So Long, Summer! Great Labor Day Trips for NJ Families
It’s hard to believe Labor Day weekend is upon us and soon we’ll be picking out pumpkins and Halloween costumes. This is usually seen as summer’s last hurrah, before the back to school routine bogs us all down. Plan a getaway to celebrate the last unofficial weekend of summer and let your New Jersey kids soak up one last summer memory, while we still have great weather! And for more quick family outings, check out our NJ Day Trip Guide.
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Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ)
No summer in New Jersey would be complete without a trip ‘down the shore.’ Beach rentals might be hard to come by this late in the season, but check out some of the local hotels, which may have vacancies. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant offers a classic Jersey Shore experience from the lively boardwalk dotted with pizza joints, arcade games and a Ferris wheel to miles of sandy warm beach crowded with everyone from tanned body builders to small children playing in the surf. Don’t forget to cool off with some delicious ice cream, taffy or homemade fudge at Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop. If the heat is too much to handle, duck into Jenkinson’s Aquarium right off the boardwalk and spend an hour watching sharks, penguins and alligators in their natural habitats. For more information, please call 732-892-0600.
Cape May and Surroundings (Cape May, NJ)
In Cape May, walk down Washington Street and be transported back to a simpler time. See the beautiful Victorian homes and browse the tiny shops lined on cobblestone streets. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Laura’s Fudge Shop on the corner of Ocean & Washington, where you’ll find old-fashioned salt water taffy and ice cream. Kids will love a Whale & Dolphin Cruise or a horse drawn carriage ride. Don’t forget to visit the Historic Cape May Lighthouse…if your family has an adventurous side, try para-sailing at East Coast Parasail. Head up route 9 to Historic Cold Spring Village for their annual “Fun Fest”, where kids can enjoy family-oriented activities and crafts including papermaking, face painting, historic games, 19th century dress-up, live music and more.
Pine Haven Campground (Ocean View, NJ)
Pine Haven Campground is a perfect vacation destination for campers. Located within New Jersey’s famous pine and oak woods, Pine Haven amenities include a large pool, mini-golf, Wi-Fi, modern laundry facilities, LP Gas, basketball and volleyball. There are 2 fresh water lakes, one for swimming and one for fishing. Organized family activities on Labor Day include a “Southern Hospitality Weekend” in which families can enjoy sweet tea, a craft fair/flea market and Saturday dance.
Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey (Camden, NJ)
A trip to Adventure Aquarium and Battleship NJ will satisfy both animal lovers and history geeks. Visit Adventure Aquarium’s Shark Realm, a walk-through tunnel that takes you right underneath a 550,000 gallon tank filled with…you guessed it, sharks! Tots 5 and under will love Kid Zone, a section filled with pint-sized tanks brimming with colorful fish and plenty of places to climb and explore. The whole family can enjoy the popular hippo exhibit – watch in awe as the huge creatures play fetch, swim and eat lunch. Top off the day with a little fresh air and beautiful views of Philadelphia across the Delaware River as you stroll along the Camden waterfront. Then check out Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in history. All exhibits are interactive…experience how those brave naval soldiers lived and worked. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 856-365-3300 and 866-877-6262.
Wildwood Crest Beaches and Boardwalk (Wildwood, NJ)
Wildwood is famous as a Jersey Shore family destination. After a day on the beach, visit Morey’s Piers and enjoy the rides and games. Labor Day weekend brings the Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival, and an extra-special fireworks display. Don’t forget Raging Waters waterpark… great fun for the whole family when the weather is hot!
Happy Labor Day!
Places featured in this article:
The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Cruises