*This post has been updated for 2024!
This is not a sponsored post! None of these places asked me to write about them, it's just my honest opinion about some classic New Jersey venues. I hope you'll Pin it for future reference!
2. Space Farms Zoo & Museum - Sussex, NJ
Ask most New Jersey residents if they have been to Space Farms Zoo and Museum, and they usually answer with a smile. Space Farms had its humble beginnings in 1927, and the Space family has maintained it ever since. I can still vividly remember our first class field trip there in the mid-1980's, when Goliath the bear was still alive. Visitors will find it largely unchanged since the past, featuring acres of animals, picnic areas, a museum, classic cars and so much more. Check out their website or read my blog post review about this unforgettable New Jersey location, opening for the season this Spring.
3. Turtle Back Zoo - West Orange, NJ
Turtle Back Zoo opened in 1963, and it was also a favorite field trip location for many children back in the 1970's and 80's (and still, today!). The zoo has come a long way since its early days, with expansions, aquariums, additions and play areas included for children. You can still find giant turtles in their midst, as well as their famous wandering peacocks (but leave them alone, please!). You also can't forget family favorites like the train ride, pony rides, and the beautiful carousel. Turtle Back Zoo is open year round, and in my opinion, is one of the best classic New Jersey attractions out there. Read my blog post all about the zoo, or visit their website to find out more information.
4. Wild West City - Stanhope, NJ
What I remember most about Wild West City is the TV commercial (or radio commercial) that played over and over again during the late 1970's and early 80's. It featured the voice and piano playing of New Jersey's own Uncle Floyd, if you remember him. Like most New Jersey classic attractions, it hasn't changed much since you last visited! It has been family owned and operated on and off since 1956, and features live-action shows, stagecoach rides, pony rides, train rides, panning for gold, mini golf, and a whole lot more. Guests should know that they still reenact legendary western gunfights in a safe manner. One of the best things about Wild West City is that there really isn't anything else like it in New Jersey, so catch it while you can. You can check out my review and read about our visit here.
5. Lucy the Elephant, Margate, NJ
There are classic lighthouses and monuments in New Jersey, but Lucy the Elephant takes the cake. Built in the 1800's, you can purchase a guided tour to see what's inside this cheeky elephant. If you prefer to walk around outside of her and take photos, you can do that for free (there is also a gift shop, which I hear has some adorable memorabilia), but I recommend the tour as you get to see some great views from Lucy's height! It's right by the ocean and there is a little snack shop and outdoor seating, too. Check their website for operating hours and ticket info.
6. Storybook Land - Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Storybook Land has been operational since 1955. That's over 60 years of entertainment in The Garden State! Visitors fondly recall its whimsical statues of fairytale friends, and get a kick out of posing their children next to familiar sites from their own childhood. Everything at Storybook Land seems to have a cute, retro feel to it, from snack shops shaped like a watering can to colorful trains picking up passengers. They are open Fall and Winter, too, with wonderful displays at Christmastime and Easter. At Storybook Land, you pay one admission price for unlimited rides, and their location nestled in the trees keeps you cool in the summertime, too.
7. Medieval Times - Lyndhurst
Whether you've visited long ago or even a few years ago, I still highly suggest you charge back into Medieval Times as soon as you can! Do you know why? For the first time in the New Jersey show's history, a queen now rules the castle! It's nice to finally see a lady taking over the kingdom, if ya know what I mean. You can read my full review of Medieval Times here. It's one of our favorite places!!
8. Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Ogdensburg
Let's face it, rocks are cool. Mines are even cooler. Rocks, minerals, and mines in our own state with a rich history are the coolest of all. The history of Sterling Hill Mining Museum is so long and complex that I would fail to do it justice here. So I urge you to read all about its history on their website and then plan your own visit here. There's so much to do and see, including a tour of the mine, a museum, an observatory, memorials, fossils, collections and more. There's a snack bar and panning, as well as a cool museum store and fluorescent rocks. *Note: Sterling Hill Mining Museum has tour hours listed on their website. Please call ahead or check their social channels for the most updated info.
9. Waterloo Village - Stanhope, NJ
Waterloo Village in Stanhope is open to the public for walking, hiking and exploring. If you've visited before, you might remember this little restored village, featuring a 400-year old Lenape establishment and a little port along the Morris Canal. There's a blacksmith shop, general store, sawmills, gristmills and even historic houses. It's still a popular site for field trips, and they hold many educational workshops and events throughout the year. Check their Facebook page for more information!
10. Sandy Hook Lighthouse - Sandy Hook
The Sandy Hook lighthouse is actually 250 years old! You can take a tour of this historic New Jersey treasure (children must be at least 48 inches tall to climb the tower), and stay to play on the beach afterwards. Just be sure to check their hours of operation, since they vary by season (cost to enter/park also varies by season). You can find out more about the lighthouse here.
1. Land of Make Believe - Hope, NJ
I asked a few friends on Facebook if I could borrow their photos from Land of Make Believe (lovingly referred to as LoMB) and so many people came forward with pictures of their fun times that I had trouble choosing which shots to use! This classic New Jersey attraction, located in Hope, New Jersey, has been in business for over 60 years. Featuring rides, roller coasters, a water park, picnic area and more. Families have loved this place for generations. Cleanliness, location, family-friendly activities and good value are just some of the reasons why LoMB has been a classic staple in New Jersey family travels for so many years! They typically open for the season every May.
