Summer Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids in 2022 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New Jersey with Kids

Summer Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids

Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Here are the top Jersey Shore beaches to check out this summer.

Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of the other bucket-list worthy water parks in New Jersey. Photo by David Howarth

End of Summer Bucket List: 35 Things To Do with NJ Kids Before School Starts

Check a few more items off your summer fun list before September!

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wawayanda draw lots of visitors every summer. Photo courtesy of Wawayanda State Park

13 Swimming Lakes near New Jersey You Need To Discover

Skip the ocean and go for a dip in one of these family-friendly lakes.

Float through the water at Morey's Piers. Photo by David Howarth

25 Fun Ways To Beat the Heat in NJ With Kids

Got a case of hot-weather burnout? Check out more than two dozen ways to keep cool in NJ.

New Jersey Beaches, Lakes, Pools, and Water Parks Guide

Be in the know this summer with our parent reviews of local beaches, pools, lakes, and even splash...

All aboard for a day of family fun at A Day Out With Thomas. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Best of August: Top Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Soak in the last bits of summer with these events around the Garden State.

Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette

100+ Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids

Have fun without breaking the bank in the Garden State.

A trip to the boardwalk isn't complete without a Kohr's frozen custard. Photo by Kevin Jarrett via Flickr

Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for Family Fun

NJ's iconic boardwalks offer everything from rides and arcades to water parks and aquariums.

Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey

We've found 20+ amusement parks nearby perfect for your family adventure.

Cool down at the free Watsessing Park Spray Park in East Orange. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

35 Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in New Jersey

Cool off at one of these sweet spraygrounds this summer.

Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

The Best NJ Zoos and Aquariums for Animal Encounters With Kids

Treat the kids to an animal adventure at NJ's amazing zoos, aquariums, and preserves.

Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Great Amusement Parks in New Jersey for Preschoolers and Toddlers

These 13 theme parks offer plenty of kiddie rides for summer fun.

Catch an al-fresco flick at Delsea this summer. Photo courtesy of the theater

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Around New Jersey for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Enjoy a movie under the stars with one of these al fresco flicks.

The Wildwoods boasts 5 miles of beautiful, free beaches. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods

Free Beaches in New Jersey: No-Cost Fun in the Sun

Soak up the sun at NJ's beautiful, budget-friendly beaches by the ocean, lakes, and bays.

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is home to hundreds of plant species and almost as many migrating birds.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums With Kid-Friendly Programming in New Jersey

We're not known as the Garden State for nothing!

New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

New Jersey is loaded with fun amusement parks all up and down the shore, but inland, too. We've got...

Get sprayed in the sand at Bayview Playground on LBI. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Great Beachfront Playgrounds on the Jersey Shore

Swing, climb, and slide in the sand at these awesome oceanfront playgrounds.

Asbury Park blends old-school beachy charm with hipster cool. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Cute New Jersey Beach Towns To Explore with Kids

These quaint, kid-friendly Jersey Shore towns have oodles of beachy charm.

This gorgeous, quiet beach will be your family's new favorite spot. Photo courtesy of NJ Dept. of Parks and Forests

Island Beach State Park: A Haven for Nature-Loving Beachgoers

This gorgeous, quiet beach offers Jersey Shore fun minus the crowds.

Cruise the boardwalk to enjoy all the Jersey Shore has to offer with its varied destinations perfect for a summer day trip. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

30 Summer Day Trips from New Jersey for Families

Beaches, boardwalks, parks, and more—here are our summer day trip picks.

The beautiful water and white sand beaches of Long Beach Island keep visitors coming back year after year. Photo courtesy of LBI

Long Beach Island with Kids: Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

Clean, calm beaches plus plenty of family fun make NJ's Long Beach Island a must-visit.

Ocean City is the perfect beach destination for families. Photo by Matt Sackett via Flickr

Ocean City: Family-Friendly Summer Fun on the Jersey Shore

Head down to the "happiest seaside town in America" for a fun family getaway this summer.

