There are many options for fun day trips near New Jersey. Most are within the state of New Jersey, but others are in nearby Pennsylvania. Each of these destinations are kid-friendly! Check out this list of fun family day trips near New Jersey.
American Dream – East Rutherford, New Jersey
American Dream is a major entertainment and shopping complex located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. There are many activities and attractions available within the complex that several days can be spent here. However, it’s also great for more simple day trips.
Check out Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park with themed rides for Paw Patrol and Sponge Bob. There’s even three roller coasters and a drop tower.
Also check out or DreamWorks Water Park. It features an enormous indoor wave pool, many types of water slides, and a water coaster.
There’s also an indoor ice skating rink, an indoor ski slope, indoor mini golf, and so much more at American Dream.
Diggerland and Big Kahuna – West Berlin, New Jersey
Diggerland is a construction-themed park located in West Berlin, New Jersey. Recently, they also added an outdoor water park, called The Water Main. At Diggerland, there are many construction-themed rides to try out. This day trip is seasonal, as Diggerland does close for the winter and of course, the water park is only open in the summer.
However, during the winter months, there’s an indoor water park close to Diggerland. It’s called Big Kahuna’s (formerly Sahara Sams). This water park has several large water slides and a water play area for younger children and toddlers.
Seaside Heights, New Jersey
Seaside Heights, New Jersey, is of course, a summer day trip destination. They have a pier, called Casino Pier, that has many rides. There’s a large roller coaster, as well as a few smaller coasters. Other rides include a ferris wheel, indoor scrambler, and many kiddie rides.
Seaside Heights in New Jersey also has an outdoor water park that’s open in the summer. It’s called Breakwater Beach. There are many types of slides, as well as a wave pool and water play structure.
In between the water park and the pier, there’s also go karts and mini golf. There’s plenty to do, that it may be more of a two day trip!
Wildwood, New Jersey
Wildwood, New Jersey is another seasonal choice, making it the best option for summer and early fall. There’s plenty to do on their three piers. The piers have many amusement park rides, including roller coasters.
There’s also two water parks on the pier. Of course, you could always relax on the beach.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia has many historic sites and museums to enjoy. For kids, Please Touch Museum and the Franklin Institute are two favorites.
There are also historic sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Giggleberry Fair is an indoor play space located in the shopping village called Peddler’s Village. The playspace features an indoor carousel, ballocity, and a toddler play area.
At Peddler’s Village, there are many unique shops to explore, as well as restaurants. The village also features the store, The Cloak and Wand, which is a fantasy shop that has a “potions bar” for unique, kid-friendly drinks.
Looking for more fun day trips near New Jersey?
This list includes six fun day trips near New Jersey. To find adventures a bit farther from New Jersey, check out these posts:
Fun Day Trips Near Pennsylvania
