School's almost out for summer and, with my kids not even in camp all summer (#whatwasithinking) I'm on the hunt for easy day trips we can take together in the area! Here is a list of places we want to hit up this summer.
| Staycation
Obviously this is probably the one we're going to do the most this summer and my kids LOVE it. There is seriously so much to do around here and we love taking advantage of all the hiking, playgrounds, fairs and festivals, libraries, and parks this area has to offer. I've said it before but it bears repeating: one of the best things to do around here with kids is to ride the NJ Transit train into a nearby town and make a day of it! We rode the train from Summit to Maplewood, played and picnicked in Memorial Park, had some dinner, rode the train back to Summit for some ice cream and were back in time for bed! We also love spending entire days at playgrounds. The kids love playing on Regatta Playground, having a picnic under the pavilion or right on the playground since they have tables, and then taking a ride on the swan boats! You could even add in a round of mini golf at nearby Mini Golf Safari.
| New York City, NY
My kids love NYC and it's so close with so much to do that we'll probably make a few trips there this year. We like to drive in and park at Port Authority so we aren't in a rush to catch any trains home. This year we'll get a pass from our library to go to Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for at least one of our NYC trips (check what museums your library offers passes to!), have an early dinner and do some walking around before heading home. Other fun NYC attractions for kids: Children's Museum of Manhattan, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Children's Museum of the Arts, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park.
| Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia PA
I haven't been here in a long time and I can't wait to go back with kids. It's easy to make a day with kids in Philadelphia and you could even turn it into a weekend trip and go to Sesame Place!
| Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
At about 25 minutes, it's a reasonable drive and the kids always enjoy themselves for a few hours here. There's a space on the first floor specifically for the younger set, a planetarium, special exhibits, and my boys always love the upper floors with the animals and fish. If you want to make a full day of it, drive into Jersey City after LSC for some outdoor dining or have a picnic in Liberty State Park with a view of Lady Liberty!
Get off at Exit 82 and have a classic Jersey beach and Boardwalk day! The Seaside Boardwalk has great rides for kids and Jenkinson's Aquarium is the perfect compact attraction to add on to the end of a beach day.
| Adventure Aquarium, Camden NJ
A 3D theater, touch tank, KidZone, and even hippos! We won't be missing it this summer!
| Bronx Zoo, Bronx NY
A manageable drive, and tons to see including a new Dinosaur Safari!
| Alstede Farms, Chester NJ
Spend a day picking whatever's in season, playing in the corn pit, taking a hayride, feeding animals, and climbing haystacks. Stop in the farm stand for some goodies to take home and then head into downtown Chester for lunch and walk around this quaint little town!
| Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange NJ
If you haven't been to TBZ in recent years, now's the time! They have a brand new Africa exhibit with lions and hyenas, giraffes, a new penguin house, and even a new train route! All the old favorites are there too, including my own favorite - the wolves!
| LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Yonkers NY
Personally I'm obsessed with LEGOs and I couldn't be happier that my boys are taking more of an interest lately. This is about an hour drive but it has attractions and events for all ages!
Have suggestions for family fun in Union, Essex, or Morris counties, NJ? See any errors or want to share info with us? Let us know.
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