If you are wondering what to do in NJ, look no further because the answer is right here. New Jersey is filled with almost everything you can think of to do. Whether you’re looking for a great adventure, exploring nature, or relaxing by the shore, New Jersey has all that and more. In this article, you will read about all the fun things to do in NJ with friends.
21 Fun Things to do in NJ with Friends
1. Beaches
Start your adventure by soaking up the sun along the Jersey Shore. With over 130 miles of beautiful coastline, you and your friends can choose from various beach towns with unique charm. From the vibrant boardwalk of Asbury Park, you can relax in the sand and enjoy the diverse foods to the laid-back vibes of Cape May.
Beaches with smaller kids
If you are looking for a beach setting with more action, try visiting the Point Pleasant Boardwalk, where there are amusement park rides for all ages, arcades, boardwalk carnival games, great food, and an aquarium that will leave you speechless.
Beaches with nightlife
If you have teenagers or want to hang out without the kids, Seaside is your place. Seaside Boardwalk has amusement park attractions, carnival games, and arcades. The party doesn’t stop there, once the sun goes down, Seaside also has its fair share of nightclubs to visit.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
This is a boardwalk that could not fit under a subtitle because this place has its uniqueness to it. At the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you can find many stores to shop until you drop. If you are not tired after all the shopping you can do, Atlantic City has plenty of Casinos to choose from. The casinos have great places to eat and fun filled shows for you and your friends.
2. Six Flags Great Adventures
Head to one of New Jersey’s famous theme parks for an adrenaline-packed day. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson offers a perfect blend of roller coasters, water rides, and entertainment shows. It’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
3. Delaware Water Gap
New Jersey has a diverse range of parks and natural reserves for nature lovers. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers stunning views, hiking trails, and water activities. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is another gem, perfect for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
4. Winery
Take a tour of New Jersey’s wineries and breweries for a day of tastings and scenic views. This Garden State is home too numerous vineyards, places like Laurita’s Winery, located in New Egypt, NJ, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. This vineyard is a must-see, and there is always a special event on most weekends.
5. Grounds for Sculptures
This beautiful 42 acres of land in Hamilton, NJ, is a unique art exhibit for all to enjoy. Grounds for Sculpture has a display of over 300 artists, bringing the world of contemporary sculptures to the public’s eye.
This sculpture garden is an excellent place for all ages, so if you are in the area, stop by and visit. You will be amazed at all of the work on display.
6. Outdoor Festivals
The one thing that stands out about New Jersey is the outdoor festivals it attracts to the coastal state every year. Keep an eye on the local events calendar, as New Jersey hosts yearly festivals. At the New Jersey State Fair to the Atlantic City Airshow, there’s always something exciting happening.
My favorite festival to visit every year, which you will want to attend, is the most popular Seafood festival that takes place every year at the Belmar Boardwalk. Come one, Come all.
7. Sports Arenas
If you and your friends are sports enthusiasts, catch a game at the Prudential Center in Newark or MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The electrifying atmosphere will leave you cheering for more, whether it’s basketball, hockey, or football.
8. Horseback Riding
Who says New Jersey is not full of fun and exciting things to do? If you’re looking for more adventure, give horseback riding a try. New Jersey has ranches throughout the state that provide guided tours on nearby wooded trails. Places like Circle A Riding Academy in Howell, NJ, are good places to check out for a riding experience your whole group will enjoy. Whether you are a beginner rider or a novice rider, this is an activity that you will always enjoy.
9. Whale Watching
What is the point of being this close to the shore and not taking advantage of all our Atlantic Ocean offers? Whale watching is one of the most fantastic experiences you should take advantage of at least once while living in this beautiful state.
Although you can go whale watching anytime throughout the year, the peak whale-watching season is between June and September, so add this activity to your calendar for this summer’s fun.
10. Hot Air Balloon Festival
Imagine going to a festival where they release over 100 balloons in the air all at once. If you can imagine it, check it out in real life. New Jersey has plenty of locations to view hot air balloons being released, and it is a beautiful sight to see.
Whether you would like to be a spectator or if you would like to be in the hot air balloon floating in the air like beautiful puffy clouds, this is an event you do not want to miss.
The New Jersey Lottery hosts a spectacular hot air balloon festival packed with crafters, food vendors, rides, and activities for all. If you are in the Readington, NJ area July 24- 26, go to North America’s largest hot air balloon festival.
