Shulamis Rena Lieff

 

 

Day trips offer the perfect balance of adventure and convenience—explore new places, try exciting activities, and create lasting memories while sleeping in your own beds. The Tristate Area provides epic adventures for every family interest and age group, with your next extraordinary adventure just a car ride away.

 

Zoos and Aquariums

 

 

Cape May County Park and Zoo

What makes it epic: Cape May County Park & Zoo offers free admission and free parking year-round. But this isn’t just any zoo—it’s ranked fifth best in the United States and 13th in the world.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Two giant playgrounds right outside the zoo entrance, plus the Wildlife Carousel and Hummingbird Express train ride

Elementary kids: Giraffe feeding experience (weather dependent), disc golf course, and the 35-foot rock climbing wall

Tweens & teens: Tree to Tree Aerial Obstacle Adventure Park with professional guides, plus extensive hiking and biking trails

Insider tips: There are 14 picnic pavilions available for rent. Visit during off-season for smaller crowds; don’t miss the reptile house with its incredible variety of species.

Zoo hours: Summer (March–October): 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Winter: 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Park hours: 7:00 a.m.–dusk

Adjacent adventures: Cape May is a National Historic Landmark city that offers beautiful beaches, stunning Victorian architecture, lighthouse climbing, and more. Climb the 199 steps of Cape May Lighthouse for breathtaking sea views, explore Historic Cold Spring Village, and hunt for “Cape May diamonds” (quartz crystals) on Sunset Beach.

 

 

 

 

Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange

What makes it epic: This AZA-accredited zoo was voted #1 Zoo in New Jersey.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Petting zoo with friendly farm animals, carousel with 30 hand-carved endangered animals (pandas, tigers, alligators), and the narrow-gauge Turtle Back Zoo Railroad

Elementary kids: Touch tank with stingrays (feeding available), African Savannah with giraffe viewing, and Essex County Safari MiniGolf with 19 holes themed around African regions

Tweens & teens: Treetop Adventure Ropes Course, Sea Turtle Recovery Center, and the fascinating Big Cat Country with breeding facilities

Special experiences: The impressive Tropical Currents Aquarium is suitable for all ages. Animal experiences range from giraffe encounters to butterfly immersion. The Butterfly Tent (Memorial Day–Labor Day) allows visitors to witness metamorphosis firsthand.

Adjacent adventures: When you’re done at the zoo, the South Mountain Recreation Complex offers paddle boats, zip-line courses, and mini golf for extended family fun.

 

 

 

Philadelphia Zoo

What makes it epic: The innovative Zoo360 overhead trail system spans nearly 360 degrees around the zoo, allowing animals natural movement overhead while providing visitors unprecedented viewing angles. ZOOtopiaires features five massive topiary displays including a 22-foot giraffe and towering elephant family. The newly renovated Big Cat Falls showcases tigers in a stunning aquatic habitat.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Treehouse adventure playground designed specifically for ages 2–5, Amazon Rainforest carousel, and the zoo train (perfect for toddler-paced sightseeing). The Children’s Zoo offers animal encounters with goats, sheep, and chickens.

Elementary kids: Visitors can watch tigers swimming and playing in a massive pool.

Tweens & teens: Wild Explorer Virtual Reality experiences transport visitors to African savannas and Amazon rainforests, while behind-the-scenes tours reveal the sophisticated science of modern zookeeping. The Zoo360 trails offer incredible photography opportunities.

Interactive adventures: Walk through the African Plains where giraffes roam alongside zebras and ostriches, experience the Lemur Walk-Through where ring-tailed lemurs leap freely around visitors, and participate in keeper chats throughout the day where animal care experts share fascinating insights about the animals’ behavior and individual personalities.

 

 

 

 

Adventure Aquarium, Camden

What makes it epic: Just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium houses the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast. The Hippo Haven includes both over and underwater viewing areas where visitors can watch hippos running on the bottom of their pool.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Touch tanks with gentle stingrays and bamboo sharks, a colorful coral reef filled with tropical fish, and an enormous cylindrical tank where families can sit and watch sharks and rays glide overhead.

Elementary kids: The Shark Tunnel provides a 40-foot walk-through experience completely surrounded by massive sharks swimming overhead and beside visitors. Hippo Haven offers underwater viewing of two Nile hippos through massive floor-to-ceiling windows. The interactive Stingray Beach features a 17,000-gallon touch tank where kids can gently stroke cownose stingrays.

