The Bronx Zoo comes to life after dark during its annual Holiday Lights event. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights, Christmas Carousel, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.
24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Amusement Parks Opening Days in New Jersey in 2022

The Six Flags 2021 season opens Saturday, March 27, with its world-class coasters, tasty treats, and more. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
The Six Flags 2021 season opens Saturday, March 27, with its world-class coasters, tasty treats, and more. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
2/27/22 - By Laurie Rein

With warmer days ahead, amusement park season is just around the corner. There's no better feeling than zipping through the air on a speedy roller coaster, chilling on a carousel, or watching the little ones enjoy low-key kiddie rides. But, just when do amusement parks open for the season? We've got the scoop, whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Jenkinson's and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure.

We've rounded up the opening days for the most popular amusement parks in New Jersey and nearby. Be sure to click through to each park's website for the latest information, ticket deals, and season passes. 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Diggerland USA provides an all-ages, family-fun experience driving, riding and operating real construction machines. Photo courtesy of Diggerland USA
Diggerland USA provides an all-ages, family-fun experience driving, riding and operating real construction machines. Photo courtesy of Diggerland USA

When Will New Jersey Amusement Parks Reopen for the 2022 Season?

Diggerland Season Opening

West Berlin
Saturday, March 12
The construction-themed adventure park reopens for the season. Parents and even kids can drive, ride, and operate heavy machinery in a gigantic sandpit. READ MORE

Storybook Land Opening Weekend

Egg Harbor Township
Saturday, April 2
Storybook Land opens for the season, ready to entertain little ones in a fun and educational atmosphere. Guests can expect many terrific family rides like the Bubbles Coaster, Zip Zap Racers, and Work Zone. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure Season Opening

Jackson
Saturday, April 2
From thrilling roller coasters to fun family rides to live entertainment, Six Flags Great Adventure offers something for everyone. Don't miss the theme park's season opening weekend.  READ MORE

Keansburg Amusement Park Season Opening

Keansburg
Saturday, April 2
Rides, games, and a FREE beach make for a great weekend when Keansburg Amusement Park opens for the season. This budget-friendly park has plenty of rides to please little kids and big ones alike.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Amusement Park Season Opening

Point Pleasant
Saturday, April 9
Hop on the train, Dizzy Dragons, Kite Flyer, and Moby Dick when Jenkinson's Amusement Park opens for the season.  READ MORE

Playland's Castaway Cove Season Opening

Ocean City
Saturday, April 9
Have a blast on the Ocean City boardwalk when Playland's Castaway Cove opens for the season. Amusement rides, go-karts, and mini golf are all part of the fun. READ MORE

Wild West City Season Opening

Stanhope
Saturday, April 30
Travel back in time to Dodge City, Kansas, circa 1880—home to gunslingers, gangsters, and gold seekers. Wild West City presents 22 live-action shows daily, along with living history exhibits, a barnyard zoo, and stage coach, train, and pony rides. READ MORE

Morey's Piers Season Opening

Wildwood
Saturday, April 30
Excitement awaits at the Shore when the jam-packed Morey's Piers open for the season. Mariner's Amusement Pier debuts on Friday, May 5.  READ MORE

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Season Opening

Jackson
Saturday, May 14
Get set to get wet when Hurricane Harbor opens for the season. Check out the Big Wave Racer, Caribbean Cove, Hurricane Mountain, and more.  READ MORE

Land of Make Believe Opens for the Season

Hope
Saturday, May 28
Dare to try the new Scream Machine 360, plus rides for all ages and a water park when Land of Make Believe opens for the season.  READ MORE

Runaway Rapids Season Opening

Keansburg
Saturday, May 28
Cool off Memorial Day weekend when Runaway Rapids opens for the season. Relax on the Lazy River, take a plunge on the Mega Bunga Falls, or enjoy one of the many other wet attractions.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.