New Jersey Day Trips You Need to Add to Your Bucket List
By: Lauren Melville
Looking for adventures but don’t want to venture too far from home? The Garden State has a variety of day trip destinations sure to satisfy everyone in the family. From immersive art experiences to sincere natural landscapes, charming villages, and boardwalk fun, here are four must-visit spots that promise an unforgettable day trip.
Grounds For Sculpture—Hamilton, NJ
Grounds For Sculpture is a 42-acre haven for arts and culture featuring rotating indoor art exhibits, an extensive outdoor sculpture park, performing arts events, an accredited arboretum, and enriching hands-on art education classes for all ages. Wedged between Philadelphia and New York City, this sanctuary is ideal for a packed day trip. Get lost walking the grounds to take in the 270 American and international featured artists, enjoy dining in a cozy French countryside bistro, or make a detour for a quick bite at three available cafés open to ticket holders. Before you leave, visit the museum shop to purchase Grounds For Sculpture merchandise to remember your trip. Open Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$15 | Friday–Sunday, 5PM to close
Duke Farms—Hillsborough, NJ
This “living lab” is a hub for nature restoration, wildlife conservation, and clean energy transition strategies. Located in the central part of the Garden State, Duke Farms is a nature lover’s paradise. Explore the diverse lands right in your backyard, from grasslands and woodlands to lakes and wetlands. Hike the 18 miles of trails, or bring or rent a bike to take in the local habitats on 12 miles of paved or graveled trails that are open from April 1 to Oct. 31. To finish the day, enjoy a locally sourced and sustainable bite to eat at the Farm Barn Café.
Visiting the campus is free, but a free parking pass is required for Saturdays from April to November.
Historic Smithville—Smithville, NJ
Travel back in time and explore this quaint village in the heart of Atlantic County. Just minutes from fast-paced Atlantic City, Historic Smithville offers over 50 charming shops and local boutiques, unique eateries, and inns if you want to extend your day trip. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, take your little ones to ride the train to gain a new perspective of the grounds as it takes guests through the village, or take the adventure into your own hands by renting paddle boats. With several free events monthly for the whole family to enjoy, Historic Smithville is a getaway for everyone.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk—Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
New Jersey is home to many beach towns and boardwalks, but Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach is home to many adventures, perfect for a day trip for the whole family. The traditional boardwalk experience of games and classic boardwalk menus isn’t all Jenkinson’s has to offer. Get up close and personal with the penguins, seals, and Wally, the two-toed sloth resident, at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Adrenaline junky? Purchase a wristband and head to the boardwalk’s Amusement Park for a fun mix of tame and thrilling rides for all ages. Need to practice your swing? Visit Jenkinson’s mini golf course, Castaway Cove. Soak in the sun by relaxing on the sandy beaches, just steps away from the boardwalk. Then, wind down at the end of the night with a sweet treat from the Sweet Shop, originating in the early 1900s.
Amusement Park Hours of Operation: Open weekends at 12 p.m.
Pricing:
1 credit= $1
50 credits=$50
110 credits=$110
250 credits=$200
Aquarium Hours of Operation: Open daily
Pricing:
$18.00: Adult (12+)
$13.00: Senior (65 & up)
$12.00: Child (3-11)
Children 2 & under are free
Castaway Cove Hours of Operation: Open daily at 12 p.m.
Pricing:
$10: Children (3-11)
$14: Adults (12+)