Tweens & teens: Shark Bridge Adventure challenges visitors to walk across a V-shaped rope suspension bridge 60 feet above the shark tank—an adrenaline rush combined with incredible views. The 4D Theater provides an immersive underwater experience with motion seats and environmental effects. Behind-the-scenes tours allow an inside look at aquarium operations.

Special features: Daily dive shows in the Shark Realm include live divers feeding sharks while educating visitors about shark behavior. Animal encounters feature hands-on experiences with bamboo sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

Practical tips: Combine your visit with nearby Camden Waterfront attractions, including the Battleship New Jersey and Campbell’s Field. Parking is plentiful and the facility is fully climate-controlled, making it perfect for any weather. Allow 3–4 hours for a complete visit including shows and interactive experiences.

 

 

 

 

Jenkinson’s Aquarium & Boardwalk, Point Pleasant

What makes it epic: This charming beachfront aquarium offers hands-on encounters that bring kids face-to-face with sea life. Visit the aquarium in the morning when kids are fresh and curious, then transition to Point Pleasant Beach and boardwalk for afternoon beach fun, classic shore activities, and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk amusements including arcade games, mini golf, and seasonal rides.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Gentle touch tanks with starfish and horseshoe crabs, colorful fish displays at eye level, and the popular seal and penguin feeding shows that capture little ones’ attention at the aquarium. There are age-appropriate rides on the boardwalk for this group as well.

Elementary kids, tweens, & teens: At the aquarium: interactive shark tank experience, hands-on tide pool exploration, the coral reef tunnel, and behind-the-scenes tours. On the boardwalk: Classic boardwalk games, mini-golf, go-karts, fishing from the inlet, water sports rentals, and arcade games

Practical tips: Parking can be challenging during peak summer season, so arrive early. The aquarium offers respite from hot beach days with air conditioning and fascinating marine life that keeps families engaged for 2–3 hours. Afterward, families can transition to the boardwalk for more activities.

 

 

 

Amusement Parks

 

 

Six Flags Great Adventure

What makes it epic: Home to 14 world-class roller coasters plus Hurricane Harbor water park and the 350-acre Wild Safari drive-thru experience, Six Flags offers three distinct adventures in one epic day.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Bugs Bunny Boomtown with 11 kid-size rides, carousel, mini roller coasters, and the Wild Safari where even babies can see exotic animals safely

Elementary kids: Hurricane Harbor’s Splashwater Springs play structure, family-friendly coasters like the Dark Knight

Tweens & teens: THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity (first-of-its-kind in North America), El Toro wooden coaster, and Hurricane Harbor’s thrilling slides

Money-saving strategy: Season passes start at just $20 down payment and include all three parks.

Pro family tips: Arrive 30 minutes before opening for prime parking and shorter lines or visit after 5:00 p.m. when day-trippers leave. Download the app for real-time wait times. Pack lunch and eat in the parking lot before entering.

 

 

 

 

iPlay America, Freehold

What makes it epic: Year-round family fun across nearly four acres of pure entertainment. Free admission means parents, grandparents, or non-riding family members can enjoy the experience without paying, while others can choose exactly what they want to do.

Ages 3–6: Mini Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Dizzy Dragons (like teacups, but with friendly creatures), Happy Swing, and Ballocity (massive climbing structure—additional $8)

Ages 7–12: Go-kart racing, two-level Cosmic Battle Laser Tag arena, XD Dark Ride (4D theater with motion seats), Freedom Rider Spinning Coaster, and over 250 arcade games

Teens: Topgolf Swing Suite with virtual sports simulations (golf, football, baseball, hockey, dodgeball), advanced laser tag strategies, and competitive arcade gaming

Budget tips: Look for Groupon deals and Triple Play specials (Sunday after 5:00 p.m., Monday–Thursday 3:00–9:00 p.m.).

 

 

 

 

American Dream, East Rutherford

What makes it epic: Each area caters to different age groups, making it ideal for families with wide age ranges who can split up and reconvene.

• Nickelodeon Universe: Eight and a half acres of rides and attractions, from gentle rides for toddlers to thrilling coasters for older kids
• Legoland Discovery Center: Build and play zones, 4D cinema, Lego factory tour, and Miniland with NYC landmarks built from millions of Lego bricks
• SeaLife Aquarium: 360-degree ocean tunnel walk-through experience surrounded by sharks and rays, quiz stations throughout the aquarium, feeding demonstration shows, and interactive rockpool experiences where little hands can gently touch starfish and sea anemones.
• Bubble Planet: This interactive bubble wonderland transforms the simple joy of bubbles into a scientific playground including different rooms of play: giant bubble machines creating room-filling bubble storms, bubble tables, giant ball pits, bubble shows featuring enormous bubbles that float around the play space, and more.