Beaches, Parks, and Pools

Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Here are the top Jersey Shore beaches to check out this summer. READ MORE

Sea Isle City offers the serenity of a small-town beach, but the action-packed boardwalks of the Jersey Shore are nearby. Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City

12 Hidden Beaches on the Jersey Shore

These sandy shores offer less hustle and bustle, but plenty of seaside fun. READ MORE

The Wildwoods boasts 5 miles of beautiful, free beaches. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods

Free Beaches in New Jersey: No-Cost Fun in the Sun

Soak up the sun at NJ's beautiful, budget-friendly beaches by the ocean, lakes, and bays. READ MORE

Crystal Springs Family Water Resort is a perfect summer day trip. Photo courtesy of the resort

10 Swimming Pools in NJ with Day Passes for Families and Kids

There's no membership required to cool off at these NJ swimming pools. READ MORE

Get sprayed in the sand at Bayview Playground on LBI. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Great Beachfront Playgrounds on the Jersey Shore

Swing, climb, and slide in the sand at these awesome oceanfront playgrounds. READ MORE

Jersey Shore Family Guide

Find your favorite beach, boardwalk, and kid-friendly fun down the Shore.READ MORE

Water & Amusement Park Fun

Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey

We've found 20+ amusement parks nearby perfect for your family adventure. READ MORE

Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Great Amusement Parks in New Jersey for Preschoolers and Toddlers

These 13 theme parks offer plenty of kiddie rides for summer fun. READ MORE

Top water parks in New Jersey: Ocean Oasis water park is among the best

Check Out the 15 Top Water Parks in New Jersey

Get ready for an action-packed day of summer fun. READ MORE

Young kids will love the Sesame Street-themed area at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

40 Top Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation

Thrills and adventure await at these 40 fun amusement parks. READ MORE

At-Home Summer Fun

Cool down with a water balloon fight!

Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids

100 ways to pack more play into your summer day. READ MORE

Make bubbles strong enough to catch and bounce in with fun science experiments for kids.

15 Backyard Science Experiments for Messy Summer Fun

Build a worm tower or bake solar oven s'mores in these fun experiments. READ MORE

This patriotic pop is bursting with watermelon, coconut, and raspberry flavors. Photo by Mommy Poppins

8 Fun Popsicle Recipes to Make with Kids

Make frozen treats inspired by July 4th, cake batter, hot cocoa and more.READ MORE

Earn free books for your personal library through some fun national summer reading challenges. Photo courtesy of Half Price Books

10 Summer Reading Challenges for Kids: Earn Prizes for Reading

Free pizza, books, and more just to read? Sign us up!READ MORE

Day Trip and Travel Ideas

Hit the Sky Flyer mountain coaster the Holiday Valley Resort in upstate New York.

Ride a Thrilling Mountain Coaster Near NYC This Summer

Enjoy a wild summertime ride at the local ski resorts. READ MORE

The Newburgh KOA campsite offers tons of family-friendly perks, including mini golf and two swimming pools. Photo by Jeff Dow courtesy of KOA.

Family-Friendly Campsites Near NYC (With Extras for Kids!)

Pools, mini golf, farm animals, and more elevate these campgrounds. READ MORE

Johnson's Corner Farm

Pick Your Own Guide to Farms in New Jersey

Apple picking spots, hayrides, baby animals, pumpkin patches, and more fun at NJ farms.READ MORE

Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey

New Jersey has tons to offer, from museums to beaches, state parks to cute main streets. We help...READ MORE

Archives

Visiting Asbury Park Beach and Boardwalk with Kids: Top 30 Things To Do

This classic beach spot has surf, sand, and family-friendly amusements. READ MORE

Whale Watching near NYC: Catch a Cruise to See Whales, Dolphins, and More Marine Animals

Catch one of these local cruises to search for larger-than-life marine mammals. READ MORE

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach: Top Tips for a Family Trip

This stretch of the Shore boasts a beautiful beach and an action-packed boardwalk. READ MORE

End of Summer Bucket List: 35 Things To Do with NJ Kids Before School Starts

Check a few more items off your summer fun list before September! READ MORE

Best of August: Top Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Soak in the last bits of summer with these events around the Garden State. READ MORE

25 Fun Ways To Beat the Heat in NJ With Kids

Got a case of hot-weather burnout? Check out more than two dozen ways to keep cool in NJ. READ MORE

Summer Activities