
Fun Outside the Box
If you are looking for something new and fun to do, check out our guide to the top 50 overall cool things to do in NJ. From arcades and unique museums to breweries and shooting ranges, you are sure to find something fun that interests you. Sure, you can always head down the shore or catch a great view of the NYC skyline, but there are so many more awesome things to do in New Jersey that you might never have thought of. Try making your own wine, suiting up for paintball, blowing glass and so much more. Check out the selection below to find your next cool adventure.iPlay America
732-577-8200 | Monmouth CountyFor a fun way to spend an entire day with friends or family, check out iPlay. This renowned indoor amusement park features rides, attractions, games, food, events, and so much more! It's never a dull day at iPlay... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSessions in September/October and April/May!
If you find yourself often leaning towards California or Italian wines, the fall session may be the right one for you. Use fresh grapes from California and Italy to create a wine. Alternatively use either Chilean or Argentinian grapes in the spring session.
Grape Expectations
732-764-WINE (9463) | Somerset CountyAt Grape Expectations you can extend your love of wine into making wine. You will get to crush, press, rack, and bottle to create a world-class wine out of California, Italian, and South American grape... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsGroup tours available for schools or families!
There are three group options that will help you and your group travel to the past. You can choose Meet The Past where the kids will be recruied into General George Washington's army or choose A Call to Arms which adds on two workshops to the Meet the Past program. The final option is an outreach program that is interactive through a variety of activities.
Old Barracks Museum
609-396-1776 | Mercer CountyTravel into the 1770's as you explore the Barracks in Trenton. Tours occur every hour starting from 10 a.m. You will get to see original barracks while the guides will be in authentic dress and behavior... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsFeaturing a sports massage focusing on a problem area!
If you have a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, or another sports-related injury, opt for their sports massage. It is a Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids while focusing on the sore area.
The Pampered Spirit
848-241-9577 | Ocean CountyIntroducing Point Pleasant’s first Himalayan salt lounge and dry salt therapy cabin. Pampered Spirit Wellness Center was created for you and we invite you to take the next step to wellness. Unlock your potential, breathe better and optimize your relaxation experienc... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsEnjoy mass hot air balloon launches as up to 20 hot air balloons go from green pasture to blue sky!
Warren County Farmer's Fair
908-283-0721 | Warren CountySpend the day out in the countryside. Enjoy a mass hot air balloon launches as up to 20 hot air balloons go from green pasture to blue sk... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsRide includes a BBQ meal with the Famous River Hot Dog Man!
Halfway through your ride, you can stop by the Famous River Hot Dog Man and enjoy your complimentary BBQ meal next to a private island. They even feature picnic tables in the water! The meal includes two hot dogs or one cheeseburger along with a large beverage and snack.
Delaware River Tubing
908-996-5386 | Hunterdon CountyUnwind on a hot day in the Delaware River. Enjoy up to 4 hours tubing down the river and taking in the surroundings. It's even been voted the #1 Tube Ride due its location on the historic Delaware River... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsDaily public tours starting at 1 p.m.!
Come with the whole family for a two hour underground walking tour. Be sure to bring a light jacket since it's around the mid 50's in temperature. Adult price is $12 while children between 4 and 12 is $11. During July and August they have tours starting at 10 a.m., too.
Sterling Hill Mine Tour and Museum
973-209-7212 | Sussex CountyTake a step into earth science and geology as you uncover a variety of mysteries. At this NJ museum you will see a world famous mineral deposit, fossils, and even fluorescent mineral... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsMini-golf that glows!
Monster Mini Golf provides you with a unique experience golfing under black lights. The oddly spooky yet cool environment will be memorable for anyone who visits! Wear neon colors so you can glow, too!
Monster Mini Golf
732-544-2200 | Monmouth CountyMonster Mini Golf guarantees a memorable experience playing mini-golf under black lights surrounded by vibrant colors! Enjoy the challenge in a cool and one-of-a-kind environment. Bring your friends and family for double the fun... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsPerfect for expelling your fear of bugs!
