New Jersey offers tons of amazing things for families to do over the summer, and we've rounded up more than three dozen of our top picks to create this epic summer bucket list. Whether you're looking for a beach adventure or want to visit a local farm or museum, it's easy to fill your calendar during the long, lazy days of summer.
Be sure to check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide for additional suggestions, including our picks for the best water parks, swimming lakes, and amusement parks in the state.
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Best Summer Activities on the Jersey Shore
1. Visit a Lighthouse
National Lighthouse Day is celebrated every August. Commemorate the occasion by visiting one of the Jersey Shore’s seven great lighthouses.
2. Plan a Beach Day
Soak up the sun at one of the Jersey Shore’s beautiful beaches.
3. Go on a Pirate Cruise
Set sail with the Jersey Shore Pirates in Brick. Kids love dressing up in pirate gear, searching for treasure, and battling rival pirates along with the crew.
4. Take a Ferry Ride
Try a day cruise and enjoy a ferry ride in Cape May. Reservations are required.
Play on the beach then explore the boardwalk at Ocean City. Photo by Dore Duhaime
5. Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
The lovely 2.5-mile Ocean City boardwalk keeps guests busy with food, arcades, mini-golf, shops, and more.
6. Spend a Day at Point Pleasant
Head to Point Pleasant and spend the day enjoying the beach, boardwalk, aquarium, mini golf, fun house, and more!
7. Meet Lucy in AC
There's so much more to Atlantic City than just casinos. Go outlet shopping, play at the arcade, hang out at Steel Pier, visit Island Waterpark at the Showboat, or meet Lucy, the giant elephant.
Great Lakes, Parks, and Playgrounds to Visit this Summer in NJ
8. Cool Down at a Water Park
Beat the heat at NJ’s awesome, action-packed water parks like Hurricane Harbor in Jackson or Morey's Pier in Wildwood.
9. Try a New Spray Park
Splash around at a local spray park. The John Russell Wheeler Park in Linden and Asbury Splash Park in Asbury Park keep the kids busy for hours.
10. Have a Picnic
Stop by your local farmers market and purchase some delicious goodies for a picnic in the park.
11. See an Arboretum
Enjoy spending some time in nature at one of NJ’s beautiful arboretums. Take a family hike or participate in scavenger hunts and other fun programs.
RELATED: New Jersey Beaches, Lakes, Pools, and Water Parks Guide
Explore lush nature at Rancoas Nature Center. Photo by Lisa Warden
12. Explore a Nature Center
Bring the kids to a local nature center for indoor and outdoor fun. They’ll have a blast playing, exploring, and participating in fun activities.
13. Go on a Hike
Get outside and enjoy a nature hike. It's a great way to bond as a family and get some exercise, too.
14. Rent a Paddleboat
Cool off on a hot day by renting a paddleboat.
15. Go Swimming
Visit a local swimming hole or try a pool that offers day passes.
RELATED: Jersey Shore Travel Guide for Families
The jam-packed State Fair Meadowlands returns for 18 days with more than 100 rides and attractions. Photo courtesy of the event
Top Annual Summer Events in New Jersey
16. Spend a Night at the State Fair Meadowlands
It's 18 days of rides, food, shows, and fun at the State Fair Meadowlands from Thursday, June 20-Sunday, July 7, 2024.
17. Swing by the Monmouth County Fair
The Annual Monmouth County Fair boasts outdoor entertainment, strolling performers, main stage entertainment, carnival rides, and competitions. The fair takes place from Wednesday, July 24-Sunday, July 28, 2024.
18. See Sand Castles
See amateur and professional sculptors make incredible works of art out of sand at the Wildwood Sand Sculpting Festival on Friday, July 12, 2024.
On-the-Farm Events in New Jersey
19. Pick Berries
Pick your own summer fruits and veggies at one of NJ’s most family-friendly farms. Alstede is definitely day-trip-worthy, with many fun activities to keep the kids busy.
20. Make a Bouquet
If you've never tried to pick your own, get ready to make some incredible memories and snap some amazing pics at a pick-your-own flower farm!
21. Visit a Living Farm
Check out one of NJ’s Living History Farms, like Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville, for a hands-on day trip that’s both fun and educational.
Fun Outdoor Summer Things To Do in New Jersey
22. See Animals at the Zoo
Spend the day at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. This Essex County gem is perfect for kids of all ages. There’s also mini-golf and a treetop adventure course nearby.
23. Have Some Thrills at Six Flags
Whether your family is into white-knuckle coasters or kiddie rides, Jackson's Six Flags Great Adventure has got you covered. Or try another NJ theme park.
24. Visit the Grounds for Sculpture
Pack a picnic lunch and see amazing larger-than-life sculptures at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.
25. See Wolves
Go on a tour of Columbia's Lakota Wolf Preserve and see wolves in their natural habitat.
26. Tour Underground Mines
On weekends, tour the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensberg and see mines from the early 1800s for a unique day trip your kids will love. It's said to be the fluorescent capital of the world.
27. Visit a New Downtown
Play tourist and visit one of NJ’s great small towns. Stroll the streets, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat with the kiddos.
28. Go to Storybook Land
Take little ones to this sweet amusement park that's perfect for toddlers and younger children.
RELATED: Best Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in NJ
The Infinity Climber is a classic attraction at the Liberty Science Center. Photo courtesy of LSC
Best Indoor Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer
29. Have a Science-Filled Adventure
Visiting the Liberty Science Center is a great way to spend the day any time of year. Current exhibits include Wobbly World for kids 41 inches and under and the Infinity Climber—plus an enormous planetarium.
30. Experience American Dream
American Dream Mall has all the makings of the perfect staycation. Fill your agenda with things like the indoor Dreamworks Water Park, Angry Birds Mini Golf, Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park, Big Snow, and myriad family-friendly restaurants. Of course, there's plenty of shopping, too!
31. Go Bowling
Bring the family to your local bowling alley for some indoor fun!
32. Climb the Walls
A great option for older kids is visiting one of these rock-climbing gyms throughout the state
33. Do Dinner and a Movie
Catch one of summer's big blockbuster releases at a dine-in theater or see a recent classic outdoors for FREE.
34. Try a Trampoline Park
Bounce the day away at one of NJ’s indoor trampoline parks.
35. Go to the Museum
Head out to a local museum from Southern and Central Jersey to North Jersey for some hands-on fun with your kids.
36. See the Aquarium
The Adventure Aquarium is a world-class aquarium where you'll see sharks, hippos, penguins, and too many fish to count. We hear the Atlantic City Aquarium is set to reopen this season, too.
Low-Cost and Free Summer Fun for NJ Kids
37. Play Water Games in the Yard
Stay home and play your own water games.
38. See a Movie Outside
Check out a local outdoor movie on a big screen.
39. Camp Out
Camp out in your backyard. Make s’mores, tell ghost stories, relax under the stars, and cuddle up next to the kids in sleeping bags. (If your children are little, try camping indoors first.)
40. Check Out Our Free Bucket List
We've rounded up more than 100 no-cost ways to celebrate the summer in New Jersey. How many have you done?
This piece was originally published in 2014 and has since been updated.