NJ DAY TRIPS WITH KIDS - OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Peaceful Valley Orchards 
150 Pittstown Road. Pittstown, NJ 08867 - Central New Jersey - Map
908-730-7748 or 908-713-1705

Pick your own Fruit in NJ!
Peaceful Valley Orchards is a 150-acre fruit and vegetable farm. Our retail farm market sells a variety of fresh produce as well as baked goods, preserves, and seasonal items. We offer pick your own strawberries, apples, pumpkins, peaches, Asian pears, and cut your own flowers. Please call 908-730-7748 to see what is in season right now!

Fun Farm Tours for kids!
Educational farm tours for children and adults are available throughout the spring, summer and fall. See tour information. A week long Farm Camp, for kids ages 7-10, is offered in July. See farm camp information.

Fall Harvest Weekends!
Join us in the fall for our Harvest Weekends where we offer PYO apples & pumpkins, hayrides, live music and plenty of activities for the kids. We are also the founding location for the non-profit organization, America's Grow-A-Row.

Location
We are located about an hour from NYC, in picturesque Hunterdon county right off Rt. 78, exit 15. Turn left off the exit & the farm is 2 miles on the right. Address is 150 Pittstown Road. Pittstown, NJ 08867 - See Map

Website
Please visit our website at www.peacefulvalleyorchards.com

Hours
Weekdays:  9:00-6:30
Weekends: 9:00-5:30

Buy locally grown freah fruits and produce. See information about our Farm Stand!

Jersey Shore Pirates  
Riverfront Marina at 281 Princeton Ave. Brick NJ - Central Shore Region - Map
732-899-6100

Kids love Pirate Cruises! 
Follow us to the Treasure!!! Come sail with Jersey Shore Pirates for an interactive treasure hunt where your child becomes part of the action!  The Sea Gypsy and its experienced crew sets sail daily on the Metedeconk River for a Swashbuckling Pirate Adventure. This true Pirate Adventure begins with face painting and dress-up as we transform your mini mates into our mighty Pirate Crew. 

The most unique attraction in all of NJ
Once onboard you’ll fire our famous water cannons, battle the enemy pirate, taste some Pirate’s grog, discover sunken treasure and much more! Jersey Shore Pirates is conveniently located just minutes from Point Pleasant Beach and Boardwalk. This adventure is a “must do” for locals and visitors alike. 

Face painting and dress up will begin 30 minutes prior to sailing times. Don't miss the chance to transform your little ones into swashbuckling pirates!

See map of how to get here! See information about our unique Birthday Parties in NJ. Please call 732-899-6100 for more information or please visit our website http://www.jerseyshorepirates.com/

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

SeaStreak - Fun cruises and passenger ferry service 
Highlands NJ - Northern Shore Region - Map
1-800-262-8743

A fun unique idea with kids! 
SeaStreak LLC offers fast passenger ferry service from points in Monmouth County,  New Jersey to New York City. SeaStreak ferry service runs 7 days a week! Please check our website for full daily schedules. SeaStreak also offers and array of kid friendly special events year round; Sightseeing Cruises from Sandy Hook Bay to the Lower Manhattan Harbor, Ticket packages to see the NY Yankees and NY Mets, Fall Foliage Cruises, Trips to Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain, ticket packages to see West Point football games and a trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Please call 1-800-BOATRIDE (800-262-8743) or visit www.seastreak.com for more information.

Kids love fun day trips out on the water! 
All SeaStreak vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating, a full service cash bar, restrooms and complimentary parking at our NJ locations. Guests are welcome to bring their own food onboard. Kids will love a unique day trip aboard the Seastreak! Take a look at all upcoming cruise events.

