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Get Wet at the Best Spraygrounds in NJ

Take the kids to one of NJ's many spraygrounds and splash pads, many of which are free.

• John Russell Wheeler Park — Linden
  Why it's great: John Russell Wheeler Park is huge and has some great upgrades like big slides and themed spray areas.
  Tip: Purchase tickets in advance, which cost $2-4 for kids and $3-6 for adults, depending on whether you live in Union County or not.
   
• Dorbrook Recreation Area — Colts Neck
  Why it's great: Enjoy raining leaves, cascading water domes, and water play troughs at the Dorbrook Recreation Area.
  Tip: Check the website for 1.5-hour timeslots for weekday entry, which are first come, first served. On weekends, visitors must register in advance of coming.
   
• Newport Green — Jersey City
  Why it's great: Get wet with spraying misters, rings, and dumping buckets, or hang out on the "beach" at the Newport Green sprayground.
  Tip: There is a nearby parking garage if you can't find street parking or take the 15-minute walk from the Newport PATH Station.
   
• Pirate's Cove — Budd Lake
  Why it's great: At Pirate's Cove, explore more than 20 water features like bucket dumps and sprayers, which are fun for all ages.
  Tip: There's a great playground right next door for when the kids tire of the water features. FREE

Splash Around at the Jersey Shore

Spend a day at a Jersey Shore beach in August. The temperature of the water is perfect for a refreshing dip. Don't forget about these FREE NJ beaches and seaside hidden gems!

RELATED: 70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids

Be sure to hit the Jersey Shore when the temps rise this summer. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

• Point Pleasant Beach 
  Why it's great: Point Pleasant has all the makings of a perfect Jersey Shore outing, with beautiful beaches, a great boardwalk, mini golf, and more.
  Tip: When you need a little relief from the sun, get tickets to the aquarium on the boardwalk.
   
• Ocean City
  Why it's great: Head to Ocean City for a day of beach, boardwalk eats, and fun rides.
  Tip: Wednesdays at 10:30am are free Wacky Wednesday at the music pier with fun events like soft pretzel sculpting or a pie eating contest. And every Tuesday and Thursday, from 7 to 9pm, the colorful Philadelphia Mummers Bands march down the boardwalk from 6th to 14th Street.
   
• Keansburg
  Why it's great: There's a nice beach, a great amusement park for toddlers, and Runaway Rapids, a waterpark with slides and a kiddie area.
  Tip: The beach is free, and parking is available in a metered lot next to the Bay Walks. 

Visit an Outdoor Water Park

Head to one of 15 awesome water parks, which are often great places for the whole family to cool down, especially when you need to entertain multiple kids of different ages.

• Hurricane Harbor — Jackson
  Why it's great:  Hit the water slides and lazy rivers at Hurricane Harbor (which boasts thrill, family, and kids' rides).
  Tip: Buy tickets in advance for a weekday for the lowest prices.
   
• The Funplex — Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill
  Why it's great: There are lots of great slides, sprinkler zones, a lazy river, and a wading pool to cool off at The Funplex.
  Tip: Your ticket includes admission to the indoor area, which has rides, go-karts, games, bowling, and more. Some activities require an extra fee.
   
• Splash Zone — Wildwood
  Why it's great: Enjoy 20 attractions like raft slides, sprinklers, bucket dumps, surfing, and more.
  Tip: Explore the new dinosaur dig attraction, which is free with admission.

Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 5,000 square feet of wet-and-wild fun in Ocean City. Photo courtesy of the park

Bounce on a Floating Inflatable Obstacle

Bounce on a floating obstacle course for a unique and fun way to keep cool.

• Totally Tubular Aqua Park — Ocean City
  Why it's great: Totally Tubular, which has 20+ features, like climbing areas, slides, monkey bars, and more.
  Tip: The course is designed for kids over 6 and adults, but little ones ages 4-7 can enjoy "Small Splash" sessions.
   
