Family & Entertainment
South Beach Arcade
Classic shore arcade—easy add-on to the beach day.
🎡 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
Smuggler’s Quay Adventure Golf
Tiki-themed mini golf—great for families.
Family & Entertainment
The Funplex (East Hanover Location)
Indoor/outdoor rides and arcade-style fun (seasonal options).
Family & Entertainment
Alstede Farms
Seasonal pick-your-own, hayrides, and family farm market.
Family & Entertainment
SEA LIFE American Dream
SEA LIFE American Dream in East Rutherford is an aquarium experience that transports visitors into the vibrant underwater…
Family & Entertainment
CURE Insurance Arena
Sports and concert venue—good for a night out when shows are on.
Family & Entertainment
Willowbrook Golf Center
Casual mini golf option for a quick family outing.
Family & Entertainment
Keansburg Amusement Park
Classic budget-friendly amusement park on the bay (seasonal).
Family & Entertainment
Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids
Affordable rides and waterpark with bayfront vibe.
Family & Entertainment
Hurricane Harbor
Seasonal water park with slides and pools (typically spring–summer).
Family & Entertainment
Mountain Creek Waterpark
Water slides and mountain scenery (summer season).
Family & Entertainment
Murder Mystery Detective Experience
In the charming town of Princeton, New Jersey, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience offers an engaging blend of…
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.