New Jersey and its neighbors have plenty of zoos, planetariums, living history sites, art gardens, museums and more that make for a perfect field trip for the fam!
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 see hippos up close. The brand-new Kaleidoscope Cove dedicates an area to bioluminescent sea creatures.
ALICE PAUL INSTITUTE
128 Hooton Rd., Mount Laurel
856-231-1885
alicepaul.org
Named after NJ-born suffragist Alice Paul, the institute offers 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. Now open is Encounters in the Milky Way, a new stegosaurus fossil named Apex, and the Life at the Limits and Invisible Worlds exhibits.
AMERICA’S GROW-A-ROW
150 Pittstown Rd., Pittstown
908-662-6304
americasgrowarow.org
Lessons offer education on nutrition, culinary skills and the importance of volunteering, since the mission is to end hunger using fresh produce.
BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY
62 Battleship Pl., Camden
856-966-1652
battleshipnewjersey.org
Walk through the sailors’ quarters, administrative offices, mess hall, commissary and even the jail aboard the decommissioned U.S. Navy ship docked in the Delaware River.
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. The real attraction is fossil collecting in Big Brook, where you can hunt for prehistoric treasures.
BROOKHOLLOW’S BARNYARD
301 Rockaway Valley Rd., Boonton
brookhollowsbarnyard.com/field-trips
Kids will be given a bucket of carrots to feed the animals before they take a tractor ride or train ride to pick their own pumpkin
BRONX ZOO
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY
718-220-5100
bronxzoo.com
Listen to the roar of tigers, watch red pandas from the monorail and see dozens of butterflies in the greenhouse. Dinosaur Safari is back. The new World of Darkness exhibit focuses on animals that thrive in darkness.
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. Bonsai collections are also on display this fall.
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 an all-around view of the southernmost area of New Jersey. Head down to the Nature Center, which is a small aquarium-meets-museum; wooden walkways to the beach; and World War II bunkers.
CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY
715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown
908-979-0900
centenarystageco.org
Kids can watch a variety of professional theater performances, 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 country’s last remaining Negro League ballparks. Inside the museum, learn about Paterson’s Larry Doby, who was the first Black player in the American League; walk through exhibits of baseball artifacts; and watch a documentary inside the mini theater.
CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
Pier 83, W. 42nd St., NYC
212-563-3200
circleline.com
From the outdoor deck you’ll have unmatched views of NYC’s landmarks. Sail toward the Statue of Liberty and see the best of the skyline.
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 waterpowered mills in NJ. During a 45-minute tour led by a costumed master miller, you’ll see the machinery run in action.
DA VINCI SCIENCE CENTER
PPL Pavilion, 815 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, PA
610-841-1875
davincisciencecenter.org
A Mickey Mouse Clubhouse exhibit is coming in September, which joins kids’ favorites like My Body, Curiosity Hall, Science in the Making, and live animal encounters (like the adorable American river otters).
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 22 to pick your own pumpkins. Go on a hayride, visit the petting zoo, hang out in the play area, and try some apple cider and donuts.
DINOSAURS ROCK
Multiple locations
917-375-4248
dinosaursrock.com
The museum comes to you—whether at a school, camp, library, or your kid’s birthday party—with info on dinosaurs, oceans, sharks, gems, rocks, minerals and insects that amaze your child via assemblies, school events and parties.
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 views of the New York City skyline.
DUFFIELD’S FARM
280 Chapel Heights Rd., Sewell
856-589-7090
During Many Hats of a Farmer, students will participate in an interactive skit and experience the many jobs a farmer has in just one day. During the fall, take a hayride to the apple orchard to pick a small bag of apples. Stop in the Learning Barn, play in the Play Yard, walk through the corn maze, and visit the animals.
DUKE FARMS
1112 Dukes Parkway W., Hillsborough
908-722-3700
dukefarms.org/field-trips
Considered a “living lab” among 2,700 acres in Somerset County, interactive nature activities include birding, outdoor classrooms and field journaling. Schedule a field trip with an instructor, or take a self-guided tour for free.
EDELMAN FOSSIL PARK & MUSEUM
66 Million Mosasaur Dr., Mantua Twp.
856-284-DINO (3466)
efm.org
Get your prehistoric fix here, digging for real New Jersey-based fossils outside in the quarry or climbing on a pteranodon-shaped playground. Inside, explore exhibits like dino and marine animal replicas, the Discovery Forest play area for kids and school groups, and a virtual reality game.
