Princeton, NJ
For small town charm with lots of international culture, spend a weekend in the university town of Princeton. Many New Jersey-ites pick Princeton as their favorite day trip destination and it's easy to see why. The quaint downtown is more than just a hangout for students - it's filled with charming boutiques and inventive restaurants. Kids and adults alike will love The Bent Spoon, an ice cream joint started by NJ natives that offers up both traditional and quirky flavors sourced from local, organic ingredients. For a dose of the rich international culture that the town is known for, spend a morning out of the heat exploring the Princeton University Art Museum. You can take a self guided family tour of one of their mainstay exhibits or sign up for a special Art for Families program. If you're looking to venture outside the main downtown area, you can't go wrong with a day at the beautiful Terhune Orchards - an organic farm and winery overflowing with seasonal produce and fun farm activities such as wagon rides and a petting zoo. And if it just wouldn’t feel like the 4th of July without fireworks, check out the Independence Day celebration from Princeton University’s Sports Field on Wednesday, July 2nd. For more visitor information about hotels, restaurants and other community happenings, please go to the Visit Princeton website.

Crystal Springs, NJ
Crystal Springs Resort is located in the beautiful northwestern part of our state and if you’re looking for a vacation that has a little something for every family member, this is it. Accommodations at this sprawling resort range from super luxe hotels to condo rentals but your best bet for the weekend is the family-friendly Minerals Resort & Spa. Dad can hit the links at their top-rated Ballyowen course or the whole family can golf together and rent one of their four-seater carts (a rare find in the golfing world!). And it goes without saying that the kiddos will go crazy for the multiple pools, on-site splash water play area and game room. Elements Spa will give moms a much deserved break and everyone can grab a bite to eat at the casual Kites Restaurant. Crystal Springs has a ton to do outside the hotel too – the larger resort area has dozens more restaurants and a sports club where you can try your hand at yoga, tennis, horseback riding and skiing come winter. For the most bang for your buck, check out their July 4th Getaway packages, which offer great discounts on three night stays over the holiday weekend at several of their hotels.

Jersey City, NJ
If you're itching to do a big city getaway with the kids without the big city price tag, then head to bustling Jersey City, situation across from Manhattan on the Hudson. The downtown Newport area has flourished in recent years with a beautiful waterfront (with awesome NYC views) doted with restaurants - many kid friendly. Feast on some authentic Cuban food at Azucar and then grab a cone of homemade ice cream at the local favorite Torico's. And this year, Jersey City is hosting its very own Fireworks and Freedom Festival as they set off fireworks in the Hudson with the Statue of Liberty as the backdrop – doesn’t get more patriotic than that! The all-day event, taking place at Liberty State Park, includes carnival rides, games, food and a free pre-fireworks concert. Crowds are expected, so bring blankets and snacks and arrive early! And if the kiddos still have some summer energy to burn (and what kid doesn't?) explore some of the other great parks the city has to offer such as Newport Green right on the Hudson, complete with a new playground, urban beach and grassy sports lawn or the brownstone-lined Hamilton Park and its two playgrounds, dog park and water splash pad. If you happen to be in town during an usually hot or rainy afternoon, drop by the Liberty Science Center  - four floors of exhibits including live reptiles, Block Party and I Explore for little ones 5 and under. For more visitor information, please visit the Jersey City website.

Jersey Shore (Wildwood, NJ and other locations)
It’d be just plain wrong to leave out all the awesome annual Independence Day celebrations down the shore! Atlantic City hosts one of the top five firework displays in the country as their spectacular Sky Concert lights up the boardwalk, beach and casinos. Long Branch’s celebration isn’t too shabby either – their 24th annual Oceanfest includes an all day party with musicians, carnival acts, food and a 9pm fireworks display. For something slightly more low key, stop by the Wildwood Fourth of July Fireworks, packed with family activities such as an Independence Day parade, a Boardwalk craft show and 10pm fireworks that are visible from almost anywhere in Wildwood and North Wildwood. And for a show that’s free with a super casual vibe, bring your blanket and head to Point Pleasant Beach, where you can watch the Jenkinson Boardwalk fireworks over the ocean (maybe with a homemade ice cream cone in hand!). Since hotels and rentals can book up well in advance of July 4th weekend, your best bet is to check out accommodations in slightly less touristy towns like Sea Girt or Avon-by-the-Sea. For more information about booking accommodations at the Jersey Shore, check out the Jersey Shore visitor website.

For more great 4th of July weekend getaways and day trips, check out our list of the biggest and best fireworks in NJ.