Many families prefer to find adventure rather than relax on one of New Jersey's beaches. Delaware River Tubing provides trips that allow adults and children to enjoy tubing, rafting, kayaking or canoeing on the Delaware River. The river, which forms a border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, flows south and passes through Trenton before emptying into Delaware Bay on the Delaware-New Jersey border. It is the longest free-flowing river in the Northeast, and offers views of wildlife including bald eagles, otters, bears, deer and geese. Roads running alongside the length of the river keep you close to civilization while the valley walls, silver maples and sycamores lining the banks and islands make you feel miles away. Stop along the way to explore public islands, use the island beaches and eat a provided meal near an island with picnic tables set right in the water.
Delaware River Tubing
2998 Daniel Bray Highway (Route 29)
Frenchtown, NJ 08825
908-996-5386
delawarerivertubing.com
Insectropolis is more than a bug museum. It is a creatively decorated insect learning center with attractive displays that teach and entertain visitors of all ages. Unusual insects from all over the world can be viewed up close to see how they really behave. Touch live exotic insects under supervision or take part in interactive centers, including computer bug games and crawling through a mud tube that mimics a termite's travels.
Insectropolis
1761 Route 9
Toms River, NJ 08755
732-349-7090
insectropolis.com
Jersey Shore Pirates offers an adventure cruise down the Metedeconk River that involves dressing up as pirates, battling enemies with water cannons and searching for sunken treasures. The Sea Gypsy is a Coast Guard-certified vessel that runs seven days a week from May 1 through Labor Day and weekends through Halloween with the first trip at 9:30 a.m. and the last one leaving at 5 p.m. Special events include free trips for mothers and grandmothers on Mother's Day and no charge for fathers and grandfathers on Father's Day.
Jersey Shore Pirates
Riverfront Marina
281 Princeton Ave.
Brick, NJ 08724
732-899-6100
jerseyshorepirates.com
Mountain Creek Water Park is on a mountain in a secluded natural setting with a lagoon that allows access to caves. It has children's play areas such as Fishing Village, Tide Slide, Junior Rapids and Lost Island River. Rides and attractions for teens and adults include the Alpine Pipeline, rivers, falls, slides, wave pools, Tarzan Swings and a 23-foot jump off of Canyon Cliffs into a huge natural pool below. Guests shorter than 48 inches are required to wear a life jacket in most areas. Mountain Creek provides life jackets on a first-come, first-serve basis at no extra charge.
Mountain Creek Water Park
200 Route 94
Vernon, NJ 07462
973-827-2000
mountaincreekwaterpark.com
