23 Best Things to Do in New Jersey (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | North New Jersey | Central New Jersey | South New Jersey | Jersey Shore

If you’re looking for fun things to do in New Jersey, you’ve come to the right place! New Jersey offers tons of fun, cultural, and relaxing activities – and I’m here to help you explore some of the best ones.

I’ve lived in (and loved) New Jersey for over 30 years, and I created this guide to help you enjoy my awesome state and the fun things it has to offer.

This article is loaded with popular attractions, local favorite things to do, and activities, no matter where you stay in New Jersey. From North Jersey to Central Jersey (yes it exists!) and South Jersey to the Jersey Shore, you’re sure to find something for all ages, activity levels, and interests.

Best Things to Do in New Jersey

Six Flags Great Adventure

Enjoy thrilling rides and events at the most popular theme park in New Jersey.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (732) 928-2000 | Website | Entrance: Price and Hours vary according to season ($55+ per person) | Note: Closes Seasonally for Winter

Six Flags, located in central New Jersey, is the most popular theme park in the Garden State. This Six Flags location has thrilling rides, fun carnival games, great eateries, and so much more! But, beyond daring rollercoasters, the park also offers lots more to do – including kid-friendly sections for the youngest members of your family. 

Six Flags also pulls out all the stops and throws parades as well as other events for holidays and special occasions. Around July 4th, I’ve always enjoyed their post-sunset fireworks. Come October, the decor changes to spookier themes, and guests are invited to enjoy FrightFest.

Six Flags also has two other adjacent parks (separate admission required). There’s the drive-thru Wild Safari, as well as a water park, Hurricane Harbor. If you’re looking for an all-around fun day at a theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure is a great time. Before you leave, don’t forget to grab my personal favorite – funnel cake!

👉 Pro Tip: Ticket prices vary by season because of the activities, rides, and events available. For example, during the Spring, Summer, and Fall, tickets run higher because you can also gain access to Hurricane Harbor. Make sure to buy your tickets online, as it will save you time and money.

Liberty Science Center

Both kids and adults will love exploring the world through this interactive museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (201) 200-1000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed-Fri (may vary by season)| Entrance: $36 adults, $31 ages 2-12

Children and adults alike love Liberty Science Center. Even as an adult, I love it here! It’s full of immersive, interactive exhibits where kids can explore the many facets of the world around them. Some local favorites include the T-Rex Experience, Dinosaur Dig, and the Infinity Climber.

One of my favorite parts is the Hoberman Sphere, located on the ceiling in the main hallway. This mesmerizing sphere is one of the first things you notice as you walk in. Watch as it expands and contracts at random throughout your visit, and take the time to learn the history of its intricate design.

They even have the Wild Animal Exhibition, which houses over 100 different animals! It’s definitely an attraction you’ll want to visit again and again. They often host a variety of limited-time experiences. Visit the website ahead of time to see what they’ve got planned.

👉 Pro Tip: This place is pretty big! Put on comfy shoes so that you can comfortably enjoy your visit – and chase after excitable kids.

Adventure Aquarium

Walk through the shark tunnel and explore the underwater world at the Adventure Aquarium.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 474-3474 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri; 9:30 am – 5 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: $31.99 – $51.99, adults, $27.99+ children, $29.99+ seniors

Adventure Aquarium takes you on an exciting journey into the aquatic world. It’s located in Southern NJ. Although it’s geared towards younger audiences, I had a blast there as an avid animal lover!

One of the aquarium’s most notable features is its touch tanks. These let you interact with small sharks, stingrays, and starfish. You get to touch these beautiful animals as they gracefully swim past you. It’s my favorite part of the aquarium.

The aquarium even has a shark tunnel that you can walk through. As you do, you’ll see all the beautiful sharks and other sea life swimming right above your head. It’s truly a delight for all lovers of the aquatic world.

There are a few vendors inside the cafeteria where you can purchase burgers and fries if you get hungry. There’s even a small cafe area, should you need to refuel to keep up with little ones.

Overall, Adventure Aquarium is big enough so that you have plenty to do with the kiddos, but not so big that you’ll be overwhelmed.