 

 

 

Storybook Land

What makes it epic: This whimsical theme park brings beloved fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life through immersive themed areas, gentle rides, and enchanting storybook houses that spark imagination while providing age-appropriate thrills for younger children.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Gentle rides specifically designed for little ones, including the Mother Goose ride, Three Little Pigs spinning ride, and Humpty Dumpty’s Wall climb. Explore miniature storybook houses scaled perfectly for small children to walk through and play in.

Elementary kids: Fairy tale-themed roller coaster adventures including the Red Baron airplane ride, Balloon Race spinning ride, and the Crazy Bus coaster. Interactive storybook experiences where kids can help tell the story, plus hands-on craft activities in themed workshop areas.

Tweens & teens: Photography opportunities with elaborate fairy tale backdrops and detailed miniature villages, nostalgic appreciation for childhood stories, and the challenging Runaway Train coaster that provides thrills without being too intense for younger family members.

Special features: Each themed area recreates classic tales with incredible attention to detail. The park’s smaller scale makes it perfect for families with young children who might be overwhelmed by larger theme parks.

Perfect for: Families with children ages 2–10, or multi-generational visits with grandparents.

 

 

 

Morey’s Piers

What makes it epic: This legendary boardwalk destination features three action-packed piers stretching into the Atlantic Ocean, offering over 100 rides and attractions that range from gentle kiddie rides to heart-pounding roller coasters, plus classic boardwalk games.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Mariner’s Pier features gentle rides perfect for little ones, including kiddie boats, mini airplanes, and the beloved carousel. The adjacent Raging Waters waterpark offers toddler-friendly splash areas designed for ages 2–6.

Elementary kids: Surfside Pier provides family-friendly thrills, including the Sea Serpent roller coaster, Ferris wheel with ocean views, bumper cars, and classic boardwalk games like ring toss and basketball. Adventure Pier adds more excitement with the Spring Shot and Giant Wheel, plus arcade games and prize redemption centers.

Tweens & teens: Adventure Pier delivers serious thrills with the Great Nor’Easter suspended looping coaster, the 156-foot Giant Wheel offering spectacular ocean and city views, plus challenging games and competitive arcade experiences.

Multi-day value: Season passes and multi-day tickets make Morey’s Piers an excellent value for families planning multiple visits, with different piers offering distinct experiences that can easily fill several days of vacation fun.

Insider tips: Visit different piers throughout the day to experience variety. Plan evening visits for smaller crowds and stunning sunset views from the ocean-facing rides.

 

 

 

Indoor Fun

 

Liberty Science Center

What makes it epic: This isn’t your typical “look don’t touch” museum. Every exhibit invites interaction, from the pitch-black Touch Tunnel that challenges all your senses to the Infinity Climber suspended jungle gym that has kids (and adults) climbing through space.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Wonder Why exhibit designed specifically for early learners, gentle hands-on activities, and the outdoor Liberty Express mini train on weekends

Elementary kids: Communication exhibit with giant hamster wheels, Energy Quest with renewable energy challenges, and Skyscraper! building massive towers.

Tweens & teens: Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium (largest in North America) with 89-foot dome shows, plus complex engineering challenges and coding activities

Insider tips: The Touch Tunnel provides a unique sensory adventure navigating in complete darkness using only touch, sound, and smell. NJ Transit riders save five dollars per person with proof of travel. The science center includes both indoor and outdoor spaces.

 

 

 

 

The Funplex, East Hanover

What makes it epic: This multi-level entertainment complex combines classic arcade gaming with modern attractions across a sprawling indoor space perfect for active families.

Elementary kids: Extensive arcades with both tickets-based and pure-fun games, plus laser tag adventures

Tweens & teens: Competitive arcade gaming, go-karts, mini golf

Adults: Comfortable spaces to relax while kids play

 

 

 

 

Crayola Experience, Easton, PA

What makes it epic: This hands-on attraction transforms the joy of coloring into a multi-sensory experience where kids create custom crayons, star in their own coloring pages, and explore color in ways they never imagined.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Sensory play experiences, large-scale coloring adventures, and simple creative activities designed for small hands

Elementary kids: Custom crayon creation, designing their own coloring pages, digital art creation, and hands-on creativity stations

Tweens & teens: Advanced art techniques, design challenges, and photo-worthy creative projects

Practical tips: Wear clothes that can get colorful; bring extra shirts for kids.

