What To Do
There're lots of things to do in the Jersey Shore region - come and explore. The links below will give you some ideas.
Movies
In the mood for a good movie and some popcorn? There are several movie theaters close by. And if you don't mind driving for maybe 50 minutes, you will find the largest IMAX theater in the USA at the Liberty Science Center in Newark.
Fun and Activity
- Liberty State Park: Liberty State Park is a green oasis in the middle of Metropolitan northern New Jersey. With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state's most dramatic parks. The park quickly developed to become one of our favorite spots (~50 minutes by car).
- Northlandz: Home of The Great American Railway - A spectacular adventure on this 1 mile indoor tour through a miniature world. 135 trains and 8 miles of track are just the beginning. 25 years went into sculpting 35 foot mountains and building 40 foot bridges. Marvel at the thousands of handcrafted buildings and over 10,000 freight cars (~50 minutes by car).
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor: A brand-new water-adventure park with fast-action, thrill slides, a million-gallon wave pool, one of the world's largest adventure rivers, a gigantic family activity lagoon and much more (~50 minutes by car).
- Six Flags Great Adventure: An adventure park with more than 100 rides, exciting roller coasters, shows and attractions (~50 minutes by car).
- Six Flags Wild Safari: The world's largest drive-thru Safari outside Africa, features more than 1,200 animals from six continents roaming freely in the park (~50 minutes by car).
- New Jersey State Aquarium: The New Jersey State Aquarium offers one of the largest fish tanks in North America. Watch divers swim with the sharks. Delight in watching African penguins frolic and laugh at the playful antics of our adorable seals. Also see "The Camden Waterfront" for additional attractions close by, e.g. Camden's Children Garden (~90 minutes by car)
- Jenkinson Aquarium and Boardwalk: A nice little aquarium at the boardwalk of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Don't miss out having a cocktail at the Tiki Bar (~35 minutes by car).
- Strasburg Railroad: All aboard America's oldest short-line railroad, where you'll ride authentically restored passenger cars pulled by a huge, coal-burning steam locomotive. Also features rides on "Thomas the Tank Engine. Close by also is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (~ 2.5 hours by car, see it on Google Maps).
- Wild West City: Wild West City is a western heritage theme park that brings the old west back to life through portrayals of real-life western characters, legendary events and a frontier town re-creation (~1.5 hours by car, see it on Google Maps).
- Turtle Back Zoo: A zoo that is committed to providing an enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation (~ 1 hour by car, see it on Google Maps).
- Atlantic Farms: Farm with a little petting zoo. Children can get a close look at pigs, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, peacocks, ponies, llamas, deer and chickens. The only cost is to buy produce at the farm store to feed the animals, which is optional.
- The Monmouth Museum: A center for education and culture, and a focal point for dynamic ideas, the Museum features changing exhibitions and programs which appeal to a variety of interests. Exhibitions showcase all artistic expressions as well as cultural and scientific phenomena. The Becker Children's Wing and the WonderWing provide interactive learning for young visitors (~ 15 minutes by car).
- Mediaval Times: The journey back to the 11th century begins as visitors are greeted by King Alfonso and his daughter, Princess Esperanza. Guests receive a colored crown corresponding to their seating area and the Knight they will cheer throughout the show. The Master of Ceremonies soon orders the Trumpeters of the Realm to announce the opening of the Grand Ceremonial Arena. Guests proceed to their color-coded pavilion as the sumptuous feast begins... (~ 1 hour by car).
Sports
- Red Bank Armory (Ice Rink)
- Wall Sports Arena (Ice Rink)
Pro Sports
- New York Knicks: Basketball
- New York Yankees: Baseball
- New York Mets: Baseball
- New Jersey Devils: Ice hockey
- New York Jets: Football
Theatres and Concerts
- PNC Bank Arts Center: A large amphitheater hosting lots of excellent concerts (~20 minutes by car).
- Count Basie Theater: Theater with interesting plays and concerts (~5 minutes by car).
- Two River Theater Company: Local theater (~5 minutes by car).
Museums
- Edison National Historic Site: For more than forty years, the laboratory created by Thomas Alva Edison in West Orange, New Jersey, had enormous impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. Out of the West Orange laboratories came the motion picture camera, vastly improved phonographs, sound recordings, silent and sound movies and the nickel-iron alkaline electric storage battery.
Restaurants
- Doris & Ed's: Exquisite restaurant specialized on seafood in Highlands.
- McLoone's: Riverfront dining in Sea Bright, or oceanfront dining at the Pier Village in Long Branch.
- Sallee Tee's: Waterfront dining at the Channel Club Marina in Oceanport.
- Terrace in the Sky: Restaurant at Columbia University (on top of Butler Hall), New York, with great view on the skyline of Manhattan.
- Waterfront Cafe: Restaurant right at the marina in Sea Bright, with nice deck to sit outside, almost in the marina, overlooking Shrewsbury River.
Vacation Destinations (near and far)
- Smuggler's Notch: All season family resort in the northern part of Vermont, great family program.
- Killington Ski Arena: Pretty huge ski arena with 180+ trails, covering more than 70 miles.
- Mountain Creek: Ski arena in New Jersey, Water park in the summer.
- Windham Mountain: Ski arena in New York.
- Rocking Horse Ranch: Nice family resort in New York with horse ranch, water park, kids program.
- Smoky Mountains: National Park in North Carolina, nice lodging in Gatlinburg.
- Atlantis Resort: Cool fun resort on the Bahamas with water slides, shark pool, beaches, etc.