👉 Pro Tip: Visit their website ahead of time to see what’s happening on the day you plan on going. There are so many opportunities to feed some of the animals, as well as see new exhibits, that you want to take advantage of whatever’s happening. 

Turtle Back Zoo

Get into the wild at one of the best (and most affordable) zoos in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 731-5800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $22 adults, $19 children (2-12) & seniors

The Turtle Back Zoo is New Jersey’s answer to the ever-popular Bronx Zoo in New York. It’s located in the city of West Orange.

Entrance is inexpensive, and it truly is one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to. As you walk in, you’re greeted by the zoo’s free-range peacocks that strut about everywhere you go.

I’ve been going to Turtle Back Zoo since I was a child, and it’s never been a disappointment. It’s also one of the most affordable zoos – great if you’re vacationing on a budget. 

They’ve got a nice eatery, the Savanna Cafe, which has some traditional options like burgers and fries. It’s closed during January and February, but great to enjoy the rest of the year.

One of my favorite things about this zoo is the little train that goes around it. You get a nice overview of many parts of the zoo, and it helps you decide on what you might want to explore next. 

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Witness the unmatched beauty of one of the best waterfalls in New Jersey.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 523-0370 | Website | Hours: sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance: Free

You’ll love Paterson Great Falls if you’re anything like me and love the serene feeling you get when watching a waterfall. It doesn’t get any better than this when it comes to waterfront views. These falls almost make you forget you’re in New Jersey!

Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, the footbridge over the falls is closed. However, you can still take in the beauty of the park’s lush trees and scenery.

Interested in learning more about the Great Falls as well as the history of Paterson? On their website, there’s a form you can fill out to request a tour for you and those traveling with you. There, a ranger will guide you through the wonders of this historical park.

If you like waterfalls, see my guide to the best New Jersey waterfalls.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

Catch a live show downtown at New Jersey’s version of Broadway.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 466-5722 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Entrance: Ticket prices vary

Want to catch a show while you’re in the Garden State? Then NJPAC is where you want to be! NJPAC is like New Jersey’s version of NYC’s Broadway! It’s located in bustling downtown Newark.

NJPAC hosts several events and shows at any given time. It was here where I attended my first piano concert, and more recently, Star Wars in concert! I’ve always been thrilled to come here, and I’m sure whatever event you attend, you will be too.

Plan and book ahead because NJPAC is among the most popular attractions in Newark. Shows can get sold out pretty quickly. They have shows from musical concerts, to dances, to everything else in between. 

🚗How to Get There: Parking in downtown Newark is scarce, and if you use a parking lot, it can get pricey. I recommend hopping an Uber or Lyft for door-to-door service. You also have the option of the Light Rail, which stops just a couple of blocks down from the NJPAC.

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Take in the beachy vibes and go shopping at one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

The Atlantic City boardwalk and its many beaches are some of the most popular tourist attractions in New Jersey. People come from all over to take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as they enjoy a beach day and all the fun things to do in Atlantic City.

In addition, Atlantic City has a lot of shops and options for outdoor recreation right on the boardwalk. There’s also a beach, but it’s honestly not one of the best NJ has to offer. The thrill of the Atlantic City Boardwalk is in the shopping and the activities on the boardwalk.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? I highly recommend the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. This beautiful hotel is convenient to the boardwalk and shopping and unparalleled in guest service.

Liberty State Park

Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline from this picturesque park. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (201) 915-3400 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Liberty State Park is one of the best parks in New Jersey – and one of my personal favorite things to do in Jersey City! It’s also very picturesque – in fact, I’ve even done a photoshoot here. 

You get a beautiful view of the Hudson as well as the New York City skyline. Once home to the World Trade Center, you can now see the Freedom Tower standing tall and proud. Lay down a blanket on the grass and have a picnic as you face the Statue of Liberty standing tall and proud.

The area is also rich in history and home to the Empty Sky Memorial. It’s a great place to relax and do some casual sightseeing.

👉 Pro Tip: Liberty State Park has many areas, most with waterfront views, and some with playgrounds for children. My favorite section is Flag Plaza, where I’ll take myself on picnics as well as sit on the benches and watch the tour boats go to and from Ellis Island.

