If you’re lucky enough to live in the PA – NJ – NY Tri-State area, you know that you have a world of options at your fingertips for everything from the shore to the mountains with attractions centered on history, science, entertainment, and more! With summer vacation in full swing this convenience is especially handy as there are so many kid-friendly destinations that make great day trips.
Here are our favorites for a kid-friendly outing:
New Jersey:
Liberty Island & Ellis Island; Ferry departs from Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ – Recommended: 4 hours
Liberty Science Center; Jersey City, NJ – Recommended: 2 hours
Experience more than 250 interactive exhibits focused on invention, environment, and health as well as the nation’s largest IMAX screen.
Named “America’s Most Touchable Aquarium,” children and adults will delight in all that this great aquarium has to offer.
An extensive sculpture garden displaying works by established and emerging American and international sculptors in a variety of styles and media. The grounds stretch over 42-acres with ponds, cafes, picnic areas, and interactive/touchable pieces.
Cape May County Zoo; Cape May, NJ – Recommended: 2 hours
Over 250 different species make up the 550 animals on Cape May County Zoo’s 85-acres of exhibits. Be sure to check out their Tree to Tree Adventure Park.
Hersheypark & Hershey’s Chocolate World;Hershey, PA – Recommended: 1 day
Experience Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour ride, complete with your own free Hershey’s sample, then head over to Hersheypark for over 60 rides and attractions. Hershey, PA is one very sweet destination!
Turkey Hill Experience; Columbia, PA – Recommended: 2 hours
Explore Turkey Hill’s history while highlighting its ice cream and iced tea making processes. The Experience includes interactive exhibits, including a chance to make your own virtual ice cream flavor, a gift shop, and lots of other fun things!
Philadelphia Zoo; Philadelphia, PA – Recommended: 3 hours
Experience this 42-acre garden that is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of which are rare and endangered.
Franklin Institute; Philadelphia, PA – Recommended 3-4 hours
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute is one of America’s most celebrated museums – a renowned leader in science and technology.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum; New York City, NY – Recommended: 2 hours
Get up close and personal with over 200 historical figures, world leaders, celebrities, and more!
Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum; New York City, NY – Recommended: 2 ½ hours
On the aircraft carrier Intrepid, experience interactive exhibits and events providing a snapshot of heroism, education, and excitement.
American Museum of Natural History; New York City, NY – Recommended: 2 ½ – 4 hours depending on activities
The museum serves as a field guide to the entire planet and presents a panorama of the world’s cultures.
Top of the Rock; New York City, NY – Recommended: 1 hour
Standing 70 stories above the city, you will find an unobstructed 360° panoramic view of Manhattan and surrounding areas.
NBC Studio Tour; New York City, NY – Recommended: 75 minutes
Visit the NBC Sharp Globe Theater, Broadcast Operations, the Make-up Room, and even produce your very own news and weather program in the High Definition Mini-Control Studio!
Your kids will love any of these attractions, and you will, too! Make this the best summer yet for your whole family.
How about the Bronx zoo?
Yes!
You can also add Coney island which is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country as well as the N.Y. aquarium which is walking distant from the park along the boardwalk.
Great additions!