The state of New Jersey is home to a wide variety of engaging sights and activities that can entertain children of all ages. From its numerous seaside beaches, to its many amusement parks and children-oriented museums, New Jersey can fill a day or weekend long trip to the state with activities that are bound to entertain kids of all ages and interests.
The New Jersey Children's Museum of Paramus is home to over two dozen interactive and educational exhibits. The museum's Wild West exhibit gives kids the opportunity to dress up like cowboys and explore a Sioux teepee and mock jail. The kid's grocery store allows kids to fill a shopping cart with goodies and play with pretend money. Kids can also dress up in knight and princess gear in the Medieval Castle room, which also features a throne room that is set up for tea parties. No strollers are allowed in the museum. The facility can be rented out for special events and birthday parties.
The New Jersey Children's Museum
599 Valley Health Plaza
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-262-5151
njcm.com
Seaside, New Jersey's Funtown Pier is a family oriented amusement park with several rides for small children. Kids and parents can take in the parks sprawling oceanfront views while riding on the Merry Go Round, Trampoline, Funtown Family Roller Coaster or Free Fall mini tower. Classic rides like a giant Ferris wheel, bumper cars and go kart track are also offered at the park. Wednesday nights at Funtown Pier end with a fireworks display through July and August. Several food vendors and snack stands are located throughout the park.
Funtown Pier Amusements
1930 Boardwalk
Seaside Park, NJ 08752
732-793-8393 or 732-830-7437
funtownpier.com
The Popcorn Park Zoo is owned and operated by the Associated Humane Societies, founded in New Jersey in 1906. The zoo has been in continuous in suburban Forked River, New Jersey since 1977. Children can explore a wide variety of educational and scientific exhibits focused around the facilities 200 animals. Species include African lions and tigers, mountain lions, a camel, emus and an American black bear. Children can also feed petting zoo animals such as pigs, goats, horses and sheep. Every animal at Popcorn Park has been rescued from abuse and exploitation, giving children an important lesson about perseverance and compassion.
Popcorn Park Zoo
Humane Way at Lacey Rd
Forked River, NJ 08731
609-693-1900
ahscares.org