At Insectropolis, you will learn all the things that nobody tells you about spiders, butterflies, millipedes, and more! Explore their habitats and lifestyles while getting up close and personal with the opportunity to touch a few, including a tarantula!
Insectropolis
732-349-7090 | Ocean CountyIf you often find your kid crawling and picking at dirt, Insectropolis may be the perfect place for them to explore! They'll learn all about the creepy crawlies that they've found outside and even get to touch some... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsThe Marketplace now open!
Adventure Aquarium recently opened The Marketplace, an all-new eco-friendly dining experience with a fresh menu with locally sources options. They focus on combatting plastics from entering the ocean through sustainable practices.
Adventure Aquarium
856-365-3300 | Camden CountySet aside a day to learn and explore the wonder that is Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. This is a great opportunity for animal lovers to take on one sector of the animal world in depth. They regularly have special events including shows and feedings that kids will love... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsRegular events including reenactments!
The Village at Allaire regularly hosts a variety of fun events such as flea markets, car shows, and more. They even have reenactments of local historical events from the 1800s! Check out the calendar to see what's coming up.
The Historic Village at Allaire
732-938-2371 | Monmouth CountyThe Village at Allaire used to be a self-sufficient factory town that produced iron. It had a carpentry shop, blacksmith shop, bakery, mills, and more. Now, it's an interactive museum where you can experience history through hands-on activities... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsFeaturing special day trips and getaways!
To break the cycle of your humdrum commute, explore their other travel options. The Seastreak will take you to Martha's Vineyard, Newport, Nantucket, and more! It is the most elegant method of transport when exploring the east coast.
SeaStreak
1-800-262-8743 | Monmouth CountyWhat better method of commute to NYC than aboard a high-speed ferry with beautiful views. Not to mention and abundance of leg room and a well-equipped bar on boar... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsMore than an art studio... a community!
When you come to Let's Create, you don't just get a chance to channel all your creative energy, but you make friends doing it. Everyone in the studio shares an appreciation and love of art providing a nurturing and social environment.
Let's Create Art Studio
973-299-0633 | Morris CountyLet's Create Art Studio features workshops, summer camps, and classes for all ages to enjoy. Their philosophy to art education is to provide students the tools that they need to express themselves creatively. All students will learn in different ways and have different results embodying their imagination... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsPerfect for field trips!
If you're looking to take your camp or school group somewhere fun for the day, BonkerZ is a premier choice. There are a variety of packages based on per person price and offering different combinations of fun. Choose one the best suits your group size and interests!
BonkerZ Family Fun Center
609-454-5653 | Mercer CountyBonkerZ is the place to go with kids for a full day of entertainment! Try out their many arcade games or explore their laser tag arena. They even have mini-golf for something slightly more slow-paced. Everyone will have a blast... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSummer savings: $5 after 5 p.m.!
Take advantage of GSDM's savings throughout the summer months of August and July. Monday's through Thursday's admission price after 5 in the evening is only $5! A perfect activity for spending time with your kid after work.
Garden State Discovery Museum
856-424-1233 | Camden CountyThere's a little bit of everything at Garden State Discovery Museum. From arts to sciences, your kid is sure to find something that grabs their attention. They have over 20 giant kid-powered exhibits to explor... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsMommy and Me classes offered, too!
The very little ones can have fun decorating, too! Take them to a mommy or daddy and me class so they can have fun playing and expressing themselves, no matter how messy! Their seasonal one is decorating a gingerbread house available in December.
The Chocolate Belles
732-920-2266 | Ocean CountyThe Chocolate Belles offers cake and chocolate decorating classes where you can learn about the process and make your very own special creations! You can learn basic decorating, fondant flowers, embellished candy apples, and more... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsYouth classes grounded in STEAM!
STEAM (STEM + Arts) is a holistic educational approach. Glass Roots has core programs for teens and young adults that are offered through workshops, camps, and more. They will handle molten glass and pick up on techniques and common practices.
