Enjoyable Family Adventures in New Jersey Worth Tackling the Journey from NYC
**Exploring New Jersey: Top Family Attractions and Zoos**
Discover the diverse offerings of New Jersey, a state brimming with family-friendly attractions and zoos that cater to both animal lovers and adventure-seekers.
For families with children, two standout zoos are the Cape May County Park & Zoo and Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. The former, situated in southern New Jersey, boasts 85 acres and is home to over 550 animals of 250 species, including cheetahs, red pandas, camels, and zebras. The zoo offers educational programs like Zoo Camp and the Littlest Explorers program, making it a favourite for animal enthusiasts.
Turtle Back Zoo, on the other hand, features a petting zoo, carousel, and a free train ride around the South Mountain Reservation. Highlights include the African Adventure section with Masai giraffes, lions, and hyenas, where you can participate in giraffe feeding (for a fee). Other must-see exhibits include the Shores of Africa with African penguins, Amazing Asia with Amur leopards and red pandas, and Wild America which houses jaguars and native birds of prey.
New Jersey hosts a variety of zoos offering different experiences such as petting farms and exotic animal exhibits, ensuring families can find options that suit their interests and locations across the state.
Beyond zoos, New Jersey offers a range of family attractions that cater to various interests. For instance, the DreamWorks Indoor Water Park at American Dream in East Rutherford is a popular indoor water park ideal for kids who enjoy water play and themed attractions. Clementon Park and Splash World in Clementon offers a combination of amusement rides and water attractions suitable for families seeking a full day of fun.
Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream offers slime-themed fun and attractions for kids, making it a favourite for families with younger children. The Kartrite Hotel and Indoor Waterpark in Monticello provides additional options for family-friendly water activities.
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Skylands Botanical Garden in Ringwood spans 96 acres and features well-maintained gardens including the Lilac Garden, Magnolia Walk, and Perennial Garden. The garden is approximately an hour and 15 minutes from New York City by car.
Art enthusiasts might appreciate Grounds For Sculpture, located in Hamilton, which features over 400 contemporary sculptures made from various materials. The distance from New York City to Grounds For Sculpture is about an hour by car, with a 15-minute taxi ride, or 1.5-2 hours by train.
Funplex, located in East Hanover, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, including go-karts, carnival rides, roller coasters, bumper cars, laser tag, an arcade, mini golf, bowling, and a water park. The distance from Funplex to New York City is about 45 minutes by car and 2 hours by train/bus.
Lastly, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township offers a unique experience for families with young children, featuring rides and attractions based on popular children's stories. The park is located at 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.
In summary, New Jersey offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions and zoos that cater to various interests. Whether you're an animal lover, an art enthusiast, or seeking thrilling rides and water parks, New Jersey has something for everyone.
Fever might arise from the excitement and fun experienced during family visits to zoos, water parks, or amusement parks in New Jersey. Lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and exposure to new environments, could potentially affect relationships within families while exploring these attractions. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might also enjoy a tranquil moment at the Skylands Botanical Garden, creating a contrasting dynamic amidst the adventure-filled family travels.
