The 21 Best Top Amusement Parks In New Jersey For Families

Six Flags Great Adventure

Overview

Key Attractions

• Kingda Ka: Experience the thrill of the tallest and fastest roller coaster in North America.
• Safari Off Road Adventure: Take a unique safari journey to see exotic animals up close.
• Hurricane Harbor: Enjoy water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river in this expansive water park.

Family-Friendly Features

• Looney Tunes Seaport: Perfect for younger children, offering gentle rides and character meet-and-greets.
• Parent Swap Program: Allows parents to take turns on rides while one watches the kids, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the thrills.
• Dining and Shopping: From quick snacks to sit-down meals, there are numerous options to suit every taste and budget.

Insider Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays during the school year tend to be less crowded.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.

Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Overview

Key Attractions

• Great White: A classic wooden roller coaster with stunning ocean views.
• Ocean Oasis Water Park: Features a lazy river, thrilling water slides, and a swim-up bar for parents.
• Raging Waters Water Park: Another fantastic water park with exciting slides and a play area for young children.

Family-Friendly Features

• Kids’ Rides: A variety of rides suitable for toddlers and young children.
• Family Dining: Numerous beachfront restaurants and food stands offering a wide range of cuisines.
• Live Entertainment: Regular shows and events that entertain visitors of all ages.

Insider Tips

• Parking: Arrive early to find convenient parking close to the piers.
• Best Views: For the best ocean views, ride the Giant Wheel at sunset.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

Overview

Key Attractions

• Jenkinson’s Aquarium: An educational and interactive experience featuring marine life exhibits.
• Amusement Rides: Enjoy classic boardwalk rides like the Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars.
• Fun House: An attraction filled with mirrors, obstacles, and surprises that delight kids and adults alike.

Family-Friendly Features

• Mini Golf: Several themed mini-golf courses perfect for family competitions.
• Arcade: A large arcade with games suitable for all ages.
• Dining Options: From casual snack bars to sit-down restaurants, there’s something for everyone.

Insider Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
• Local Favorites: Don’t miss out on the fresh seafoodat the boardwalk eateries.

Storybook Land

Overview

Key Attractions

• Cinderella’s Castle: A beautiful castle where children can meet Cinderella and other characters.
• Alice in Wonderland Maze: A fun maze that takes you through the world of Alice in Wonderland.
• Antique Cars: Kids can drive their own antique cars on a scenic track.

Family-Friendly Features

• Gentle Rides: Numerous rides designed for toddlers and young children.
• Storybook Characters: Meet-and-greet opportunities with beloved storybook characters.
• Picnic Areas: Shaded picnic spots where families can enjoy a meal together.

Insider Tips

• Costumes: Children love wearing their favorite storybook character costumes for photos.
• Birthday Parties: Consider hosting a birthday party here for a magical celebration.

Land Of Make Believe & Pirate’s Cove

Overview

Key Attractions

• Pirate’s Cove Water Park: Features water slides, a lazy river, and a pirate-themed splash area for kids.
• Thrill Rides: Including the Scream Machine 360 and Drop & Twist.
• Family Rides: Such as the Civil War Train and the Ferris wheel.

Family-Friendly Features

• Free Parking and Picnic Area: Families can bring their own food and enjoy a picnic.
• Safe and Clean Environment: The park is known for its cleanliness and friendly staff.
• Children’s Rides: Plenty of rides designed for younger children.

Insider Tips

• Early Arrival: Arrive early to secure good spots in the picnic area.
• Season Passes: Consider season passes if you plan to visit multiple times.

Fantasy Island Amusement Park

Overview

Key Attractions

• Giant Wheel: A Ferris wheel offering stunning views of Long Beach Island.
• Pirate Ship: A swinging ship ride that’s a hit with kids.
• Arcade: A large arcade with games and prizes for all ages.

Family-Friendly Features

• Toddler Rides: Several rides specifically designed for toddlers.
• Family Games: Carnival-style games where families can win prizes.
• Food and Snacks: A variety of food options, including pizza, ice cream, and funnel cakes.

Insider Tips

• Evening Visits: The park is beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Prize Games: Budget some money for the arcade and carnival games, which are a big hit with kids.

Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids Waterpark

Overview

Key Attractions

• Classic Rides: From the bumper cars to the carousel, families can enjoy a variety of traditional rides.
• Runaway Rapids: This waterpark features over 18 water slides, a lazy river, and a splash zone for the little ones.
• Go-Karts: A favorite for older kids and parents looking for a bit of friendly competition.

