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New JerseyFamily-friendly activities

Our most recommended New Jersey Family-friendly activities

Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure

1. Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure

Join this Atlantic City dolphin watching ocean cruise with informative commentary by an onboard marine naturalist guide. Keep your eyes peeled for frolicking dolphins as you head from new Jersey's shore into the open ocean. Get out on the water and enjoy an exciting adventure at sea as you look for dolphins and spot other native wildlife along the Atlantic City Coastline. Cruise through areas that serve as a sanctuary for many species of marine life. This cruise has been featured by mainstream media outlets such as The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Atlantic City Press, and New Jersey Outdoors as their most celebrated adventure, experienced by oceanographers and mammal lovers from coast to coast. You'll never know how many dolphins there are, or how many you'll see — that's part of the adventure. All you can do is fill your tank with energy and bring your camera.

Cape May: Scenic Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

2. Cape May: Scenic Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable Cape May whale-watching adventure. The journey begins with scanning the shoreline for charming Coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. As the voyage continues, the focus shifts to spotting magnificent migrating whales such as the Humpback, Fin, Minke, and critically endangered Right Whales. A knowledgeable guide leads the expedition, highlighting historic sites, including intricate Victorian architecture. They also serve as a marine life expert, helping identify whales, dolphins, and other captivating sea creatures. Enjoy breathtaking views as the excursion sails toward Delaware Bay and the vast Atlantic Ocean beyond.

American Dream: Dreamworks Indoor Water Park Entry Ticket

3. American Dream: Dreamworks Indoor Water Park Entry Ticket

Enjoy a day at the largest indoor water park in North America featuring many of your favorite Dreamworks characters. The water park is located inside American Dream, New Jersey's newest 3-million square foot indoor entertainment and shopping center, just 4 miles outside New York City. Every day is a great day to visit, with unlimited access to record-breaking slides, unique experiences, the world’s biggest indoor wave pool, and sun-loungers, all in a comfortable climate-controlled environment under a massive skylight. There are Kiddie Rides for the little ones: • Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness: a multi-level play structure with dump cups, geysers, and the largest indoor tipping bucket in the world • The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone: 6 miniature versions of the bigger slides, perfect for toddlers • Far Far A Bay: a heated wave pool with a continuous stream of family-friendly swells • Bubbly Lazy River: lounge away in the world’s longest indoor lazy river Moderate rides for family fun: • Toothless’ Trickling Torpedo: the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster • Dragon Racers: a race through dark tunnels and sudden drops • Dragon & Dronkey's Flight: a tube ride in a giant spiral bowl • Tube It: a tempo-changing tube slide • Zany & Zanier Zigzag: tandem tangled body slides with multiple drops • Soakin’ Surfari: a 40-foot surf simulator • Lemur Leap: spiral into a giant bowl in this 2-person tube ride And for thrill-seekers, there are total pro rides: • Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer: the world’s tallest trapdoor capsule slides • Shrek’s Sinkhole Slammer: a high-speed raft ride into a massive funnel • Skudin Surf: private surf sessions in the wave pool available for purchase • Penguin Plummet & Majunga Jump: two high-speed body slides into deep waters • Mad Flush: a high-speed body spiral slide that drops you into deep water • Surfari Slider: the world’s tallest indoor speed slide • Swamp n’ Splash: a multi-person funnel with sudden twists and turns • Speeding Frenzy: an exciting tube ride in an enclosed flume • The Carnivortex: a G-force trapdoor capsule slide with a horizontal loop

Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise with Food

4. Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise with Food

Take in the magic of Cape May on a mesmerizing sunset cruise with delicious pizza and hot dogs to snack on as you navigate. Admire the fascinating scenery of the island and look out for the cherished Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and an array of captivating bird species. Climb aboard and set sail to discover the charming Cape May. As the sun sets, watch in awe as the dolphins gracefully navigate their natural habitat. Allow your guide to share insights into their behavior, habitat, and their crucial role in the ecosystem. Additionally, catch glimpses of Victorian homes, the iconic Cape May Point Lighthouse, the enlightening Science Center, the storied Congress Hall, and other charming historic waterfront structures. Munch on some pizza and hot dogs during your trip, then finally make your way back to the port.

American Dream: Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park Ticket

5. American Dream: Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park Ticket

Enjoy a day at the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, located inside American Dream, New Jersey's newest indoor entertainment and shopping center, just 4 miles outside of New York City. Every day is a great day to visit, with unlimited access to all the rides, live Nickelodeon character appearances, all in a comfortable climate-controlled environment. Enjoy family-friendly rides for the young and the young at heart. Create unforgettable memories for the entire family on: • Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express: spinning and reeling through the streets of Bikini Bottom • Nickelodeon Slime Streak: a twisting, turning coaster through the Nickelodeon Universe • Spongebob's Jellyfish Jam: a thrilling family swing ride • Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge: The world's tallest adventure ropes course • Rugrats Reptar Go-Round: a double-decker, all-ages merry-go-round For the more adventurous, test your limits on the thrill rides. The tallest, the steepest, and the longest rides in the world loop and swoop you across the park with views of Manhattan at every turn: • The Shellraiser: featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this coaster holds the record for the world's steepest drop • Nickelodeon Skyline Scream: the world's tallest indoor spinning drop tower • The Shredder: the world's tallest and longest free-spinning coaster • Sandy's Blasting Bronco: an out-of-control coaster that blasts you forward, backward, and upside-down • Kraang Prime Pandemonium: swing back and forth in her giant slimy tentacles • Timmy's Half Pipe Havoc: a giant skateboard ride providing the ultimate in air time • Aang's Air Gliders: soar and spin like an Airbender • Jimmy Neutrons Atom Smasher: you control the level of thrill from a gentle cruise to a topsy-turvy tumble There are also rides just for tots, made especially for kids, promising magical journeys with their favorite characters for an experience they will never forget including Fairly Odd Airways, Pup Pup & Away, Blue's Skidoo, Blaze's Monster Track Rally, Dora's Sky Railway, Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, Ren & Stimpy's Space Madness, and Shimmer & Shine Jumping Genies.

