Articles
Chol Hamoed Local Trip Guide
October 3, 2025

Chol Hamo’ed Sukkos Local Trip Guide 2025/5786
Destinations are sorted by age into the following categories:
Little kids (Ages 2–7): Hands-on activities, simple museums, arts-and-crafts centers, and play areas like Chuck E. Cheese and The Crayola Experience. Outdoor locations in this section feature playgrounds, petting zoos, and/or rides.
Big kids (Ages 8–12): More exciting attractions like climbing walls, trampoline parks, and interactive museums. Includes outdoor locations for independent exploration and moderately complex activities.
Teen boys (Ages 13–18): High-energy and/or tech-driven activities such as go-karting, VR gaming, adventure parks, horseback riding, and sailing. Features physical challenges, outdoor sports, action-oriented historical sites, and skill-building experiences.
Teen girls (Ages 13–18): Art-focused activities, unique historical sites, and creative experiences. Includes social opportunities like escape rooms.
For the whole family: Versatile destinations with multi-generational appeal such as bowling alleys, zoos, aquariums, and museums. These attractions offer varied experiences where each family member can find engaging activities.
Important notes:
- Always call locations in advance to confirm hours, availability, and pricing.
- Many activities appeal across age groups and genders.
- Discounts may be available at beentheredonethattrips.com, groupon.com, and theoceancountylibrary.org/museum-pass-program.
- Stay safe and have fun!
The Voice does not take responsibility for any errors listed below nor for the kashrus of any establishment.
Little Kids (Ages 2–7)
G & G Stables
Details: Petting farm, animal feed, and game area. Pony rides available for $5
Hours: Tues.–Thurs., April 15–17, 1:00–6:00 p.m. Fri., April 18, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Address: G&G Stables, 49 Driftway Road, Howell, NJ
Admission: $10 admission (under 2 free)
Deerwood Park
Details: Large and varied playground structures, spacious fields, walking/bike paths
Address: 2740 Lakewood-Allendale Rd., Howell, NJ
Phone: 732-938-4500
Dorbrook Recreation Center
Details: Large variety of play facilities, picnic tables, sand play area, and grassy area
Address: 353 County Rd. 537, Colts Neck, NJ
Phone: 732-542-1643
Website: monmouthcountyparks.com
Allaire Community Farm
Details: 25-acre farm and petting zoo with rescued animals. Barrel-train ride ($3, weekdays and weekends), hayrides ($3, weekends only).
Admission: Children over age 1 $4; adults $6; animal feed available for purchase.
Hours: Sun. 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.; Mon.–Fri.: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Address: 1923 Bailey’s Corner Rd., Wall, NJ
Phone: 732-796-3298
Website: allairecommunityfarm.org
Jersey Shore Alpacas
Details: Meet, pet, and feed alpacas for a 30-minute guided tour
Hours: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, online reservation required
Admission: Starts at $25 for two people, up to $60 for six people. Under 2 is free.
Address: 521 Route 47 South, Cape May, NJ
Phone: 609-889-4957
Website: jerseyshorealpacas.com
Popcorn Park Zoo
Details: Refuge for wildlife that were sick, elderly, abandoned, abused, or injured. Popcorn available to feed free-roaming birds and farm animals.
Admission: Adults $10, seniors and children under 11 $5, under 3 free.
Address: 1 Humane Way (off Lacey Rd), Forked River, NJ
Phone: 609-693-1900
Website: ahscares.org
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily (admission until 4:00)
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Details: Various arcade games and kiddie rides
Admission: Pay per game.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Address: 56 Chambers Bridge Rd., Brick, NJ
Phone: 732-262-9200
Website: chuckecheese.com
Jungle Jim & Jane
Details: Geared for younger children; features a huge jungle gym and many jungle-themed rides and fun activities
Admission: Adults and babies 6–24 months $10.35, children $20.70. Call first for hours and availability (by reservation only).
Address: 2399 Route 36 in Eastpointe Plaza, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Phone: 732-872-4380
Website: junglejimandjane.com
Imagine That!
