Family & Entertainment
Robert J. Novins Planetarium
Planetarium shows—fun for families and school-age kids.
🎡 New Jersey
Best Family & Entertainment in New Jersey
Discover 93 hand-picked family & entertainment across the Garden State.
New Jersey is one of the Northeast’s premier family travel destinations — and for good reason. The state packs an extraordinary variety of kid-friendly attractions into a compact, easily navigable geography. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is one of the largest theme parks in the world, drawing thrill-seekers from across the region each summer. Wildwood and Seaside Heights feature classic boardwalk amusements that have delighted families for generations. And the Jersey Shore’s many small beach towns offer gentle family fun: mini-golf, ice cream stands, arcades, and the simple joy of building sandcastles.
Beyond the shore, New Jersey’s family entertainment options are remarkably diverse. Liberty Science Center in Jersey City features immersive science exhibits that spark curiosity in children of all ages. The Cape May County Park & Zoo is one of the best free zoos in the Northeast. Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, and Insectropolis in Toms River are beloved by local families.
Rainy days are covered too — indoor trampoline parks, escape rooms, bowling alleys, children’s museums, and art studios are well distributed across the state. Browse our complete guide to family activities and entertainment venues in New Jersey below.
Best Family & Entertainment in NJ
Family & Entertainment
Turtle Back Zoo
Family-friendly zoo with big cats, reptiles, and seasonal events.
Family & Entertainment
Wildwoods arcades
Arcades and rides after the beach—great with kids.
Family & Entertainment
Wildwoods Boardwalk
Big boardwalk energy with rides, arcades, and beach access.
Family & Entertainment
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Ferry crossing between NJ and Delaware with scenic views.
Family & Entertainment
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Compact aquarium with touch tanks and kid-friendly exhibits.
Family & Entertainment
Ocean City’s Playland’s Castaway Cove
Boardwalk rides ideal for families.
Family & Entertainment
Seaside Heights arcades & treats crawl
Arcades, games, and classic boardwalk snacks.
Family & Entertainment
Cow Town Rodeo
Family friendly rodeo in NJ with bull riding, barrel racing, and a flea market.
Family & Entertainment
Duffield’s Farm Market
Pick-your-own and family events in season.
Family & Entertainment
Trenton Thunder game
Family-friendly ballpark experience (seasonal schedule).
Family & Entertainment
Black River & Western Railroad
Scenic train rides through Hunterdon County—great for kids.
Family & Entertainment by NJ Region
Frequently Asked Questions: Family & Entertainment in NJ
New Jersey has outstanding family attractions including Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson), Liberty Science Center (Jersey City), Wildwood boardwalk, Jenkinson's Boardwalk (Point Pleasant), Cape May County Zoo (free admission), Storybook Land (Egg Harbor Township), and the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. The state's parks and beaches also provide exceptional family outdoor experiences.
Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ is one of the largest theme parks in the world and absolutely worth a visit for thrill-seeking families. It features dozens of roller coasters and rides, including El Toro (consistently rated one of the world's best wooden coasters) and Kingda Ka (one of the world's tallest coasters). The adjacent Safari Off Road Adventure is a unique bonus attraction.
New Jersey has many free family activities: all state parks (many with free access), the Cape May County Zoo, numerous county parks with playgrounds and sports fields, the Newark Museum of Art (free days), Liberty State Park (free park access with paid ferry for Statue of Liberty), many public beaches in the shoulder season, and countless municipal events and festivals throughout the year.
The Jersey Shore is one of the best family destinations in the Northeast. Family-friendly shore towns include Wildwood (free beach, massive boardwalk), Ocean City (family-oriented dry boardwalk), Point Pleasant Beach, Beach Haven on LBI, and Cape May (family-friendly Victorian resort town). Most towns have playgrounds, mini-golf, ice cream shops, and kid-oriented events throughout the summer.
Rainy day options in NJ are plentiful: Liberty Science Center, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, indoor trampoline parks (Sky Zone, Altitude Trampoline), escape rooms (in most major towns), bowling alleys, children's museums, movie theaters, and indoor climbing gyms. Many cities also have excellent malls with entertainment zones. Check our listings to find indoor family attractions near you.