American Dream: SEA LIFE® Aquarium Entry Ticket

6. American Dream: SEA LIFE® Aquarium Entry Ticket

Experience the city under the sea at SEA LIFE® Aquarium, located in New Jersey’s American Dream mall. Come face-to-fin with thousands of the ocean’s most amazing creatures in 10+ interactive exhibits themed to New York’s most memorable moments. Discover why some creatures are the 'Athletes of the Shores' in the interactive touch pool, why seahorses are the ‘Ballet Dancers of the Ocean’, and why jellies are the ‘Disco DJs of the Deep’. Enjoy up-close encounters with friendly rays, and experience yellow eels swarming through rush hour just like NYC taxi cabs. Finish your journey with a walk-through 'City Under the Sea'. Explore this underwater tunnel featuring panoramic views of Manhattan landmarks rising from the seabed amidst schools of tropical fish, sharks, and rays.

New York City: Central Park Guided Pedicab Tour

7. New York City: Central Park Guided Pedicab Tour

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City with an hour-long pedicab tour in Central Park. Be accompanied by a professional photographer to capture your experience. Cruise around the park, discovering its history and significance in the city. Your guide will provide historical information and fun facts about the iconic park. See the oldest carousel in the city, Strawberry Fields and Dakota building, Bow bridge, Pilgrim Hill, amongst other places of historical significance.  For movie lovers, spot some filming locations from famous movies and TV series. See the Bridge from the movie Elf, Bethseda Fountain featured in Home Alone 2, and the remote control boats from Stuart Little. Capture your celebrity moments with numerous photo opportunities the famous spots you will see.

NYC: Liberty Science Center General Admission Ticket

8. NYC: Liberty Science Center General Admission Ticket

Liberty Science Center is a must-see attraction. Located in beautiful Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ, the center is a cutting-edge, 300,000-square-foot learning and entertainment venue visited by more than 750,000 guests each year. The Science Center is also home to the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the biggest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, where you can spot the stars in the night sky. Explore the engineering marvels of our times in Skyscraper and try balancing on an I-beam in midair. Get dizzying views of LSC's interior when you enter the Infinity Climber, suspended 35 feet above the atrium floor. Enjoy live science demonstrations, 3-D movies, and laser shows, programming geared toward preschool kids, and engaging temporary shows that change up several times a year. Just a hop and skip from Manhattan, the center is a family-friendly attraction for all to enjoy.

American Dream: Blacklight Mini Golf Entry Ticket

9. American Dream: Blacklight Mini Golf Entry Ticket

Get lost in the depths of space as you enjoy 18 holes of intergalactic fun with your family and friends at the “Out of This World” Blacklight Mini Golf course. Located inside American Dream, New Jersey's newest indoor entertainment and shopping center, just 4 miles outside of New York City, this activity offers you endless fun and Instagramable experiences. This intergalactic-themed mini golf course features 3-D astronaut sculptures, planet murals, and a splash of color at every hole as you work your way toward victory. Navigate this completely glow-in-the-dark experience with glow-in-the-dark balls, putters, and scorecards. It is one of the most Instagrammable attractions near New York City and it makes for fun family competition. This activity will illuminate your family’s day out. Upgrade your experience and save with a combo ticket that also includes the adjacent Mirror Maze. Then take time to experience more thrills at American Dream, the ultimate collection of premier indoor attractions, shopping, and dining comprising more than 3 million square feet in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

iFLY Paramus: First-Time Flyer Experience

10. iFLY Paramus: First-Time Flyer Experience

Defy gravity with skill, style, and courage at iFLY Paramus. If you have dreamt of flying since you were young, live out your dreams within a skydiving simulator. With state-of-the-art technologies, flying has never been this easy. Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the iFLY wind tunnel venue. Professional flight instructors will give you one-on-one instruction on how to make different body positions to control how you fly inside the tunnel. Receive a complimentary skydive gear rental and an actual flight experience at a fraction of the cost of a tandem jump and with a much longer freefall time. The gravity-defying flight itself lasts for two minutes. Each wind tunnel has multiple large fans that can blow a wind of up to 185 mph (300 kph) and a pressurized staging area that can fit up to 12 flyers at one time. Safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens, and realistic for skydivers, the iFLY experience will leave you smiling from cheek to cheek.

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Frequently asked questions about New Jersey Family-friendly activities

What are other things to do than Family-friendly activities that are worth visiting in New Jersey?

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Other Sightseeing Options in New Jersey

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What people are saying about New Jersey

Our guide, Omar, took us around to see the main highlights in Central Park: the ice-skating rink, Strawberry Fields, statues, lakes, and the sites of many movies. His pedicab is comfortable, and he allowed us time at a few stops to take pictures. He took pictures for us, and told us a lot of the history of the park.

Oman !! The best guide !! Definitely take this tour with him he is so insightful and takes his time to make the tour tailored to you …thanks again !! Mother and daughter trip

We booked for the hour tour and our guide was brilliant. He explained and showed us all the key sites on the tour and took loads of photos of us.

We had Omar as our guide. He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We’d highly recommend this tour to anyone.

We had a great pedicab too, Murat was an excellent tour guide, very entertaining and knowledgeable.