Glass Roots
973-353-9555 | Essex CountyTry a new way to express your creative self! Take on a glass making course. Students will be provided with an interactive curriculum where they will learn all about the process and get to participate in i... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsiPlay America
732-577-8200 | Monmouth CountyFor a fun way to spend an entire day with friends or family, check out iPlay. This renowned indoor amusement park features rides, attractions, games, food, events, and so much more! It's never a dull day at iPlay... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSessions in September/October and April/May!
If you find yourself often leaning towards California or Italian wines, the fall session may be the right one for you. Use fresh grapes from California and Italy to create a wine. Alternatively use either Chilean or Argentinian grapes in the spring session.
Grape Expectations
732-764-WINE (9463) | Somerset CountyAt Grape Expectations you can extend your love of wine into making wine. You will get to crush, press, rack, and bottle to create a world-class wine out of California, Italian, and South American grape... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsGroup tours available for schools or families!
There are three group options that will help you and your group travel to the past. You can choose Meet The Past where the kids will be recruied into General George Washington's army or choose A Call to Arms which adds on two workshops to the Meet the Past program. The final option is an outreach program that is interactive through a variety of activities.
Old Barracks Museum
609-396-1776 | Mercer CountyTravel into the 1770's as you explore the Barracks in Trenton. Tours occur every hour starting from 10 a.m. You will get to see original barracks while the guides will be in authentic dress and behavior... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsFeaturing a sports massage focusing on a problem area!
If you have a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, or another sports-related injury, opt for their sports massage. It is a Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids while focusing on the sore area.
The Pampered Spirit
848-241-9577 | Ocean CountyIntroducing Point Pleasant’s first Himalayan salt lounge and dry salt therapy cabin. Pampered Spirit Wellness Center was created for you and we invite you to take the next step to wellness. Unlock your potential, breathe better and optimize your relaxation experienc... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsEnjoy mass hot air balloon launches as up to 20 hot air balloons go from green pasture to blue sky!
Warren County Farmer's Fair
908-283-0721 | Warren CountySpend the day out in the countryside. Enjoy a mass hot air balloon launches as up to 20 hot air balloons go from green pasture to blue sk... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsRide includes a BBQ meal with the Famous River Hot Dog Man!
Halfway through your ride, you can stop by the Famous River Hot Dog Man and enjoy your complimentary BBQ meal next to a private island. They even feature picnic tables in the water! The meal includes two hot dogs or one cheeseburger along with a large beverage and snack.
Delaware River Tubing
908-996-5386 | Hunterdon CountyUnwind on a hot day in the Delaware River. Enjoy up to 4 hours tubing down the river and taking in the surroundings. It's even been voted the #1 Tube Ride due its location on the historic Delaware River... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsDaily public tours starting at 1 p.m.!
Come with the whole family for a two hour underground walking tour. Be sure to bring a light jacket since it's around the mid 50's in temperature. Adult price is $12 while children between 4 and 12 is $11. During July and August they have tours starting at 10 a.m., too.
Sterling Hill Mine Tour and Museum
973-209-7212 | Sussex CountyTake a step into earth science and geology as you uncover a variety of mysteries. At this NJ museum you will see a world famous mineral deposit, fossils, and even fluorescent mineral... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsMini-golf that glows!
Monster Mini Golf provides you with a unique experience golfing under black lights. The oddly spooky yet cool environment will be memorable for anyone who visits! Wear neon colors so you can glow, too!
Monster Mini Golf
732-544-2200 | Monmouth CountyMonster Mini Golf guarantees a memorable experience playing mini-golf under black lights surrounded by vibrant colors! Enjoy the challenge in a cool and one-of-a-kind environment. Bring your friends and family for double the fun... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsPerfect for expelling your fear of bugs!
At Insectropolis, you will learn all the things that nobody tells you about spiders, butterflies, millipedes, and more! Explore their habitats and lifestyles while getting up close and personal with the opportunity to touch a few, including a tarantula!
Insectropolis
732-349-7090 | Ocean CountyIf you often find your kid crawling and picking at dirt, Insectropolis may be the perfect place for them to explore! They'll learn all about the creepy crawlies that they've found outside and even get to touch some... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsThe Marketplace now open!
