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How to Choose Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

Who says you can't please all the kids at the same time? Try to find places that offer a mix of activities in one place. This way, the group can split up if and when you need to.

And don't forget to target places that have food on site or nearby, so you don't have to waste time searching for food. Whatever all-ages activities in NJ you choose, be sure to plan breaks and don't try to squeeze too much into your day.

Outdoor Thrills for All Ages in NJ

1. Six Flags Great Adventure — Jackson

This large amusement park has a great mix of rides and entertainment to suit visitors of all ages, and for animal lovers, buy an add-on ticket for the safari.

For Toddlers: Head to Bugs Bunny National Park and ride the carousel, air balloons, and stagecoach express.

For Big Kids: Hop on the Jr. Thrillseekers rides like the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster, the classic Scrambler, or teacups.

For Teens: For ultimate thrill seekers, get in line for the Superman, The Flash, or The Joker ultimate coasters.

2. TreEscape — Vernon Township

Try a ropes course up in the trees, where you’ll climb ladders, balance on logs, and race down zip lines.

For Toddlers and Little Kids: Kids as young as 4 years old can try the purple course with supervision.

For Big Kids: Kids ages 5-12 can pick from a bunch of different courses. Depending on their age and height, they can do some courses unaccompanied.

For Teens: Teens can do any course on their own, including the most challenging black course.

Diggerland appeals to gearheads both big and small. Photo by Lisa Warden

3. Diggerland — Berlin

If your toddler loves toy trucks and your teen wants to try operating a piece of heavy equipment, then this construction-themed amusement park is the place for you.

For Toddlers: Little ones can ride the barrel train, get lifted in the elevation station, or ride the excavator express. There’s even a playground to explore.

For Big Kids: Older kids can do things like try their hand at the big or mini diggers, ride in a Rotor, or drive a steamroller.

For Teens: Teens can drive an off-road RTV, backhoe, or tractor.

4, Jenkinson's Boardwalk — Point Pleasant

The whole family will enjoy the surf and sand, mini-golf and, of course, the boardwalk rides, games, and snacks.

For Toddlers: The aquarium on the boardwalk is the perfect size for little kids and anyone who loves observing sea life. There’s also a great penguin exhibit to enjoy. 

For Big Kids: Find your way through the Fun House or see new heights in the Adventure Jr. ropes course for kids that are 42-48 inches tall.

For Teens: Teens may want to check out the more advanced Adventure Lookout ropes course or some of the boardwalk thrill rides like the Wave Swinger, Super Himalaya, and Tidal Wave.

Indoor Entertainment Everyone Can Get Into

4. iPlay America — Freehold

This indoor boardwalk and amusement center is perfect for mixed age groups. There are lots of activities and plenty of food options, from fun boardwalk snacks to sit-down restaurants.

For Toddlers: Take a ride on a mini Ferris wheel, try the carousel, or run through the Ballocity multi-level play maze. Most rides are for 36” or 42”.

For Big Kids:  Kids have plenty of fun options at iPlay, including rides, Ballocity, laser tag, bowling, and the arcade.

For Teens: In addition to the big kid attractions, teens may want to try the golf skills at the Topgolf Swing Suite.

5. The Funplex — East Hanover and Mount Laurel

In the summertime, The Funplex has a great outdoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and shallow pools. In all seasons, there are lots of options for indoor fun.

For Toddlers and Little Kids: Toddlers can enjoy the arcade and small rides, but there aren’t too many attractions for very small children. Preschool-aged kids may enjoy riding the go-karts or bumper cars with an adult, or trying the activity courses (the Foam Ball Frenzy in both locations or the Warrior Course in East Hanover). The littlest guests will really enjoy the splash areas in the summer, though.

For Big Kids: The arcade with rides is the biggest draw here, but kids may also enjoy laser tag, foam ball maze with ball canons (in both locations), Warrior Course (in East Hanover), and the XD dark ride.

For Teens: Try the go-karts, bowling, bumper cars, arcade, and some drop rides.

6. American Dream Mall — East Rutherford

Families could easily spend a day (or two!) exploring this gigantic mall, which has tons of attractions for all ages. The whole family can enjoy Angry Birds or Black Light mini golf, and Bubble Planet for a perfect photo opp. Or become part of a game show together at the Great Big Game Show.

For Toddlers: Sesame Learn & Play, Paw Patrol Hero Academy, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center are perfect for this age group. All have fun and interactive learning, as well as play zones for kids to enjoy.

For Big Kids: For kids who love indoor theme parks, DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe amusement park will keep your kids busy for hours. There's also the Hapik Fun Climbing Gym, the Hidden Temple Ropes Course Challenge, and the GI Joe Battle Station Laser Tag.

