Forget The Finch!
New Jersey is home to more than just the American Goldfinch, the beautiful golden-chested state bird. Try to spot the distinctive red of a cardinal or the faded blue of a blue jay. Tune into their tweets and chirps as you sit peacefully and enjoy the views. For an even closer look, bring along some binoculars or use a nearby telescope. Specific parks even have special locations designed for birders to practice the hobby.Somerset County Tourism
908-218-4300 | Somerset CountySomerset County Birding Itinerary
Even the most experienced birders who frequent world-renowned birding areas such as those in Cape May, NJ will be stunned by Somerset County’s remarkable diversity of birdlife, which surpasses many larger areas with its expanse of parks, open green spaces and wide variety of distinct habitats. Le... Read More
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary
973-376-3587 | Essex CountyThe Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary is a non-profit organization which serves as a cultural and educational center for the residents of greater Millburn Township, NJ. The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum encompasses 16.5 acres in Millburn Township. Arboretum trails pass kettle moraines, hilly slopes and even a natural amphitheater created by the glaci... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsThe Raptor Trust
908-647-2353 | Morris CountyOne of the premier, privately funded wild bird rehabilitation centers in the United States. Located in central New Jersey, the Trust includes a hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities, quality exterior housing for several hundred birds, and an education building. The Raptor Trust is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. Vis... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsCape May Bird Observatory
609-400-3868 | Cape May CountyWhen you think of Cape May, think nature, and when you think nature, think of the Cape May Bird Observatory - the nature resource center since 1976. The Northwood Center is the perfect one-stop shop for the nature lover on your list! They have the finest selection of binoculars and spotting scopes, field guides, and a variety of books about nature for adu... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsHackensack Riverkeeper
201-968-0808 | Bergen CountyHackensack Riverkeeper is dedicated to preserving the beautiful Hackensack River Watershed region and the surrounding ecosystem. Hackensack Riverkeeper is comprised of trustees, full-time staff and volunteers who aim to raise awareness of pollution and other threats to the Hackensack River. This organization provides nature programming, events and activit... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSomerset County Tourism
908-218-4300 | Somerset CountySomerset County Birding Itinerary
Even the most experienced birders who frequent world-renowned birding areas such as those in Cape May, NJ will be stunned by Somerset County’s remarkable diversity of birdlife, which surpasses many larger areas with its expanse of parks, open green spaces and wide variety of distinct habitats. Le... Read More
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary
973-376-3587 | Essex CountyThe Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary is a non-profit organization which serves as a cultural and educational center for the residents of greater Millburn Township, NJ. The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum encompasses 16.5 acres in Millburn Township. Arboretum trails pass kettle moraines, hilly slopes and even a natural amphitheater created by the glaci... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsThe Raptor Trust
908-647-2353 | Morris CountyOne of the premier, privately funded wild bird rehabilitation centers in the United States. Located in central New Jersey, the Trust includes a hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities, quality exterior housing for several hundred birds, and an education building. The Raptor Trust is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. Vis... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsCape May Bird Observatory
609-400-3868 | Cape May CountyWhen you think of Cape May, think nature, and when you think nature, think of the Cape May Bird Observatory - the nature resource center since 1976. The Northwood Center is the perfect one-stop shop for the nature lover on your list! They have the finest selection of binoculars and spotting scopes, field guides, and a variety of books about nature for adu... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsHackensack Riverkeeper
201-968-0808 | Bergen CountyHackensack Riverkeeper is dedicated to preserving the beautiful Hackensack River Watershed region and the surrounding ecosystem. Hackensack Riverkeeper is comprised of trustees, full-time staff and volunteers who aim to raise awareness of pollution and other threats to the Hackensack River. This organization provides nature programming, events and activit... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsTake To The Seas
If you enjoy peace and quiet and nature, but want to switch it up from bird-watching, try out fishing. NJ has plenty of opportunities for fresh and salt water fishing. If you don't have your own boat, explore charter boats, many of which even offer fishing expeditions at various times. Bring your little one along to a kid-friendly charter boat for a day of bonding and fishing.