See sightseeing cruises
See Broadway show cruises
See all cruise events
See fares and schedules

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

iPlay America 
110 Schanck Road Freehold, NJ 0772 Central NJ
732-577-8200

A fun day trip with kids in Central NJ! 
iPlay America, an innovative and upscale indoor theme park where “city meets the boardwalk” features over 250 rides,  games, and attractions including go karts, two-level laser tag, a 4-D theater, bumper cars, midway games and much more. iPlay America also offers a variety of delicious food options, from a full service restaurant, a grab-and-go bistro, boardwalk treats, a candy store and a self-service yogurt shop.  iPlay America is the perfect place for people of all ages and guarantees an unforgettable day for you and your family!

Open 365 days a week!
There is no reservation required.  You may purchase your ticket on our website http://www.iplayamerica.com/ or at the Admissions desk upon arrival.  iPlay America is centrally located off the intersections of Route 33 and Route 9 in Freehold, New Jersey.  Outside food and beverage is not permitted.  For more information, please visit our website http://www.iplayamerica.com/.

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mt. Pleasant Road, Columbia, NJ - North Jersey - Map
1-877-733-9653

See real wolves up close and personal!
Once again the howling of wolves echo through the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap in Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ. Photo opportunities of a lifetime and the experience of watching and listening to packs of Tundra, Timber, and Arctic wolves will be yours.  View wolves here in the East in a natural surrounding for the first time in over a century. Bobcats and foxes also reside at the reserve.

Enjoy a scenic walk to the Lakota Wolf Preserve observing the many forms of local wildlife along the way. Upon arrival at the Preserve you will be invited to the observation area, in the center of four packs of wolves. During our informal talks with the people who raised and care for the wolves you will learn about the social structure of wolf packs, their eating habits, their interaction with man and many other interesting facts. We will try to educate you on the true behavior of the wolf and will be glad to answer any questions you may have. While in the observation area you will be able to watch the wolves play, interact with each other and maybe even hear them howl.

Truly an experience of a lifetime! 
The Wolf Watch programs are presented Twice Daily:
Summer Hours (Daylight Savings) - 10:30 and 4:00
Fall & Winter (Standard Time) -  10:30 and 3:00
Please Note that there are only two times during the day to view the wolves.

No appointment needed for Saturdays and Sundays for individuals and families. Any group must have an appointment even on weekends - please call 877-SEE-WOLF to make an appointment.

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

CoCo Key
Mt. Laurel Marriott, 915 Route 73, Mount Laurel NJ - Southern NJ - Map
856-234-7300

Fun indoor water park open 7 days a week! 
CoCo Key Water Resort, New Jersey’s ultimate indoor water park, is your key to worry free, weather-proof plans for the entire family! CoCo Key Water Resort brings incredible water park fun indoors, providing families, friends, groups and troops with a day of fun for everyone. From relaxing in the adventure river to braving the twists and turns on one of our 40-foot slides, interactive play area, indoor/outdoor spa, state of the art arcade and Gallons More Fun! Want to relax and have a great time doing it? Then steer your course to CoCo Key Water Resort.. 

A unique indoor attraction in Southern NJ
CoCo Key Water Resort is seconds away from exit 4 of the NJ Turnpike, just 12 miles outside Philadelphia and minutes away from Adventure Aquarium and Cherry Hill Mall. 

Open 7 days a week! - See waterpark hours of operation


     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

Insectropolis  
1761 Route 9 Toms River, NJ - Central New Jersey - Map
732-349-7090

Bugs like You've Never Seen Before!
Insectropolis is a fun and unique insect learning center that dazzles visitors of all ages. There is plenty to see and do here! Our creative displays entertain guests as they learn about these fascinating creatures. View thousands of beautiful and bizarre exotic insects from all over the world. Play bug games on our touch-screen computers. Pretend you are a termite as you crawl through our mud tube.  Watch ants forage for food and build tunnels in our live ant nest.  Safely get up close to our observation hive and see our busy bees. Or spy on our many other live insects. 