For Teens: Head to Activate, which features high-tech games and immersive challenges. Or try Bam Kazam!, an unforgettable, rapid-reset game room.

7. Big Snow — East Rutherford

Located in the American Dream Mall, Big Snow is worth calling out on its own. This spot will be a cold 28 degrees for snowy fun all year round.

For Toddlers: Tubing is open to ages 3 and up, and the SNOW Play area is recommended for children ages 3-10.

For Big Kids:  Kids new to skiing can sign up for Camp BIG, a 3-hour program with training and instruction.

For Teens: Test out a Sno-Go bike or ski down the slopes.

8. Island Waterpark — Atlantic City

This indoor waterpark has a retractable roof, making it a great choice for any time of the year.

For Toddlers: Head to Kids Cove for gentle slides and interactive water activities. Or relax in the Lazy River together.

For Big Kids: Kids will love all the different raft and tube slides, or even the mat racers

For Teens: Teens may want to try bodyboarding at Wild Wave FlowRider or test out all five waterslides at Slide Island.

Museums & Cultural Stops that Wow All Ages

9. Montclair Art Museum — Montclair

Families can explore floors of interesting sculptures and paintings and take part in fun hands-on opportunities.

For Toddlers and Big Kids: Head to the third floor during gallery hours to paint and draw at the free family learning lab. You can also register for Family Workshops on Sundays for an additional fee.

For Teens: Teens can make their creations at the teen drop-in studio, which runs every other Saturday from 11-2 ($15 fee).

Get creative in Montclair Art Museum's family learning lab. Photo courtesy of the museum

10. Monmouth Museum — Lincroft

Take a family walk in the Meyer Nature Area and then head inside to see some great exhibits.

For Toddlers: Make a beeline for The Wonder Wing, an interactive learning and play area meant for kids ages 6 and under. Highlights of the exhibit include a wooden pirate boat, whale slide, and tree house.

For Big Kids: Bigger kids may enjoy the STEAM Wing, which features fossils, dinosaurs, paleo lab, multimedia room, and recycled arts studio. You’ll find an innovation lab and an air/space section on the second floor.

For Teens: Teens will appreciate the exhibits in the main gallery, which change several times throughout the year. On tap for this fall are photography exhibitions and a traveling narwhal exhibit from the Smithsonian.

11. NJ State Museum — Trenton

This great museum is a bargain with free admission and planetarium tickets that are just $5 for kids 12 and under and $10 for adults.

For Toddlers: Head to the Discovery Den, where you can read, do pretend play, or make art. Or register for the Small Explorers program on the second Saturday of the month. You’ll start with interactive story time, explore a gallery, enjoy activity stations, and make a craft to take home. The program runs from October through June and costs $20 per child.

For Big Kids: See a planetarium show, explore the exhibits (especially the fossils exhibit), and hang out in the Discovery Den.

For Teens: Check out the exhibits, which are a mix of fine art, historical and cultural artifacts, and natural history artifacts.

Seasonal Favorites for All Ages in New Jersey

13. Fall fun at Stony Hill Farms — Chester

Between the u-pick apples and fun farm activities, the whole family will have a great time enjoying the fall season here. Go on a hayride, pick a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, and try the rope or mini corn maze. Or, the whole family can get lost in a giant corn maze that spreads over 10 acres.

14. Spring fun at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire — Columbus

Get dressed in your best Medieval garb and interact with lords and ladies for the day. This annual event happens for about 4 weeks starting in mid-May. Littles can ride a pony, go to Fairy Tea Party and Storytime (ticketed event), and see a magic show. Older kids and teens can take part in the shows (or just watch), see some fine horse riding and jousting, watch demos of crafts like blacksmithing and jewelry making, and see circus performers and acrobats. Kids under 5 are FREE.

15. Winter fun at Bergen County Winter Wonderland — Paramus

This annual event takes place every winter in December at Van Saun Park. Enjoy ice skating, bumper cars, photos with Santa, the carousel, and access to the Winter Market.

16. Summer fun at the Sussex County Fair — Augusta

In August, head to the Sussex County Fair for horse shows, tons of entertainment, carnival rides and games, exhibits, food, and more.

NJ Food Stops That Make Everyone Happy

• You can't go wrong at the food court of your local mall. If you don't mind standing in different lines, you can be sure to make everyone happy.
• The Cheesecake Factory has multiple locations in New Jersey and a huge menu, so everyone is bound to find something to suit their fancy.
• Wonder is popping up all over NJ. The idea is you can mix and match meals from different locations, and everything is prepped in one central kitchen for one-stop pick up at your local Wonder. No more fighting over takeout!
• Sugar Factory in Cherry Hill and Atlantic City has a large menu of burgers, sandwiches, tacos, fajitas, and other comfort foods. Leave room for a sundae or slice of cake for dessert.