Food Trucks Festival

You’ll enjoy anything from classic American food, to Asian food, to Latin Street Food – and everything in between!

📍 Various Locations throughout New Jersey | Website | Hours: Vary

Food trucks are a popular attraction in New Jersey, so much so that events are held all over the state in honor of them. Check out the website to find out where the next one will pop up! 

Food truck events feature cuisine from all over the world, as well as some of the best New Jersey foods. You’ll enjoy anything from classic American food, to Asian food, to Latin Street Food – and everything in between!

You’ll even find some food trucks with unique confections such as fried ice cream. It’s truly a foodie’s dream come true.

North New Jersey

👉 Jump to: Best Things | North New Jersey | Central New Jersey | South New Jersey | Jersey Shore

New Jersey Botanical Garden

Take a beautiful walk through this garden that’s a floral enthusiast’s paradise.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 962-9534 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free (parking fees may apply)

Looking for a relaxing walk on a beautiful spring day? Come visit the fragrant, floral blooms at New Jersey’s Botanical Garden.

The New Jersey Botanical Garden even features hiking trails for those looking for outdoor pursuits. It’s a great place to visit with children, too, as kids love running through the meadows along the woodland paths (where they may encounter frogs and turtles!).

Marvel at the beauty of nature as you observe the delicate flowers of the many gardens. Delight in the colors of the Lilac garden, or the aquatic environment of the Azalea garden on the reflecting pools.

Interested in some of the more historical aspects of the Botanical Gardens? Take a tour of the Skylands Manor on the Manor House Tour.

👉 Pro Tip: Due to the delicate nature of the flowers and landscaping, The New Jersey Botanical Gardens is best suited for mature guests – unless, of course, you have children who are flower enthusiasts. 

Cherry Blossom Festival

Indulge in beautiful pink & white blooms at this free festival in Newark’s Branch Brook Park.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Park is always open – event hours vary | Entrance: Free

Springtime means it’s time for the Cherry Blossoms to do their annual bloom! Visitors come from all over to enjoy one of the most floral festivals New Jersey has to offer! Delight in the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms as they only bloom for a few weeks.

The event is free, but food vendors on-premises do charge. Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, and of course, the Cherry Blossoms. Personally, I just go for the trees!

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, also known as Bloomfest, is held in Branch Brook Park in Newark, in the Welcome Center. It’s great fun for all ages and a perfect photo shoot opportunity!

👉 Pro Tip: Parking is available in the park, but it can get full very quickly. Arrive early to get parking, or use a rideshare service. 

Newark Museum of Art

Indulge in art ranging from American art to art from all over the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 596-6550 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Thu-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed | Entrance: $10, adults, $8 children & seniors

The Newark Museum of Art is truly a must-see for fans of the art scene. The museum features both historical and contemporary art as well as American art, and art from all over the world.  

At different times during the year, the museum also offers educational programs for patrons of all ages. They give you the option of guided or self-guided tours.

👉Pro Tip: Check ahead before your visit to get an idea of what’s available, as some exhibits change periodically.

Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Delve into the World of Mining and take one of several tours to learn interesting facts.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 209-7212 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm daily (tours currently only available on weekends at 1 pm) | Entrance: $15, adults, $13, children

The Sterling Hill Mining Museum takes you into the world of a miner. Various tours are available to take you through the different museums.

A popular tour involves the Warren Museum of Fluorescence. It’s filled with touchable displays designed to teach you about what exactly makes these minerals glow so beautifully.

Museum-goers can even go sluicing, weather permitting. With this activity, patrons get a bag of sand pre-loaded with hidden treasures that they can sift out, just like actual miners do! This is one of those places in NJ you don’t want to miss out on.

👉 Pro Tip: Tours and hours vary depending on the season you visit. Before visiting, call ahead or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on activities and tours available.

Land of Make Believe

Enjoy the fun at this underrated amusement park that is straight out of a fairy tale.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (908) 459-9000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily (May – September only) | Entrance: $38.45 per person 

With a name and location that both sound straight out of a fairy tale, the Land of Make Believe in Hope is one-of-a-kind, fantastic fun for all. It’s also easily one of New Jersey’s most underrated amusement parks. 