• Island Aqua Park — Margate City and Stone Harbor
  Why it's great: Island Aqua Park is a floating obstacle course with a launchpad, slides, rock climbing wall, jungle gym, rope climb, and more. A separate location is also open at Stone Harbor. 
  Tip: Kids ages 6 and up can enjoy the park without an adult in the water. Island Aqua Park doesn't accept reservations at either location. The parks are cash only.
   
• Darlington Splash Zone — Mahwah
  Why it's great: There are two splash zones at Darlington: Kiddie (39-48") and adult (48" and up).
  Tip: You need to pay to enter the park, though there are discounts for county residents. Then, buy splash zone tickets in advance for weekdays, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis on the weekend.

Enjoy the NJ Lakes and the Delaware River

Skip the Shore traffic and head to one of New Jersey's lakes or the Delaware River for a day of swimming and water fun.

• Sunrise Lake at Lewis Morris Park — Morris Township
  Why it's great: Sunrise Lake has an inflatable water obstacle course (ages 7 and up), swimming, volleyball, and a sandy beach.
  Tip: It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but parents with toddlers can check out the lake's Munchkin Mondays programs on Monday mornings starting in late June through August, when the beach club opens for kids 4 and under and their parents. Make reservations online.
   
• Lake Hopatcong — Landing
  Why it's great: This large, picturesque lake allows swimming when lifeguards are on duty.
  Tip: There are restrooms, showers, changing areas, and food and beach supplies for sale.
   
• Tomahawk Lake — Sparta
  Why it's great: This lake waterpark has slides, a beach with swimming, mini-golf, and more.
  Tip: Check out the season pass pricing. It's a great deal if you live nearby.
   
• Cheesequake State Park — Matawan
  Why it's great: The lake (with a beach) is a great spot for swimming, and there's a concessions stand, plus changing areas and restrooms nearby.
  Tip: The park has some great trails for hiking, which range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles.
   
• Twin Rivers Tubing — Easton, PA (across the river from Phillipsburg, NJ)
  Why it's great:  The float down the Lehigh River with Twin Rivers is about 3 miles long and a complimentary shuttle service will bring you back to the starting point.
  Tip: Buy tickets and sign waivers before you arrive. Park in the parking garage across the street.
   
• Big Bear Gear River Tubing — Kingwood
  Why it's great: Spend the day tubing or rafting on the Delaware River, such as at Big Bear in Kingwood, near Frenchtown.
  Tip: The float route is about 5 miles long. After you reach the exit point, the shuttle team will take you back to the river tubing center. Double tubes are available.

Go Swimming

Cool off in a swimming pool that offers day passes for non-residents.

• Fort Monmouth Recreation Pool — Tinton Falls
  Why it's great: The beautiful Fort Monmouth pool has a few tables and umbrellas nearby, plus grassy areas.
  Tip: You can't beat the pricing of the season pass. It's just $210 for a family of 4. Check the website for the daily open swim schedule.
   
• Warrenbrook Pool — Warren
  Why it's great: There's a larger pool with a water slide, kiddie pool, and a concessions stand.
  Tip: The pool is cash only
   
• Palisades Park Swim Club — Palisades Park
  Why it's great: This is a pretty large pool, so there's plenty of room.
  Tip: You can bring in your own food. Each adult must have their own valid NJ driver's license to purchase a day pass.

RELATED: Best Kid-Friendly Museums in Northern New Jersey

Stroll into the shaded playground KidStreet for some cool play on a hot day. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Check Out a Shaded Playground

Duck into an awesome shaded playground in the morning or after dinner when it won't be so hot.

• KidStreet — Bridgewater
  Why It's great: There are several unique play structures at KidStreet that will keep toddlers through big kids busy. 
  Tip: The Bridgewater Commons Mall is a few streets away if you want to end your trip by cooling down inside or grabbing a snack at the food court.
   
• Brookdale Park — Montclair, Bloomfield
  Why It's great: Some canopies offer shade at this nature-inspired spot.
  Tip: Bathrooms are located behind the kids' play area by the running track.
   
