Your Guide To

Our Favorite Kids Activities

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Play. Explore. Imagine.

Discover unforgettable places where children can build, climb, create, learn, meet animals, ride roller coasters and enjoy an exciting family day throughout northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Explore the Activities

Making Family Memories

Fun Activities for Curious and Adventurous Kids

Finding an activity that entertains children while also keeping parents interested is not always easy. Fortunately, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania offer an outstanding variety of museums, zoos, science centers, amusement parks, creative attractions and active indoor play experiences.

Whether your children want to conduct an experiment, design their own colorful creation, explore a mine, see exotic animals or spend the day enjoying rides, there is an attraction that fits their interests and energy level.

These are some of our favorite destinations when considering the complete family experience, including educational value, variety of activities, age range, convenience and overall fun.

Find the Right Adventure

Choose an Activity Your Kids Will Love

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Best Science Adventure Liberty Science Center

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Best Animal Experience Turtle Back Zoo

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Best Creative Activity Crayola Experience

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Best Amusement Park Six Flags Great Adventure

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Best for Young Children Imagine That!!!

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Best Hands-On Learning Da Vinci Science Center

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Most Unique Adventure Sterling Hill Mining Museum

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Best Full-Day Outing Sesame Place

Browse by Experience

Science & Discovery Zoos & Animals Creative Play Rides & Amusement Indoor Activities Outdoor Adventures

Family Favorites

Our Favorite Kids Activities

From major family attractions to educational destinations and imaginative indoor play spaces, these places provide some of the region's most memorable experiences for children.

#1

Best Overall Educational Adventure

Liberty Science Center

Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey

Liberty Science Center combines hands-on science experiments, technology, wildlife, live demonstrations and changing exhibitions in one enormous family destination.

Children can explore interactive galleries, experience one of the largest planetariums in the Western Hemisphere and enjoy exhibits designed for different ages and interests.

Best For

Science Technology Planetarium Indoor Fun School-Age Kids

Explore Liberty Science Center

#2

Best Zoo and Animal Experience

Turtle Back Zoo

West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey

Turtle Back Zoo is one of northern New Jersey's most popular family attractions, featuring animals from around the world in an attractive setting within the South Mountain Recreation Complex.

Families can combine the zoo with nearby miniature golf, paddle boats, the playground, the treetop adventure course or a walk around the reservoir.

Best For

Animals Young Children Outdoor Fun Carousel Family Day Trips

Visit Turtle Back Zoo

#3

Best Creative Family Experience

Crayola Experience

Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania

Crayola Experience turns color and creativity into a full family attraction with dozens of hands-on activities that combine art, imagination and technology.

Children can name and wrap their own crayon, create colorful artwork, experiment with melted wax and enjoy interactive areas designed to encourage creative play.

Best For

Arts & Crafts Creative Play Indoor Fun Preschoolers Elementary Ages

Explore Crayola Experience

#4

Best for Roller Coasters and Big Thrills

Six Flags Great Adventure

Jackson, Ocean County, New Jersey

Six Flags Great Adventure is the region's largest destination for roller coasters, thrill rides, family attractions and seasonal entertainment.

Younger visitors have their own rides and themed play areas, while older children and teenagers can enjoy some of the most exciting roller coasters in the Northeast.

Best For

Roller Coasters Teenagers Family Rides Seasonal Events Full-Day Trips

Visit Six Flags

#5

Best Imaginative Play for Younger Children

Imagine That!!!

Florham Park, Morris County, New Jersey

Imagine That!!! is a hands-on children's museum designed around learning through open-ended and imaginative play. Its indoor space gives young children room to explore at their own pace.

Children can experiment with exhibits, pretend, build, climb and create, making this an especially convenient choice for preschoolers and early elementary ages.

Best For

Toddlers Preschoolers Pretend Play Indoor Activities Rainy Days

Visit Imagine That

#6

Best Hands-On Engineering Experience

Da Vinci Science Center

Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

Da Vinci Science Center brings science, engineering, biology and technology to life through interactive exhibits that encourage children to experiment and solve problems.

The exhibits are designed to make learning active and entertaining, creating an enjoyable destination for curious children and families who like to explore together.

Best For

Engineering Experiments Technology School-Age Kids Indoor Fun

Explore Da Vinci

#7

Most Unique Underground Adventure

Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey

Sterling Hill Mining Museum gives families the unusual opportunity to tour a historic mine and learn about geology, minerals and New Jersey's mining history.

The fluorescent mineral displays are a highlight, and children who enjoy rocks, caves, science and exploration will find plenty to remember.

Best For

Mine Tours Geology Minerals Older Children Unique Trips

Tour Sterling Hill

#8

Best Theme Park for Younger Children

Sesame Place

Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Sesame Place is designed especially for families with younger children, combining Sesame Street characters, children's rides, shows, parades and seasonal water attractions.

Its manageable size and emphasis on younger visitors make it an easier first theme-park experience than many larger amusement destinations.