Details: A children’s learning and play center to touch, explore, climb, and create
Admission: Adults $6.99, children (ages 1–10) $21.99. Closed Mondays.
Address: 4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park, NJ
Phone: 973-966-8000
Website: imaginethatmuseum.com
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Sun. 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The Crayola Experience
Details: The huge, colorful place to explore the making of everyone’s favorite crayons. Features various art giveaways and activities, a multimedia presentation, and a soft play/climbing area.
Admission: From $30.99 online. Unlimited 12-month pass $44.99 each. Save $2 per ticket under Plan Your Visit/Special Offers.
Address: 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA
Phone: 610-515-8000
Website: crayolaexperience.com
Hours: Typically 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (check calendar for specific dates)
Insectropolis
Details: Everything you ever wanted to know about bugs. Exhibits plus hands-on activities.
Admission: $12 plus tax per person over 2 years old, group discount for 15 or more visitors, call to schedule.
Address: 1761 Route 9, Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-349-7090
Website: insectropolis.com
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Sun. 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Climbing and Trampoline Parks (Climbing/trampoline park options are listed in the Big Kids section.)
Zoos and Aquariums (Zoos and aquariums are listed in the Family section.)
Big Kids (Ages 8–12)
Holmdel Park and Longstreet Farm
Details: Trails, playgrounds, and historic farm with animals and staff in period costumes
Admission: Free
Address: 44 Longstreet Rd., Holmdel, NJ
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (The historic farmhouse is open from 12:00–3:30 p.m. on Sundays, or by reservation.)
Phone: 732-946-3758
Website: monmouthcountyparks.com
Turtle Back Zoo
Details: Large zoo with animals from various regions plus extra activities
Admission: Under age 2 free, ages 2–12 and over 62 $17, ages 13–61 $19.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Address: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ
Phone: 973-731-5800
Website: turtlebackzoo.com
iPlay America
Details: New Jersey’s largest indoor amusement park includes go-karts, laser tag, thrilling rides, an indoor boardwalk, and more than 250 arcade games.
Admission: Prices and packages vary. Group rates available for 25 or more people. Must book in advance to receive discount.
Address: 110 Schank Rd., Freehold, NJ
Phone: 732-577-8200
Website: iplayamerica.com
Playland’s Castaway Cove
Details: A complex of amusement park rides, a mini golf course, a go-kart track, and arcades.
Admission: Mini golf: $8 per game; go-karts: $7 per rider; amusement park: pay per ride. Packages available. Address: 1020 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ
Phone: 609-399-4751
Website: oceancityfun.com
Funplex
Details: An indoor and outdoor amusement park with arcades, bumper cars, bowling, go-karts, laser tag, and some outdoor rides
Admission: Purchase a wristband for access to a package deal of rides or pay per attraction.
Address: 3320-24 Route 38, Mt. Laurel, NJ
Phone: 856-273-9666
Website: funplexmountlaurel.com
Additional location: East Hanover, 973-428-1166, funplexeasthanover.com
Play Big Zone
Details: An activity center geared for children aged 4–14, featuring a two-story obstacle course, human foosball, a laser maze, arcades, bumper cars, arts and crafts, a toddler area, and more.
Admission: Play according to the amount you put onto your game card; bonus for $25 or more. $10 admission per child.
Hours: Sun. 12:00–8:00 p.m., Mon.–Fri. 12:00–7:00 p.m.
Address: 300 Campus Dr., unit H, Morganville, NJ
Phone: 732-991-1993
Website: playbigzone.com
HotSand Glass Studio
Details: Watch live glassblowing demonstrations or try your hand at glass art in a walk-in session. Fascinating for kids and adults.
Admission: Walk-in session prices vary; call ahead for availability.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Address: 123 Main St., Millville, NJ
Phone: 856-555-1234
Website: hotsandglass.com
Climbzone
Details: If your kids are climbing the walls, bring them to Climbzone! Attractions include 68 different climbing walls, a two-level ropes course, a zip line, soft play, and more. Reserve time slots online.
