when it comes to day trips.

Lets get to those fun day trip destinations for the whole family!

 

Cape May, New Jersey (Cape May County)

A seaside resort might not sound inexpensive, but it makes for a great day trip. There are great family restaurants, shopping at the Washington Street Mall, and varied trolley tours including ghost tours, nature tours and and history tours. Of course there is the beach, great for a day of fun in the sun. A great place to take the kids as well is the wreck of the SS Atlantus, a partially submerged, concrete ship from World War 1,  which will soon be entirely engulfed by the ocean. We’re sure it will be a great getaway for the family. 

Website: https://www.capemay.com/plan-your-visit

Liberty State Park- 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City (Hudson County)

You might think an urban park is not worth it, but this riverside park is an urban oasis that has a lot to offer. It is the departure point for cruises to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, but it also features a science center, kayak tours, a restored railroad terminal, fishing, picnicking and bike rentals. There are also several good restaurants including Liberty House and Maritime Parc, as well as Baozi Brew, a beer garden and dim sum restaurant that offers summer movies for the kids. A sure ay to get the kids out of the house and out having fun

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html

If education is more your idea of a day trip, we think you’ll enjoy this next idea

 

Lakota Wolf Preserve- 89 Mount Pleasant Rd, Columbia, NJ (Warren County)

This non-profit organization helps care for wolves, foxes and bobcats born in captivity. It is open to the public and there are educational tours available twice a day, except on Mondays. This is a great day-trip for the little ones to learn all about the ways wolves live and see them up close. You are required to make a reservation before going, but the tours are 60-75 -minutes long and cost $15 for adults and $7 for kids up to 11 years old. Fun for the entire family!

Website: https://www.lakotawolf.com/

Mountain Creek Ziplining- 200 NJ 94, Vernon Township (Sussex County)

This tour, part of the many activities available at Mountain Creek, is sure to satisfy the adventure-hungry. It features incredible panoramic views of the tri-state area as well as amazing zip-lines for all ages, from 200 to 1500 ft in length along a mountain-top lake. It is sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family!

Website: https://www.mountaincreek.com/zip-tour

Is your family the artsy type? Then out next destination is great for you!

 

Grounds for Sculpture- 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ (Mercer County)

This 42-acre sculpture park is good for the art and nature lovers. There are numerous sculptures scattered on its grounds and it features a restaurant, outlook points and six indoor galleries. Prices vary per season, but are usually $20 for adults and $10 for kids 6-17. Great in any season, it is spectacular in the summer, so go check it out!

Website: https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/index.cfm

Morey’s Pier- 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260 (Cape May County)

This beachfront amusement park features 3 separate theme parks with arcade games, family attractions and thrill rides. There are also 2 waterparks and a boardwalk with delicious food and games. Head to the parks many stores to get some souvenirs for the family or just window-shop. The kids will love it!

Website: https://www.moreyspiers.com/

Do you like history and the ways of the past? Then you and your kids will surely enjoy our next item on the list.

 

Sterling Mining Museum- 30 Plant St, Ogdensburg, NJ (Sussex County)

This museum is a great place for you and your family to learn about New Jersey’s mining history. The museum includes the world’s largest collection of fluorescent minerals and an underground mine tour, where you get an in-depth look into the way the mine works. The mine also has a rainbow wall, a rock discovery center and a chance to do some mineral collecting, all for $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 4-12.

Website: https://www.sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/

Wharton State Forest (Burlington, Camden, Atlantic Counties)

This massive state park offers hiking trails, kayaking, a swimming beach, ghost town ruins and a historic village. The Batsto Village is an experience into the industrial life of a century ago with restored buildings and live demonstrations of the time period. It features a gristmill, sawmill, mansion, blacksmith and cottages from the 1700’s. There is no entrance fee into the state forest, but the Batsto Village charges $5 to NJ residents on weekends, being free on weekdays.

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html

Like cherry and strawberry picking? Our next destination is sure to satisfy that taste

 

Terhune Orchards- 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ (Mercer County)

The orchard is perfect for summertime strawberry and cherry picking in June and peach picking in August. The orchard features pick-your-own-crops days, various festivals and a farms store with fruits and vegetables. There is also a winery with wine made with farm-fresh ingredients for the parents and a barnyard for the kids.

Website: https://terhuneorchards.com/

 

Tuckerton Seaport- 120 Main St, Tuckerton, NJ (Ocean County)

The Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum shares the Jersey Shore’s maritime traditions in an immersive experience. Activities include interpretive exhibits, demonstrations, nature trails and live aquatic displays. On June 10th, they hold a Privateers and Pirates Festival. It is fun for the whole family and at a price of $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12, it doesn’t break the bank.  

Website:  https://tuckertonseaport.org/

 

Turtle Back Zoo- 560 Northfield Ave. West Orange, NJ (Essex County)

This is one of the state’s top zoos, with a variety of animal exhibits and children’s programming. There are also rides, including a carousel, ponies, a train ride and play area, as well as a cafe and cooling misting stations to beat the heat. With an admission of $15 for adults and $12 for children ages 2-12, it has so many activities that are worth the day trip.

Website: https://turtlebackzoo.com/

 

We hope you decide to visit any of these destinations with your family for a fun & inexpensive day in our gorgeous state. Have a blast! And remember, any one of our Kia’s will get you there without a hassle. For a list of available inventory of new or-owned cars at the Nutley Auto Kia dealership visit: https://www.nutleykia.net/searchnew.aspx

 

Sources

Only in Your State

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-jersey/best-day-trips-nj/

Mommy Poppins

https://mommypoppins.com/njkids/nj-summer-day-trips

 

Tags: day trips, jersey, New Jersey
Posted in Travel Tips | Comments Off on Fun & Inexpensive Day Trips For Families In New Jersey