• Nomahegan Park — Cranford
  Why it's great: Nomahegan Park's playground has a large play structure with a tower, net bridge, and large tunnel slides.
  Tip: If it's not too sunny, take the kids for a loop around the lake.

More Free Outdoor Fun in the Not-Too-Much-Sun in NJ

Visit the state's awe-inspiring waterfalls or check out an outdoor performance.

• South Mountain Reservation — South Orange
  Why it's great: See the Hemlock Falls waterfalls at South Mountain Reservation.
  Tip: It's about a 10-minute walk from the Tulip Springs parking lot, and a 5-minute walk from the parking lot near the Pine Grove Bridge along South Orange Avenue, it is about a five-minute walk to the falls.
   
• Watch a Free Summer Movie
  Why it's great: Take in a FREE summer movie under the stars.
  Tip: Palmer Square Movie Nights in Princeton and the Ridgewood Movies in the Park are just two spots to catch a FREE summer flick.
   
• Kick Back to Free Music at an outdoor concert
  Why it's great: Listen to local music groups after the sun sets at an outdoor concert.

NJ's Coolest Museums & Educational Attractions for Hot Days

Beat the heat with an education trip to one of NJ's amazing museums or aquariums.

• Sterling Hill Mines — Ogdensburg
  Why it's great: Go underground to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, and it's always a cool 56 degrees.
  Tip: The mine offers tours at 1pm every day. Reservations are required.
   
• Liberty Science Center — Jersey City
  Why it's great: Spend a day at the Liberty Science Center doing hands-on science activities and seeing unique, kid-friendly exhibits.
  Tip: There's a huge variety of things to do for all ages so it's great for siblings, but leave the stroller at home if you can because the elevator lines can get busy. 
   
• Morris Museum — Morristown
  Why it's great: This museum is perfect for train lovers and anyone interested in rocks, fossils, and crystals.
  Tip: Visit the SparkLab, a hands-on innovation space, from 12pm to 4pm on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Watch the graceful hippos glide through their underwater home at Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

• Adventure Aquarium — Camden
  Why it's great: Watch the hippos glide through the water at Camden's Adventure Aquarium.
  Tip: If your child loves animals, consider purchasing an add-on ticket for a memorable encounter with a sea turtle, hippo, or a surprise reptile or small mammal.

Indoor Places for Older Kids to Play in NJ 

If you don't want to be outside, enjoy the cool indoors at an arcade, trampoline parks, or indoor skating arena.

• Yestercades — Somerville, Westfield, Red Bank, Metuchen
  Why it's great: No need to worry about prize redemption meltdowns at Yestercades! Just enjoy some classic games like skeeball or Pac-Man or borrow a game system and camp out on a couch.
  Tip: You can buy an hourly pass, but the all-day wristbands with re-entry are a great deal if you plan to spend a longer time.
   
• iPlay America — Freehold
  Why it's great: Enjoy some boardwalk-style rides in the indoor boardwalk at iPlay America.
  Tip: Check out the various activities on the website before you visit and figure out if an unlimited band, bundles, unlimited video time, or purchasing credits will meet your needs the best.
   
• Fundaes — Chesterfield
  Why it's great: Buy credits to play modern arcade games and win some nice prizes at Fundaes.
  Tip: There's a great ice cream counter in the arcade, which serves up delicious cones, shakes, and (of course) sundaes. 
   
• Bullseye Laser Tag — Woodbridge
  Why it's great: Bullseye lets kids ages 11 and older enjoy competitive laser tag sessions that are 75 minutes long.
  Tip: It's located in Woodbridge Center Mall, so you can easily grab a snack afterward or explore the shops and other attractions.
   
• Mennen Sports Arena — Morristown
  Why it's great: Mennen Sports Arena has a nice rink, snack bar, and pro shop.
  Tip: Summer hours are shortened to one 1.5 session 4 days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
   
• Altitude Trampoline Park — Woodbridge
  Why it's great: Altitude has a foam pit for trick landings, gymnastics tumble tracks, basketball, and more.
  Tip: Check out the website of weekly deals and toddler times.
   
