Looking to make this year your most fun yet? We've made up a little guide with a new adventure each month. You can pick and choose, whatever looks like the most fun to you. Try all 12 of these best day trips in New Jersey to become the ultimate explorer in the state. You don't want to miss these attractions!
January - Snow Tubing at Mountain Creek
Kicking off the new year's best day trips in New Jersey is Mountain Creek. While skiing and snowboarding are a blast, snow tubing is fun for all ages and requires no experience to have a good time. Bring the whole family and dine at one of the resort's wonderful restaurants when you're done.
You can read more about snow tubing at Mountain Creek in our previous coverage.
February - Visit Liberty Science Center
This is the perfect winter destination. You can explore entire worlds without ever going outdoors! You'll find one of the largest planetariums in the world, all sorts of interactive exhibits, and special after-dark events for adults each month. It's one of the most incredible must-visit attractions in New Jersey.
Learn more on the Liberty Science Center's website.
March - Morristown Museum Trio
Morristown is a city of museums. Take a day trip and visit three of the most popular - the Morris Museum, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, and the Ford Mansion. The Morris Museum offers art, history, science, and one of the world's largest collections of mechanical musical instruments and automata. Macculloch Hall offers incredible art and a unique carpet collection. Ford Mansion was one of Washington's many headquarters in New Jersey.
You can read more about Morristown in our previous coverage.
April - Adventure Aquarium + Battleship New Jersey
The weather is warming up, so it's time to head outdoors...at least for a little while. Hang with sharks and penguins indoors at Adventure Aquarium and then head out briefly for a trip to the historic Battleship New Jersey. Take a tour and learn something new! These are two of the best must-visit attractions in New Jersey and everyone should visit at least once!
Visit the Adventure Aquarium website and Battleship New Jersey website for more information.
May - Antiquing In Lambertville
Whether you're interested in art, history, furniture, world cultures, or Americana, Lambertville has got you covered. It's got everyone covered with dozens of charming antique shops. You can't miss The People's Store Antique Center, Golden Nugget Flea Market, or A Touch of the Past Antiques. It's one of the best day trips in New Jersey you can take.
Visit the Lambertville Alive website to learn more.
June - Explore Asbury Park
Asbury Park is one of New Jersey's trendiest beach towns. You could easily spend a day - or weekend - here. Visit the Silverball Museum Arcade for some retro gaming and plenty of pinball, then head to Paranormal Books & Curiosities/The Paranormal Museum for a chilling tour. Grab a drink at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, enjoy live music at the Stone Pony, and plenty more. Shopping and dining options abound!
Head to the Visit NJ website to learn more about Asbury Park.
July - Skip The Boardwalk In Atlantic City
Check out nearby attractions like Historic Smithville in Galloway (shopping/dining/unique events + a small arcade) and Lucy the Elephant in Margate. She's one of the most interesting hidden gems in New Jersey that's worth exploring, so take a tour!
Visit the Historic Smithville website and the Lucy the Elephant website for more information.
August - Highlands/Atlantic Highlands
These neighboring towns have a ton to offer. Visit the Navesink Twin Lights, take a boat tour on the Navesink Queen (of Classic Boat Rides) or hike around Hartshorne Woods Park. And whatever you do, don't skip sunset at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook!
Read our previous coverage on Atlantic Highlands to learn more.
September - The Historic Village at Allaire
This interactive living history museum was once an iron-producing, factory town known as the Howell Iron Works. A visit means learning all about New Jersey's industrial past and enjoying special blacksmith and cooking demonstrations - just check their calendar. You'll also want to visit their general store for unique gifts or perhaps book their chapel for a wedding to remember.
You can read more about the historic village of Allaire in our previous coverage.
October - The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm
One of the best day trips in New Jersey that you can take in the fall is to Heaven Hill Farm. Make the most of the fall season and check out The Great Pumpkin Festival. You'll find carnival rides, pumpkin picking, hayrides, a petting zoo, corn maze, and plenty more.
You can read more about The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm in our previous coverage.
November - Head To The Waterpark
The INDOOR waterpark. It's always 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam's. They've got an outdoor area but the indoor play space is open year-round. You'll find slides, a lazy river, special areas for the little ones, a wave rider (for boogie boarding), and more. There's also an arcade if you want to take a break from splashing at the water park.
You can read more about Sahara Sam's previous coverage.
December - Have A Very Cape May Christmas
Cape May is a winter wonderland. You'll find the Emlen Physick Estate all decked out for the holidays, special Christmas trolley tours, live shows, multiple tree lightings, a winter carnival, and plenty more. The Christmas season is packed with fun activities.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Cape May at Christmas.
What do you think of this list of the best day trips in New Jersey to take throughout the year? How many have you done in the past or plan on doing this year? Tell us in the comments!
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