The Land of Make Believe has been around since I was a child, and I’ve always made great memories here. The park’s main goal is to encourage children and parents to interact and have fun with one another.

They’ve got typical amusement park rides, including a water park and even a farm. Don’t forget to stop by the Land of Make Believe Maze – a fan favorite!

Papillon 25

Papillon 25 has an elegant atmosphere with just the right amount of casual, and is one of the best hidden gems in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 761-5299 | Website 

No matter how many bars and restaurants I’ve visited over the years, there will always be a special place in my heart for Papillon 25. First, Papillon is French for “butterfly” – and I love butterflies! Second, the experience here is truly unmatched.

Papillon 25 provides an elegant atmosphere with just the right amount of casual, so you don’t feel like you have to be too fancy. The drinks are superb, and the bar staff is second to none. The drinks aren’t the only spectacular thing. The food here is exquisite!

It may seem like a little out-of-the-way place, and maybe that’s why it’s still so epic – not many people know about it. But if you’re in the South Orange area, make sure you stop by. You won’t regret it!

👉 Pro Tip: Happy Hour is the best time to go. Papillon 25 hosts Happy Hour 2 pm – 6 pm every day, and features reduced-price cocktails and appetizers.

Tops Diner

Top diner in the Garden State that serves the most delicious red velvet cheesecake you’ll find anywhere.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 481-0490 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 11 pm daily

So it may be a bit presumptuous to call Tops Diner the best diner in all of New Jersey, but I have never been to a better one!

Word has spread quickly, too, because everyone who goes to Tops Diner knows it’s the best. It’s so popular and wait times can get crazy, especially on the weekends! Sunday mornings and afternoons are some of the busiest times.

Once you sit down, though, you’ll realize why. Food comes in large portions and is absolutely amazing. I’ve never had a problem with my meal here. Top recommendation for dessert? Red velvet cheesecake! You get a huge slice and it’s absolute perfection.

👉 Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in New Jersey

The Escape Game at American Dream

Challenge your mind with one of the unique escape rooms available for all levels of experience.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (201) 514-5699 | 👉 Book Your Game here | Entrance: $45.99 per person

You’ll want to pay a visit to The Escape Game if you’re into Escape Rooms or just want to try one for the first time.

New Jersey has quite a few escape rooms to choose from, but The Escape Game has a couple of features that stand out. For one, their escape rooms are some of the most unique I’ve seen. They really challenge your mind!

Not only that, they’re full of surprises! Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something new comes up. They take the difficulty level up a notch as they challenge your mind – but in a fun way!

The staff is amazing, helpful, and fun too! Even if you’re a seasoned pro at escape rooms, you definitely want to check them out. 

👉 Pro Tip: First time doing an escape room? Make sure to check out the video on their site for first-timers (scroll down halfway to see it). Even experienced escapees will benefit from the tips. If you’re claustrophobic, no need to worry – there’s an exit button on the door if you absolutely need.

Central New Jersey

👉 Jump to: Best Things | North New Jersey | Central New Jersey | South New Jersey | Jersey Shore

Jersey Freeze

Move over Cold Stone! Jersey Freeze has some of the most amazing and delicious creations.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (732) 462-3008 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm daily

Jersey Freeze makes some of the best, most creative ice cream confections anywhere. Move over Cold Stone! They come up with some of the most amazing and delicious creations.

I discovered Jersey Freeze on the way home from apple-picking one year. I saw this long line and thought, “Hey, why not?” My daughter and I went in, and the menu was extensive! We got our ice cream, sat down in their outdoor seating area, and went to town!

They provide seasonal mixes like pumpkin pie, complete with crust and real pumpkin, as well as Peppermint for the holiday season.

Right next door, in their separate restaurant, they serve up American fare such as burgers and fries. The burgers are awesome – but I come for the ice cream.

👉 Pro Tip: The restaurant side has different hours than the ice cream side, so if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat as well, check their website for the restaurant hours. 

Grounds for Sculpture

Take in the sights of some of the most thought-provoking sculptures New Jersey has to offer.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (609) 586-0616 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, closed Tuesdays

If you want something more off the beaten path to do, check out the Grounds for Sculpture. This is another activity that’s fun for all ages, especially in nice weather.