 

 

 

 

Water Adventures

 

 

Island Beach State Park

What makes it epic: Unlike crowded shore destinations, IBSP provides pristine beaches, nature trails, and wildlife encounters where families regularly spot snowy owls, foxes, osprey, and other shore birds in their natural habitat. This location provides some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Jersey coast.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Gentle bay beaches with calmer waters, short nature boardwalks

Elementary kids: Beach combing for shells and “Cape May diamonds” (quartz crystals), fishing opportunities, and educational nature programs

Tweens & teens: Ocean swimming, peaceful beach walks, photography opportunities, fishing

 

 

 

 

Delaware Water Gap & River Tubing

What makes it epic: Head north for scenic river tubing adventures through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap, combined with hiking trails leading to waterfalls. The gentle river offers multiple activity options to create a full day of adventure. Outfitters provide all equipment and safety instruction, making river tubing accessible even for first timers, while hiking trails offer varying difficulty levels for different family members.

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Escapes

 

 

 

Duke Farms, Hillsborough

What makes it epic: This grand historic estate offers 18 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus beautiful gardens.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Paved paths perfect for strollers, easy nature walks, and beautiful gardens for sensory exploration

Elementary kids, tweens, & teens: Scavenger hunts, bike paths, photography opportunities, and more challenging trail systems

Practical tips: Bring bug spray for ticks even on paved areas and check their website for special programs and seasonal activities.

 

 

 

 

Allaire State Park

What makes it epic: This multi-faceted park offers family-friendly hiking trails, a historic village, camping facilities, and rides on a working steam train through the beautiful New Jersey countryside.

Toddlers & preschoolers: Steam train rides, easy walking paths through historic village, and simple playground areas

Elementary kids: Historic village exploration, nature trails, and hands-on history demonstrations

Tweens & teens: More challenging hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, and photography of both historic and natural subjects

Special features: The Pine Creek Railroad operates vintage steam trains, and historic Allaire Village offers glimpses into 19th-century iron-making community life.

 

 

 

 

Cattus Island County Park

What makes it epic: This 530-acre park sits on a peninsula jutting into Barnegat Bay, offering miles of nature trails, boardwalks through wetlands, and hiking opportunities.

Perfect for families: Trails range from easy boardwalks suitable for strollers to more challenging paths for adventurous hikers.

 

 

 

Battleship New Jersey

What makes it epic: Explore America’s most decorated battleship docked in Camden, where families can experience authentic military history through guided tours and hands-on exploration of this floating city.

Perfect for families: Self-guided audio tours allow families to explore at their own pace, with special kid-friendly information that makes history accessible and engaging.

 

 

 

 

Further Destinations: Worth the Extra Drive

 

 

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Drive time from Lakewood: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Sample day schedule for all ages:

8:00 a.m.—Departure from Lakewood: Load up the family car with snacks, water, and entertainment for the drive. The route takes you through beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, building excitement for the adventure ahead. This realistic start time allows for morning routines and getting large families organized.

10:15 a.m.—Arrival and Old Windmill Farm: Start your day at Old Windmill Farm (262 Paradise Lane, Ronks) for the authentic 1-hour Amish Farm Tour ($28 adults, children under four free). This working Amish farm offers the most genuine experience:

Toddlers & preschoolers: Bottle-feed calves, hold chicks and bunnies, collect fresh eggs from hens

Elementary kids: Learn to milk a cow, feed friendly goats, participate in a hayride where they can help steer the reins

Tweens & teens: Understand farming practices, experience a completely different lifestyle, great photo opportunities

11:30 a.m.—Travel and scenic drive: Fifteen-minute drive through authentic Amish countryside where you’ll see horse-drawn buggies, traditional farms, and one-room schoolhouses

11:45 a.m.—The Amish Farm & House experience: Visit this historic 1805 farmhouse (2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster) for guided tours and hands-on activities:

All ages: 30-minute guided farmhouse tour showcasing Amish clothing, household items, and lifestyle

Toddlers & preschoolers: Farm Animal Fun Tour with bottle-feeding calves, gathering eggs, cuddling baby goats

Elementary kids: Horse and buggy rides, corn maze adventures, meeting farm animals up close