Admission: $14.99 for soft play only, $21.99–$36.99 for climbing
Address: 5369 Route 9 North, Howell, NJ
Phone: 732-813-8300
Website: climbzone.us/howell
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Details: Indoor trampoline park plus zipline, ninja course, foam pits, virtual reality, and more
Admission: 90 minutes $27.99 (4 and under $18.99); all-day pass $32.99. Socks are $5.99 a pair. Discounts available through groupon.com.
Address: 1001 New Hampshire Ave., Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 609-398-4SKY (4759)
Website: skyzone.com/Lakewood
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Details: An action-packed trampoline and adventure park with an indoor playground, climbing walls, a spin zone, virtual reality, a battle beam, and more
Admission: Packages start at $36.49 for all attractions or $27.99 for trampoline areas use only. Children 40 inches and below pay $15.99. Socks are $3.99 a pair.
Address: 1256 Indian Head Rd., Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-659-9060
Website: urbanair.com/new-jersey-toms-river
Hours: 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Ceramic Painting (Ceramic painting options are listed in the Teen Girls section)
Teen Boys (Ages 13–18)
Lake Shenandoah
Details: Bike trails, conservation area, fishing, picnic area, restrooms. Basketball, soccer, and softball facilities.
Address: 660 Ocean Avenue and 300 New Hampshire Avenue, Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 732-506-9090
Double Trouble State Park
Details: Eight miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Canoe and kayak access to Cedar Creek. Self-guided tours of historical buildings including sawmill and cranberry packing house.
Address: 581 Pinewald Keswick Rd., Bayville, NJ
Phone: 609-726-1191
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Details: Historic park with trails, picnic areas, playgrounds. Seasonal pick-your-own orchards.
Admission: Free
Address: 20 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ
Phone: 732-462-9616. Call before visiting to verify visitor center and restroom availability.
Miss Chris Fishing
Details: Four-hour fishing trips, bait and tackle provided
Admission: Adults $60, children (under 12) $45, toddlers $20, seniors $45
Address: 1210 Wilson Dr., Cape May, NJ
Phone: 609-849-9453
Website: capemayfisherman.com
High Exposure Climbing
Details: A 26,000-square-foot extreme sports facility featuring a giant 40-foot Rubix cube, ninja obstacles, a zip line, a rock-climbing wall, and a NERF target range
Admission: Various packages available; standard day pass is $30. Specials are available depending on the day of the week; check website info.
Address: 266 Union St., Northvale, NJ
Phone: 201-768-8600
Website: Highexposureclimbing.com
Hours: Open until 10:00 p.m. weeknights, 8:00 p.m. Sundays
Breezy Meadow Equestrian Centre
Details: Horseback riding lessons and guided trails. Call for pricing and reservations. Guided trail riding: $50 for half an hour ($60 holidays), $80 for an hour ($100 holidays); 2–5 people per ride; ages 7 and up. Riding lessons begin at $50 for a 1-hour lesson ($40 with a package of four).
Address: G&G Stables, 49 Driftway Rd., Howell, NJ
Phone: 609-752-5617
Website: breezymeadowequestriancentre.com
Circle A Riding Academy
Details: Horseback riding lessons and trails (ages 7 and up)
Address: 116 Herbertsville Rd., Howell, NJ
Phone: 732-938-2004
Quail Ridge Golf World
Details: Outdoor golf and mini golf practice facility. 50-stall covered driving range with hitting targets.
Address: 4130 Hurley Pond Rd. and Route 34, Wall, NJ
Phone: 732-681-0918; call for hours.
Website: quailridgegolfworld.com
K1 Speed (formerly Speed Raceway)
Details: Fast-paced electric go-karts for all ages, arcades
Admission: A $7.95 annual membership is required. Packages for activities range from $26.95–$64.95. Minimum height requirement of 48 inches
Address: 1103 Route 130 South, Cinnaminson, NJ
Phone: 877-757-7333
Website: k1speed.com/Cinnaminson-location
iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Paramus, NJ)
Details: Experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe indoor vertical wind tunnel. Perfect for teens and adults seeking an adrenaline rush.