FIELD STATION: DINOSAURS
3 Overpeck Park Dwy., Leonia
855-999-9010
jerseydinos.com
This is the final season kids can explore the outdoor prehistoric theme park and its 30 life-sized, moving dinosaurs. They can join a dino dance party, play in the Jurassic Zoo Bounce House and be part of the T-Rex Feeding Frenzy. The last day is November 9.
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 collect eggs, ride wagons around the farm and see antique automobiles.
FRANKLIN MINERAL MUSEUM
32 Evans St., Franklin
973-827-3481
franklinmineralmuseum.com
Kids 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 and 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 boasts more than 270 sculptures across 42 acres. Sign up for a Tots for Sculpture class, or Family Open Studio days on the first Saturday of the 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 Q&As with the artistic team members, plus activity guides for all students.
HEALTHBARN USA
The Barn, 1057 Hillcrest Rd., Ridgewood
And on-site school programs
201-444-2955
healthbarnusa.com
At The Barn, scouts ages 5-12 will learn why it’s important to eat natural, fresh foods through composting, making smoothies, planting veggies and playing a food IQ game. School assembly topics include You’ll Like It and Super Salad Bar. Nutrition and science workshops, and afterschool enrichment programs, are also offered.
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. Call for an appointment.
HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM
44 Longstreet Rd., Holmdel
732-946-3758
monmouthcountyparks.com
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 back in 1754.
THE HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE
4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale
732-919-3500
allairevillage.org
xperience where kids can get a glimpse of life during the 19th century. Historic interpreters dressed in period garb give tours and put on demos about life pre-electricity.
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. Field trip activities include riding the hayride, feeding farm animals, learning about the family farm and the flower planting process, and taking a tour of the onsite Dutch windmill.
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 chores of a working farm. They’ll be taught about the food and the work that animals provide.
INDIAN ACRES TREE FARM
111 Tuckerton Rd., Medford
609-953-0087
indianacrestreefarm.com/school-tours
Fall tours offer a wagon ride through the natural woodlands and Christmas tree fields of the 151- acre preserved farm. Pick your pumpkin at Betty’s Patch, and take a photo inside the giant inflatable pumpkin. Leave time for the play area, too.
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 see the Space Shuttle Pavilion, where they’ll get a closeup look at a retired NASA space shuttle, a former military submarine kids can walk through, and the interactive Exploreum.
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 are also climbing walls, field games, an arcade, duckpin bowling and aerial ropes.
JENKINSON’S AQUARIUM
300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach
732-892-0600
jenkinsons.com/aquarium
Aside from seeing the awesome aquatic animals, kids can join the Junior Keepers, Aquatic Adventures or various science programs.
JOHNSON’S LOCUST HALL FARM
2691 Monmouth Rd., Jobstown
609-353-9000
johnsonslocusthallfarm.com/school-field-trips
The preserved farm from the 17th century offers The Farm Field Trip Experience during spring, summer and fall, where kids jump on a hayride, pick the crops of the season, feed the animals, and have lunch in the picnic area.
LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE
89 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Columbia
908-496-9244
lakotawolf.com
Take a Wolf Watch tour or sign up for a photography session to see majestic wolves, bobcats, lynxes and foxes at play inside the largest natural-habitat animal preserve in the Northeast.
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 through their toys, school, games, folktales, nature adventures 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 new Titanic exhibit will engage adults, while kids will giggle learning about farts and burps at Grossology.
MACCULLOCH HALL
45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown
973-538-2404
maccullochhall.org
Programs vary by age, and include touring the historic garden, kitchen and drawing room; getting the scoop on composting; going on a garden scavenger hunt; hearing details about the Morris Canal and the Maccullouch family; and viewing the works of cartoonist Thomas Nast.
MAD SCIENCE
Multiple locations
609-737-0313
wnj.madscience.org/schools-specialevents
Mad Scientists keep kids ages 3-12 interested in a variety of topics about how the world works through school assemblies, science shows and fun stations.
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, or spend time at the playground.
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. 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
Different wings include a play space where kids can board a pirate ship or climb the Sandy Hook Lighthouse; learn about STEAM concepts through fossils, a paleo lab and recycled arts; check out space gear; and see pollinators in the gardens.
MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM
3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair
973-746-5555
montclairartmuseum.org
There are more than 14,000 paintings, ceramics, basketry, sculptures, beadwork and works on paper you can explore. Interactive field trips support students in creating art tailored to their interests.
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
The galleries touch on everything from dinosaurs and Native American art to earth science, music and model trains. A real highlight is the Spark!Lab, where you can be an inventor for the day.
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
Field trips at this 50-year-old museum include info on early American toys, simple machines, the ABCs of architecture, the American Revolution in NJ, and challenges of the immigrant experience.
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
Games and activities revolve around a love of math: cryptography (deciphering secret messages), geometry (shifting shapes), graph theory (using maps), probability (dice games) and topology (using knots and tic-tac-toe).
THE NEWARK MUSEUM OF ART
49 Washington St., Newark
973-596-6550
newarkmuseumart.org
Travel around the world in a day with exhibits highlighting Asian, African and Mediterranean art. Lie inside 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’ll learn about New Jersey’s history and heroes. Sing with a hologram of a famous singer on stage, take a journey to the moon, and host an interview on Late Night TV.
NEW JERSEY SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM
Various locations
732-872-1300
njseagrant.org
The Coastal Experience offers a collection of marine science field trips for kids in grades pre-K to 12 based on salt marsh ecology, the Lenape at the Jersey Shore, and barrier beaches.
NEW JERSEY STATE HOUSE
145 W. State St., Trenton
609-847-3150
njstatehousetours.org
Kindergartners 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 gigantic-sized toys from years gone by.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
47-01 111th St., Corona, NY
718-699-0005
nysci.org
See the inner workings of architecture at CityWorks, learn about ecology in the animated Connected Worlds, see how energy powers our lives at Powering the City, and learn the science behind bubbles at The Big Bubble Experiment.
OAK HILL FARMS
177 Stillwell Rd., Holmdel
oakhillfarmsnj.com/pages/field-trips
On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, see chickens, alpacas and mini donkeys play right before your eyes during a farm tour, then peek into the beehives and learn about pollinators.
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. Go back to 1777 to experience what life was like in Washington’s Army as you “Meet the Past.” Kids will meet Old Barracks interpreters who bring the past to life.
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. This season’s “Hey There, Howdy, Everybody!” is perfect for preschoolers through fourth graders who like storytelling, singalongs and foot-stomping dances.
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 semi-private meet-and-greets with your favorite animals and the keepers who care for them. As you walk around, look for this season’s five animal-themed topiaries located throughout the grounds.
PLAY BIG ZONE
300 Campus Dr., Morganville
732-991-1993
playbigzone.com
Super-active kids will have a ball on The Spin Zone Bumper Cars, playing Human Foosball, running inside the Laser Maze, combatting obstacles in The Amazing Race, and competing in the arcade and virtual reality pod.
PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
215-581-3181
pleasetouchmuseum.org
Forget about, “Look, don’t touch!” Here, kids are required to get hands-on in a GIANT supermarket replica, carousel house, Slinky exhibit, adventure camp, fairytale garden, imagination playground, storytime cabin, rocket room and makerspace.
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. Animal Refuge Outreach Programming includes lessons on NJ’s wildlife, alien creatures (aka invasive species) and the life of an animal keeper.
QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, NY
718-347-3276
queensfarm.org
The School to Farm Education Programs have a “menu” by season, including farmyard adventures, terrariums as self-sustaining ecosystems, composting, apple cider pressing, farmhouse history and a corn maze adventure.
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 that are being rehabilitated on site. They’ll explore the 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. Sign them up for a scavenger hunt and then treat them to astronaut ice cream after.
RED MILL MUSEUM
56 Main St., Clinton
908-735-4101
theredmill.org
STEAM-focused tours give kids a glimpse into what life was like in the 1800s and early 1900s through visits to the schoolhouse, mill and quarry. Or, they’ll learn about colonial life in the 1700s with a trip to the log cabin, herb garden and springhouse. Each tour includes hands-on activities and demos.
REEVES-REED ARBORETUM
165 Hobart Ave., Summit
908-273-8787
reeves-reedarboretum.org
Wander at your own pace through the gardens and trails of this pretty 13.5-acre arboretum. Educational topics that are kid-friendly include bugs, food and cooking, seeds and plants, and info on the original Lenape inhabitants of the area.
