New York City may seem to have it all, but sometimes, you need a break from the same old scenery, no matter how exciting it is. While vacations to Europe and the Caribbean may be a nice distraction, they’re hardly a time-effective way of enjoying some relaxation. When you have just a few days to spare and want some time away from your usual surroundings, whether that means a break from work or just a break from your luxury NYC condos, New Jersey provides an ideal distraction.
From the fine art to fun in the sand, here’s what to fill your family weekend in New Jersey with:
Head to the Liberty Science Center – 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
If your little one’s are fascinated by all things scientific, they’ll flip for the fun to be had at the Liberty Science Center. This Jersey City museum has plenty that appeals to kids of all ages, and parents too, like IMAX movies, a MythBusters exhibit, blocks to play with, an indoor climbing structure, sea creatures, a lab, and more.
Create a masterpiece at the Montclair Art Museum – 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Teach your kids to appreciate fine art this weekend with a trip to the Montclair Art Museum. This New Jersey museum is home to works from artists like Matisse and Renoir, as well as a wide array of cultural artifacts from various Native American tribes. If you’re eager to enjoy a more hands-on approach to art, the museum’s art education programs include ceramics, painting, photography, and sculpture, taught to both families and kids alike.
Check out Diggerland – 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
The bright lights and big noises of trucks, bulldozers, and cement mixers never fails to delight children, and they’ll be able to get their fill with a trip to Diggerland this weekend. This construction-themed park lets kids get in on the behind-the-scenes action of a construction site, sit behind the wheel of a forklift or excavator, climb rock walls, or just have some fun going down the massive multicolored slides in the park’s Kid Zone.
See the sea animals at Adventure Aquarium – 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
The magic of nature comes alive at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. This exciting aquarium is home to hundreds of different forms of marine life, from sharks to sea lions, many of whom are fed and trained right before your very eyes. Get up close and personal with animals like hippos, echidnas, sea turtles, penguins, stingrays, and more. Kids can also enjoy touch tanks, exhibits on the underwater ecosystem, and even watch movies in the aquarium’s massive stadium theater.
Enjoy the rides at Casino Pier – 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ
Head down to the Jersey Shore for some family fun you won’t soon forget. At Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, families can enjoy roller coaster rides, take some Go Karts out for a spin, hop a ride on the carousel, or play some games at the arcade. If you need to cool off, head over to Breakwater Beach, where you can go swimming or try out one of the park’s heart-stopping water rides.
No matter how you choose to spend your weekend in New Jersey, you can find excitement at every turn in the Garden State.
