Summer Break is underway and you are likely looking for ways to make the most of this time off from school and work. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, educational opportunities, or simply some quality time with your loved ones, there are plenty of ways to have a fun and memorable summer break in New Jersey.
| Here are Great, Nearby Summer Break Ideas: |
1. Explore the great outdoors:
New Jersey is home to numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Take a hike in one of the state's many forests or explore the beaches along the coast. You can also rent bikes or kayaks and explore the scenic trails and waterways.
Here are 5 to explore nearby:
- Merrill Park - Located in Colonia, Merrill Park offers a wide range of activities for families, including hiking trails, playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic areas.
- William Warren Park - This park in Woodbridge offers a variety of sports fields, including baseball, softball, and soccer, as well as a playground, picnic area, and walking paths.
- Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park - Situated along the Raritan River in Sewaren, this park offers scenic views and a boat launch for kayaking and fishing.
- Roosevelt Park - Located in Edison, this park features a lake with paddleboat rentals, a mini-golf course, a playground, and picnic areas.
- Cheesequake State Park - A bit further afield in Matawan, Cheesequake State Park offers hiking trails, camping, and swimming in addition to playgrounds, picnic areas, and a nature center.
Check out our Local Guides for:
- FREE Concerts
- Favorite Biking Paths
- Local Walking Trails
- Favorite, Family-Friendly Beaches
- Fun Fishing Spots
- Rafting/Kayaking and Canoeing Nearby
- Farmers' Markets
- U-Pick It Farms
2. Visit a museum or cultural attraction:
If you're looking for an educational activity that's also fun for the whole family, consider visiting a museum or cultural attraction in NJ. From the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City to the Newark Museum of Art, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here are 5 to explore nearby:
- Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park - Located in Edison, this museum celebrates the life and work of inventor Thomas Edison, who conducted his research at Menlo Park.
- Zimmerli Art Museum - Situated on the Rutgers University campus in New Brunswick, this museum features a collection of over 60,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
- Newark Museum of Art - This museum in Newark is the state's largest museum and features an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including works by American artists and ancient objects from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Liberty Science Center - Located in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum that offers hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and a planetarium.
- The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts - Located in Madison, this museum features exhibits and programs that explore the history of early trades and crafts in America, including blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking
3. Plan a day trip:
NJ is centrally located, making it easy to plan day trips to nearby cities like New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. You can also visit nearby attractions like Six Flags Great Adventure or the Adventure Aquarium.
Here are 5 to explore nearby:
- Jenkinson's Boardwalk - Located in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Jenkinson's Boardwalk offers amusement park rides, games, mini-golf, an aquarium, and a beach.
- Supercharged Entertainment and Top Golf - in Edison NJ - combine the fun of racing go-carts, ax-throwing, games and golf and you have a full day of fun.
- Diggerland USA - Located in West Berlin, NJ, Diggerland USA is a construction-themed amusement park that offers rides and attractions that let kids operate heavy machinery.
- Adventure Aquarium - Located in Camden, NJ, this aquarium features a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, as well as interactive exhibits and a 3D movie theater.
- Turtle Back Zoo - Located in West Orange, NJ, Turtle Back Zoo offers a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, and penguins, as well as a train ride and a carousel.
Here are 5 more to explore in nearby states:
- Hersheypark - Located in Hershey, PA, Hersheypark is a theme park that offers roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions, as well as chocolate-themed treats.
- Sesame Place - Located in Langhorne, PA, Sesame Place is a family-friendly theme park that features rides and attractions based on the beloved Sesame Street characters.
- The Franklin Institute - Located in Philadelphia, PA, The Franklin Institute is a science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays on a variety of topics, including space, engineering, and sports science.
- Storm King Art Center - Located in New Windsor, NY, Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor sculpture park that features large-scale contemporary works of art.
- The Strong National Museum of Play - Located in Rochester, NY, The Strong National Museum of Play is a museum dedicated to the history of play and features interactive exhibits and displays on everything from video games to dolls and action figures.
4. Enjoy some family-friendly entertainment:
There are plenty of options for family-friendly entertainment in NJ. Catch a movie at a local theater, see a live performance at a theater or music venue, or attend a sporting event.
Here are 5 to enjoy in our area:
- Avenel Performing Arts Center - Located in Avenel, NJ, the Avenel Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
- Woodbridge Community Center - The Woodbridge Community Center hosts a variety of family-friendly events and shows throughout the year, including concerts, comedy shows, and theater productions.
- NJPAC - Located in Newark, NJ, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States.
- Barron Arts Center - Located in Woodbridge, NJ, the Barron Arts Center hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, art exhibits, and theater productions.
- Woodbridge High School Performing Arts Center- The Woodbridge High School Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
Here are 5 more to enjoy nearby:
- State Theatre New Jersey - Located in New Brunswick, NJ, State Theatre New Jersey is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, concerts, and dance performances.
- Count Basie Center for the Arts - Located in Red Bank, NJ, Count Basie Center for the Arts is a performing arts center that hosts a wide variety of performances, including concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions.
- Paper Mill Playhouse - Located in Millburn, NJ, Paper Mill Playhouse is a Tony Award-winning theater that produces and presents musicals, plays, and other performances.
- McCarter Theatre Center - Located in Princeton, NJ, McCarter Theatre Center is a regional theater that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and dance productions.
- Mayo Performing Arts Center - Located in Morristown, NJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center is a historic theater that hosts a wide variety of performances, including concerts, comedy shows, and dance performances.
5. Plan a Staycation:
If you're looking for a more low-key spring break, consider planning a staycation at home or at a local hotel. Take advantage of the amenities like the pool or spa, or simply relax and spend time together as a family.
Here are 5 ideas to consider:
- Great Wolf Lodge - Located in nearby Pocono Mountains, PA, Great Wolf Lodge is a family-friendly indoor water park resort that offers a variety of activities and amenities for guests of all ages.
- Crystal Springs Resort - Located in nearby Hamburg, NJ, Crystal Springs Resort is a luxury resort that offers a variety of activities and amenities, including a water park, spa, golf courses, and restaurants.
- Six Flags Great Adventure - Located in nearby Jackson, NJ, Six Flags Great Adventure is a popular amusement park that offers a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a water park.
- Ocean City - Located on the Jersey Shore, Ocean City is a family-friendly beach town that offers a variety of activities and attractions, including a boardwalk, amusement park, and mini-golf.
- Cape May - Located on the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is a historic beach town that offers a variety of activities and attractions, including beaches, lighthouses, and historic sites.
No matter what your family's interests or budget, there are plenty of ways to have a fun and memorable spring/summer break in NJ. By planning ahead and choosing activities that everyone will enjoy, you can make the most of this time off and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
*** TRAVELING WITH KIDS????
Check out our article about Traveling with Kids Tips for Stress-Free Fun
For more Summer information, ideas and activities -
check out our Ultimate Summer Guide
and Local Summer Concerts, Farmers' Markets and U-Pick It Farms
Don't forget our GREAT
Local Beaches, Favorite Bike Paths, Walking Trails,
Best Fishing Spots and Local Rafting/Kayaking/Canoeing Guide
Be sure to tell local businesses and events you found them
on Macaroni Kid Clark-Cranford-Westfield
and make sure to tell all your friends!
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