Kids can touch the bugs!
Of course, your visit is not complete unless you touch a bug! Touch a live tarantula, scorpion, millipede, and a hissing cockroach before you leave. Whether you are a bug enthusiast or just a curious visitor, Insectropolis has over a dozen exhibit areas that are sure to educate and entertain.

Please call 732-349-7090 or visit http://www.insectropolis.com/ for more information.

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

Sahara Sams 
535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ - Southern New Jersey - Map
856-767-7580 

58,000 Square feet of fun!
Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park is New Jersey’s only free-standing indoor water park with 58,000 square feet of indoor aquatic attractions. Sahara Sam’s attractions include Mount Kilimanjaro family raft ride, Snake Eyes tube slides, Congo Bongo Adventure River, Tim-Buk-Tu water tree fort, Lizard Lagoon for toddlers, Sam’s Slamdunker, Crocodile Flats cargo obstacle course and FLOWRIDER—the area’s ONLY indoor surfing simulator!

The newest attraction is SAMAZON Ropes Adventure, The World’s Tallest Ropes Course. Sahara Sam’s also features a one-of-a-kind retractable roof, full-service café and a 3,000 square foot family arcade. Sahara Sam’s is the perfect place for your next family outing, birthday party, group trip and special event.

Open Year Round!
For more information, ticket prices and hours of operation for Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park, visit SaharaSams.com!

Location
This fun day trip in Southern NJ and is only about an hour and a half from NYC or just thirty minutes from Philadelphia. Sahara Sam’s is located in West Berlin NJ, just minutes from Exit 4 of the NJ Turnpike and Exit 36 of Route 295! - See Map

Make it a weekend getaway!
Hotel packages available! Stay with Sahara Sam's partner hotels and save!

Website
Please visit our website at www.saharasams.com

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

Space Farms Zoo and Museum
218 Route 519, Sussex, NJ. 07461 - Northern NJ - Map
973-875-5800

See animals up close and personal! 
If you've never been to Space Farms Zoo and Museum, it's certainly worth a visit. They have more than 500 animals (100 different species) including lions, tigers, kangaroos, snakes, monkeys and bears. And what's really cool is you get to see each up close unlike a big city zoo (don't miss the lions!).

The Largest collection of animals!
Space Farms also has the largest private collection of North American animals in the United States and has many exotic species from around the world. If you're an antique or history lover, discover more than 50,000 artifacts of early America, including antique cars, motorcycles, tools, toys, and much more. There are all sorts of interesting events and educational talks on weekends. Event details available at spacefarms.com. We highly recommend the Animal Nursery Feedings at 10 a.m., 2pm and 4:30pm Saturdays and Snake Handling Demo and Facts Saturdays at 1pm.

Address

Space Farms Zoo and Museum
218 Route 519
Sussex, NJ. 07461
Phone: (973) 875-5800
www.spacefarms.com

Hours of operation

Open Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last Entrance at 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 2 thru October 31

Admission Prices

Adults (13-64) – $14.00 plus tax
Children (3-12) – $9.50 plus tax
Seniors (65+) – $13.00 plus tax
Kids under 3 are Free*.

Group rates and season passes available.
 * Not applicable with group rates.

     Highly Recommended by FunNewJersey.com!

BoBolink Dairy Farm
369 Stamets Road, Milford, NJ 08848 - Central Jersey - Map
973-764-4888

Visit a really cool farm and Bring Fido with you too!
Take a tour of a really cool farm and see how cows, grass, rain, sun, chickens, pigs and people can collaborate to make great cheese, bread, pork & beef while increasing soil fertility, sequestering carbon and preserving farmland for the future.

Their cows are milked in the morning, but they prefer to have visitors see them doing what they do best, which is enjoying their pasture! A pasture walk will bring you up close to the Bobolink herd. Please dress accordingly for a pasture walk, including sturdy shoes or sneakers.

The tour continues at the bakery, where they bake bread in a wood-fired brick oven, and concludes with a tasting of breads and cheeses in our farm store. All cheeses are available for purchase!

