With over 130 miles of coastline and some of the most amazing beaches in the country, New Jersey is surely one of the top locations you can visit in the US. Amazing outdoor activities and breathtaking nature, vibrant cultural scene, and tastiest food places – everything you need for a perfect family vacation is right here in the Garden State. This amazing state has a lot to offer, and planning a visit to NJ can be tricky, as you as there’s often too little time to visit all the great places. This guide will make things easier for you and help you plan the upcoming family vacation. Take a couple more days off than you initially intended to do, as here are the best places in New Jersey to visit with your family.
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Wildwood
This colorful and charming city is known for its sandy beaches and beautiful boardwalk. It’s a common family vacation spot and a weekend getaway location for a number of reasons apart from world-class beaches – great restaurants, all-year-long festivals, adrenaline and water parks, and more. This resort city has a number of attractions, and if you’re visiting with your little ones don’t miss out on the Cape May County Park and Zoo and Cape May Bird Observatory – kids will love these places!
Ocean City
The name says it all – it’s a place on the ocean you should miss if you’re coming to NJ. Ocean City is a resort town where families can enjoy affordable accommodations, many kid-friendly attractions, and perfect beaches. There are plenty of family-friendly hotels with many of them offering rooms with a breathtaking ocean view.
Jersey City
If this is your first time coming to New Jersey, then Jersey City should definitely be part of your itinerary. Even if you only have a day or two to spend here, you can make this the most memorable visit. Liberty State Park and Science Center, Empty Sky Memorial, Mana Contemporary – all of these are only some of the places to visit while you’re here. The city has both indoor and outdoor playgrounds, parks, and other places where you can have fun together. Also, being a family-friendly place makes Jersey City one of the top places to move to in New Jersey. After Newark, Jersey City is the second most populous place in the state for a number of great reasons. However, Ample Moving New Jersey advise you to take time with planning your move, even if you fall in love with this city on the first day. Family relocations are tricky and can be pretty stressful if you’re not organized enough. Give yourself enough time to plan all moving details and find a trustworthy team to help you make Jersey City your new home.
Newark
If you are up to some family sightseeing time, museums, and art – Newark is the place to go. With less than an hour away from Manhattan, Newark is a perfect weekend getaway location for NYC families, but also for people coming from all around the country. It’s a place with numerous attractions for kids of all ages, and it’s certain you’ll have the most fun family time. Don’t miss places such as The Newark Museum of Art, Mulberry Commons, Riverfront Park, and others, and plan the best couple of days in this amazing city.
Cape May
Go south from all the traffic and noise and reach the place with some of the most pristine beaches in this part of the country – Cape May. All sorts of restaurants, cute architecture, and plenty of outdoor activities make Cape May one of the best places in New Jersey to visit with your family. Whether you’re staying here for the weekend or planning a longer vacation, Cape May is surely well worth the visit. It’s a place to relax by the beach, have great meals with your loved ones, and admire the Victorian architecture in the city. Some of the great family-friendly hotels include the Grand Hotel of Cape May, Sandpiper Beach Club, ICONA Cape May, and La Mer Beachfront Resort. You can find accommodations of all sorts of styles and price ranges, so this can easily become your favorite vacation destination in New Jersey.
Atlantic City
If you’re coming closer to the ocean, then Atlantic City is a place you shouldn’t miss. Also known as a top-notch family vacation destination, Atlantic city offers a lot more than casinos and adult entertainment. You can enjoy an exciting family vacation here with all the oceanfront hotels and restaurants, beach attractions and activities, family-friendly cruises, etc. Your family can have a memorable time here and it’s definitely one of the places you shouldn’t miss while in NJ.
Planning a family vacation in New Jersey – how to make it foolproof?
Apart from choosing a location, planning a family vacation includes a couple more steps. Parents often stress about the organization, as traveling with kids can get pretty overwhelming. However, a successful vacation with your family can be quite simple, and here are the best tips to help you do it:
- Know your budget – plan the vacation according to your budget so you don’t end up unpleasantly surprised by the final cost. Compare hotels, explore family deals, and see if there are free activities you can save on.
- Be realistic – it’s uncommon for families to try to do as much as possible in just a couple of days. Unfortunately, doing too many things in a day can result in kids being overwhelmed and fussy. Be realistic when it comes to your plans and make sure everyone enjoys.
- Make sure you’re safe – security should be a top priority when it comes to family vacations. From choosing a place to stay, the way you travel, and securing your documentation, make sure every step of the way is as safe as possible.
- Go for family-friendly places and activities – even though you would want to have a cocktail in an adult bar, you’re traveling with kids now. Choose places and activities with a family-friendly label on them, to ensure every member of your crew has fun.
Ready for an NJ adventure? Browse the best places in New Jersey to visit with your family and start planning the most memorable vacation ever. Who knows, you might fall in love and decide to stay!
meta: Explore the best places in New Jersey to visit with your family and start planning a memorable vacation in the Garden State.