Family-Friendly Features

• Affordable Fun: Offers reasonable pricing, making it accessible for families.
• Boardwalk Games: Classic boardwalk games where families can win prizes.
• Picnic Areas: Designated areas for families to enjoy a packed lunch or snack.

Bowcraft Amusement Park

Overview

Key Attractions

• Crossbow Coaster: A thrilling ride for older kids and parents looking for excitement.
• Frog Hopper: A gentle drop ride perfect for younger children.
• Miniature Golf: A fun, family-friendly course that all ages can enjoy.

Family-Friendly Features

• Small Park Charm: The compact size makes it easy to navigate with young children.
• Variety of Rides: Offers both mild and moderate rides, catering to different age groups.
• Food and Snacks: Several food stands offering family favorites like pizza, ice cream, and hot dogs.

Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark

Overview

Key Attractions

• Hydrus Roller Coaster: A thrilling ride offering stunning ocean views.
• Breakwater Beach: Features a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river.
• Pirates Cove: A water play area designed for young children.

Family-Friendly Features

• Boardwalk Fun: Combines the excitement of rides with traditional boardwalk games and treats.
• Variety of Dining Options: Multiple eateries offering everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
• Family Packages: Offers discounted packages for families to enjoy both the amusement park and waterpark.

Diggerland USA

Overview

Key Attractions

• Dig-a-Round: A construction-themed carousel that’s a hit with younger kids.
• Ropes Course: An exciting aerial adventure course with varying difficulty levels.
• Spin Dizzy: A thrilling ride on a giant excavator that spins riders around.

Family-Friendly Features

• Unique Theme: Offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s both fun and educational.
• Kid-Friendly Equipment: Specially designed machinery that kids can operate under supervision.
• Birthday Parties: A popular spot for hosting unique and memorable birthday celebrations.

The Funplex

Overview

Key Attractions

• Indoor Rides: Including bumper cars, a virtual reality coaster, and an arcade.
• Splashplex: An outdoor water park featuring water slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad.
• Go-Karts: Both indoor and outdoor tracks provide thrilling racing experiences.

Family-Friendly Features

• Year-Round Fun: Indoor attractions make it a perfect destination no matter the weather.
• All-Inclusive Passes: Offers passes that include access to both indoor and outdoor attractions.
• Food Court: A variety of food options catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

Mountain Creek Waterpark

Overview

Key Attractions

• High Tide Wave Pool: A massive wave pool that mimics ocean waves.
• H2-Oh-No: A high-speed water slide for thrill-seekers.
• Little Dipper: A kid-friendly area with smaller slides and a splash zone.

Family-Friendly Features

• Scenic Location: Set in a beautiful mountain environment, offering stunning views.
• Variety of Slides: From mild to wild, there’s something for every age and thrill level.
• Family Cabanas: Rentable cabanas provide a private space to relax and store belongings.

IPlay America

Overview

Key Attractions

• Freedom Rider: An indoor spinning coaster that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
• 4D Theater: Offers immersive experiences with various short films and adventures.
• Arcade: A massive arcade with games for all ages.

Family-Friendly Features

• All-Weather Fun: Perfect for rainy days or escaping the summer heat.
• Birthday Parties: A popular venue for hosting birthday celebrations with various packages available.
• Dining Options: Multiple eateries within the park, including a full-service restaurant.

Ocean City Boardwalk

Overview

Key Attractions

• Gillian’s Wonderland Pier: A historic amusement park with rides for all ages.
• Playland’s Castaway Cove: Features roller coasters, kiddie rides, and a Ferris wheel with ocean views.
• Mini Golf and Arcades: Numerous mini-golf courses and arcades line the boardwalk.

Family-Friendly Features

• Family Atmosphere: Known for being a dry town, Ocean City offers a wholesome, family-friendly environment.
• Boardwalk Treats: Enjoy classic boardwalk foods like funnel cakes, saltwater taffy, and ice cream.
• Beach Access: Easy access to the beach for a fun day of sand and surf.

Storybook Seashore

Overview

Key Attractions

• Merry-Go-Round: A beautifully crafted carousel featuring characters from classic tales.
• Fairytale Ferris Wheel: Provides stunning views of the seashore and surrounding area.
• Seaside Adventure: A gentle ride perfect for young children and families.