Your guide will also provide explanations of their processes, and, time permitting, can allow visitors to view the (empty) barn, ripening room, and creamery.

Tours are limited to twenty, and are guided by either a family member or one of our interns. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to join the tour! Reservations are required, and a $5 fee is charged for all humans over 3 years. If there is space, last-minute attendance may be possible. 

Bread & Cheese making Workshops: Nearly every other Sunday May-October!
 
See information on how to Book your Guided Farm Tour!
 

Cowtown Rodeo
780 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ - Southern New Jersey - Map
856-769-3200

The real deal!
Enjoy professional Rodeo in the true Tradition of the Old West! This is not a carnival or a traveling circus, this is the real thing! The Cowtown Rodeo is a professional stop on a professional circuit for real Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the Country!

Some of the best cowboys in the east call the Cowtown Rodeo home. With limited chances to rodeo on the East coast, you can see why any cowboy from would love to make their way to the Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove NJ. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the show. A truly unique day trip in New Jersey!

Open May through September every Saturday Night
The Rodeo is open every Saturday night during the season from May through September. The weekly action gives you a chance to experience Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Girls Barrel Racing, Brahma Bull Riding and more. Season tickets are available! Free Parking and refreshments available.

Cowtown Flea Market:
The Cowtown Flea Market has "Everything imaginable for sale." It is open Tuesdays & Saturdays, 8AM-4PM, all year 'round! Cowtown Livestock Auction: Every Tuesday at Noon.
Cowtown Flea Market and Livestock Auction are located at the Cowtown Rodeo

Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental 
3107 Route 563, Chatsworth, NJ - South Jersey - Map
609-726-1380 (Toll Free 800-281-1380)

Rent Canoes in a relaxing atmosphere!
The Welcome to Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental located in beautiful Chatsworth, NJ. Come enjoy a fantastic adventure in the Pine Barrens! If your looking for a day trip or an overnight camping trip, Micks is for you. You can enjoy canoeing through Wharton State Forest in the New Jersey Pinelands. Average canoeing is about 1 ½ miles per hour, depending upon river conditions, so it's a great Day trip adventure for kids of all ages!

Many different Canoeing trips are available
You will find lots of different kinds of canoeing tips and information to make your canoeing trip an enjoyable one. Overnight camping trips are available! Please browse our website and see all that Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental has to offer. Please feel free to call or e-mail us if you have any questions or would like more information.

PETS are welcome on day trips, bring a leash. Pets are not permitted in any campsites.

Open April Through October (weather permitting)
Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Weekends)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Weekdays)

Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental
3107 Route 563, Chatsworth, NJ 
Phone 609-726-1380
Toll Free 800-281-1380
reservations@mickscanoerental.com

Animal Kingdom Zoo
1800 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, Bordentown, NJ - Central Jersey - Map
609-267-3111

Visit a cool Zoo in Central NJ!
Who knew? Who knew there was a zoo right smack dab in the middle of Central NJ. Who knew that Animal Kingdom boasts one of the most extensive wild animal collections in all of New Jersey?  Many of their Animals are endangered species, which is one of the reasons why the zoo is so important. Their mission is to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the environment and, as a result, the animals that live here. 

This is a great day trip with the kids in Central NJ where kids get a chance to see Animal kingdom’s large collection of animals, some of which are free roaming. You may find it hard to believe that Animal Kingdom boasts one of the largest collection of primates in the United States. But it's true! Among many other animals, they also have one of the kid's favorites, 7 Giraffes, two of which are babies that were born right here in New Jersey. 

Capt. Mikes Marina
630 Great Bay Blvd, Tuckerton, NJ - South Jersey - Map
609-296-4406

A Kayak - fishing and crabbing adventure in NJ!
Learn the secret hot spots of where to catch fish in our local bays and crabs in the back creeks, while kayaking some of South Jersey’s hottest fishing and crabbing grounds. We will supply you with the kayaks and all of the crabbing, fishing and kayak equipment, bait, and real fish stories in order to create a wonderful fishing and crabbing experience. See more about this adventure.

