15 Family Vacation Ideas In New Jersey

New Jersey is a great place for a family vacation. The state packs a surprising amount into a small footprint — classic boardwalks, quiet nature trails, engaging museums and plenty of historic towns to wander.

And because everything sits close to Cape Liberty, it’s easy to turn a cruise into a long weekend or a quick getaway with the kids. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular New Jersey family vacation destinations to explore with your crew.

Why New Jersey Makes A Great Family Vacation

New Jersey is an ideal choice for family vacations, especially if you’re cruising in or out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne. Many of the state’s most popular spots fall within a two-to-three-hour drive of the cruise port, so you can explore at your own pace without long travel days.

Plus, there’s no single best month to visit New Jersey. Summer brings warm beach days and open boardwalks, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities and easy day trips.

Northern New Jersey sits just across the Hudson River from New York City, giving your crew quick access to world-class parks, museums and entertainment. It’s a convenient base for families who want variety — outdoor space one day, bright lights the next. Taken together, this mix of close-to-home experiences is what makes a New Jersey family vacation feel both flexible and full of possibility.

Beaches And Boardwalks

The Jersey Shore is one of the best places for families to start exploring. Whether your crew loves arcades, amusement rides or relaxed days by the water, the Shore offers some of the best family beaches in New Jersey — all within reach of Cape Liberty.

Below are a few of the most popular spots to visit.

1. Ocean City

Ocean City may be home to just 12,000 residents, but its award-winning beaches and classic charm draw millions of visitors each year. Families can spread out along nearly eight miles of shoreline or stroll the 2.5-mile boardwalk, home to Playland’s Castaway Cove with its coasters, family rides and bright arcade lights.

With clean sand, calm surf and a laid-back atmosphere, Ocean City remains one of the top New Jersey family vacation destinations for all ages.

2. The Wildwoods

Wildwood’s five miles of free, wide beaches and its world-famous boardwalk make it one of the most exciting stops on the Jersey Shore. The 38-block Wildwoods Boardwalk is packed with shops, eateries and arcades, plus over 100 rides and attractions at Morey’s Piers, including three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks.

Front-row views of the ocean make the rides even more memorable, and days here feel like one long summer carnival — one of the most fun places for kids in New Jersey.

3. Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach is a classic Shore town known for its family-friendly festivities, clean beaches and easygoing atmosphere. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is the main hub, offering arcades, mini golf, gift shops, amusement rides and plenty of treats for kids.

Families can spend the morning relaxing on the wide sandy shoreline, then take a stroll along the Manasquan Inlet walkway to watch fishing boats come and go. With its mix of low-key beach time and walkable attractions, Point Pleasant Beach remains one of the most reliable vacation spots in New Jersey for families.

4. Cape May

Cape May blends beach time with a charming historic district lined with colorful Victorian homes, boutique shops and inviting cafés. Families can spend the morning on the soft, gentle-surf beaches before heading into town for trolley tours, ice cream stops or strolls along the Washington Street Mall.

The Cape May Lighthouse and nearby nature trails offer easy outdoor adventures, and seasonal events keep the town lively throughout the year. With its relaxed pace and postcard-perfect streets, Cape May is one of the most scenic New Jersey family vacation destinations.

5. Seaside Heights

Theme Parks And Attractions

6. Six Flags Great Adventure

Not only does Six Flags Great Adventure feature world-class coasters like Nitro and Jersey Devil, but it’s also home to a 350-acre drive-thru safari. The 30-minute guided tour brings you up close to over 1,200 animals from six continents — rhinos, tigers and lions included.

Just next door, the Hurricane Harbor New Jersey waterpark invites guests to cool off on slides, in wave pools and in shallow-depth play areas for younger visitors. It’s one of the most popular things to do in New Jersey with kids, especially for families looking to pack rides, wildlife encounters and water fun into a single stop.

7. Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream brings indoor theme park fun to northern New Jersey, making it an easy option for families traveling any time of year. The massive indoor park features rides themed around favorite Nickelodeon characters, from gentle attractions for younger kids to thrill rides for older children and teens. 

Located just 25 minutes from Cape Liberty Cruise Port, it’s one of the most convenient fun places for kids in New Jersey, especially for quick visits before or after your cruise.

8. Liberty Science Center

9. Jenkinson’s Aquarium

Jenkinson’s Aquarium offers a compact, kid-friendly way to explore marine life right along the Jersey Shore. Families can get an up-close look at ocean creatures through exhibits designed to engage younger visitors, including:

● Sharks, penguins and seals.

● Colorful reef fish and touch tanks.

● Interactive displays and daily feedings.

Its boardwalk location makes it easy to pair with a beach day or nearby attractions, making it a relaxed but educational stop for families exploring things to do in New Jersey with kids.

Outdoor Adventures

10. Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park spans more than 1,200 acres along the Hudson River and draws millions of visitors each year with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The park also offers playgrounds, waterfront paths and ferry access to nearby landmarks. Best of all, if you’re cruising to New Jersey, this destination is located just 15 minutes away from Cape Liberty Cruise Port. 

11. Palisades Interstate Park

Palisades Interstate Park runs for about 12 miles along the Hudson River, covering more than 2,500 acres of cliffs, shoreline and wooded uplands just minutes from Manhattan. Families can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including:

● Over 30 miles of trails, from riverside walks to rock scrambles.

● Four riverfront picnic areas with space to relax and grill.

● Fishing and crabbing along much of the shoreline.

With its dramatic scenery and easy access, it’s a standout outdoor stop for a New Jersey family vacation.

12. Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap offers a scenic escape just a short drive from Cape Liberty, making it an easy addition to a New Jersey family vacation. Stretching along miles of the Delaware River, the area features forested trails, river access and dramatic views carved through mountains and valleys. 

Families can hike to overlooks, paddle calm sections of the river or enjoy quiet time fishing along the shore. Though it sits just outside New Jersey, its natural beauty and accessibility make it a popular nearby getaway.

Historic Towns And Cultural Spots

13. New York City

New York City is just across the Hudson River, making it an easy cultural add-on to a New Jersey family vacation. Families can balance sightseeing with classic New York food stops, from grabbing slices of pizza to sampling bagels or sweet treats between activities. 

Walking through Central Park, Broadway shows and neighborhood exploring all fit easily into a single day. And, its proximity to Cape Liberty makes planning simple for families short on time.

14. Princeton

Princeton offers a relaxed mix of history, culture and walkable charm that’s easy to explore with kids. Families can stroll the Princeton University campus, visit the art museum or enjoy quiet time in nearby green spaces. 

Nassau Street adds local flavor with cafés, bookstores and ice cream shops perfect for an afternoon break. Its compact layout makes it simple to see a lot in a short visit, making Princeton a great stop during a family vacation.

15. Montclair

How To Plan A New Jersey Family Vacation

Start by choosing destinations that match your family’s interests, whether that’s beach time, outdoor exploring or hands-on attractions. Group nearby stops together to limit driving and keep days manageable, especially if you’re traveling with younger kids. 

Many families plan a few days in New Jersey before or after sailing from Cape Liberty, which makes it easier to combine shore time with a cruise. Booking attractions in advance and leaving room for downtime helps keep the trip smooth and enjoyable.

Begin Your New Jersey Vacation Here

From beaches and boardwalks to parks, towns and nearby cultural stops, New Jersey offers plenty of ways to build a memorable family getaway. Its proximity to Cape Liberty makes it easy to pair time on shore with a cruise, extending the adventure without much extra planning. 

With Royal Caribbean, you can sail from New Jersey to destinations like The Bahamas, Nova Scotia, Spain and Portugal — turning a local escape into a worldly exploration.