From zoos and planetariums to farms and museums, your kids won’t want to miss visiting these fun and educational spots throughout NJ and beyond!
ADVENTURE AQUARIUM
1 Riverside Dr., Camden
844-474-3474
adventureaquarium.com
The aquarium is home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals including the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast. Take a walk through the shark tunnel, and get up close to hippos.
ALICE PAUL INSTITUTE
128 Hooton Rd., Mount Laurel
856-231-1885
alicepaul.org
Named after NJ-born suffragist Alice Paul, there are many opportunities to learn about how she dedicated her life to gender equality initiatives through K-8 programs, teen education, a Girls Leadership Council and community endeavors.
ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
229-10 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, NY
718-229-4000
alleypond.org
Explore nature with a walk outside, spend time with animals and take a lesson on topics ranging from endangered species to animal adaptations.
AMAZING ESCAPE ROOM
Multiple Locations
amazingescaperoom.com
The fun is contagious as you and the kids work together to find clues and solve the mystery before time runs out.
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
200 Central Park W., NYC
212-769-5100
amnh.org
Learn about everything from dinos to outer space, discover the secret world of elephants, see hundreds of butterflies and more.
AMERICA’S GROW-A-ROW
150 Pittstown Rd., Pittstown
908-662-6304
americasgrowarow.org
Lessons here offer kids education on nutrition, culinary skills and the importance of volunteering.
BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY
62 Battleship Pl., Camden
856-966-1652
battleshipnewjersey.org
Visit the massive ship docked in the Delaware River where you can take a guided tour, sleep in the bunks and have the chance to fire the saluting gun.
BAYSHORE CENTER AT BIVALVE
2800 High St., Port Norris
856-785-2060
bayshorecenter.org
When you arrive, look for the A.J. Meerwald, a former oyster schooner that now serves as a hands-on sailing classroom. The Delaware Bay Museum offers shore-based programs on campus and along the scenic Maurice River.
BIG BROOK PARK
Main Entrance: 521 Rte. 520, Marlboro
Activity Center: 80 Boundary Rd., Marlboro
732-842-4000, ext. 4312
monmouthcountyparks.com
The rolling hills and open meadows attract families who want to hike, cycle or look for wildlife. But the real attraction is fossil collecting in Big Brook, where you can hunt for treasures.
BRONX ZOO
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY
718-220-5100
bronxzoo.com
Listen to the roar of tigers, feed animals in the farmyard, watch red pandas from the monorail and see dozens of butterflies in the greenhouse. There are special exhibits to celebrate the zoo’s 125th anniversary this year.
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN
990 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY
718-623-7220
bbg.org
Make sensory observations, discover plant adaptations and learn about tree diversity while exploring gardens filled with multicolored flowers.
BURY THE HATCHET
Multiple Locations
burythehatchet.com
Rent out a private lane and throw axes for some healthy competition, having a good time while also teaching your kids team-building skills.
CAPE MAY POINT STATE PARK
303 Rte. 629, Cape May
609-884-2159
capemay.com
You can’t miss the giant lighthouse, which is 157.5 feet (or 199 steps) from the base to a panoramic view of the southernmost area of New Jersey. Come back down to the Nature Center, which is a small aquarium-meets-museum. There are wooden walkways to the beach where you can look for birds, check out World War II bunkers and enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean.
CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY
715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown
908-979-0900
centenarystageco.org
Kids can watch a variety of professional theater shows, live music and dance events. If they feel inspired, they can join the touring company or take a Young Performers workshop.
CHARLES J. MUTH MUSEUM
Hinchliffe Stadium, 186 Maple St., Paterson
thehinchliffestadium.com/museum
The stadium where the New Jersey Jackals play is one of the last remaining Negro League ballparks. Inside the museum, you can learn about Paterson’s hometown hero Larry Doby, who was the first Black player in the American League. Walk through exhibits of baseball artifacts, watch a documentary inside the mini theater, and see one of the original midget cars that raced around the track.
CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
Pier 83, W. 42nd St., NYC
212-563-3200
circleline.com
From the outdoor deck you’ll see views of 140 NYC landmarks. Circumnavigate the island of Manhattan, head to the Statue of Liberty and see the best of the skyline on different cruise options.
COOPER GRISTMILL
66 Rte. 24, Chester Twp.
908-879-5463
morrisparks.net
Nathan Cooper built this gristmill in 1826, and it’s one of the only remaining restored water-powered mills in NJ. Step back in time during a 45-minute tour led by a costumed master miller who will run the mill’s machinery.
DA VINCI SCIENCE CENTER
PPL Pavilion, 815 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, PA
610-841-1875
davincisciencecenter.org
Newly relocated, see exhibits like My Body, Curiosity Hall and Science in the Making that have info in both English and Spanish. The City Center Gallery has 8,000 square feet for rotating exhibits.
DEMAREST FARMS
244 Werimus Rd., Hillsdale
201-666-0472
demarestfarms.com
If you’ve got a school group of 20 or more, make a weekday reservation starting September 16 to pick your own pumpkins. You can go on a hayride, visit the petting zoo, hang out in the play area, and treat yourself to apple cider and donuts.
THE DISCOVERY CENTER AT POINT BREEZE
101 Park St., Bordentown
609-924-4646
drgreenway.org
The 200-year-old house-turned-museum is located on land that was occupied by Lenape tribe members for thousands of years. Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte, the exiled King of Spain, took residence in the 1880s. On site, there are archaeological displays, a circa-1819 painting of Bonaparte in its original frame, and 27 heritage crops that were grown by the earliest settlers.
DREAM WHEEL NJ
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
833-263-7326
skyviewsobservationwheels.com
It may look like a Ferris wheel but it’s actually an observation wheel with beautiful views of the NYC skyline.
FIELD STATION: DINOSAURS
3 Overpeck Park Dwy., Leonia
855-999-9010
jerseydinos.com
This outdoor prehistoric theme park takes kids ages 3-11 on a scientific expedition that features 30 life-sized, moving dinosaurs. Children can learn about the link between dinos and the birds of today at the Great Moments of Discovery Theater.
FOSTERFIELDS LIVING HISTORICAL FARM
73 Kahdena Rd., Morris Twp.
973-326-7645
morrisparks.net
Kids can experience life as it was in the 1920s when Cara Foster—whose father, Charles, purchased the land in 1881—ran the farm. They’ll have a blast collecting eggs, riding wagons around the farm and looking at antique automobiles.
FRANKLIN MINERAL MUSEUM
32 Evans St., Franklin
973-827-3481
franklinmineralmuseum.com
Children will learn about the history of mineralogy by participating in rock collecting and viewing minerals and artifacts. Exhibits include the Fluorescent Room, featuring a 32-foot-long display of fluorescent minerals; and the American Indian Room, which has Native American tools.
GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown
973-538-3500
greatswamp.org
High schoolers can learn about water quality monitoring or explore terrestrial ecology/wetlands hydrology, while younger kids can search for macroinvertebrates in a local body of water or do a pond dip to identify aquatic inhabitants.
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
609-586-0616
groundsforsculpture.org
More than a garden, this beautiful spot combines both nature and art: the grounds boast more than 270 sculptures across 42 acres. Family Open Studios are all-day drop-in workshops available the first Saturday of each month.
THE GROWING STAGE
7 Ledgewood Ave., Netcong
973-347-4946
growingstage.com/classroom-resources
Part of the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey inside The Historic Palace Theatre, kids on a field trip can watch a matinee performance of the show from the main stage. There are also lesson plans and sessions with the artistic team members.
HEALTHBARN USA
1057 Hillcrest Rd., Ridgewood
201-444-2955
healthbarnusa.com
Kids will learn the benefits of fresh produce and a healthy lifestyle through a visit to the garden, a smoothie taste test, a seasonal food IQ game and a planting session with recyclable pots.
HIDDEN BROOK RANCH ALPACA AND LLAMA FARM
196 State Park Rd., Blairstown
908-543-4808
hiddenbrookranchalpaca.com
The owners love to share their knowledge of the small herd that lives on 10 acres at the foot of Jenny Jump State Park.
HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM
44 Longstreet Rd., Holmdel
732-946-3758
monmouthcountyparks.com
See how farmers worked in the 1890s. Tour the farmhouse, milk a cow, play games from the Victorian period, shear sheep, and use a wood stove for cooking. Get an up-close look into Dutch building traditions at the Holmes-Hendrickson House Museum, built way back in 1754.
THE HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE
4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale
732-919-3500
allairevillage.org
This former factory town is now a living history experience where kids can get a glimpse of life during the 19th century. Historic interpreters dressed in period garb give tours and demos about life pre-electricity. 2024 is its 200th year.
HOLLAND RIDGE FARMS
108 Rues Rd., Cream Ridge
hollandridgefarms.com
This spectacular springtime tulip farm puts on a gorgeous flower festival filled with sunflowers, kids’ activities and photo ops in the fall. Groups of 20 or more can sign up for a field trip or guided tour.
HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM
70 Woodens Ln., Hopewell Twp.
609-737-3299
howellfarm.org
Trips to this farm from the 1700s include handson experiences that engage kids in the seasonal activities of a working farm. They’ll be taught about the food and the work that animals provide while completing daily chores.
INFOAGE SCIENCE & HISTORY MUSEUMS
2201 Marconi Rd., Wall Twp.
732-280-3000
infoage.org
Explore more than two dozen museums and exhibits where you can learn about space exploration, electronic warfare, radio technology, military communications, World War II artifacts, computers, the Lenni-Lenape Tribe and more.
INTREPID MUSEUM
Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave., NYC
877-957-7447
intrepidmuseum.org
Visitors to the legendary aircraft carrier will be amazed by the Space Shuttle Pavilion, where they’ll get a close-up look at a retired NASA space shuttle, a former military submarine kids can walk through and the interactive Exploreum. There’s a special exhibit on the Apollo’s trip to the moon, and the newly restored Concorde has returned.
IRON PEAK SPORTS & EVENTS
137 Mountain View Rd., Hillsborough
908-758-2739
ironpeakse.com
Whether the kids like soccer, lacrosse, football, basketball, volleyball or baseball, there’s an activity for them at this indoor and outdoor sports complex. There’s also an arcade, virtual reality games, a climbing area and a Ninja course.
LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE
89 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Columbia
908-496-9244
lakotawolf.com
Take a Wolf Watch tour to get to know these majestic animals. You’ll see wolves, bobcats, lynx and foxes at play.
LIBERTY HALL MUSEUM
1003 Morris Ave., Union
908-527-0400
libertyhall.kean.edu
This 50-room mansion offers a hands-on look into the daily life of a colonial child of the 1700s by seeing their toys, school, games and chores.
LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
201-200-1000
lsc.org
The kids will get hands-on experience with electricity, bounce around an Infinity Climber, crawl through the Touch Tunnel and see a show in the biggest planetarium in the western hemisphere. The fall exhibit is dedicated to blue whales.
MACCULLOCH HALL
45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown
973-538-2404
maccullochhall.org
First graders can tour the historic garden, kitchen and drawing room while kids in grades 2-3 get the scoop on plant cycles and composting. Older students can view the works of cartoonist Thomas Nast or learn about the Civil War.
MANASQUAN RESERVOIR
Visitor Center: 311 Windeler Rd., Howell
732-919-0996
Environmental Center: 331 Georgia Tavern Rd., Howell
monmouthcountyparks.com
Inside the Environmental Center you’ll find activities for kids, plus live animals like turtles and snakes. Outside, take a hike, rent a kayak or rowboat, go bird watching or play on the playground. Free fishing lessons or paid sailboat lessons are offered in the summer; in the winter, try ice fishing, ice skating and boating.
MEDIEVAL TIMES
149 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst
201-933-2220
medievaltimes.com
Be a guest of the Queen at this royal banquet. The castle is home to knights, falcons and horses who’ll put on a show complete with hand-to-hand combat and jousting. Take a look at medieval weaponry in the Hall of Arms.
MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM
Multiple Locations
monmouthcountyparks.com
Group programs include live animal presentations, nature walks, eco-adventures, freshwater ecology and marine life. You can visit Historic Walnford for 19th-century learning, or Longstreet Farm to meet the animals.
MONMOUTH MUSEUM
765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft
732-747-2266
monmouthmuseum.org
Explore monthly themes with crafts and workshops. Wander the Becker Children’s Wing and WonderWing to board pirate ships, or visit the Meyer Art & Nature Area for educational programs. This fall, Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed debuts.
MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM
3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair
973-746-5555
montclairartmuseum.org
Interactive field trips support students in creating art and making observations of artwork based on a chosen theme. These include works covering different time periods, LGBTQ artists of color and landscapes.
MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
Various locations
morrisparks.net
If your kid loves nature and the environment, they can visit sites like the Cooper Gristmill, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center or the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area.
MORRIS MUSEUM
6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown
973-971-3700
morrismuseum.org
Think galleries of geological finds from NJ and beyond, as well as retro trains and more. Be an inventor for the day at the Spark!Lab where engineering challenges abound.
MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
30 Washington Pl., Morristown
973-539-2016, ext. 210
nps.gov/morr
This National Historical Park is located at the site where General George Washington and the Continental Army survived the winter of 1779. There are 27 miles of hiking trails to explore. Go on a scavenger hunt to become a Junior Ranger.
MUSEUM OF EARLY TRADES & CRAFTS
9 Main St., Madison
973-377-2982, ext. 10
metc.org
Programs at this 50-year-old museum cover early American toys, immigrant experiences and voting rights. Kids will learn about the real-life experiences of a child living on an 1800s farm and try to problem-solve the hardships they faced.
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
558 Broadway, NYC
866-665-1018
museumoficecream.com
Learn about the beloved treat’s history, play in the colorful sprinkle pool and take a trip down NYC’s highest indoor slide.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MATHEMATICS
225 Fifth Avenue, NYC
212-542-0566
momath.org
Students from pre-K through 12th grade can attend educator-led sessions on topics like cryptography and topology. Kids can make a mandala, control math games with their feet, animate stereographic images and solve puzzles.
THE NEWARK MUSEUM OF ART
49 Washington St., Newark
973-596-6550
newarkmuseumart.org
Travel around the world in a day with exhibits about Asian, African and Mediterranean art. Lie inside of a kaleidoscope, stand before a Tibetan Buddhist altar and gaze at Native American clothing at this museum committed to inclusivity.
NEW JERSEY HALL OF FAME ENTERTAINMENT AND LEARNING CENTER
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
njhalloffame.org/entertainment-learning-center
Express your Jersey pride through a series of interactive exhibits where you learn all about New Jersey’s history and heroes. Join a hologram of a famous singer on stage, take a journey to the moon, check out Thomas Edison’s Model T, and host an interview on Late Night Jersey TV.
NEW JERSEY SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM
Various locations
732-872-1300
njseagrant.org
Young marine biologists can learn everything about the sea, from the history of Sandy Hook to how humans affect the ocean and its inhabitants. The Coastal Experience offers a collection of marine science field trips for grades pre-K to 12.
NEW JERSEY STATE HOUSE
145 W. State St., Trenton
609-847-3150
njstatehousetours.org
Kindergarteners to second graders will learn about state symbols, county flags, and the things that make NJ unique. Third through sixth graders will learn about how laws are made, visit the Senate and General Assembly chambers, and explore the building’s art and architecture.
NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM
205 W. State St., Trenton
609-292-1382
nj.gov/state/museum
Dive into fascinating pieces of Garden State history like Native American artifacts and dinosaur and shark fossil records. Visit the planetarium or see the gigantic-sized toys from years gone by.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
47-01 111th St., Corona, NY
718-699-0005
nysci.org
Step into The Happiness Experiment, Design Lab or more than 450 other exhibits at this science museum. Now open is Building Imagination, a 4,500-square-foot bilingual exhibition that has five areas of imaginative play with an underwater area, transportation section, Cloud City and a garden.
OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM
101 Barrack St., Trenton
609-396-1776
barracks.org
Head to the state’s capital to see where soldiers lived during the Revolutionary War. Get sent back to 1777 to experience what life was like in Washington’s Army as you “Meet the Past.”
THE PAPER BAG PLAYERS
1120 Avenue of the Americas, NYC
212-353-2332
thepaperbagplayers.org
Field trips are held at theaters in the five boroughs of NYC. The 65th anniversary season features “It’s A Marvelous Paper Bag World!”
PATERSON GREAT FALLS
72 McBride Ave., Paterson
973-523-0370
nps.gov
This stunning natural attraction has magnificent waterfalls that you can marvel at while learning the history of Paterson and its industrial renaissance.
PHILADELPHIA ZOO
3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA
215-243-1100
philadelphiazoo.org
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are semiprivate meet-and-greets with your favorite animals and the keepers who care for them.
PLAY BIG ZONE
300 Campus Dr., Morganville
732-991-1993
playbigzone.com
This spot is great for kids who are super active. They’ll have a ball on The Spin Zone Bumper Cars, playing Human Foosball, inside the Laser Maze, combatting obstacles in The Amazing Race, playing in the arcade and inside the virtual reality pod.
PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
215-581-3181
pleasetouchmuseum.org
Touching the exhibits is mandatory here! In Wonderland, kids will feel like they’ve fallen down the rabbit hole, and in Rocket Room, they’ll learn about space and launch their own rocket in Mission Control. Coming soon is Wild Kratts: Creature Power based on the PBS show.
POPCORN PARK ANIMAL REFUGE
1 Humane Way, Forked River
609-693-1900
ahscares.org/education-programs
At this sanctuary for injured, ill or elderly farm animals, birds and wildlife, kids will see everything from goats to peacocks to bears in one place. Join a General Wildlife or Wildlife in NJ program, learn about Alien Creatures (invasive species) or hear about an animal keeper’s life.
QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, NY
718-347-3276
queensfarm.org
The School to Farm Programs have a “menu” by season, including animal adventures, composting, beekeeping, seeding and quilting.
RAMANESSIN CREEK
Holmdel Park, 44 Longstreet Rd., Holmdel
732-946-9562
co.monmouth.nj.us
Walk the Ramanessin Trail along the brook or the Steeplechase Trail by the site’s old farm routes. You can access Bayonet Farm, as well as an area to collect Cretaceous marine fossils and shark teeth.
RAPTOR TRUST
1390 White Bridge Rd., Millington
908-647-2353
theraptortrust.org
Kids can learn about hawks, eagles, owls and other birds of prey being rehabilitated. They’ll explore the personal histories of these species and see them in action while touring the facility.
RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLANETARIUM
118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
908-231-8805
raritanval.edu/private-shows-planetarium
Journey through the solar system, ride alongside a star or enter a black hole while inside the planetarium. Unlock your students’ creativity with a laser concert where they’ll draw pictures on the dome as music plays.
RED MILL MUSEUM
56 Main St., Clinton
908-735-4101
theredmill.org
Kids will learn about everything from life during the 1800s to 19th-century energy production as they walk the grounds or try their hand at woolcarding and candlemaking.
REEVES-REED ARBORETUM
165 Hobart Ave., Summit
908-273-8787
reeves-reedarboretum.org
Meet honeybees, engage in a planting project and create a mini-terrarium at this 13.5-acre arboretum composed of forest and gardens.
RISENY
160 W. 45th St., NYC
718-701-4998
646-619-8615 for student groups
riseny.co
Experience New York from a different view during this three-part adventure. Fly 30 feet above ground on a flight simulation ride as you soar over the Big Apple, sit down for an immersive film about the very first New York subway, and explore seven interactive exhibits at the museum.
RUTGERS GEOLOGY MUSEUM
85 Somerset St., New Brunswick
848-932-7243
geologymuseum.rutgers.edu
Take a guided tour to learn about dinosaurs, geology, the Ice Age and mummies, with special attention given to NJ-based exhibits.
