Often, when people think of New Jersey, their minds swim with images of mafia dons, turnpikes and big-haired women with thick accents, but there is so much more to the garden state. One of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey is filled with nature, history, and culture, which makes it a rich destination for families looking for educational and entertaining activities.
New Jersey is home to many different festivals, welcoming families to enjoy themselves at special events year-round, like the Spring Fling. Held in late April in Westfield, the fair features band performances, eating contests and an art show in addition to rides and games for kids. In September, the Bloomfield Harvest Fest features ethnic food stalls and is followed by the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival in October, which offers a classic car show, cranberry ice cream and live music.
Though New Jersey is often associated with urban sprawl, the state is home to many hiking opportunities, with options for those in search of an easy walk or a challenging climb. Visitors may want to try the Green Trail in Cheesequake State Park, which features miles of boardwalks that pass by marshes and rolling hills, according to the NJ Hiking website, which also recommends the easy Grand Loop Trail that runs along streams in Jockey Hollow.
As it's one of the original colonies, it should come as no surprise that New Jersey is brimming with historical sites for families to visit. At Washington Crossing State Park, families can see where the first president of the United States made his way across the Delaware River and visit a special museum dedicated to colonial and revolutionary history. Architecture buffs will enjoy the Ballantine House, a preserved 19th-century estate filled with antique furnishings and artwork. Various other sites are sprinkled across the state, leaving no lack of choices.
Fans of furry critters big and small can get up close and sometimes even personal with animals at New Jersey zoos. Establishments large and small are home to a variety of animals, and many zoos and preserves in New Jersey work to conserve rare and endangered species. For instance, the Lakota Wolf Preserve, which works to protect the animals, allows visitors to watch the wolves play and feed as professional guides tell them about the animals. Fans of exotic wildlife will enjoy the large collections at the Turtleback Zoo and Cohanzick Zoo, where they can see animals such as penguins and tigers.