I asked a few friends on Facebook if I could borrow their photos from Land of Make Believe (lovingly referred to as LoMB) and so many people came forward with pictures of their fun times that I had trouble choosing which shots to use! This classic New Jersey attraction, located in Hope, New Jersey, has been in business for over 60 years. Featuring rides, roller coasters, a water park, picnic area and more. Families have loved this place for generations. Cleanliness, location, family-friendly activities and good value are just some of the reasons why LoMB has been a classic staple in New Jersey family travels for so many years! They typically open for the season every May.
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| Photo cred thanks to L. Soos, S. Ho-Tai, S. Wright, H. Sherwin and J. Augustine |
2. Space Farms Zoo & Museum - Sussex, NJ
Ask most New Jersey residents if they have been to Space Farms Zoo and Museum, and they usually answer with a smile. Space Farms had its humble beginnings in 1927, and the Space family has maintained it ever since. I can still vividly remember our first class field trip there in the mid-1980's, when Goliath the bear was still alive. Visitors will find it largely unchanged since the past, featuring acres of animals, picnic areas, a museum, classic cars and so much more. Check out their website or read my blog post review about this unforgettable New Jersey location, opening for the season this Spring.
3. Turtle Back Zoo - West Orange, NJ
Turtle Back Zoo opened in 1963, and it was also a favorite field trip location for many children back in the 1970's and 80's (and still, today!). The zoo has come a long way since its early days, with expansions, aquariums, additions and play areas included for children. You can still find giant turtles in their midst, as well as their famous wandering peacocks (but leave them alone, please!). You also can't forget family favorites like the train ride, pony rides, and the beautiful carousel. Turtle Back Zoo is open year round, and in my opinion, is one of the best classic New Jersey attractions out there. Read my blog post all about the zoo, or visit their website to find out more information.
4. Wild West City - Stanhope, NJ
What I remember most about Wild West City is the TV commercial (or radio commercial) that played over and over again during the late 1970's and early 80's. It featured the voice and piano playing of New Jersey's own Uncle Floyd, if you remember him. Like most New Jersey classic attractions, it hasn't changed much since you last visited! It has been family owned and operated on and off since 1956, and features live-action shows, stagecoach rides, pony rides, train rides, panning for gold, mini golf, and a whole lot more. Guests should know that they still reenact legendary western gunfights in a safe manner. One of the best things about Wild West City is that there really isn't anything else like it in New Jersey, so catch it while you can. You can check out my review and read about our visit here.
5. Lucy the Elephant, Margate, NJ
There are classic lighthouses and monuments in New Jersey, but Lucy the Elephant takes the cake. Built in the 1800's, you can purchase a guided tour to see what's inside this cheeky elephant. If you prefer to walk around outside of her and take photos, you can do that for free (there is also a gift shop, which I hear has some adorable memorabilia), but I recommend the tour as you get to see some great views from Lucy's height! It's right by the ocean and there is a little snack shop and outdoor seating, too. Check their website for operating hours and ticket info.
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| Photo cred S. Wright |
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| Photo cred S. Wright |
Storybook Land has been operational since 1955. That's over 60 years of entertainment in The Garden State! Visitors fondly recall its whimsical statues of fairytale friends, and get a kick out of posing their children next to familiar sites from their own childhood. Everything at Storybook Land seems to have a cute, retro feel to it, from snack shops shaped like a watering can to colorful trains picking up passengers. They are open Fall and Winter, too, with wonderful displays at Christmastime and Easter. At Storybook Land, you pay one admission price for unlimited rides, and their location nestled in the trees keeps you cool in the summertime, too.
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| photo cred R. Levitan |
7. Medieval Times - Lyndhurst
Whether you've visited long ago or even a few years ago, I still highly suggest you charge back into Medieval Times as soon as you can! Do you know why? For the first time in the New Jersey show's history, a queen now rules the castle! It's nice to finally see a lady taking over the kingdom, if ya know what I mean. You can read my full review of Medieval Times here. It's one of our favorite places!!
8. Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Ogdensburg
Let's face it, rocks are cool. Mines are even cooler. Rocks, minerals, and mines in our own state with a rich history are the coolest of all. The history of Sterling Hill Mining Museum is so long and complex that I would fail to do it justice here. So I urge you to read all about its history on their website and then plan your own visit here. There's so much to do and see, including a tour of the mine, a museum, an observatory, memorials, fossils, collections and more. There's a snack bar and panning, as well as a cool museum store and fluorescent rocks. *Note: Sterling Hill Mining Museum has tour hours listed on their website. Please call ahead or check their social channels for the most updated info.
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| photo cred. L. Schwartz |
9. Waterloo Village - Stanhope, NJ
Waterloo Village in Stanhope is open to the public for walking, hiking and exploring. If you've visited before, you might remember this little restored village, featuring a 400-year old Lenape establishment and a little port along the Morris Canal. There's a blacksmith shop, general store, sawmills, gristmills and even historic houses. It's still a popular site for field trips, and they hold many educational workshops and events throughout the year. Check their Facebook page for more information!
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| photo by Chuck Walsh, Wikimedia Commons |
10. Sandy Hook Lighthouse - Sandy Hook
The Sandy Hook lighthouse is actually 250 years old! You can take a tour of this historic New Jersey treasure (children must be at least 48 inches tall to climb the tower), and stay to play on the beach afterwards. Just be sure to check their hours of operation, since they vary by season (cost to enter/park also varies by season). You can find out more about the lighthouse here.
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| photo by S. Wright |
One last thing to note is that the New Jersey shore is filled with classic attractions. When I asked friends and family about their favorite vintage New Jersey sites, many of them mentioned shore arcades, rides, piers and boardwalks. There were so many, I figured they deserve a post of their own. So stay tuned for classic New Jersey Shore attractions, coming soon!
We just went to the Sterling mine; it was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a New Jersey classic! Everyone loves the Rainbow Tunnel!
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