Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024

Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC

GUIDE

Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys

The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids

Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo

36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids

During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel

Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024: A Local Parent's Inside Tips

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam

Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too

Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical takes the stage at the Queens Theater. Photo by Jeremy Daniel/TheaterWorks USA

22 Best Things To Do in NYC December 2024 with Kids

Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden

Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!

The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC

Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep

Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day

Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

GUIDE

Guide to NYC Classes for Kids

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families

The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids

For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

GUIDE

NYC Summer Camp Guide

Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City

The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC

Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

GUIDE

Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids

There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids

Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC

GUIDE

Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up

Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier

3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

GUIDE

Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

GUIDE

Boredom Busters for Kids

The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand

Make Music NYC, Winter Solstice, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Amusement Parks Opening Days in New Jersey in 2022

The Six Flags 2021 season opens Saturday, March 27, with its world-class coasters, tasty treats, and more. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

2/27/22 - By Laurie Rein

With warmer days ahead, amusement park season is just around the corner. There's no better feeling than zipping through the air on a speedy roller coaster, chilling on a carousel, or watching the little ones enjoy low-key kiddie rides. But, just when do amusement parks open for the season? We've got the scoop, whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Jenkinson's and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure.

We've rounded up the opening days for the most popular amusement parks in New Jersey and nearby. Be sure to click through to each park's website for the latest information, ticket deals, and season passes.