Tweens & teens: Photography opportunities, deeper cultural discussions, understanding of traditions

Special Experience: Goat yoga sessions available for unique family bonding

1:00 p.m.—Lunch

2:15 p.m.—Cherry Crest Adventure Farm: Drive to Cherry Crest Farm (150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks) for seasonal agricultural fun:

Toddlers & preschoolers: Petting zoo with gentle farm animals, easy corn maze sections, barrel train rides

Elementary kids: Full corn maze adventure, pumpkin picking (seasonal), farm scavenger hunts, apple cannons

Tweens & teens: Challenging maze sections, competitive games, giant slides, paintball range

All ages: Farm animal races, playground areas, seasonal activities like apple cider pressing

4:00 p.m.—Amish craft shopping: Visit local Amish markets and shops; watch craftspeople at work using traditional skills to make everything from handmade quilts to wooden toys.

5:00 p.m.—Departure: Return home approximately 7:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Drive time from Lakewood: 1 hour

Sample day schedule for all ages:

8:00 a.m.—Departure from Lakewood

9:00 a.m.—Arrival at New Hope & Delaware Canal: Begin at historic New Hope (1 West Mechanic Street) for scenic beauty and morning exploration:

Toddlers & preschoolers: Easy walking along the canal towpath, duck feeding, playground areas

Elementary kids: Canal lock demonstrations, historic house tours, treasure hunting games

Tweens & teens: Photography of historic architecture, charming shopping, antique browsing, art galleries, beautiful river views

10:30 a.m.—New Hope Railroad adventure: Board the vintage steam train (32 W Bridge St, New Hope) for scenic countryside journey:

All ages: 45-minute round trip through Bucks County countryside with historic narration

12:00 p.m.—Lunch in New Hope: Eat outdoors, enjoying scenic Delaware River views.

1:15 p.m.—Peddler’s Village experience: Drive 10 minutes to Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska) for shopping and activities:

Toddlers & preschoolers: Giggleberry Fair indoor playground, carousel rides, easy walking paths

Elementary kids: Toy stores, mini-golf, interactive fountain area

Tweens & teens: Unique shopping, craft demonstrations, special events and festivals, artisan crafts, beautifully landscaped walkways

2:30 p.m.—Washington Crossing Historic Park: Visit the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River (1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing):

Toddlers & preschoolers: Easy walking paths, visitor center with kid-friendly exhibits

Elementary kids: Interactive history displays, ranger programs, recreated colonial buildings

Tweens & teens: Understanding of Revolutionary War history, significant national landmark

All ages: Beautiful riverside park setting, picnic areas, monument viewing

3:45 p.m.—Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve: Nature exploration at this 134-acre native plant preserve:

Toddlers & preschoolers: Easy nature trails, butterfly gardens, sensory plant experiences

Elementary kids: Nature scavenger hunts, wildlife spotting, educational programs

Tweens & teens: Photography of native plants, understanding of conservation efforts, peaceful nature walks, bird watching, seasonal wildflower displays

4:45 p.m.—Departure: Arrival home approximately 6:00 p.m.

 

 

Planning your perfect day trip

 

Timing for success

Early arrival strategy: Most popular destinations are less crowded and more enjoyable when you arrive at opening time.

Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer perfect weather and smaller crowds at outdoor destinations.

Weather backup plans: Always have an indoor alternative ready for unexpected weather changes.

 

Budget-smart family strategies

Season pass math: Many destinations offer passes that pay for themselves in 2–3 visits.

Pack smart: Bring snacks and water when allowed to avoid expensive concession pricing.

Group up: Many attractions offer group discounts for extended families or friend groups.

 

Family harmony helpers

Age-appropriate expectations: Choose destinations with activities for your specific age range or have backup plans for different interests.

Rest and recharge: Plan downtime, especially for younger children who get overwhelmed by constant stimulation.

Flexibility: Build in buffer time and be willing to adjust plans based on family energy and interest levels.

 

Essential day trip packing

Safety first: First aid kit, emergency contacts, and any necessary medications

Comfort items: Extra clothes for little ones, strollers for tired legs, portable phone chargers

Documentation: Tickets, maps, emergency information, and backup payment methods

Weather preparedness: Sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and jackets for changing conditions

 

Making memories last

Photo strategy: Designate someone as family photographer, or take turns so everyone appears in memories.

Souvenir wisdom: Set souvenir budgets in advance to avoid meltdowns and overspending.

Story collection: Encourage kids to share their favorite moments during car rides home.