From zoos and planetariums to farms and museums, there are tons of fun and educational spots in New Jersey and beyond to explore with the kids!
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 DREAM
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
833-263-7326
americandream.com
This shopping and entertainment complex has theme parks, museums, arcades, shops and restaurants to keep you and your crew busy.
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.
AVIATION HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM OF NEW JERSEY
400 Fred Wehran Dr., Teterboro
201-288-6344
njahof.org
Kids will take flight (figuratively) as they explore a rocket engine, aircrafts, helicopters, airplane models and other displays at the first aviation museum in the country.
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.
BELL WORKS
101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel
732-226-8818
bell.works
The main atrium of the metroburb, called The Block, has space for shopping, eating, entertaining, exercising and relaxing. Take the kids for virtual reality, golf simulators or an escape room.
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.
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 COUNTY PARK & ZOO
707 Rte. 9 North, Cape May Court House
609-465-5271
capemaycountynj.gov/1679/Park-Zoo
This zoo is a gamechanger because admission is free every day! Aside from hundreds of animals ranging from goats to zebras to flamingoes to capybara, there’s a huge playground on the 220-acre property.
CAPE MAY POINT STATE PARK
Lighthouse Avenue, 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 a World War II bunker 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
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, or watch a documentary inside the mini theater.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN
The Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St., New York, NY
212-721-1223
cmom.org
Exhibits here are all about kids’ learning, and include topics like Adventures with Dora and Diego, Right to Vote, Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City, Dynamic H20, and PlayWorks.
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 cruises.
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
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.
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, 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.
DRUMTHWACKET
Stockton Street (Rte. 2060, Princeton
609-683-0057
drumthwacket.org
The official residence of our governor, the mansion was built around 1834 for Charles S. Olden, the governor during the Civil War. It was built in the Greek Revival style, and is open for free tours on Wednesdays.
EDELMAN PLANETARIUM
Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro
856-256-4000
sites.rowan.edu/planetarium
Kids will look high above their heads—in the arena—to stargaze at the 360-degree digital sky.
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.
FRELINGHUYSEN ARBORETUM
353 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Twp.
973-326-7601
arboretumfriends.org
The scenic areas include a number of gardens, the Haggerty Center and the mansion. Families can sign up for the 30-minute Getting To Know Us Stroll to see the grounds in person.
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 on the first Saturday of each month.
THE GROWING STAGE
7 Ledgewood Ave., Netcong
973-347-4946
growingstage.com
Aside from getting tickets to a show at the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, which is inside The Historic Palace Theatre, there’s also a Creative Arts Academy, Summer Arts Camp plus classroom resources, field trips and master classes.
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, cooking classes and nutrition programs.
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 Victorian games, 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.
HISTORIC NEW BRIDGE LANDING
1201 Main St., River Edge
201-343-9492
bergencountyhistory.org/discover-hnbl
Experience life in the 18th century via displays in the Steuben House, Revolutionary War artifacts, an authentic Jersey Dutch out-kitchen, military life demos, and historical events held throughout the year.
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.
HOLLAND RIDGE FARMS
108 Rues Rd., Cream Ridge
hollandridgefarms.com
This spectacular tulip farm puts on a gorgeous flower festival in the spring, including farm activities and vendor markets.
HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM
70 Woodens Ln., Hopewell Twp.
609-737-3299
howellfarm.org
Trips to this farm from the 1700s include hands-on 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, and help complete 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.
IPLAY AMERICA
110 Schank Rd., Freehold Twp.
732-577-8200
iplayamerica.com
Consider this an indoor answer to a Jersey Shore boardwalk. There are rides, arcade games, virtual reality, laser tag and go-karts. Get festival food, ice cream or candy, or sit down at The Bistro for a more formal dinner.
INSECTROPOLIS
1761 Rte. 9, Toms River
732-349-7090
insectropolis.com
Known as The Bugseum of New Jersey, this is the place where your kids can learn all about tiny insects and creatures.
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.
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 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 learning about their toys, school, games and chore list.
LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
201-200-1000
lsc.org
The kids will get hands-on experience with electricity, scale the Infinity Climber, crawl through the Touch Tunnel and see a show in the biggest planetarium in the western hemisphere. Through May, children can play in the world of Curious George.
MACCULLOCH HALL
45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown
973-538-2404
maccullochhall.org
Aside from the permanent exhibits based on American political cartooning and paintings of Girls Holding Dolls, there are rotating children’s exhibits as well as historic gardens to explore.
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, hike the trails, 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.
MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING CENTER
3625 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd., Brigantine
609-266-0538
mmsc.org
Marine mammals and turtles that need rehab and rescuing stay here. Kids can learn about their recovery at the Sea Life Museum.
MATCHBOX ROAD MUSEUM
15 Pearl St., Newfield
609-381-2332
facebook.com/MatchboxRoadMuseum
It’s like a toy store come to life! Kids will see a huge collection of Matchbox cars and rare products made by the brand.
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 during 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.
MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM
3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair
973-746-5555
montclairartmuseum.org
To connect to their roots, little art lovers can explore exhibits on Native art, landscapes, family and community.
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, 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 AMERICAN HISTORY AT DEPTFORD, NJ
138 Andaloro Way, Deptford
856-812-1121
southjerseymuseum.org
The permanent exhibits here include artifacts from the pre- Columbian through the Colonial eras, American farmstead and the Pine Barrens. See antique hand tools and equipment, glass, and a fossil exhibit. Kids can join archaeology classes this July to see what takes place during an actual excavation.
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.
