New Jersey boasts an abundance of enjoyable activities for visitors of all ages and interests, from scenic beaches to fascinating museums – there is truly something here for everyone in this Garden State!
History enthusiasts can experience life aboard the WWII battleship New Jersey through an unforgettable tour, sleeping in authentic sailor bunks!
Lottery Festival of Ballooning
New Jersey may be small in size, but its culture and history make up for that with incredible vibrancy. From famous pizza to world-class beaches, New Jersey offers something special to everyone. Additionally, foodies will find some of the finest restaurants across America here, from fine dining establishments to casual farm-to-table eateries.
The Lottery Festival of Ballooning is North America’s premier summertime hot air balloon and music festival. Hosted annually at Solberg Airport in Readington Township, it attracts more than 175,000 attendees who can witness approximately 100 special shape and sport hot air balloons – along with music concerts and food vendors – plus the chance for visitors to take balloon rides themselves! Tickets can be found for purchase directly at the event itself.
The Lottery Festival of Ballooning runs Friday to Sunday with entry prices that are very reasonable for general admission, which includes access to concert stages and stunning views of hot air balloons. Parking is available onsite. In addition, tethered rides last approximately five minutes each and cost $20 per person, departing both before and after each festival day begins and ends. Each main stage showcases world-renowned artists like Styx, Joan Jett and Kansas who have performed here before; plus there is entertainment suitable for kids and families as well.
Battleship New Jersey
New Jersey is an inviting state, offering something for every type of visitor. From breathtaking beaches to thrill-packed theme parks and family-friendly attractions such as museums and historic sites. One popular stop should be the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial – offering visitors an up-close look at American naval history – one of New Jersey’s must-dos!
At your visit, you can walk across the forecastle, climb original ladders to the bridge, and experience what life was like as a sailor on America’s most decorated battleship – first launched in 1942 and serving during World War II, South Korea War, Vietnam War, Middle East peacekeeping missions as well as being decommissioned in 1991 to serve as museum/memorial for brave sailors who served it before its decommissioning as museum/memorial for its former crews.
Steam to Speed Engineering Tour, the USS New Jersey’s latest addition, gives visitors an interactive tour of its engine rooms. There is also a large room which compares this ship with two others with similar names and shows how they were utilized during different eras.
An excursion from Philadelphia or New York City to the Battleship New Jersey Museum can make for an exciting adventure! Open to the public, free self-guided tours are provided to families holding valid Families First cards for an exciting tour experience.
Grounds for Sculpture
The Grounds for Sculpture is an art museum, sculpture garden and arboretum set amidst 42 acres of nature in Virginia. Featuring six indoor galleries for exhibitions as well as musical performances by top creative minds as well as family workshops and lectures by industry professionals as well as educational programs; their mission is to foster appreciation of contemporary sculpture.
Outdoor gardens at UGA feature over 270 works by over 100 artists, all set throughout the grounds to form an intriguing landscape. Here you will find everything from bronze superheroes climbing buildings, children balancing on rooftop edges or fiberglass serpents emerging from water lilies – there is something here for every age and interest!
Art lovers should visit during late spring or early summer when flowers are in full bloom and colors really stand out. You’ll even spot peacocks roaming freely on the grounds.
Admission is by timed ticket, with reservations strongly encouraged on weekends and holidays. Tickets may be purchased online or at the entrance; members receive discounts off purchases made at the Museum Shop.
High Point State Park
New Jersey may be most commonly associated with freeways, Bruce Springsteen, and beaches; but its state has more than its fair share of breathtaking scenery. One such spot is High Point State Park at its highest point – home to an iconic granite obelisk and offering views over three states – however best enjoyed during fall when its landscape comes alive with vibrant color ranging from American beech trees’ yellow brilliance through red maple leaves’ flame and russet shades from oak trees.
Not only can the park boast breathtaking views, it is also a fantastic spot for hikers. Boasting more than 50 miles of trails – including the Appalachian Trail – Monument Trail takes hikers up the top of the monument for stunning panoramic views – especially beautiful during autumn when trees burst with vibrant hues like red, gold and plum leaves!
Lake Marcia, situated at the heart of the park, offers visitors an idyllic spot to swim, sunbathe, ski and ice skate in summer and snowboard or skate in winter. Additionally, this park houses Tuckerton Seaport Museum that portrays life from clammers to boatmakers during an earlier era; in addition, there are several interactive activities suited for all age groups available at this museum.
Liberty State Park
Though New Jersey may have an unfair reputation as an over-industrialized and mafia-controlled wasteland, its beauty can’t be overstated: from natural wonders and historical landmarks to exciting theme parks and interactive museums – New Jersey truly offers something for everyone – discover some of its most captivating attractions below.
Liberty State Park is a stunning oasis that welcomes over five million visitors annually. Offering wide open spaces ideal for picnicking, soccer kicking and flying kites; as well as taking a ferry trip out to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty for an exciting journey back in time!
Visit the Liberty Science Center for some educational fun combined with entertainment! Here, visitors can experience hands-on exhibits and an innovative planetarium – perfect for families of all ages! Youngsters will delight in mammoths, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood exhibits and Rubik’s Cube exhibits; adults can work on mental math skills at Rubik’s Cube exhibit.
Morristown Game Vault offers another fun activity in New Jersey. This retro arcade features over 110 old-school arcade games such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Frogger to make for an ideal way to spend a rainy day with children while reliving childhood memories – plus admission is completely free! Plus you could try your luck at their bingo nights!
Red Mill
The Red Mill in Clinton, New Jersey is an iconic location that is frequently shared on Instagram. Situated along the South Branch of Raritan River and offering stunning views for photos or time lapse videos. Photographers love this location for taking sunset pictures or creating time lapse videos!
The historic site has been transformed into a unique non-profit museum that seeks to preserve Hunterdon County history. Regular and rotating exhibits, as well as over 40,000 items in their collection are offered here, and visitors can even participate in Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments or blacksmith demonstrations!
The Red Mill is a family-friendly destination that boasts plenty of kid-friendly activities. There is a small waterfall and charming gift shop at this mill, as well as special events throughout the year such as haunted Halloween village tours, ghost and folklore tours, paranormal conventions, and regularly investigated incidents at this location. In fact, its walls have even been known to shake with paranormal activity! Interestingly enough, paranormal investigators regularly investigate its grounds.
