Looking to spend a day being entertained while increasing your knowledge? We’ve collected information on the following museums near you that have family-friendly happenings year-round. While they’re not all in the Garden State, you can’t beat their educational and imaginative offerings.
American Museum of Natural History (New York)
Known for its cultural exhibits and scientific collections, AMNH is one of the world’s preeminent museums. If you’ve seen “Night at the Museum” you know all about it!
Aviation Hall of Fame (Teterboro)
Dedicated to the preservation of New Jersey’s aviation and space heritage, the museum displays historic aircrafts, air and space artifacts, photographs, fine art and a model collection.
The Center for Contemporary Art (Bedminster)
The Center focuses on challenging and inspiring the community to study, experience and create visual arts. Check the website for children and teen art classes.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan (New York)
CMOM offers families the opportunity to explore cultures through unique, interactive exhibits.
Geology Museum (New Brunswick)
Located on the Rutgers University campus, you can explore exhibits, collections, public lectures, tours and other programs for free. You’ll learn all about the natural world, past and present.
Hoboken Historical Museum (Hoboken)
HHM aims to promote exploration and understanding of the city’s history, culture and architecture.
Hunterdon Art Museum (Clinton)
Founded by Hunterdon County locals, this museum has become the region’s premier showcase of contemporary art.
Insectropolis (Toms River)
Discover the lives of insects and learn to appreciate the bugs in our world at New Jersey’s bugseum. Explore 12 exhibits, including Creepy Cavern and Hive Airport.
Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County (Freehold)
Jewish heritage is celebrated here so that kids and adults can be aware of the contributions of Jews to the county and beyond. Exhibits include Jews in India, stitching military uniforms by the Red Bank Jewish community and the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews.
Liberty Hall Museum (Union)
Built in 1772, this Kean University museum houses collections that allow visitors to experience the past.
Liberty Science Center (Jersey City)
LSC focuses on three basic topics: health, environment and invention. Check out interactive exhibits that change throughout the year. You can also see a show at the planetarium.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (Morristown)
Located in Morristown’s National Historic District, this 19th century house features the nation’s largest collection of art by political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Explore his works in Illustrating an Icon: Thomas Nast’s Uncle Sam.
Miller Cory House Museum (Westfield)
Built in 1740, this nationally recognized living museum introduces visitors to 18th and 19th century farm life. Tour the farmhouse and watch open-hearth cooking demonstrations, and check the website for more special events throughout the summer.
Monmouth Museum (Lincroft)
The Becker Children’s Wing is perfect for kids ages 6–12. This summer’s exhibits include Ancients to Astronauts: How We Communicate as well as planetarium shows.
Montclair Art Museum (Montclair)
Devoted to American and Native American art forms, MAM offers exhibits like Constructing Identity In America and Undaunted Spirit: Art of Native North America.
Morris Museum (Morristown)
This museum boasts art, culture, history and science exhibits. While you’re there, check out the Studio Student Art Showcase and sign up for courses afterward.
Museum of American History (Deptford)
The museum’s permanent exhibits include artifacts from the pre-Columbian through the Colonial eras, American farmstead, antique hand tools and equipment, the Pine Barrens, glass and a fossil exhibit.
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (Madison)
METC aims to enhance the understanding of our country’s past with programs, collections, exhibitions and demonstrations.
National Museum of Mathematics (New York)
See math in an exciting new way by exploring MoMath – it can actually be really fun!
New Jersey State Museum (Trenton)
Exploring the cultural and natural diversity of New Jersey’s past and present, the museum’s line-up includes planetarium shows.
Newark Museum of Art (Newark)
New Jersey’s largest museum hosts 80 galleries of collections, a planetarium and hands-on art and science exhibits.
Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia)
Residing in neighboring Philly, this children’s museum aims to create learning opportunities through play. Take a spin on the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel or take a trip to the Creative Arts Studio and all with the kids!
Princeton University Art Museum (Princeton)
This free institution is one of the world’s greatest comprehensive museums in an academic setting.
Staten Island Children’s Museum (New York)
Located on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens, SICM focuses on encouraging creativity and curiosity in children through hands-on experiences. Take your kids on an exploration of the museum as bugs, boats, and a big fire truck awaits!
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (Summit)
The state’s largest institution dedicated to viewing, making and learning about contemporary art displays multicultural works.
Whippany Railway Museum (Whippany)
Not only does this museum allow visitors to explore the history of New Jersey’s railroad history, but it offers old-fashioned train rides through the countryside on certain weekends.
Zimmerli Art Museum (New Brunswick)
This Rutgers University-based museum strives to provide the surrounding community with world-class works of art. Don’t miss out on the different types of art like the American Art collection.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Great Off-The-Beaten-Path Museums in NJ
Learn All About New Jersey’s History at The State Museum – and It’s Free Admission!
Fleet Week is the Perfect Time to Visit the Intrepid Museum in NY
A Massive Dinosaur Fossil Museum is Coming to NJ
The World’s Largest Miniature Train Museum is in Hunterdon County
Learning Never Gets Old at The Rutgers Geology Museum