When guests come to visit the Garden State, they often want us to take them to one of two places – New York or Philadelphia. Sure, I get it, but New Jersey has a lot to offer out-of-towners. Here are a few places your holiday houseguests should not miss.
- Naval Air Station Wildwood - 500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande
Facebook/Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum This non-profit museum located at the Cape May Airport offers guests the opportunity to sit in a real cockpit. There are also over two dozen planes and helicopters to explore, flight simulators, historic exhibits, interactive “science of flight” displays and the 1940s room which recreates life during WWII. If your guests are hungry, grab food at the Hangar Cafe.
- Sterling Hill Mining Museum - 30 Plant Street. Ogdensburg
Yelp/Dewan A. This epic museum offers underground mine tours year-round. Don’t worry about the weather, it’s always 56 degrees in the mine. The museum itself is home to the world’s largest concentration of fluorescent minerals and a selection of science and engineering exhibits.
- Sahara Sam’s Oasis, 535 North Route 73, West Berlin
Facebook/Sahara Sam’s Indoor Oasis This indoor (and outdoor) water park is open year-round and offers attractions for both children and adults. Enjoy water slides, a leisure pool, lazy river, surf simulator and so much more. There’s also an arcade where you can score big while drying off.
- Montclair Art Museum - 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair
Yelp/Montclair Art Museum This museum offers classes, lectures and a wide variety of exhibits. Currently on display is “do it,” a selection of conceptual instructions that visitors can follow. You’ll also find a fascinating Native American collection and a wide selection of American art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month.
- iPlay America - 110 Schanck Road, Freehold
Yelp/Cindy N. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from from having fun on the boardwalk. While the Jersey Shore may be frigid right now, iPlay America is home to one of the largest indoor boardwalks in the world. Enjoy over 100,000 square feet of arcade games, rides, shops, dining, go karts, laser tag and more. A favorite for kids, there are also adult-only events like Nocturnal (12/22) with DJs and a full bar.
- Morristown Game Vault - 22 South Street, Morristown
Facebook/Morristown Game Vault This recently opened entertainment center in a former bank building is home to over 85 classic pinball and arcade games. Play Pac-Man, Asteroids and other vintage favorites.
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium - 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Yelp/Cindy C. Head to the shore without the summer traffic and enjoy all that Jenkinson’s Aquarium has to offer. On December 3rd, they will be hosting behind the scenes tours and towards the end of the month, they will be hosting “Sea of Lights,” a magical indoor holiday display. See seals, penguins, sharks and more.
- Sky Zone - Allendale, Lakewood, Moorestown, Mount Olive, Ocean Township, Pine Brook, South Plainfield
Yelp/Alan L. An indoor trampoline park popular among a variety of age groups, locations offer opportunities to jump around, dive into foam pits and slam dunk. You’ll also find ultimate dodgeball on select dates. This is an ideal activity for teens.
- Lucy The Elephant - 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate City
Flickr/Matthew H. Take your guests to see the world’s largest elephant - it’s an experience they can’t have anywhere else. While the grounds are free, I’d highly recommend a tour inside. Visitors can even enjoy fantastic views and see the world through Lucy’s own eyes.
- Delsea Drive-In Theater - 2203 South Delsea Drive, Vineland
Facebook/Delsea Drive-In Adults will enjoy the nostalgia while children will enjoy the novelty. Open for the season until December 3rd, take in a double feature and dine on a delicious menu of comfort foods - all from your car.
Where’s your favorite place to take guests in the Garden State? For more ideas, check out my original post (geared towards warmer weather): 13 Underrated Places In New Jersey To Take An Out-Of-Towner. For other indoor options, check out these 12 Unique Museums.
Facebook/Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
This non-profit museum located at the Cape May Airport offers guests the opportunity to sit in a real cockpit. There are also over two dozen planes and helicopters to explore, flight simulators, historic exhibits, interactive “science of flight” displays and the 1940s room which recreates life during WWII. If your guests are hungry, grab food at the Hangar Cafe.
Yelp/Dewan A.
This epic museum offers underground mine tours year-round. Don’t worry about the weather, it’s always 56 degrees in the mine. The museum itself is home to the world’s largest concentration of fluorescent minerals and a selection of science and engineering exhibits.
Facebook/Sahara Sam’s Indoor Oasis
This indoor (and outdoor) water park is open year-round and offers attractions for both children and adults. Enjoy water slides, a leisure pool, lazy river, surf simulator and so much more. There’s also an arcade where you can score big while drying off.
Yelp/Montclair Art Museum
This museum offers classes, lectures and a wide variety of exhibits. Currently on display is “do it,” a selection of conceptual instructions that visitors can follow. You’ll also find a fascinating Native American collection and a wide selection of American art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month.
Yelp/Cindy N.
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from from having fun on the boardwalk. While the Jersey Shore may be frigid right now, iPlay America is home to one of the largest indoor boardwalks in the world. Enjoy over 100,000 square feet of arcade games, rides, shops, dining, go karts, laser tag and more. A favorite for kids, there are also adult-only events like Nocturnal (12/22) with DJs and a full bar.
Facebook/Morristown Game Vault
This recently opened entertainment center in a former bank building is home to over 85 classic pinball and arcade games. Play Pac-Man, Asteroids and other vintage favorites.
Yelp/Cindy C.
Head to the shore without the summer traffic and enjoy all that Jenkinson’s Aquarium has to offer. On December 3rd, they will be hosting behind the scenes tours and towards the end of the month, they will be hosting “Sea of Lights,” a magical indoor holiday display. See seals, penguins, sharks and more.
Yelp/Alan L.
An indoor trampoline park popular among a variety of age groups, locations offer opportunities to jump around, dive into foam pits and slam dunk. You’ll also find ultimate dodgeball on select dates. This is an ideal activity for teens.
Flickr/Matthew H.
Take your guests to see the world’s largest elephant - it’s an experience they can’t have anywhere else. While the grounds are free, I’d highly recommend a tour inside. Visitors can even enjoy fantastic views and see the world through Lucy’s own eyes.
Facebook/Delsea Drive-In
Adults will enjoy the nostalgia while children will enjoy the novelty. Open for the season until December 3rd, take in a double feature and dine on a delicious menu of comfort foods - all from your car.
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