Tours & Trips
Two hours to two-day trips, your Kayak or our Kayak. Be prepared for some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife in Southern New Jersey. Visit our subsite devoted to Kayak adventures. 

Fishing and Boating
Capt. Mike's Marina offers boat slips, boat & kayak rentals, fishing and crabbing, bait & tackle, and a well stocked boat store. Visit our fish and crab subsite for information including the latest fishing and crabbing conditions. 

For kayak tour and boat rental reservations, please call (609) 296-4406.

The Historic Village at Allaire 
524 Allaire Rd, Farmingdale, NJ - Central Jersey - Map
732-919-3500

A cultural and learning experience for the kids!
A really cool day trip for the entire family! Allaire is a restored ironmaking Village featuring James P. Allaire's home, trade shops, ovens, old mill, general store, church, bakery and many small building structures. Among the many things to see and do at Allaire, you will see things like  the Barn Complex where you can experience demonstrations of leather working, knot tying, tanning or harness repair. 

During special events the site is used to demonstrate 19th Century Laundry procedures, story telling, singing and dancing, apple bobbing and even pumpkin painting on All Hallows Eve.

You can take a ride on a steam train while costumed characters talk about the history of the Village. The train does special rides for kids at Easter and Christmas time.

Costumed interpreters throughout the Historic Village's homes offer visitors demonstrations in various aspects of 19th Century domestic life, such as hearth cooking, spinning, quilting and sewing, laundry, gardening and even proper etiquette. The children of the village demonstrate popular games of the time as well as the chores which prepared them for later life.

You can also take tours of the Allaire Mansion. Tours begin on the Hour and Half Hour
The 3,086 acre park is open Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 12 Noon to 4 pm. From Labor Day through November it is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon to 4 pm. It is also open during the Month of May on weekends. They are open in the winter for special events only. See their upcoming events Calendar to find special events.

A day trip suited to a rainy day in NJ

Northlandz
495 Highway 202 South, Flemington NJ - Central Jersey - Map
908-782-4022

Best unusual Day trip in all of NJ!
If you have nothing to do on a rainy day, then you must visit Northlandz ..."Home of the Great American Railway- doll museum and art gallery"   FLEMINGTON NJ!

Northlandz is a museum of some of the finest scenery in America all under one roof. They have built landscapes of miniature cities and mountains and railways that will blow your mind. 25 years went into sculpting this place. The tour length is 1 mile and well worth the trip!

See over 50,000 feet of train track (8 miles long!) -  See the 94 room dollhouse - See over 4000 buildings and 135 Trains - Hear the 2000 pipe organ - See over 500,000 Lichen trees - See over 250 works of art and much more!

Open everyday except Tuesday (open on Tuesdays during Christmas week)

New Jersey Rock Gym
373D Route 46, West Fairfield, NJ  - North Jersey - Map
973-439-9860 

Take the kids indoor rock climbing!
Here's a question we get all the time: Are there any indoor Rock wall climbing places in New Jersey? The answer is yes! The New Jersey Rock Gym in West Fairfield NJ is an awesome rock gym, if we've ever seen one!

Bored with conventional play places? Welcome to indoor rock climbing, an exciting alternative to children's normal run of the mill play places. A one day pass is $17 for adults. Family pricing options are available as well. Please call 973-439-9860 to inquire about the details for family pricing.

They also offer instructional classes throughout the week for adults and children covering all aspects of the sport of rock climbing. For kids, they offer instructional climbing lessons after school and on Saturdays with levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

You can also celebrate your Birthday at the New Jersey Rock Gym. Our Instructional Climbing Parties are loads of fun and totally safe.