11. Liberty Science Center
Both children and adults will love the wonders of the world at the Liberty Science Center located in Jersey City, NJ. This Science Center is full of interactive exhibits that will spark our senses in a way you did not realize could be done.
As kids, the fundamentals of how science works are right at the touch of your fingertips. As an adult, you can explore the world of science through your children’s eyes.
Did you know that the Liberty Science Center also has an After Dark experience exclusively for guests who are 21 and over? Check out their site, LSC After Dark, for more details.
Want to find out ways to save on tickets at the Liberty Science Center? Click here to find out how.
12. Ellis Island
Walk through the history building of America’s past at Ellis Island. Ellis Island, located in Jersey City, NJ, is now a beautiful museum that gives you a depiction of what some immigrants went through as they first arrived in America for a better life. This museum has the names and artifacts of some people who came to America through Ellis Island and is a must-see.
13. Indoor Go-Karting
If you want a great time out with your friends, indoor go-karting is the way go. Fulfill your need for speed and an adrenaline rush you had no idea you needed. Check out RPM in Jersey City, where you can enjoy their new state-of-the-art race track.
After you are done racing, there is so much more to explore. You can play games in the arcade, challenge a friend to pool, or have fun hitting a strike in their state-of-the-art bowling alley.
Once you are done, you can also grab a bite at RPM Bar and Grill.
14. Parasailing
Soar to new heights with parasailing on the Jersey shore. If you’re looking for a great adventure and love to explore, parasailing might be the thing for you. Reaching about 500 feet, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the best views the Jersey Shore offers.
15. Visit Alpacas
If you are an animal lover, this is the place for you. Cozy up with an alpaca and learn all the great things these fuzzy, cute animals can do. Get up close and personal with New Jersey’s very own alpacas. Places like Jersey Shore Alpacas, located in Cape May, NJ, are great places to learn how alpacas learn, what their fur is used for, and how they communicate with other alpacas.
16. Sterling Mining Museum
Visit one of this country’s oldest mines in Ogdensburg, NJ. Sterling Mining Museum is a spectacular site and must-see in New Jersey. The mine has Fluorescent Rocks that glow below the earth’s surface.
Guided tours are available throughout the year for you to learn about this mine’s history here in New Jersey.
17. Caves and Caverns
We know that New Jersey gets its name from the beautiful greenery it produces yearly, which is why it’s called the Garden State. But did you know a whole world exists under this magnificent garden?
Visiting a cave is a must to explore what is happening beneath the earth’s crust. In New Jersey places like Sterling Mining and Sybil’s Cave Park are great places to start your guided cave exploration adventure.
18. Visit a zoo
Getting out and exploring the world can also include bringing that world to you. Most of us do not have time to visit all of the continents in this world, so the next best thing we can find to do is to visit a local zoo.
Places like The Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange and the Cape May Zoo in Cape May are great places to visit to learn about different species of animals in this world and the habitats they come from.
19. Thomas Edison National Museum
Take a self-guided tour at the home of America’s greatest inventor. In this location, which was once a place where Thomas Edison created inventions, lived, and entertained his guests, you will get to look at the past to see all the beautiful things he accomplished.
Thomas Edison also created the motion picture camera, improved phonographs, sound recordings, silent and sound movies, and the nickel-iron alkaline electric storage battery, all out of his West Orange laboratories.
20. Adventure Aquarium
Located in Camden, NJ, Adventure Aquarium gives you an up-close look at the world in our deep blue sea. With over 15,000 aquatic animals, your day will be filled with an exciting adventure.
You get to look at these beautiful creatures, and some exhibits will allow you to touch the sea creatures, too. If you are really into exploring underwater life for the day, dare yourself to walk across a shark tank crossing a rope bridge.
21. American Dream Mall
If you are looking for an adventure all in one place, the American Dream Mall is your place to be. In this Mall, there are so many activities to explore. You can go ice skating and skiing, explore amusement park rides and miniature golf, and have fun at a water park, all at the exact location.
So, if you want to go to a one-stop shop, this is the place to visit.
New Jersey’s diverse offerings make it an ideal destination for a fun-filled adventure with friends. Whether you’re basking in the sun on the Jersey Shore, exploring historical landmarks, indulging in culinary delights, or cheering at a sports event, the Garden State has it all. Pack your bags, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of New Jersey.