Adventure Aquarium recently opened The Marketplace, an all-new eco-friendly dining experience with a fresh menu with locally sources options. They focus on combatting plastics from entering the ocean through sustainable practices.
Adventure Aquarium
856-365-3300 | Camden CountySet aside a day to learn and explore the wonder that is Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. This is a great opportunity for animal lovers to take on one sector of the animal world in depth. They regularly have special events including shows and feedings that kids will love... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsRegular events including reenactments!
The Village at Allaire regularly hosts a variety of fun events such as flea markets, car shows, and more. They even have reenactments of local historical events from the 1800s! Check out the calendar to see what's coming up.
The Historic Village at Allaire
732-938-2371 | Monmouth CountyThe Village at Allaire used to be a self-sufficient factory town that produced iron. It had a carpentry shop, blacksmith shop, bakery, mills, and more. Now, it's an interactive museum where you can experience history through hands-on activities... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsFeaturing special day trips and getaways!
To break the cycle of your humdrum commute, explore their other travel options. The Seastreak will take you to Martha's Vineyard, Newport, Nantucket, and more! It is the most elegant method of transport when exploring the east coast.
SeaStreak
1-800-262-8743 | Monmouth CountyWhat better method of commute to NYC than aboard a high-speed ferry with beautiful views. Not to mention and abundance of leg room and a well-equipped bar on boar... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsMore than an art studio... a community!
When you come to Let's Create, you don't just get a chance to channel all your creative energy, but you make friends doing it. Everyone in the studio shares an appreciation and love of art providing a nurturing and social environment.
Let's Create Art Studio
973-299-0633 | Morris CountyLet's Create Art Studio features workshops, summer camps, and classes for all ages to enjoy. Their philosophy to art education is to provide students the tools that they need to express themselves creatively. All students will learn in different ways and have different results embodying their imagination... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsPerfect for field trips!
If you're looking to take your camp or school group somewhere fun for the day, BonkerZ is a premier choice. There are a variety of packages based on per person price and offering different combinations of fun. Choose one the best suits your group size and interests!
BonkerZ Family Fun Center
609-454-5653 | Mercer CountyBonkerZ is the place to go with kids for a full day of entertainment! Try out their many arcade games or explore their laser tag arena. They even have mini-golf for something slightly more slow-paced. Everyone will have a blast... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSummer savings: $5 after 5 p.m.!
Take advantage of GSDM's savings throughout the summer months of August and July. Monday's through Thursday's admission price after 5 in the evening is only $5! A perfect activity for spending time with your kid after work.
Garden State Discovery Museum
856-424-1233 | Camden CountyThere's a little bit of everything at Garden State Discovery Museum. From arts to sciences, your kid is sure to find something that grabs their attention. They have over 20 giant kid-powered exhibits to explor... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsMommy and Me classes offered, too!
The very little ones can have fun decorating, too! Take them to a mommy or daddy and me class so they can have fun playing and expressing themselves, no matter how messy! Their seasonal one is decorating a gingerbread house available in December.
The Chocolate Belles
732-920-2266 | Ocean CountyThe Chocolate Belles offers cake and chocolate decorating classes where you can learn about the process and make your very own special creations! You can learn basic decorating, fondant flowers, embellished candy apples, and more... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsYouth classes grounded in STEAM!
STEAM (STEM + Arts) is a holistic educational approach. Glass Roots has core programs for teens and young adults that are offered through workshops, camps, and more. They will handle molten glass and pick up on techniques and common practices.
Glass Roots
973-353-9555 | Essex CountyTry a new way to express your creative self! Take on a glass making course. Students will be provided with an interactive curriculum where they will learn all about the process and get to participate in i... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsKeep the Fun Times Rolling
Looking for more fun and unique things to do either solo or with friends this weekend? Over the last 15 years, we've compiled thousands of great ways to explore New Jersey's best sites and attractions. Between axe-throwing and ghost tours, what are you waiting for? Explore NJ now!