Family-Friendly Features

• Themed Rides: Each ride is based on a different fairytale, making it a magical experience for children.
• Beachside Dining: Enjoy seafood and other local favorites while taking in ocean views.
• Interactive Storytime: Scheduled throughout the day, children can enjoy interactive storytelling sessions with their favorite characters.

Action Park

Overview

Key Attractions

• Tarzan Swings: A thrilling water swing that lets you swing out over a pool and plunge in.
• Colorado River Ride: A white-water rafting experience that’s both exciting and family-friendly.
• Alpine Slide: A unique ride that takes you down a mountainside on a personal sled.

Family-Friendly Features

• Outdoor Adventure: Offers a blend of thrill rides and natural scenery.
• Variety of Activities: From water slides to zip lines, there’s something for everyone.
• Family-Friendly Pricing: Offers family packages that make it an affordable adventure.

Blackbeard’s Cave

Overview

Key Attractions

• Mini Golf: A pirate-themed mini-golf course that’s fun for the whole family.
• Go-Karts: Both junior and adult go-kart tracks are available for some friendly competition.
• Bumper Boats: A fun water-based attraction where you can bump and splash your way around.

Family-Friendly Features

• Pirate Theme: The entire park is themed around pirates, making it a hit with kids.
• Picnic Areas: Families can bring their own food and enjoy a picnic.
• Affordable Fun: Offers a range of pricing options to suit different budgets.

Wild West City

Overview

Key Attractions

• Train Ride: A scenic train ride through the “Wild West” with plenty of sights along the way.
• Live Shows: Daily shows featuring cowboys, shootouts, and other Wild West spectacles.
• Pony Rides: Children can enjoy a ride on a friendly pony.

Family-Friendly Features

• Interactive Experiences: Kids can pan for gold, visit a one-room schoolhouse, and more.
• Educational Fun: The park offers a fun way to learn about the history of the American West.
• Dining Options: Enjoy cowboy-style meals at the park’s restaurants.

Adventure Aquarium

Overview

Key Attractions

• Shark Bridge: Walk over a suspended bridge with sharks swimming below.
• Touch Tanks: Interactive exhibits where children can touch stingrays, starfish, and more.
• Penguin Park: An outdoor area where families can watch penguins play.

Family-Friendly Features

• Educational Fun: The aquarium offers a great mix of learning and entertainment.
• Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on activities that engage children and adults alike.
• Family Dining: On-site dining options offer kid-friendly meals and snacks.

Funtime America

Overview

Key Attractions

• Laser Tag: An exciting laser tag arena for older kids and adults.
• Soft Play Area: A safe, indoor playground for younger children.
• Arcade Games: A large arcade with games suitable for all ages.

Family-Friendly Features

• Year-Round Fun: Indoor attractions make it a perfect destination in any weather.
• Birthday Parties: A popular spot for hosting birthday celebrations with various packages available.
• Snack Bar: Offers a variety of snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized.

Playland’s Castaway Cove

Overview

Key Attractions

• GaleForce Coaster: A thrilling roller coaster that offers sharp turns and steep drops.
• Log Flume: A family-friendly water ride that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
• Kiddie Rides: A variety of rides designed specifically for young children.

Family-Friendly Features

• Boardwalk Location: Enjoy the rides and attractions right along the beautiful Ocean City boardwalk.
• Variety of Dining Options: From quick bites to full meals, there’s something for everyone.
• Affordable Fun: Offers family packages and discounts for multiple rides.

Tips For Visiting New Jersey Amusement Parks

Plan Ahead

• Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
• Hours of Operation: Check the park’s schedule as hours can vary by season.
• Special Events: Look out for special events and promotions that can enhance your visit.

What To Bring

• Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities.
• Sunscreen: Protect your family from the sun with sunscreen and hats.
• Water and Snacks: Bring water bottles and healthy snacks to keep everyone energized.

Safety Tips

• Height Requirements: Check height requirements for rides to ensure your children can enjoy them safely.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on hot days.
• Supervise Children: Keep a close eye on your children at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Amusement Parks

What Is The Best Time To Visit New Jersey Amusement Parks?

Are There Any Discounts Available For Tickets?

Can We Bring Our Own Food And Drinks Into The Parks?

What Safety Measures Are In Place For Children?

Are There Accommodations Nearby?

Conclusion