Admission: Prices start around $65 for one flight; packages available.
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Address: 100 Crossroads Dr., Paramus, NJ
Phone: 201-225-4359
Website: iflyworld.com
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Details: Explore a real mine on a guided underground tour and see amazing fluorescent minerals. After Labor Day, tours are offered only on Sundays.
Admission: Adults $18, children 6–12 $12, under 6 free.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Address: 30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, NJ
Phone: 973-209-7212
Website: sterlinghillminingmuseum.org
Top Golf
Details: An indoor sports entertainment complex featuring high-tech golf that players of various skill levels can enjoy. Up to six players play in each of over 100 hitting bays.
Admission: $5 for new members. Time slots range from $40–$65 per hour, per bay. Reserve slots online.
Address: 1013 US Route 1, Edison, NJ
Phone: 732-374-4097
Website: topgolf.com
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Swing Loose Indoor Golf
Details: Personalized indoor golf simulator featuring 100 course options and professional instructors
Admission: Non-member rates are $69 per hour per bay (up to six players per bay). Can reserve online.
Address: Bell Works Complex, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, NJ
Phone: 732-444-6333
Website: swingloosegolf.com
Fireball Mountain
Details: Outdoor laser tag features 15 acres with 30 structures—tunnels, towers, forts, and more. Used by the US military for training.
Admission: $310 for 10 players, individuals $38 (both join public groups). Private group options are available as well, with variations like gelblast ($350 for a private party of ten)
Address: 295 Meany Rd., Wrightstown, NJ
Phone: 800-600-3086
Website: fireballmountain.com
InfoAge Science Center
Details: “NJ’s mini Smithsonian,” this history/tech museum is located at a 100-year-old national historic landmark. Exhibits on radio, computers, electronics, and warfare technology are housed at a former military base.
Admission: Adults $12, ages 4–12 $8, children under 4 free
Address: 2201 Marconi Rd., Wall, NJ
Phone: 732-280-3000
Website: infoage.org
Hours: 12:00–5:00 p.m. on Sundays only
Thomas Edison Center in Menlo Park
Details: Set on a 36-acre park with trails, this attraction includes a small two-room museum and the Edison Memorial Tower and Commemorative Monuments. The museum contains artifacts and interpretive exhibits relating to Thomas Edison’s major inventions at Menlo Park. Artifacts include a model of Edison’s laboratory, early phonographs and light bulbs, historic photographs, and a Menlo Park-era electric generator.
Admission: Adults $7, Youth (17 and under) $5. Tours required; book in advance.
Address: 37 Christie St., Edison, NJ
Phone: 732-549-3299
Website: menloparkmuseum.org
Hours: Open Thursdays through Saturdays (last admission at 3:00 p.m.)
Battleship New Jersey
Details: A retired battleship that serves as an interactive museum
Admission: Standard tours: adults $30, seniors and children 8 and up $25, children under 8 $5. “Fish ‘n’ Ship” combo tickets available when visiting Camden Adventure Aquarium. Open daily with last ticket mid-afternoon. Parking fee applies.
Address: 100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ
Phone: 856-966-1652 or 866-877-6262 x1 to purchase tickets in advance
Escape Rooms (Escape room options are listed in the Teen Girls section)
Teen Girls (Ages 13–18)
Ceramics and Painting
The Paintbrush
Details: A ceramics and art studio offering ceramic, plaster, and canvas painting right here in Lakewood. Items available for kids, tweens, teens, adults, and families.
Admission: Pay per project.
Address: 1700 Madison Ave. (Gourmet Glatt Plaza), Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 732-385-3400
Email: [email protected]
Website: thepaintbrushnj.com
Color Me Mine
Details: Your budding artist can choose a ceramic item and paint it; the studio fires it. Pickup is at a later date. Color Me Mine is certified nontoxic, and all glazes are lead-free. Paint washes off with water.