Best For

Young Children Character Fun Children's Rides Water Attractions Live Shows

Visit Sesame Place

#9

Best Children's Museum Day Trip

Please Touch Museum

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Please Touch Museum encourages children to learn by touching, building, pretending and exploring. Its immersive exhibits are designed to make children active participants rather than observers.

Families can spend hours exploring imaginative play environments, interactive learning areas and the museum's historic carousel.

Best For

Young Children Hands-On Exhibits Pretend Play Carousel Indoor Day Trips

Explore Please Touch Museum

#10

Best Smaller Zoo Experience

Elmwood Park Zoo

Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Elmwood Park Zoo offers a more manageable animal experience than many large zoos while still providing a varied collection of wildlife and family activities.

Its comfortable size makes it particularly appealing to families with younger children who may not be ready for an entire day of walking through a major metropolitan zoo.

Best For

Animals Younger Children Manageable Size Family Outings Outdoor Fun

Visit Elmwood Park Zoo

#11

Best Indoor Entertainment Complex

iPlay America

Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey

iPlay America brings amusement rides, arcade games, attractions and family entertainment together in a large indoor setting.

It is especially useful when the weather does not cooperate and works well for families with children of different ages who want several activities in one location.

Best For

Indoor Rides Arcade Games Rainy Days Birthday Outings Mixed Ages

Visit iPlay America

#12

Best for Active Indoor Fun

Branchburg Sports Complex

Branchburg, Somerset County, New Jersey

Branchburg Sports Complex offers indoor activities, sports programs, camps, play opportunities and special events for children in a convenient central New Jersey location.

It is a strong choice for energetic children who would rather run, climb and play than spend the day walking through a traditional museum.

Best For

Active Kids Indoor Sports Camps Local Outings Rainy Days

Explore Branchburg Sports

#13

Best for Games, Rides and Group Fun

Supercharged Entertainment

Edison, Middlesex County, New Jersey

Supercharged Entertainment is a large indoor attraction offering high-energy recreation, games and activities that appeal particularly to older children, teenagers and groups.

The variety makes it an entertaining option for family celebrations, school breaks or days when children need a more active indoor experience.

Best For

Older Children Teenagers Group Outings Indoor Fun Special Occasions

Visit Supercharged

#14

Best Scenic Wildlife Adventure

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Schnecksville, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

Lehigh Valley Zoo offers an enjoyable wildlife experience in a scenic setting within the Trexler Nature Preserve.

Its relaxed atmosphere and approachable size make it a pleasant family day trip, particularly for families who enjoy combining animals with fresh air and the natural landscape.

Best For

Wildlife Scenic Setting Young Families Outdoor Trips Nature

Visit Lehigh Valley Zoo

#15

Best Classic Family Amusement Park

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

Dorney Park combines major roller coasters, traditional family rides, children's attractions and a large seasonal water park.

It works well for families with a wide range of ages because younger children, older children and thrill seekers can each find attractions suited to them.

Best For

Roller Coasters Water Park Family Rides Mixed Ages Summer Trips

Visit Dorney Park

#16

Best Farm and Seasonal Family Fun

Alstede Farms

Chester, Morris County, New Jersey

Alstede Farms offers pick-your-own produce, farm animals, seasonal festivals, wagon rides, children's activities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the countryside.

The experience changes with the seasons, making it a destination families can revisit for spring, summer and fall activities.

Best For

Farm Animals Fruit Picking Seasonal Events Young Children Outdoor Fun

Visit Alstede Farms

Before You Go

Planning a Successful Family Outing

Check the Schedule

Hours, shows, special programs and seasonal attractions can change. Check the attraction's official website before leaving and reserve timed tickets when required.

Consider Your Child's Age

Some destinations are designed mainly for toddlers and preschoolers, while others are better suited to older children or teenagers. Review height and age requirements before purchasing tickets.

Prepare for the Weather

Outdoor zoos, farms and amusement parks may require comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water and weather-appropriate clothing. Keep an indoor alternative ready for rainy days.

Courtney & Dillon's Picks

Our Top Five for the Complete Kids Experience

#1

Liberty Science Center

Best Overall Educational Adventure

#2

Turtle Back Zoo

Best Zoo and Animal Experience

#3

Crayola Experience

Best Creative Family Activity

#4

Six Flags Great Adventure

Best for Rides and Big Thrills

#5

Imagine That!!!

Best for Younger Children

Enjoy the Adventure

Turn an Ordinary Day Into a Family Memory

Whether your children love science experiments, animals, creative projects, amusement rides or outdoor exploration, northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania offer countless ways to spend meaningful time together.

Pick an activity, invite the family and enjoy discovering something new.

Enjoy Every Bite... Every Journey... Courtney & Dillon

Attraction hours, admission prices, operating schedules and available activities may change due to weather, season, maintenance or special events. Please visit each attraction's official website before traveling.