From boardwalks to bees and rivers to wetlands – and many adventures in between — New Jersey is chocked full of summer activities for the whole family. So grab the kids and pack up the RV as you head to these family-fun destinations!
Morey’s Piers
The boardwalks of The Wildwoods have been welcoming families with rides, restaurants, shopping and water parks for years – and among the most famous amusement areas is Morey’s Piers. New for this summer is the Starlux, 27 beach-themed holes of miniature golf – perfect for some low-key fun-for all family time. The fun at the Starlux tee’d off for the first time on May 27.
If putt-putt golf is too tame for your family, head to the Adventure Pier for the Grand Prix Raceway, now winding its way through the pier on a longer, twistier wooden track. If go karting isn’t thrilling enough for your clan, take a 105-foot plunge on the Great White roller coaster. Reach top speeds of 50 mph on the classic out-and-back wooden coaster, a favorite of families and coaster enthusiasts worldwide.
Joking around
If the kids are older and craving cutting edge thrills, head to Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari in Jackson, New Jersey to take a spin on the new-for-2016 Joker roller coaster. The park’s 14th and most unique coaster is ironically, no joke. Head straight up a 12-story, 90-degree hill, on the 4-D, free-fly coaster, flipping head-over-heels along the weightless journey. Experience exhilarating leaps and dives along and unexpected drops as you tumble from one level to the next – all with no track above or below. Riders must be at least 48 inches taller and no taller than 76 inches. But don’t be deterred if you have little ones too, there are rides and attractions for all ages!
Blown Away
Castaway Cove may be Ocean City’s oldest amusement park, but it hosts one of the state’s newest thrill rides, GaleForce. Joining the park’s 32 rides, GaleForce blows away others roller coasters at 125 feet with a drop that exceeds 90 degrees and launch speeds exceeding 64 mph. Riders must be 48 inches tall The park offers plenty of other rides and attractions for younger, smaller family members.
See the Lighthouses
Summer is is the perfect time for families to explore some of New Jersey’s 11 lighthouses. Seven of the light houses are especially suited for family visits. Even if the kids aren’t old enough to climb, lighthouses – located near beaches or state parks — are great, affordable, family destinations. Among family-friendly lighthouses to visit are Absecon, Barnegat, affectionately called Old Barney; Cape May; Hereford Inlet, with its beautiful butterfly garden; the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S., Sandy Hook; Sea Girt and Twin Lights. Aug. 7 is National Lighthouse Day and many of New Jersey’s lighthouses will mark the day with special activities. Call each lighthouse directly for additional information.
Barnegat Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Science for Everyone
Escape the summer heat at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, where little scientists can get their geek on with hands-on exhibits and displays. The Science Center features the nation’s largest IMAX dome and is home to the Joseph D. Williams Science Theater, which shows 3-D films. The center offers a variety of exciting traveling exhibitions from across North America and this summer is no exception with activities that include a Nikola Tesla Lightning Show, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Eat and Be Eaten, Honey Bees: Home is Where the Hive Is and an interactive Dino Dig.
Drifting down the River
Escape the busy beaches and crowded amusement parks with a leisurely drift down the Delaware River. Tubing on the Delaware is the perfect opportunity for families to stay cool and enjoy a relaxing day together. The Delaware River is a refreshing 80 degrees all summer long and the river flows at a lazy 1 ½ mph. The shallow waters make it perfect for families. There are various locations along the Delaware to begin a tubing adventure.
Go Natural
Overlooking 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor hosts over 40,000 visitors each year who go to explore and learn the exciting facts about wildlife in the salt marsh environment. In the summer, the Wetlands Institute offers family-friendly guided tours, as well as back bay boat rides, kayaking, live animal shows, family entertainment, guided beach and dune walks and educational programs for children.
Now that you have plenty of destinations to visit on your next road trip, the only thing you need to worry about is getting there. When it comes to family vacations, there’s no better way to travel than in a top-of-the-line RV. Crossroads Trailers in Newfield, NJ has a huge selection of new and used RVs and trailers including fifth wheels, travel trailers, destination trailers and more! Come on by and see our units, visit our website, or give us a call at 1-856-697-4497.
