Now that summer is in full bloom, are you ready to take your family on a fun road trip?
As post-pandemic life seems to get closer and more people are getting vaccinated, the travel bug is here and ready to stay.
If you live in Ocean County, New Jersey, you’re in a lucky position. There are so many unique and exciting places to explore that are kid-friendly and make great family trips.
Keep reading for seven fun trip ideas to take your family on this summer.
1. Cattus Island County Park
This Ocean County park is perfect for family fun. It sits on the Tom River and has 530 acres of nature walks, boardwalks, and wetlands.
You can go crabbing, hiking, picnicking, and much more. There is a special children’s activity corner and hands-on educational displays such as a bird viewing area and a collection of reptiles and fish.
Perhaps best of all, there is a butterfly garden that hosts tons of butterflies and their native plants in late summer.
No matter what each member of your family enjoys, Cattus Island has something to offer to everyone.
You can find this county park at 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard in Tom’s River, New Jersey 08753.
2. Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari
When you think of summer, how can you not think of rollercoasters?
Amusement parks are great weekend trips, and Six Flags Great Adventure doesn’t disappoint.
If you have children of different ages, you can rest assured that everyone can have fun here with the collection of kiddie rides, thrill rides, and family rides. There are live shows, restaurants, and exciting animal attractions.
The drive-thru wild safari takes you on an explorative and interactive adventure, with 1,200 animals from six continents, including rhinos, elephants, tigers, and giraffes.
If you’re looking for a thrill or an amazing animal experience, this amusement park is for you!
This amusement park is located at 1 Six Flags Boulevard in Jackson Township, New Jersey 08257.
3. The Sand Trap Mini Golf
On a list of great family activities, you cannot leave out mini golf.
It’s a classic game that everyone can get on board with, and The Sand Trap is one of the most pleasant mini golf courses you’ll ever visit.
This mini-golf course was designed to be a peaceful place that families could gather to have a good time. It’s beautifully landscaped with waterfalls and fountains, and the course features a mystical gazebo and lighthouse.
There’s a special early bird special for anyone that goes between 8 am-10 am, and there are family pack discounts for groups of 10 or more.
With this exciting and affordable option, it’s the perfect family weekend activity! Look for this mini-golf course at 102 West 23rd Street, in Ship Bottom, New Jersey 08008.
4. Popcorn Park Animal Refuge
If you have young children or animal lovers in your family, Popcorn Park is the place to be.
This 7-acre animal refuge and the sanctuary is a small non-profit that is dedicated to providing high-quality care for domestic and wildlife animals of all shapes and sizes.
They believe in advancing the humane treatment of animals everywhere and preventing animal cruelty not just in New Jersey but throughout the entire country.
When you visit this animal refuge, you’re helping to aid them in their effort, and you and your family get to learn a lot along the way. Adult tickets are $7, while children are $4, and they offer refreshments in the park.
Come by 1 Humane Way in Forked River, New Jersey 08731, and visit the Bengal tigers, pythons, tortoises, Wallabies, and much, much more!
5. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach
The Casino Pier offers many different attractions and roller coasters. The property is packed with games, rides, arcades, food stands, water park attractions, and a nearby beach making it one of the best places to visit in the summer.
The park offers bumper cars, the Centrifuge, Hydrus Roller Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Shore Shot, and the infamous Sky Ride.
Breakwater Beach is not only fun for the kiddos, but adults too!
There is a giant wave pool, a 50-foot free-fall drop, tubing down water slides, a lazy river, an interactive, multi-level area, and of course a wild tube ride for 2 persons.
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach is located at 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.
6. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Summer day trips should immerse you in nature, and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park does that perfectly.
First, take your family to the Interpretive Center and learn the history of the lighthouse. You’ll better appreciate its importance and the crucial role it played in aiding coastal vessels.
Then, climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse, and get the view of a lifetime. They also offer bird watching, fishing, and tons of trails to hike.
At the end of your trip, have a family lunch at their picnic center and reflect on all you learned and see who spotted the most animals!
Find this lighthouse at 208 Broadway in Barnegat Light, New Jersey 08006.
7. Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Looking to keep your family busy this summer? Fantasy Island is that place, an amusement park unique to Ocean County that is safe, clean, and full of exciting attractions that will make anyone feel the summer spirit.
They have 17 amusement park rides, over a dozen boardwalk games, an entire arcade, a boardwalk grille, and a classic carousel ride.
It’s the place to be to have the finest family fun. With cotton candy and skee ball readily available, you’ll have the entire family feeling like kids again.
The park is free admission, paying only in tokens to get on each ride. And, they offer specific days with a fixed price for unlimited rides, so be sure to check out all their specials!
Fantasy Island is located at 750 North Bay Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey 08008.
Excited for Your Family Trips This Summer?
Is it time to start planning your family trips? Now that you know some of the fun places you can go, don’t wait to make your plans!
There are so many incredible places to visit that are accessible to anyone in Ocean County. Whatever you’re looking for this summer, you can bet you can find it in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for other exciting Ocean County activities, check out the rest of our website today!