Admission: $10 per person plus the cost of the ceramic piece. Reservations must be made in advance.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (closed Mondays). Address: 1877 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ
Website: tomsriver.colormemine.com
Additional location: Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, Freehold, NJ.
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Last seating is two hours before closing.
Admission: $12 per person plus the cost of the ceramic piece ($20–$35).
Phone: 732-864-9300 and 732-780-7811
Website: freehold.colormemine.com
Around the Corner Art Center
Details: Test out your artistic abilities! Walk-in activities include ceramic painting, canvas painting, tote bag painting, wood painting, pottery wheels, and wine glass painting. Can call in advance to reserve a private room. Admission: $20 and up
Address: 290 Mounts Corner Dr., Freehold, NJ
Phone: 732-308-4666
Website: aroundthecornerartcenter.com
Jackson Skating Center Roller Magic
Details: Skate and rollerblade rentals and arcades
Address: 2270 West County Line Rd., Jackson, NJ
Admission: $15 (non-skating adults pay $5 admission); skate rental $6; roller blade rental $7
Phone: 732-363-2222
Website: unitedskates.com/Jackson
Hours: Schedule varies; Chol Hamo’ed hours are Thurs. 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; Fri. and Mon. 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ($7 admission special), 12:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Emlen Physick Estate
Details: A restored historical Victorian mansion. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Various trolley tours (including a children’s ride) are another option.
Admission: Adults $20, children $15
Address: 1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ
Phone: 609-884-5404
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
Details: Wheaton Arts is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Center of America International Fellowship Program, the largest folk-life center in the Garden State, a hot glass studio, several traditional craft studios, and a beautiful pond-side picnic grove. In addition to daily glassblowing and artist demonstrations, Wheaton Arts features special exhibitions, programs, workshops, performances, and several weekend festivals throughout the year.
Admission: Adults $12, seniors (62 and up) $11, students $7, age 5 and under free. Shopping and strolling are free (except during special outdoor events).
Address: 1000 Village Dr., Millville, NJ
Phone: 856-825-6800
Website: wheatonarts.org
Hours: Thurs.–Sun., 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
American Dream Mall
Details: A sprawling indoor entertainment center and shopping mall spread over a 3 million-square-foot complex. Attractions include Legoland, Sea Life aquarium, ice-skating, indoor skiing, black-light mini golf, a Ferris wheel, an amusement park, shopping, and kosher food.
Admission/prices: Varies by attraction. Parking is $5 for the day after the first 30 minutes.
Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Website: americandream.com
Escape Rooms
Escape101
Details: Frum escape room with two themed, family-friendly options
Admission: Pricing varies per group
Address: 1001 West Kennedy Blvd., Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 732-523-4218
Email: [email protected]
Website: escape101lkwd.simplybook.me
OasisVRX
Details: Virtual reality entertainment and escape rooms with over 50 options. Closed Mon.–Wed.
Admission: VR play starts at $29 for 30 minutes, $49 for 60 minutes; arena game and escape room options start at $35.
Address: 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, NJ
Phone: 833-627-4787
Website: oasisvrx.com
Escapology
Details: Premium real-life escape game experience. Choose your own escape room with your own team of two to ten players. Choose from six exciting room options.
Admission: Varies according to game and number of players; pricing varies, beginning around $36 per person
Address: 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, NJ
Phone: 732-490-7175
Website: escapology.com/en/holmdel-nj
Escape the Puzzle Room
Details: Eight exciting escape rooms to choose from. Sixty minutes to solve the puzzle, clues, and locks. Can accommodate two to eight players, depending on the room.
Admission: Pricing varies according to number of players, around $35 per person. Kids six and under play free
Address: 473 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ
Phone: 732-995-9004
Website: Escapethepuzzle.com
Amazing Escape Room
Details: One room. One mission. One hour. Can you escape? Choose from six exciting room options.