The beautifully-maintained grounds feature all types of sculptures from modern art, to more abstract pieces. There are so many pieces, each with its own flair, that one is bound to catch your attention! 

This is a nice venture for art enthusiasts as well. They even have a nice restaurant, should you work up an appetite from all of your exploring.

South New Jersey

👉 Jump to: Best Things | North New Jersey | Central New Jersey | South New Jersey | Jersey Shore

Battleship New Jersey

Learn about US History at the Battleship New Jersey in Camden.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (856) 966-1652 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily

Battleship New Jersey is another one of New Jersey’s popular tourist attractions, especially for those interested in war history. Battleship New Jersey features the USS New Jersey, which is an Iowa-class ship. 

Aboard the USS New Jersey, you’ll learn about the famous battleship’s rich history and its role in World War II. You’ll get to see exactly how his Navy ship operated, and there’s even an overnight experience.

Even if you’re not entirely into history, just the experience of getting on a battleship and learning how it works is exciting! 

Jersey Shore

👉 Jump to: Best Things | North New Jersey | Central New Jersey | South New Jersey | Jersey Shore

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse or go hiking, fishing, or birdwatching at this nature lover’s paradise.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (609) 494-2016 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily (Park) 9 am – 3 pm weekends only (Lighthouse) | Entrance: Park is Free, Lighthouse is $3, adults, $1, children, Free for ages 5 & under

You’ll love Barnegat Lighthouse State Park if you love historical architecture, but still want to enjoy a day outdoors at the park. The Lighthouse is only open on the weekends, so make sure to plan accordingly.

You can catch breathtaking views of Island Beach and Barnegat Bay from the top of the Barnegat Lighthouse. Not feeling up to the 217-step climb? No problem! There are cameras at the bottom that provide live views of the top.

You can take advantage of the park’s other activities when you’re not enjoying the lighthouse views. You can take a walk down the self-guided trail, go fishing, and even go bird-watching.

Although most noted for the lighthouse, this park is a nature lover’s paradise.

Point Pleasant Beach

Spend an afternoon on the shore at one of the most popular beaches in New Jersey.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: $14 – $15 for the beach

The Jersey Shore remains one of the most popular places to visit in New Jersey. Jenkinson’s boardwalk is the most popular of all beaches in Point Pleasant. It’s to be noted that Point Pleasant Beach is also the name of the municipality where the beach is. When referring to the beach, many will refer you to Jenkinson’s boardwalk.

I’ve spent many summers here, especially as a child. Going to the beach was always an event I looked forward to. Before we left, we always stopped at the ice cream shop and grabbed an orange/vanilla swirl cone – which I highly recommend!

During the summer, Point Pleasant Beach can get crowded. If you want a good spot, either go very early or later on in the afternoon when many beachgoers are headed home. There is a small fee for a beach badge while lifeguards are on duty (9 am to 5 pm during the summer). After they’re off-duty, beach access is free – but no swimming is allowed.

Asbury Park Beach

Asbury Park Beach is a fun-filled beach time, complete with a boardwalk that has carnival games, as well as great food.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (732) 502-8863 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: $7-$10

Asbury Park Beach is yet another great stop on the Jersey shore. Here, you’ll find fun-filled beach time complete with a boardwalk that has carnival games as well as great food. I honestly love it here, and it’s one of my top 3 go-to beaches.

Need a chair or umbrella? Not a problem! There are cash-only Beach Chair and Beach Umbrella rentals available for a nominal fee. So grab a chair, sit back, and enjoy the day. 

Much like Point Pleasant Beach, Asbury Park beach requires a small fee for a beach badge while lifeguards are on duty (9 am to 5 pm during the summer). After they’re off-duty, beach access is free – but at your own risk.

👉 Want More Beaches? I have a whole article rounding up the 21 best beaches in New Jersey!

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Thrilling amusement parks, historical wonders, fun festivals, and relaxing at the Jersey Shore – all add up to a great Jersey vacation! Before you go, be sure to check out my guide to where to stay in New Jersey! It’s filled with lots of useful local tips and information.