SCHIFF NATURE PRESERVE
339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham
973-543-6004
schiffnaturepreserve.org
Dubbed the place where “wild things happen naturally,” Schiff is home to 12 miles of trails, 768 acres of protected land and plenty of educational programs. Make sure to check out the Great Meadow and plant garden with native species.
SEA LIFE AQUARIUM
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
551-234-6382
visitsealife.com/new-jersey
Kids will come face-to-face with 3,000 different exotic aquatic creatures in more than 20 marine exhibits at The City Under the Sea (and get even closer to some, thanks to the Touchpool). There are also education workshops covering subjects like habitats and animal behavior.
SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
1071 Fifth Ave., NYC
212-423-3500
guggenheim.org
In case the museum’s incredible collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and modern French masterpieces aren’t enough incentive to visit, the building itself is one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright designs designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM
12 Fulton St., NYC
212-748-8600
southstreetseaportmuseum.org
This museum offers tours of historic buildings and ships and interactive learning activities. Kids will ride a tugboat or schooner after learning about the 19th-century port of New York.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
Liberty Island, NYC
212-363-3200
nps.gov
Climb the pedestal and access Lady Liberty’s crown. You can also check out the Statue of Liberty Museum and theater. Then head to the National Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island.
STERLING HILL MINING MUSEUM
30 Plant St., Ogdensburg
973-209-7212
sterlinghillminingmuseum.org
For an underground experience, tour the Zobel Hall Museum, the mine and the Warren Museum of Fluorescence. Sluicing is a good option for children, since they like to sift sand for minerals and fossils through the water trough.
STORM KING ART CENTER
1 Museum Rd., New Windsor, NY
845-534-3115
stormking.org
Kids will marvel at the large-scale works of art and on-site commissions at this open-air arts center located on 500 acres in NY’s Hudson Valley.
TEAM MAKERS
400 Tenafly Rd., Tenafly
201-500-8076
teammakersnorthjersey.com
Young kids are divided into teams so they can work on team building, engineering, skill games, science and other experiments they choose.
THOMAS EDISON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
211 Main St., West Orange
973-736-0550, ext. 11
nps.gov
Your kids may know Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, but what about his other works? Here, they can explore his chemistry lab and tour the Black Maria, Edison’s first film studio.
TiLT MUSEUM
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
833-263-7326
americandream.com/venue/tilt-museum
Become one with the art at TiLT, which provides an immersive art experience and optical illusions designed by award-winning artist Tracy Lee Stum.
TWO RIVER THEATER
21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank
732-345-1400
tworivertheater.org
Arts education supports the artist in each student and builds future audiences. There are student matinees, including a special 75-minute abridged Shakespeare play.
TURTLE BACK ZOO
560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
973-731-5800
turtlebackzoo.com
Take a behind-the-scenes tour or get upclose- and-personal with giraffes, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and butterflies.
VALLEY SHEPHERD CREAMERY
50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley
908-876-3200
valleyshepherd.com
During a guided farm tour, kids can see the newborn lambs in the spring, or take a wagon ride up the mountain and look inside the cheese aging cave in the fall.
THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER
303 Midland Ave., Garfield
201-257-2231
thebatcave.org
Students learn how important bats are to the ecosystem. Kids watch presentations on reptiles and rainforest critters, plus see animals up close.
YOGI BERRA MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER
Montclair State University, 8 Yogi Berra Dr., Little Falls
973-655-2378
yogiberramuseum.org
This museum is dedicated to the New York Yankees legend. Third through 12th graders can choose from Baseball & STEM; Poetry, Spoken Word & Yogi-isms, Gender Equity, Discovering the Negro Leagues and Overwhelming Underdogs.
ZIMMERLI ART MUSEUM
71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick
848-932-7237
zimmerli.rutgers.edu
Kids can check out thousands of pieces of art across several mediums, create stories inspired by portraits and go on interactive educator-led discovery tours at this museum.
—Jennifer Amato, James LaForge, Sunny Sequeira and Nia Sylva contributed to this story.