Admission: Adults and children age 8 and up $33
Address: 2 Monmouth Ave., Freehold, NJ
Phone: 732-333-0448
Website: Amazingescaperoom.com/freehold
For the Whole Family
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Rutgers Gardens
Details: 180-acre botanic garden with designed gardens, farms, plant collections
Admission: Free
Hours: Tues.–Sun. 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; closed Mondays
Address: 130 Log Cabin Rd., New Brunswick, NJ
Phone: 848-932-7000
Website: rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu
Van Saun County Park
Details: 130 acres with ball fields, tennis courts, state-of-the-art playgrounds. Features Bergen County Zoo (open from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), pony rides ($5 per ride), carousel, and miniature train (seasonal).
Admission: adults $8, children (3–14) $5, seniors $2.
Address: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ
Phone: 201-336-7275, zoo: 201-634-3100.
Website: co.bergen.nj.us/parks-recreation-areas/van-saun-county-park; for the zoo, friendsofbergencountyzoo.org
Cattus Island County Park
Details: Walking trails, bridge through marsh, playground area, butterfly garden, indoor nature center (seasonal)
Address: 1170 Cattus Island Blvd., Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-270-6960
Mantoloking Bridge County Park
Details: Picnic tables, grassy area, boardwalk, fishing pier, water views
Address: 70 Herbert St., Brick, NJ
Turkey Swamp Park
Details: Walking trails and playground
Admission: Free
Address: 200 Georgia Rd., Freehold, NJ
Phone: 732-462-7286
Jakes Branch County Park
Details: Four hundred acres with nature center, eight-plus miles of walking/biking trails. Discovery play trail, open play fields and courts, and playgrounds. Five-story observation deck with views of Pine Barrens Forest.
Address: 1100 Double Trouble Rd., Beachwood, NJ
Phone: 732-281-2750
Website: oceancountyparks.org
Manasquan Reservoir
Details: 1,204 acres of land and water with walking paths. Boat rentals available through October.
Rentals: Rowboats/kayaks $16/hour, double kayak $22/hour
Address: 311 Windeler Rd., Howell, NJ
Phone: 732-919-0996
Website: monmouthcountyparks.com
Duke Farms
Details: 2,740-acre property with historical buildings, orchid displays, waterfall. 1.25-mile self-guided nature trail through different habitats
Admission: Free; bike rentals: adults $15, children $10 (2 hours)
Address: 1112 Dukes Parkway W., Hillsborough Township, NJ
Phone: 908-722-3700
Website: dukefarms.org
Washington Crossing State Park
Details: Museum, trails, playgrounds, and a nature center (plus a historic ferry house, currently undergoing renovations).
Admission: Free
Address: 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, NJ
Phone: 609-737-0623
Holland Ridge Farms
Details: 300-acre farm with 8 million fresh flowers to enjoy and pick. Features hayrides and petting zoo. Timed tickets required for U-Pick Tulips (spring) & Sunflowers (fall). Stems priced per flower (historically ~$1 each).
Admission: $17 per person weekdays, $20 on weekends
Address: 86 Rues Rd., Cream Ridge, NJ
Website: hollandridgefarms.com
Sayen House & Gardens
Details: Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoy seasonal flowers, and explore the historic Sayen House.
Admission: Free
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Address: 155 West Parkway, Hamilton, NJ
Phone: 609-587-4856
Website: sayenhouseandgardens.com
Hacklebarney State Park
Details: Scenic park along the Black River featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and rock formations. Perfect for nature walks and light outdoor adventure.
Admission: Free
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Address: 569 Chesterbrook Rd., Long Valley, NJ
Phone: 908-876-5941
Website: njparksandforests.org
Colonial Park (Edison, NJ)
Details: Expansive park with walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Beautiful park.
Admission: Free
Hours: Dawn–dusk.
Address: 156 Mettlers Rd., Edison, NJ
Phone: 732-248-7275
Website: colonialpark.org
Cape May Zoo
Details: 120-acre zoo and park with 200 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. Playground, carousel, nature trails, fishing pond, picnic facilities.