NAS WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM
500 Forrestal Rd., Cape May
609-886-8787
usnasw.org
You’ll travel back in time to the days of World War II as you step inside a real WWII hangar. Kids can learn history in a fun way, as they explore aviation and military history through hands-on exhibits.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MATHEMATICS
225 Fifth Avenue, NYC
212-542-0566
momath.org
The exhibits, galleries and programs at MoMath all focus on one subject: math! 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 of 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 & LEARNING CENTER
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
njhalloffame.org/entertainmentlearning-center
Express your Jersey pride through a series of interactive exhibits where you learn all about New Jersey’s history and heroes. Sing with a hologram of a famous musician 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 MARITIME MUSEUM
428 Dock Rd., Beach Haven
609-492-0202
njmaritimemuseum.org
Give kids a taste of life under the sea through exhibits showcasing old marine uniforms, SCUBA diving equipment, info on shipwrecks dating back decades, and lighthouse postcards collected over the years.
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 salt marsh ecology to how humans affect the ocean.
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 gigantic-sized toys from years gone by.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
47-01 111th St., Corona, NY
718-699-0005
nysci.org
Through an initiative called Design Make Play, kids get hands-on experience with STEM activities. They can learn about ecosystems, experiment with bubbles, create in the Design Lab and learn how energy is generated.
NORTHLANDZ
495 Rte. 202, Flemington
908-782-4022
northlandz.com
Along the self-guided walkthrough of the world’s largest miniature train wonderland, you will see over 100 trains running along eight total miles of track. Look for 200 dolls, 200 pipe organs and 250 art pieces as well.
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. 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
This year’s show “We Start to Sing” is filled with funny stories, larger-than-life characters and sing-alongs for kids ages 3-9.
PATERSON GREAT FALLS
72 McBride Ave., Paterson
973-523-0370
nps.gov
This stunning natural attraction has magnificent waterfalls 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
In Food & Family, kids can play in an interconnected shopping market, a kitchen and a neighborhood festival area. They can ride the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, or learn all about The Slinky.
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.
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, Bald Eagles, owls and other birds of prey being rehabilitated at the facility. They’ll explore the histories of these species and see some of the birds in action.
RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLANETARIUM
118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
908-231-8805
raritanval.edu/private-showsplanetarium
Journey through the solar system, ride alongside a star or enter a black hole while inside the planetarium. Unlock your students’ creativity during 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 wool carding and candle making.
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 forests and gardens.
RISENY
160 W. 45th St., NYC
718-701-4998
riseny.co
Experience New York from a different view during this threepart 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.
ROCKINGHAM STATE HISTORIC SITE
Laurel Avenue (Rte. 603), Kingston
609-683-7132
rockingham.net
Did you know General George Washington’s final headquarters during the Revolutionary War (back in 1783!) is in NJ? Learn about history while standing inside the house, or attend a special presentation in the barn.
RUTGERS GEOLOGY MUSEUM
85 Somerset St., New Brunswick
848-932-7243
geologymuseum.rutgers.edu
Take a self-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
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 educational workshops covering subjects like habitats and animal behavior.
SILVERBALL RETRO ARCADE ENTERTAINMENT, EATERY & MUSEUM
Third Avenue Pavilion, Asbury Park
732-774-4994
silverballmuseum.com/asburypark
Part playtime, part history lesson, families can spend hours playing the different antique and modern pinball machines while learning about the history of the game.
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. Interactive learning activities let kids ride a tugboat or schooner after learning about the 19thcentury port of New York.
SPACE FARMS ZOO & MUSEUM
218 County Road 519, Wantage
973-875-3223
spacefarms.com
The 100-acre zoo and museum complex has over 500 live wild animals, plus nine large museum buildings with 50 antique cars, motorcycles, horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, antique dolls, old farm machinery and Native American artifacts. There’s also a picnic area and playground.
STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M, Staten Island, NY
718-273-2060
sichildrensmuseum.org
Located on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens, there are lots of hands-on experiences for kids here, including indoor and outdoor exhibits, dance and art workshops, science, and storytimes.
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 zinc mine and the Warren Museum of Fluorescence. Sluicing is a good option for children, since they can sift sand for minerals and fossils through the water trough.
STONE HARBOR MUSEUM
9410 2nd Ave., Stone Harbor
609-368-7500
stoneharbormuseum.org
Trained volunteer docents will teach your kids through Stone Harbor Stories, which are oral histories that take you back to the 1930s. There are hundreds of stories and thousands of photos within the museum, plus a timeline display. They even featured Taylor Swift’s summer memories spent in Stone Harbor.
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 groups so they can work on team building, engineering, skill games, science and other experiments.
THE THOMAS EDISON CENTER AT MENLO PARK
37 Christie St., Edison
732-549-3299
menloparkmuseum.org
The museum offers fully escorted tours where you’ll see original artifacts, listen to 120-year-old phonographs, and walk into the 1938 Edison Memorial Tower. There’s a 36-acre state park, featuring a nature trail and informative kiosks.
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/tiltmuseum
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 offered throughout the year.
TURTLE BACK ZOO
560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
973-731-5800
turtlebackzoo.com
Take a behind-the-scenes tour or get up close-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.
WOODFORD CEDAR RUN WILDLIFE REFUGE
4 Sawmill Rd., Medford
856-983-3329
cedarrun.org
The 171-acre non-profit wildlife refuge and rehab hospital down in the Pine Barrens cares for more than 7,000 wild animals every year, some of which your kids can see in their permanent homes. The nature center (with animals + activities for kids) and hiking trails are open every day.
YOGI BERRA MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER
Montclair State University, 8 Yogi Berra Dr., Little Falls
973-655-2378
yogiberramuseum.org
This museum dedicated to the New York Yankees legend uses STEM, history and language arts in its interactive, sports-based education experiences to engage your kids and teach them about baseball.
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 Rutgers campus museum.
—Jennifer Amato, Amanda Clark, James LaForge, Sunny Sequeira and Nia Sylva contributed to this story.
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