• Monster Mini Golf — Edison, Cherry Hill, Turnersville, Eatontown, Paramus, and Fairfield
  Why it's great: Challenge the kids to a round of Monster Mini Golf, which has a fun, spooky theme.
  Tip: If you dress in white, your shirts will have an extra glow under the black lights!

Check Out an Indoor Playground for Little Kids

Stay cool at one of the state's many indoor play spaces. We've listed our faves below but you can find many more in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for NJ Kids.

• Catch Air — Paramus, Jersey City, Hasbrouck Heights
  Why it's great: There are so many great climbing structures, slides, and swings to keep kids busy for hours at Catch Air. Plus, there is a nice toddler zone.
  Tip: Monthly memberships pay for themselves if you visit a couple of times per month.
   
• Magic Sky — Morganville
  Why it's great: This is the perfect spot for pretend play with a firetruck, treehouse, supermarket, moon bounce, and more. 
  Tip: This spot is best for ages 8 and younger.
   
• Imagination Lane (formerly Tay + Te) — Northvale
  Why it's great: Kids will love playing pretend in this whimsical town with a market, mechanic, firehouse, and more at Imagination Lane.
  Tip: There's a small soft play area for crawlers and new walkers.

Chill Eats – Kid-Friendly Places With Cold Treats & Cool Vibes

Beat the heat with a delicious cold treat like a shaved ice or ice cream cone.

• Pelican's Snoballs  — Mount Laurel 
  Why it's great: Try one of more than 100 flavors of shaved ice at Pelican's Snoballs.
  Tip: Add some delicious snocream to any flavor.
   
• DiCosmos  — Metuchen, Elizabeth
  Why it's great: You can beat a delicious DiCosmos homemade Italian ice, which are made with real fruit in small batches.
  Tip: Flavors change daily.
   
• The Bent Spoon — Princeton
  Why it's great: Find unique and delicious ice cream flavors at The Bent Spoon. which specializes in artisanal flavors.
  Tip: Starting flavors of the day are posted on Instagram and Facebook.
   
• Milk Sugar Love (Jersey City)
  Why it's great: Find cones, cakes, sandwiches, and hot cocoa at this ice cream parlor.
  Tip: There's a nice selection of single-serve non-dairy frozen treats.

Stay Cool at Home – Low-Cost Hacks for Heat Wave Days

Try a fun water activity or one of these 25 water games to play with kids right in your backyard.

• Ping-pong pool: Put an inflatable inner tube in a filled kiddie pool. Try to toss small balls into the ring.

• Sponge toss: Soak sponges in a bucket of water, then play toss with a friend. 

• Water balloon dodgeball: Play dodgeball with water balloons. If you get hit, you're out.

• DIY Car Wash: Get some sponges and spray down bikes, scooters, or ride-ons.

Pro Parent Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in the Heat

• Avoid outdoor activity between 12 and 4pm.
• Hydrate as much as you can! To keep water cool, freeze water bottles halfway and top off for cold all day,
• Dress your family in light-colored, loose clothing.
• Stay in the shade as much as you can.
• Check car seat buckles and seat belt buckles to make sure they aren't going to burn the skin before putting the kids in the car.
• Don't forget the sunscreen and reapply per the label instructions.

FAQ – Heat Wave Tips for Parents in NJ

Q: What’s the best time of day to go out during a heat wave in NJ?
A: Before 10am or after 5pm. Many parks and splash pads open early.

Q: Are there any free public indoor play spaces?
A: Yes, try public libraries and mall play areas like those at Menlo Park Mall in Edison and Garden State Plaza in Paramus. 

Q: Can you get heat stroke indoors?
A: Yes, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Use fans and keep curtains closed during peak sun hours.
This article, first published in 2014, has since been updated.