Admission: Free (carousel is a separate fee), donations welcome
Address: 707 Route 9 N., Cape May Court House, NJ
Phone: 609-465-5271
Website: capemaycountynj.gov
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium
Details: Arcade rooms, rides, and aquarium with fish and aquatic creatures.
Admission: Aquarium: Adults $18, Children (3–11) $12, Seniors $13
Address: 300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ
Phone: 732-892-0600
Website: jenkinsons.com
Cape May Lighthouse
Details: Lighthouse and museum with panoramic ocean views.
Admission: Adults $12, children (3–12) $8
Address: 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point, NJ
Phone: 800-275-4278
Website: capemaymac.org
Cape May Ferry
Details: 85-minute ferry ride (one way; 3 hours round trip). Admission: Adults $10 one way/$18 round trip, children $3 one way/$5 round trip; children 5 and under ride free. Car fares start at $37.
Address: 1200 Lincoln Blvd., Cape May, NJ
Phone: 800-643-3779
Website: cmlf.com
Bowling
Howell Lanes
Admission: Sun. 9:00–12:00 a.m. $6.25 per person per game. Mon.–Fri. 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. $4 per person per game; Tues.–Thurs. 6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. $6.25 per person per game. Mon. 6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. $3.50 per person per game. Shoe rental $5. Note: Open bowling is not available from 5:30–9:30 p.m. on weeknights and 9:00–11:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Address: 1002 Route 9, Howell, NJ
Phone: 732-462-6767
Website: howelllanes.com
Finnigan’s Lanes
Admission: 1 hour: $13 per person; 1½ hours: $18 per person; 2 hours: $25 per person; includes shoe rental
Address: 101 Locust St., Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 732-364-8080
Website: finnigansfun.com
Ocean Lanes
Address: 2085 Lanes Mill Rd., Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 732-363-3421
Website: oceanlanes.com
Playdrome Lanes
Admission: Rates per game: Adults $7; children 14 and under $6 (until 5:00 p.m.); shoe rental $5.
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 9:00–11:30 p.m.; Sun. 9:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Address: 821 Conifer St., Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732 349-5345
Website: playdromelanes.com
Bowlero
Address: 1 Carolier Ln., N. Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-846-2424
Website: bowlero.com
Jersey Lanes
Admission: Pricing per hour: Mon.–Fri. $9.00; after 5:00 p.m. $12.50; Sundays $12.50, after 5:00 p.m. $15
Address: 30 Park Ave., Linden, NJ
Phone: 908-486-6300
Website: jerseylanes.com
Museums and Aquariums
Adventure Aquarium
Details: Over 15,000 aquatic animals, including walk-through shark tank
Admission: Dynamic pricing starting from: Adults $34.99, Children $29.99, Seniors $32.99. Reservations strongly encouraged.
Address: 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ
Phone: 844-474-3474
Website: adventureaquarium.com
New Jersey State Museum
Details: Over 2 million artifacts of New Jersey’s history, science, and art, including fossils and hands-on activities.
Admission: Free (planetarium pay separately, only open on weekends; $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under)
Address: 205 West State St., Trenton, NJ
Website: nj.gov/state/museum
Old Barracks Museum
Details: An educational center for colonial and American history
Admission: Adults $10, seniors and students $8, children (age 5 and younger) free
Address: 101 Barrack St., Trenton, NJ
Phone: 609-396-1776
Website: barracks.org
Hours: Closed Sun.–Tues.
Liberty Science Center
Details: A combination museum, zoo, and aquarium that’s exciting for adults and children alike. Try the new Infinity Climber hanging gym. New exhibits feature butterflies, movement for children, animals, and more. Afterward, enjoy a picnic at Liberty State Park.
Admission: Adults $36, children $31. Reserve in advance for discounted pricing ($5 off each ticket). Discount for groups of 10 or more. Parking is $7 for the day.
Address: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ
Phone: 201-200-1000
Website: LSC.org
Tip: Holders of Ocean County library cards in good standing (not more than $25 in fines) can partake of museum passes to 14 museums and attractions in New York and New Jersey for free. Visit theoceancountylibrary.org/museum-pass-program for details.