RISENY
160 W. 45th St., NYC
718-701-4998
646-619-8615 for student groups
riseny.co
Experience New York from a different view: 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 New York subway, and explore seven interactive exhibits at the museum.
RUTGERS FARM TOURS
College Farm, Cook Campus of Rutgers University, 65 Sheepfold Ln., New Brunswick
farmtours.rutgers.edu
Farm staff or a student farmer will lead you on a tour of the farm to see cattle, goats, horses, sheep and pigs; and you can choose your topics of interest to learn more about.
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.
SCHAEFER FARMS
1051 County Rte. 523, Flemington
908-782-2705
Take a tractor-drawn hayride through 200+ acres of a working farm, where you can play with the farm animals. In the fall, pick a pumpkin from the fields and stroll through the corn or hay mazes.
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 and 768 acres of protected land. Don’t miss the Great Meadow and plant garden with native species.
SEA LIFE NEW JERSEY
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 – and get closer to some, thanks to the Touchpool. There are also educational 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.
SPACE FARMS ZOO & MUSEUM
218 County Road 519, Sussex
973-875-3223
spacefarms.com
Spread throughout 11 buildings dedicated to showcasing American history, you can see 50+ antique cars and motorcycles, a series of dolls, a hand-built train set, a mini circus, and 500 live wild animals.
STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY
15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
732-246-7469
stnj.org
Check out the schedule of shows and concerts; or opt for the Symphony Scholars program that teaches kids about classic music, then lets them experience a live orchestra concert.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
Liberty Island, NYC
212-363-3200
nps.gov/stli
At this crossroads to America, climb the pedestal to access Lady Liberty’s crown, stop by 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 kids, since they can 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 500-acre outdoor museum located in NY’s Hudson Valley.
TEAM MAKERS
400 Tenafly Rd., Tenafly
201-500-8076
teammakersnorthjersey.com
Kids are divided into teams so they can work on team building, engineering, skill games, and experiments at different stations. Interactive STEM-style assemblies called the Spirit Challenge encourage respect, leadership and team spirit through comfort zones and play.
TENAFLY NATURE CENTER
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
201-568-6093
tenaflynaturecenter.org
Spend time along the Bellflower Faerie, bird or storywalk trails; or bring animal lovers to see frogs, salamanders and birds of prey. Kids can go geocaching, backpacking, letterboxing and wildlife watching on the grounds.
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 offers an immersive art experience and optical illusions designed by award-winning artist Tracy Lee Stum.
TOPGOLF
104 Centerton Rd., Mt. Laurel
856-793-4086
1013 Rte. 1, Edison
732-374-4097
topgolf.com/us/plan-an-event/field-trips
The new field trip package at this indoor driving range includes golf play, swing tips and a science lab curriculum, plus snacks and goodie bags.
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 for kids, or lessons on social justice for teen learners.
TURTLE BACK ZOO
560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
973-731-5800
turtlebackzoo.com
Take a behind-the-scenes tour or get up close with giraffes, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and butterflies. Other attractions include mini golf, the Children’s Regatta Playground, paddle boats and the Essex County TreeTop Adventure Course.
VALLEY SHEPHERD CREAMERY
50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley
908-876-3200
valleyshepherd.com
During a guided farm tour, kids can see lambs and sheep, and then take a wagon ride up the mountain to learn about the cheesemaking process.
THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER
303 Midland Ave., Garfield
201-257-2231
thebatcave.org
New Jersey’s “bat cave” introduces kids to the importance of bats to the ecosystem. They’ll watch presentations on reptiles and rainforest critters, plus see other animals front and center.
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, but also has exhibits on Negro Leagues Baseball, New York City’s Golden Boys, vintage catcher’s mitts, COVID’s impact on the sport, plus an interactive pitching mound. Visit on September 21 to be part of a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest game of catch.
ZIMMERLI ART MUSEUM
71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick
848-932-7237
zimmerli.rutgers.edu
See thousands of pieces of art across several mediums, create stories inspired by portraits, and go on interactive educator-led discovery tours.
—Jennifer Amato, James LaForge, Sunny Sequeira and Nia Sylva contributed to this story.
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